2001 Subaru Outback: fuel leak

Filed Jan 7, 2016 · Fuel system · 90,000 miles · MD

During cold weather, there is a very strong smell of gasoline inside the car. It's coming from a fuel leak near the passenger side of the engine. I first noticed it about 4 years (60,000 miles) ago. The car currently has 150,000 miles on it. It hasn't been fixed yet. It hasn't caught fire yet either.

Filed Jan 29, 2013 · Fuel system · 103,221 miles · VA

When the weather gets very cold (below freezing) the car begins to get a fuel smell. It is extremely strong inside the vehicle, although you can smell it outside the car as well. The first time I noticed it happening was in 2006. Took it to dealer who checked it and found no leaks. Odor went away after a few days sitting outside dealership so they did not do anything (weather may have warmed up). It happened again in 2008 and this time they said there was a fuel leak so they replaced the fuel hose and clamp. It worked until the following year when it got cold again. Looking at various posts on the internet found many others with the same problem. I tightened the clamps around some of the hoses around the filter and it mostly worked. When the weather is warmer there is no problem. This is a temporary fix and sometimes does not work so well, esp. When really cold out. There has to be another answer to this problem. What is subaru's response? Replacing hoses and clamps every year is not a solution!

Filed Feb 4, 2011 · Engine · 145,000 miles · TX

In 20 degree weather (fahrenheit) an overwhelming gasoline odor filled the cabin of my 2001 subaru legacy wagon (outback). This happened on three different trips around town yesterday. I have a 2.5l engine, using 87 octane gasoline. The check engine light did not eliminate during these episodes. I lifted the engine compartment hood when this happened a third time and found the vapor smell was strongest near the intake manifold. There was no evidence of fuel leaking from any neoprene of steel lines. Obviously the odor was coming from the engine compartment through the heating system vents (the climate control fan was turned to high). The odor was so strong, it was overwhelming even when the vents were blowing recirculated air from the beginning of the trip. I believe a spark could have easily resulted in an explosion.

Filed Dec 16, 2009 · Fuel system · IL

We strongly agree with the complaint filed 12/9/09 listed below. We also have a 2001 subaru outback and have had the subaru dealership check out this problem several times. We have had fuel hoses replaced and clamps tightened and replaced many times and the problem remains. Obviously the problem is elsewhere in the fuel system. While every winter for at least the last 5-6 winter seasons our family smells and breathes in gasoline fumes and have to open windows to air out the cabin from the strong gasoline smell. We also refrain from using the heating system at times because the smell is much more noticeable when we run the heater. We have also found countless complaints online regarding this subaru issue. Does a fire, damage, crash, injury or death have to occur before subaru or the federal safety agency will address this problem? Component: fuel system, gasoline details: in cold weather, my 2001 subaru outback has an extremely strong smell of gasoline. A quick search will reveal hundreds of complaints on the same issue. There has been a technical service bulletin issued by subaru on this issue--the federal safety agency item # 616334, service bulletin # 010101. The tsb recommends an "inspection procedure for possible replacement of 3 fuel hoses". However, the subaru dealer indicates the issue calls for a replacement of the entire fuel rail--costing more than $400. I cannot believe that neither the federal safety agency nor subaru have not categorized a systemic problem with leaking gasoline as a safety issue. *tr occurrences: 1 injuries: 0 fail date: 12/07/2005 deaths: 0 date added to datbase: 12/9/2009

Filed Dec 9, 2009 · Fuel system · 70,000 miles · UT

In cold weather, my 2001 subaru outback has an extremely strong smell of gasoline. A quick search will reveal hundreds of complaints on the same issue. There has been a technical service bulletin issued by subaru on this issue--the federal safety agency item # 616334, service bulletin # 010101. The tsb recommends an "inspection procedure for possible replacement of 3 fuel hoses". However, the subaru dealer indicates the issue calls for a replacement of the entire fuel rail--costing more than $400. I cannot believe that neither the federal safety agency nor subaru have not categorized a systemic problem with leaking gasoline as a safety issue.

Filed Feb 18, 2008 · Fuel system · 51,000 miles · IN

My 2001 subaru outback 4 cylinder engine developed a fuel leak approximately 1 month ago. The vehicle has approx. 51,000 miles on it. When I contacted the dealer, they indicated the fuel injector hoses leaking at the clamps was not unusual during cold weather on this type of vehicle. Estimated cost to diagnose the leaks & repair was approx $150- but they would let me know the exact cost once they have examined the vehicle.

Filed Feb 13, 2008 · Engine, Fuel system · 85,000 miles · MA

2001 subaru outback leaks fuel in cold weather. Read on the web about hundreds of owners with this complaint. Live in massachusetts and when the weather gets below about 25 degrees fuel smell fills the passenger cabin. Appears to come from under the engine manifold. Hope to not pass out from fuel vapors. Haven't had a fire yet. 2nd issue is head gasket leak which was a $1500 repair. Also appears to be a common issue with subaru.