Subaru WRX fuel leak problems

Filed Mar 13, 2025 · Engine, Fuel system · CA

I have been experiencing a strong fuel odor both inside and outside the cabin when starting the engine. After several months of experiencing this issue, I recently had my vehicle fully inspected by an authorized Subaru dealership, and they confirmed a critical fuel leak issue. The dealership discovered that the high-pressure fuel pipe is leaking, as confirmed by a camera inspection of the engine bay. They have deemed the vehicle unsafe to drive and have strongly advised against further use due to the potential fire hazard. It is important to note that my vehicle has never been involved in an accident, and no prior mechanical work has been performed in the affected area, which suggests this may be a manufacturing defect.

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 Oct 6, 2018 · Fuel system · 148,000 miles · CA

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.

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 Jan 23, 2017 · Fuel system · 103,000 miles · MN

I have a 2004 wrx and whenever it gets cold lots of fuel leaks from under the intake manifold theres a recall for the same issue in 2002 2003 but it still does it on my car

Filed Feb 27, 2016 · Fuel system · 600 miles · MO

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.

Filed Feb 7, 2015 · Fuel system · 138,500 miles · MI

Upon start up of my 2006 subaru wrx, there is visual evidence of fuel leakage under the intake manifold on the passenger side of engine. This only happens during times of cold weather. You cannot see the leak as it is underneath components however, you can smell raw fuel and see where it puddles up after a few moments of engine operation. This puddle accumulates on top of the engine block, directly in front of the turbocharger and exhaust system. This is cause of major concern for the safety of myself, my family, passengers in my vehicle and other motorist on the road. Soa, subaru of america, has issued recalls for previous model years but should investigate to possibility of extending the recall to include more current model years. I have contacted soa with my problem to no avail.

Filed Jan 12, 2015 · Fuel system · 42,000 miles · WA

2005 sti, 42,000 miles..... Cold mn weather caused my fuel system under the hood leak gas all over. Inside of car smelt of gas very very bad. Popped the hood, even stronger gas smell, located fuel leaks under the intake manifold drivers side. Towed it to nearest subaru dealer do to fear of fire. Not covered under the 2 warranties I purchased when I bought the car or under subaru recall of 2003-2004 wrx/sti's for the same problem.....charges will be $600+...... Bought the car from a subaru dealer here in mn, second owner, expensive low miles used car, just plain stupid subaru does not fix this.....

Filed Oct 2, 2014 · Fuel system · 48,000 miles · MA

Fuel smell inside passenger compartment in outside temperatures <20 degrees f. This is apparently a known problem, and a tsb was issued for 2002 and 2003 subaru wrx for a fuel leak, but not for the 2005. Have been told the owner is responsible for repair costs. Online search finds many identical complaints from other owners.

Filed Aug 20, 2014 · Fuel system · 139,000 miles · MI

Fuel lines leak upon cold start up in the winter. Fuel leaks all over engine block, my fear that this can cause a fire. Subaru's answer is to bring it in, spend money to have the car looked at. All the while they will not provide me with a comp car and this is my only car. With work, school and trying to move at that time it was not possible to release the car to them and hope it leaked on that day for the tech or risk handing out cash every time I take it in for them to look at. They know they have an issue they don't want to fix any longer. This is a known issue for some wrx's and they say the problem was taken care of in 2004, obviously not. It appears my car was built in mid 2003...... And is possible in my opinion that my car could have been built with these faulty parts.