2015 Subaru Outback: gas smell in the cabin

Filed Oct 31, 2025 · Engine · 110,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2015 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, and while at a stop light, there was an abnormal exhaust fumes odor inside the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with a cracked exhaust pipe. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that the vehicle was previously repaired under Service Program Bulletin: WUJ-95 but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.

Filed Sep 25, 2025 · Engine · 135,000 miles · WA

The contact owns a 2015 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal exhaust odor entering the cabin of the vehicle through the vents. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of fuel. Before the contact purchased the vehicle, the contact became aware that the vehicle had been repaired under recall for the catalytic converter. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 135,000.

Filed Jul 28, 2020 · Engine · 90,000 miles · MD

Noted over a period of several weeks, an increase in exhaust noise from the front of the car. The cabin would fill with exhaust fumes when stopped with the engine running. I took the car to the dealer twice to have the issue diagnosed and both times they indicated that no issue was found. On the third trip, they confirmed a hole in the exhaust manifold and initially refused to replace it under warranty, even though the vehicle was covered under the pzev emissions warranty and extended vehicle coverage. After pointing out the pzev coverage, the dealer replaced the manifold.

Filed Jan 9, 2020 · 80,829 miles · MI

During the fall of 2019, I noticed an exhaust smell when starting my 2015 subaru outback in my garage. This smell coincided with the car running rough when starting and the exhaust smell entering the cabin when the heater was turned on. I did not notice this cabin exhaust smell in the summer due to using the AC on recirculate. The exhaust smell was especially noticeable when I was idling waiting to pick up my kids and sitting at traffic stops. I brought my vehicle in to a subaru dealer and they stated that my catalytic converter was cracked and should be replaced. This was when my car was at 80,829 miles and they actually had the part on hand. I am assuming that this happens to them quite frequently since stocking a $1500 on hand would not be the best use of inventory. The repair cost $1940 since my emission warranty was barely out due to the 829 miles. I explained to them that this was happening way before the 80,000 miles, but they refused to cover it under warranty. I feel that having exhaust entering the cabin should be an exception to the warranty, especially when kids lives are involved. Also, by having this part on hand tells me that I am not the only owner having this type of problem with my subaru.

Filed Feb 4, 2019 · Engine, Fuel system · 65,000 miles · MN

Please read upload documents. My 2015 subaru outback began showing signs of excessive oil consumption in the summer 2018. Apparently this was a known problem with subaru and class action lawsuit was filed against subaru for models made prior to 2015. My vehicle failed a oil consumption test in the fall of 2018. I was told by white bear subaru if the vehicle failed an oil consumption test subaru of america would pay to have a new short block installed due to this ongoing engine defect. However, subaru of america refused to pay the full amount to have a new short block installed as even though my car was make in 2014 it is technically a 2015 that the class action lawsuit only protected consumers of models prior to 2015. Also, in the fall of 2018 the interior of this vehicle began to have a exhaust smell and was making me feel sick. They determined that part of the exhaust system was broken but told me not to have it fixed before the new short block was installed and the exhaust system would just become clogged with the oil the car was burning. I went ahead had had the repair done anyway as the exhaust air was terrible.

Filed Nov 16, 2018 · Engine · 65,000 miles · NJ · 1 injury

Exhaust system issue. Exhaust mainfold leak at catalyst converter. For our outback we noticed a significant levels of exhaust fumes in passenger cabin. They were no indication of failure of exhaust system or catalyst converter on the car. But we are getting some much fumes smell when we stopped at the traffic signal or parking lot. It all most made us sick. Luckily I got it checked at the service center and they find the leak. This is potentially a very risky thing for people who don't notice the smell might get slow poisoned with carbon monoxide or other elements in exhaust fumes. There may be direct injury from this issue but as I said I was almost got sick because of fumes. For people with pzev vehicle, the exhaust system is covered under warranty. Please bring this issue with manufacturing. For people out there if you notice a loud exhaust note at start of your vehicle or small rattling noise when we you accelerate after a complete stop, it might be your exhaust system, please get it checked as soon as possible. Ps attached is the diagnosis report from dealer service center be safe out there !! Thank you.