There is a smell of gas on my 2002 wrx for a period of time after I start the car. I've read on some internet forums that there may be an incompatibility between one of the gas hoses and the gas rails. The smell seems worst when it is cold out. It is very noticable when I have outside air venting enabled. It seems odd that I would ever smell gasoline and fear this may be dangerous.
2002 Subaru WRX engine complaints
Page 2 of 2: complaints 11 to 18 of 18, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Raw fuel odor from engine compartment just after starting car. Odor goes away after car has warmed up. Occurs in cold weather, usually when temperature is less than 20 degrees. Has been consistently occurring since january 2003. Dealer tightened some clamps on 2003, but problem still occurs now that weather is cold again. Raw fuel odor is very strong when car sits out in weather below 0 degrees fahrenheit.
There is a significant leaking of raw gasoline, from under the intake manifold. This problem exhibits itself when the temperatures fall below freezing. It is very evident in the cabin of the vehicle as you can smell the gasoline. The gasoline is visibly paddling on top of the engine block, where two fuel line run below the turbo inlet pipe. In my opinion, this poses a rather significant safety issue. Leaking gasoline into the engine compartment could easily lead to a dangerous fire. I have read dozens and dozens of similar reports by subaru impreza owners. I would hate to see someone get hurt over something that could easily be fixed. Thanks in advance. Michael moore
Cabin of car smells of gasoline. Fuel lines need to be replaced on early models.
Gasoline and exhaust smell in cabin during cold weather; has occured since vehicle was new; subaru dealer claims they can't smell it.
Temperature gauge fluctuated wildly while driving, and consumer felt that this should not be happening. Vehicle was taken to the dealer, and was given back to the consumer, dealer claimed that nothing was wrong with the vehicle.
Strong raw fuel odor inside and outside of vehicle in extreme cold weather (-10f and below). Smell is present when vehicle is idling, goes away when on the move. Engine hot or cold makes no difference. Once external temperature increases, problem goes away. Mentioned to dealer who was unable to replicate -it wasn't very cold outside.
Exhaust system overheats, causing carpeting inside passenger's compartment to get very hot after the vehicle has been driven over a long period of time. Also, due to vehicle overheating metal has turned into a cherry color. Consumer has contacted dealer; dealer stated that it was caused by aggressive driving. Please provide any further details.
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