2003 Subaru WRX: fuel leak

Filed Feb 22, 2019 · Fuel system · IL

Car was recalled in approximately 2009 for a fuel leak which could cause and engine fire. I know because I've owned this car I bought it new in 2003. The problem has reoccurred. To fix it, the intake manifold had to be removed and 3 short fuel lines had to be replaced. Work was done by alpine automotive in lake zurich, illinois. I've reached out to subaru who say they know of no issue. However, I found an article published in 2009 in us news & world report, saying that the warranty for this issue was being extended by 12 years , which puts the car still in warranty for this issue..

Filed Jan 17, 2018 · Fuel system · 100,000 miles · CA

Fuel leaking onto my engine block could result in my car engulfing in flames, no recall for it on my car but I see it everywhere and it's a super common problem. The cabin of the car always smells like gas usually in the cold, but when I smell the engine it smells badly of raw gasoline.

Filed Feb 17, 2009 · Engine · 82,000 miles · IL

Took my vehicle in for routine maintenance when it was found to have a significant gas leak. Specifically the fuel rail had something like 16 leaks. While I never had an engine fire the possibility for that happening was very real. This is my family car, which I transport my children in. From reading other experiences about this I have found it to be a flaw in design with the 2003 subaru wrx. I would hope that subaru would value its customers safety and make a safety recall about this issue.

Filed Dec 7, 2008 · Fuel system · 55,000 miles · IL · fire

I have a 2003 subaru wrx. My car started to smell like something was burning a few days ago in the engine bay. I have also noticed that when the temperature goes below 30 degrees the inside cabin starts to strongly smell like raw fuel. The vapors can cause harmful and even deadly consequences. I have done some research on this issue and it seems that its a widely common issue with subaru wrx's from 2002 to 2004. I took the car to a mechanic shop and got the car examined. The mechanic told me that the clamps that hold the gas lines intact were very loose. He said that the during high fuel pressure the fuel lines could separate and cause a engine fire. I have called subaru of america and they told me there's a bulletin on this issue. It seems that this can be a very dangerous safety issue, and it sounds to me that subaru of america is not willing to repair the $500 issue. I have noticed that there was another fuel issue with another subaru model (the federal safety agency campaign id number: 03v303000). The subaru outback had a recall because there was a loose clamp at the filler cap that could have caused a fuel leak. Why is there no recall for the fuel leak in the wrxs? The leak happens very close to the engine. Any type of heat or ignition could cause a fire or even death! Please research this issue as it could become a very dangerous problem!

Filed Sep 18, 2008 · Fuel system · 65,000 miles · MD

I am writing with respect to the investigations concerning fuel leaks in the 2002-2003 models of the subaru impreza wrx models. I purchased a wrx in february of 2003. Like other reports, my car initially emitted a fuel odor only on cold days. I took the car to my local subaru dealership, bel air subaru, to have the problem investigated. They informed my that I had a faulty fuel line, replaced the fuel line, and charged me $800.00. The following week I still smelled fuel. I took the car back to the dealership; they informed me that they could not find another leak. I was told by the sales manager to "wait for the problem to fully manifest itself." in the meantime, I researched the issue on your website. My interpretation of the report was that this was not a safety concern, so I initially dropped the issue. However, as the problem progressed, the fuel leak began to occur even in warm weather and even when the engine was warm. Now, approximately 18 months from the initial repair, I am being told by the dealership that I have a leak in my fuel hoses. The dealership insists that this is a separate repair issue that did not exist when they looked at the car the first time. Again, I have been quoted a price of $800.00 to have the problem fixed. I am reluctant to spend $800.00 more dollars to try to eliminate the fuel leak after the results I got last time. In light of the fact that the fuel leaks in these vehicles progress to a leak that is no longer simply a cold weather problem, is this now considered a safety issue? Subaru has been unhelpful in helping me solve this dilemma. Can you help?

Filed Jan 27, 2007 · Fuel system · 47,325 miles · 00

Strong gas smell in the cabin on a cold day probably a gas leak. Stronger when vehicle is stop. Smell enough to get a good headache and dizzy.

Filed Mar 11, 2006 · Fuel system · 73,000 miles · MN

1. Fuel leaks from the fuel rail when driving in cold weather. 2. Fuel leaks from fuel rail and rubber fuel line that is positioned under the intake manifold while operating in cold climate. This condition causes fuel to leak on to the hot engine causing smoke to rise from under the hood and possibly ignite raw fuel, it also causes the passenger compartment to fill with a strong gas smell. 3. Correction-replacement of fuel rail and rubber fuel line as indicated in the car makers service bulletin. Old part not available.

Filed Dec 1, 2005 · Fuel system · KS

Fuel leakage in engine compartment of my 2003 subaru wrx impreza. There was a bulletin on 2002 models. I have had fuel leakage when temperatures are below 32 degrees. Subaru says that my year does not qualify for repair. But this seems to be the same problem previously reported in earlier models.