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.
2003 Subaru WRX: gas smell in the cabin
14 of the 60 complaints about the 2003 Subaru WRX describe gas smell in the cabin.
- owner complaints
- 14
- of this car's complaints
- 23%
- typical mileage
- 76,000
- recalls
- 1
Is there a fix? There is 1 recall for this area of the car. See below
Gas smell in the cabin by model year
What owners say
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 subaru wrx. The contact noticed a strong fuel odor inside the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to byers airport subaru (located at 401 n hamilton rd, columbus, oh 43213). The dealer would not repair the vehicle per the federal safety agency campaign number: 09v468000 (fuel system, gasoline). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and demanded the dealer to repair the vehicle; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The contact was advised that the recall had expired and he would have to pay for the repair. The failure mileage and VIN were unknown. Updated 10/24/17*lj updated 10/25/2017
When it get cold out, the fuel line starts leaking and there is the smell of gas in the car. There has been a limited recall for this issue depending on where the vehicle was purchased. I live in a state not included in the recall area. This doesn't change the fact that it is a serious safety issue and the manufacturer should correct it no matter what state I live in (illinois). This is clearly a manufacturer's defect and ask that they fix this issue.
Fuel line leaks raw gasoline fumes into passenger compartment and outside of vehicle during cold weather. Gas fumes are overpowering inside the vehicle, and possibly creates a serious safety hazard of fire/ explosion.
Occasionally my wrx smells like raw gas. Three times when I have been driving to mt. Lemon, up a very steep road, I have had a very strong (unbearable) gas smell enter the car. I took it into the dealer and was told that I am just "overfilling the tank," however, I never try to fill the tank beyond the automatic shutoff point on the gas pump. I have also smelled gas occasionally when driving but never as strong as when I drive to mt. Lemon.
2003 subaru wrx, raw fuel smell in cabin before engine is warm and coolant temperatures are warm. Happens infrequently but would like to get rid of the smell. Seems like it's a popular problem for the cars in this production range. First noticed it on the date shown but occurs more often when temperatures are below 50f.
I have a 2003 subaru wrx wagon. As temperatures approach freezing the fuel lines on the passenger side of the engine begin to leak, heavily, during cold start up. This causes raw fuel smell to enter the cabin as well as creating a potentially hazardous situation with raw fuel openly pooling on the engine. Subaru and their dealers are aware of the situation and it is fixable, however it requires removal of the intake manifold - a very labor intensive job - which makes it a costly repair for the consumer to bear. I acquired the car last year and the problem occurred throughout last winter and has recurred already once this fall.
I would like to file this complaint after reading all of the complaints related to the same problem I am having with my 2003 subaru wrx. Very strong raw gasoline fumes inside the passenger compartment during cold weather startup. I am the original owner of this car. This problem just started this winter. Yes subaru of america it's happening on the 2003 models also. I would appreciate some direction as how to proceed with this developing safety problem with my car. Thank you.
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?
I own a 2003 subaru impreza wrx wagon. On cold mornings (like today: 3f), there is a raw fuel smell in the passenger compartment. I've talked to other impreza owners that have experienced the same problem, apparently there is a design flaw involving a flexible fuel hose connecting the rigid fuel lines. I've just tried contacting subaru of america (soa) regarding this problem, but they seem to be fighting many owners on covering this obvious safety issue.
Raw fuel smell in passenger compartment of 2003 subaru impreza wrx, a known problem on 2002 subaru impreza wrx with fuel pipes/hoses/clamps. Dealers deny there is a problem for 2003 models.
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.
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 2003 Subaru WRX fuel smell
Is gas smell in the cabin a common problem on the 2003 Subaru WRX?
14 of 60 owner complaints about the 2003 Subaru WRX (23%) mention gas smell in the cabin. The model year with the most reports is 2002.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2003 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 2003 Subaru WRX
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