2002 Subaru WRX: gas smell in the cabin

Filed Mar 14, 2017 · Fuel system · 50 miles · OH

I have the terrible gasoline smell in and outside of the car as a result of a recall that is not valid in the state of ohio. As subaru thinks ohio is not a cold weather state and has denied the recall on my vehicle. It smells the whole house. It is sickening. I have been putting up for it since I bought the vehicle and am the original owner. According to the recall, it can cause a fire. I cannot purchase another car, and subaru will not honor the recall because I live in ohio (a very very cold state).

Filed May 12, 2016 · Fuel system · 100,000 miles · UT

There is a constant raw fuel smell when driving, to the point of making me feel sick, cant even drive my car without all the windows down, ive reasurched this issue with other models using the same engine & componints that are on the recall list, but I can not get any help from anyone at subaru, even with explaining its the exact same problem as ither the forester or outback... Of a raw fuel smell from a fulty gas line under the manifold,,, not cool that they are willing to compromise my safety to avoid doing the fix, or addmiting the defect affects the 2002 wrx

Filed Aug 21, 2014 · Body, Fuel system · 1,000 miles · OH

I'm filing my complaint with all the others about the strong fuel smell during the cold months. I cannot believe ohio is not included in the recall. I've taken my car to the dealer numerous times to be told that the car is okay. Frankly, this past cold winter has been awful. The smell makes it's way into the house. It is awful. I cannot believe subaru does not believe ohio is cold and will not stand by its autos. Also, when I brought the auto in for a recall on the front control arms, they only rustproofed them and never told me the frame was rusted out. This was at 125,000 miles. This auto has been meticulously cared for. If this car is meant to be in all kinds of weather, why can't it stand up past 125,000 miles. Ridiculous! I have three other vehicles from other brands with many more miles, one car of which is stored outside in the winter, and all the other autos have great lasting frames. Considering I had only 125,000 miles, I saved the money and made this expensive repair. Com'on subaru make a car that lasts!!!!!

Filed Feb 13, 2014 · Fuel system · 92,923 miles · OR

Smell of fuel from within the car during cold temperatures. This is a known issue per tsb 01-170-09. Dealership may deny repairs if they can't reproduce the issue. Email from subaru regarding this problem: we welcome your contact, as it relates to the wvk-21 fuel line warranty extension. Your 2002 subaru wrx is affected by the warranty extension for these components. The dealership would need to perform a diagnosis of the current concern. They can then advise you regarding the issue and whether it is the same as the warranty extension. I would recommend that you make an appointment at a subaru dealership, at your earliest convenience.

Filed Jun 14, 2011 · Fuel system · 70,000 miles · FL

Strong odor of fuel and/or burnt oil inside the vehicle repeatedly. I contacted subaru long ago about this problem when I got a recall notice from subaru national saying my car "may" be part of this recall. I took the car to a subaru dealer. They said unless they can either smell fuel or find the problem there is nothing they can do for me. Subaru national said the same thing "unless we can smell fuel odor" we will not pay for inspecting and fixing your vehicle.

Filed Jun 7, 2011 · Fuel system · 96,599 miles · AZ

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 subaru wrx. The contact received the federal safety agency campaign id number: 09v468000 (fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump) and took the vehicle to a local dealer. The dealer stated to the contact part that the part was not available and would be available within three days. The contact stated that was a year ago. The contact called the manufacturer and they stated that the dealer should have the part. The contact continued to search for parts for the vehicle but the dealer still did not have the part. The contact performed some repairs to the vehicle because the check engine light was illuminated and the vehicle smelled like gasoline. After the repairs, the dealer stated they could not repair the vehicle because the contact took the vehicle to another location for repairs. The contact stated the vehicle was becoming unsafe safe to drive due to the smell of gasoline inside the vehicle. The contact stated the vehicle could cause a fire. The failure mileage was 96,599.

Filed Feb 5, 2011 · Fuel system · 107,310 miles · CA

Fuel odor interior of vehicle. File complaint under odi number 10380798 need to correct mileage to 107,310 don't know what I was thinking when I filed complaint.

Filed Feb 12, 2010 · Fuel system · 88,000 miles · WA

Several times in the winters of 2008 & 2009 (so far) when first starting my car in very cold weather (although the last time in dec. 2009 the temp was cool but above freezing) I would get a strong smell of gas inside the car and had to open the windows until the engine warmed up. Checking your website I found a recall dated dec. 1, 2009 (the federal safety agency action number ea09011) that seems to describe what happens. I called subaru and was told my car was not part of the recall and that I must take it to an authorized dealer and have them inspect and repair it at my expense. They would send the results to subaru which would determine if they would reimburse any part of my expenses. I do not believe this is a satisfactory resolution to what I deem a safety and health issue.

Filed Feb 8, 2010 · Fuel system · VA

Fuel smell for my subaru wrx 2002 model.

Filed Jan 30, 2010 · Fuel system · 113,683 miles · NV

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.

Filed Jan 8, 2010 · Fuel system · 95,000 miles · MO

Recently the outside air temperatures have hovered near or below zero degrees f. On those mornings when it is that cold and I start my car, I smell a strong raw fuel odor for several minutes or until I have driven several miles. I investigated and found the main fuel line to be leaking raw fuel onto the engine when it is started in weather this cold. There is a vol recall by subaru of america covering this (subaru recall campaign wvk-21) on this model but it does not cover the state of missouri where I reside and have my car registered. This same issue could easily cause an engine fire should the leaking raw fuel come into contact with an ignition source or with the nearby hot turbocharger or exhaust. There is no reason what so ever that this recall should be limited to the few states that it is since it is just as dangerous in my state as in any of the states listed on the recall. Btw, my car was originally purchased and registered in one of the covered states...minnesota. Thank you.

Filed Nov 17, 2009 · Fuel system · 116,559 miles · CA

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.