A fuel line under the intake manifold located on the passenger side is leaking gas on cold starts. This is my second time dealing with this issue. As of now, it is only leaking gas when the engine is cold, but the leaking is starting to get worse and faster than before. The first time I had this issue it was leaking gas regardless of engine temperature. It is only a matter of time before it starts to leak at any given moment with a possibility to cause a fire putting my life and others at risk. I live in the state of california and this recall has only been announced for "cold weather" states. It is evident that this fuel line problem has nothing to do with the weather since I live in a warm climate. This probiem is unfixable and time consuming. I had already tried to solve this issue at my local repair shop and it ended up being a waste of time and money. This is clearly a manufacturer's problem. Subaru needs to issue a national recall for this vehicle.
2002 Subaru WRX: fuel leak
127 of the 427 complaints about the 2002 Subaru WRX describe fuel leak.
- owner complaints
- 127
- of this car's complaints
- 30%
- typical repair cost reported
- $500
- typical mileage
- 44,000
- recalls
- 1
Fuel leak by model year
What owners say
When the weather is cold and below freezing there is a gas leak and I can smell gas in the inside of my car as well as outside. It is hard to be able to drive anywhere when it is below freezing. There was a safety recall (http://tinyurl.com/wrxgas) for this situation in 2009, but I was never notified. I discovered this recall when I recently decided to try to research the situation again, although I was turned down for any help from subaru early in my ownership of the vehicle. I recently took it to my dealership to get the issue fixed, only to be told that this recall expired. I am the original owner and have been trying to get this resolved since I bought the car in may 2001 in mn.
During cold weather, the fuel line leaks gasoline inside the engine compartment. The gasoline pools on top of the engine block, and the gasoline vapor is also pulled into the passenger compartment by the car's ventilation system. There is an obvious risk of fire.
2002 impreza wrx wagon, leaking fuel lines located under the intake manifold in cold weather. I have noticed gas fumes from leaking fuel lines in this vehicle which I purchased new in 2002. Nevada is not a state listed in the wvk-21 subaru recall of dec, 2009, but this vehicle is leaking fuel from the same problem on cold mornings in northern nevada.
I have the fuel leak problem covered in recall number 09v468000 in my 2002 subaru imprezza wrx but my car is registered in california and appears not to be covered. I can smell gas and see it pool on the engine, above the exhaust manifold near turbo components, when starting my car at about 30 degrees fahrenheit which is not uncommon in the mountains and valleys of california. The smell is very strong inside the vehicle and potentially hazardous if the fuel ignites in the engine bay. Why aren't all of these cars being recalled? The state selection criteria seems arbitrary, since all states experience cold enough weather for this problem to persist. Do I have to wait until my car catches fire to have the problem taken seriously?
I have the fuel leak/ smell issue covered in the federal safety agency campaign id number: 09v468000, the federal safety agency action number: ea09011. I have had the problem for several years but it appears to be worse this winter in that it happens at temperatures just below freezing now. In previous winters it would have to be below 20 degrees before I would notice the smell of raw gasoline. I notice the problem when stopped and idling in the cold weather. In particular when stopped at traffic lights. My car was purchased in and registered in massachusetts. I would like to know why it was not covered in the recall. Massachusetts is further north than co and parts of ne, ia and ny which are included in the recall.
I have the fuel leak problem covered in recall number 09v468000 in my 2002 subaru imprezza wrx but my car is registered in pennsylvania and appears not to be covered. I can smell gas and see it pool on the engine when starting my car below about 30 degrees fahrenheit which is not uncommon in pennsylvania. The smell is very strong inside the vehicle. Why aren't all of these cars being recalled? Even a car registered in florida may spend a few days in a northern state and leak gasoline when started. Do I have to wait until my car catches fire?
2002 wrx fuel smell in cabin at cold temperatures. How many people have to complain before a recall is issued or someone gets hurt? Where is the federal safety agency when you need them? There are recalls for relatively minor issues. So, where is the recall for leaking fuel? Dealer denies any problem. See also the federal safety agency item number:10014461, service bulletin #: 11012004, service bulletin 09-36-03 raw fuel smell in cold weather.
2002 wrx fuel smell in cabin at cold temperatures. How many people have to complain before a recall is issued or someone gets hurt? Where is the federal safety agency when you need them? There are recalls for relatively minor issues. So, where is the recall for leaking fuel? Dealer denies any problem. See also the federal safety agency item number:10014461, service bulletin #: 11012004, service bulletin 09-36-03 raw fuel smell in cold weather.
Smell of raw gas from vents while not moving. Checked under the engine and found underneath the turbo inlet hose fuel dripping from a hose. Also found 2 other hoses that may be leaking fuel as well around the area. Car is parked under storage status until parts can be replaced, not sure if there is a dealer in germany. Heard of many other complaints on a 2002 wrx with the fuel lines leaking.
Fuel leak at startup when car is cold, usually below freezing temperatures.
I noticed a raw fuel smell when starting the car in the morning. This was originally just an issue in cold weather, but the smell has persisted and now occurs even after normal overnight low temperatures here in seattle (40-50 degrees). I believe this is a safety issue for three reasons: first, the fuel is leaking onto the engine block of the car posing a fire hazard. Second, the fuel smell is a health hazard to occupants of the vehicle. Third, due to the fuel smell, I have been using my heating system on the recirc setting, which is not as effective at clearing condensation from the inside of the windshield and lessens the effectiveness of the defroster, reducing my ability to see out of the vehicle. I have not had the problem repaired yet as I wanted to file this complaint first.
Related recalls
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump
- What is wrong
- Subaru is recalling certain model year 2002 and 2003 impreza wrx vehicles originally sold in or currently registered in the states of south dakota, nebraska, north dakota, minnesota, idaho, iowa, montana, colorado, wisconsin, new york, wyoming, michigan, alaska, new hampshire, vermont, and maine. During cold starts, typically under extremely cold temperatures, fuel leaks in the fuel delivery line could occur where the line connects with a rubber hose.
- Risk
- Fuel leaks, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the fuel line free of charge. The recall began on december 31, 2009. Owners may contact subaru at 1‑800‑782‑2783.
Recall number 09V468000 · Recall details
Questions about the 2002 Subaru WRX fuel leak
Is fuel leak a common problem on the 2002 Subaru WRX?
127 of 427 owner complaints about the 2002 Subaru WRX (30%) mention fuel leak. The model year with the most reports is 2002.
How much does it cost to fix fuel leak on the 2002 Subaru WRX?
Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $500 (median of 25 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2002 Subaru WRX?
There is 1 recall and 0 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 2002 Subaru WRX
Fuel smell 209ABS 60Brake failure 22Fire or smoke 8Ball joint 7Shudder 5
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