NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Power Train complaints
16 reportsClear category filter64,500 miles · Jan 16, 2008
Power Train
SOA GOLD PLUS ADDED SECURITY 7 YEAR/100,000 MI CONTRACT COVERAGE SO EXTENSIVE IT'S EASIER TO LIST WHAT IS NOT COVERED! 2002 WRX 64,500 MI NOW AT METRIC SUBARU DIX HILLS, NY BLEW OUT TRANS/MAN CLUTCH ASSEMBLY & WANTS $3,600. METRIC REPLACED MANUAL CLUTCH ASS 62,980 MI, COSTING $1,175 & BROUGHT BACK CAR LESS THAN 400 MI LATER BECA…
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SOA GOLD PLUS ADDED SECURITY 7 YEAR/100,000 MI CONTRACT COVERAGE SO EXTENSIVE IT'S EASIER TO LIST WHAT IS NOT COVERED! 2002 WRX 64,500 MI NOW AT METRIC SUBARU DIX HILLS, NY BLEW OUT TRANS/MAN CLUTCH ASSEMBLY & WANTS $3,600. METRIC REPLACED MANUAL CLUTCH ASS 62,980 MI, COSTING $1,175 & BROUGHT BACK CAR LESS THAN 400 MI LATER BECAUSE OF CRUNCHING WHEN SHIFTING IN FIRST & REVERSE & WASN'T FIXED BECAUSE METRIC COULDN'T VERIFY COMPLAINT. FEW DAYS LATER GEAR STUCK IN REVERSE & CAR WOULDN'T BUDGE WHILE IN THE MIDDLE OF STREET. SUBARU TOWED CAR TO METRIC, COULDN'T VERIFY COMPLAINT AS GEAR BECAME UNSTUCK. NEW YEARS DAY, WITH DROPPED CLUTCH PEDAL COULDN'T GET INTO GEAR SO SUBARU TOWED CAR BACK TO METRIC. UPON CALLING SOA RECEIVED # 1072552 FROM LES HANDLEY AND AFTER SIGNING $500. AUTH TEAR DOWN CHG WAS THEN TOLD TRANS/MAN CLUTCH ASSEMBLY BLOWN OUT/ GEARS STRIPPED/CHIPPED. SOA REFUSES TO AUTHORIZE DEALER TO FIX THE CAR ASSERTING ABUSED CAR AND DRIVEN AGGRESSIVELY. METRIC EXPLAINED MANUAL TRANS A PROBLEM AND WE SEE RESEARCHING WEBSITE, NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS NEARLY SAME IDENTICAL STORY OF TRANS & MAN CLUTCH ASSEMBLY BLOWN OUT/GEARS STRIPPED/CHIPPED WITH SOA DENYING REPAIRS ASSERTING ABUSE. IS IT POSSIBLE EVERY OWNERS TALE OF WOE IS A LIE? SUBARU REPLACED OUR TRANS 29,068 MI AFTER FINDING GEARS, SYNROS AND SLEEVES DEFECTIVE. SUBARU THREE MONTHS LATER AT 29,740 MI FOUND TRANSMISSION LEAKING, SEEING TRANSMISSION CASE POROUS & REPLACED IT. 42,546 MI SUBARU REPLACED WORN REVERSE TRANS SHIFT RAIL AND CLIP. SOA CUSTOMER CARE REP, PATRICIA HUNG UP ON US WHILE WE TRIED TO OBTAIN SATISFACTION ON CLAIM FOR REPAIRS UNDER SERVICE CONTRACT, STATING DEALERSHIP SERVICE REPS INFORMED HER WE ABUSED THE CAR AND DROVE IT AGGRESSIVELY, A FACT THEY OUT AND OUT DENIED TO OUR FACE WHEN CONFRONTED ON THAT MATTER. SERVICE REP INFORMED US THEY SENT PICS AND A DESCRIPTION OF THE PROBLEM AND REQUESTED AUTHORIZATION FOR REPAIR & WAS DENIED WITH OUR SERVICE REP FEELING SOA WAS LOOKING TO AVOID THIS EXTREMELY EXPLOSIVE ISSUE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10215189
Mileage unknown · Oct 13, 2005
Power Train
I OWN A 2002 SUBARU IMPREZA WRX WITH A MANUAL TRANSMISSION. EVERY ONCE IN AWHILE WHEN I COME TO A COMPLETE STOP AND SHIFT INTO FIRST THERE IS A GRIND NOISE. IT WAS INTERMITTENT AND I REPORTED IT AT LEAST 3 OR 4 TIMES AND THE DEALER COULDN'T REPRODUCE IT.. FINALLY AFTER DOING IN FOR OVER A YEAR IT HAS GOTTEN BAD ENOUGH THEY …
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I OWN A 2002 SUBARU IMPREZA WRX WITH A MANUAL TRANSMISSION. EVERY ONCE IN AWHILE WHEN I COME TO A COMPLETE STOP AND SHIFT INTO FIRST THERE IS A GRIND NOISE. IT WAS INTERMITTENT AND I REPORTED IT AT LEAST 3 OR 4 TIMES AND THE DEALER COULDN'T REPRODUCE IT.. FINALLY AFTER DOING IN FOR OVER A YEAR IT HAS GOTTEN BAD ENOUGH THEY COULD REPRODUCE IT.. THEY TORE IT DOWN AND THE FIRST GEAR SYNCHO IS BAD AND THEY WILL NOT COVER IT UNDER WARRANTY STATING DRIVER ABUSE.. THIS IS TOTAL BS I NEVER ABUSED THE CAR, IT HAS BEEN DOING IT FOR A WHILE AND OTHER DRIVERS HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. IN FACT BETWEEN MY WIFE AND I WE HAVE HAD 6 CARS WITH STANDARDS AND HAVE NEVER HAD SUCH A PROBLEM.. THE ABUSE CLAIM IS JUST TO GET OUT OF PAYING FOR A FAILURE OVER TIME IN A FAULTY TRANSMISSION AND THE EXTENDED WARRANTY I HAVE IS SUPPOSED TO COVER IT.*JB
NHTSA ODI #10139631
24,000 miles · May 23, 2005
Power Train
I HAVE EXPERIENCED "CLUTCH SHUDDER" ON MY 2002 WRX. THE DEALERSHIPS I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR TO (3) SAID THEY COULD NOT REPRODUCE THE PROBLEM SO HAVE LEFT IT UNADDRESSED. THE CAR SHAKES VIOLENTLY LIKE IT WAS BEING JACKHAMMERED WHEN FIRST DRIVEN. NO DEALER WILL REPAIR IT UNDER THE TSB THAT WAS ISSUED BY SUBARU.
NHTSA ODI #10121971
Mileage unknown · Feb 17, 2005
Power Train
I OWN A 2002 SUBARU IMPREZA WRX WITH A MANUAL TRANSMISSION. EVERY ONCE IN AWHILE WHEN I COME TO A COMPLETE STOP AND PLACE MY CAR IN NEUTRAL IT DOES NOT WANT TO GO BACK INTO FIRST GEAR. SO I HAVE TO GO AHEAD AND PUT IT INTO SECOND GEAR. I HAVE ALREADY COMPLAIN TO THE DEALER AND THEY HAVE DONE NOTHING ABOUT IT. THEY JUST SAY THAT …
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I OWN A 2002 SUBARU IMPREZA WRX WITH A MANUAL TRANSMISSION. EVERY ONCE IN AWHILE WHEN I COME TO A COMPLETE STOP AND PLACE MY CAR IN NEUTRAL IT DOES NOT WANT TO GO BACK INTO FIRST GEAR. SO I HAVE TO GO AHEAD AND PUT IT INTO SECOND GEAR. I HAVE ALREADY COMPLAIN TO THE DEALER AND THEY HAVE DONE NOTHING ABOUT IT. THEY JUST SAY THAT THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH MY TRANSMISSION. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10110701
35,640 miles · Feb 7, 2005
Power Train
THE CAR NEVER SHIFTED GEARS EASILY FROM WHEN NEW. AT 13,000 MILES THE DEALER REPLACED THE CLUTCH UNDER WARRANTY WITH AN '03 SPEC CLUTCH ASSEMBLY. THE SHUDDERING CEASED, BUT THE TRANSMISSION WHINED EXCESSIVELY AND IT WAS STILL DIFFICULT TO SHIFT GEARS, ESPECIALLY WHEN COLD. LAST WEEK, IN VERY COLD TEMPERATURES, ALL POWER WAS LOST…
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THE CAR NEVER SHIFTED GEARS EASILY FROM WHEN NEW. AT 13,000 MILES THE DEALER REPLACED THE CLUTCH UNDER WARRANTY WITH AN '03 SPEC CLUTCH ASSEMBLY. THE SHUDDERING CEASED, BUT THE TRANSMISSION WHINED EXCESSIVELY AND IT WAS STILL DIFFICULT TO SHIFT GEARS, ESPECIALLY WHEN COLD. LAST WEEK, IN VERY COLD TEMPERATURES, ALL POWER WAS LOST AND THE TRANSMISSION COULD NOT BE SHIFTED AND I WAS IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER, INSPECTED BY REP AND DEEMED TO BE ABUSED, THEREFORE, NO COVERAGE UNDER WARRANTY. WHEN IS SUBARU GOING TO RECOGNIZE THAT THEY HAVE A PROBLEM IN THAT THIS PARTICULAR TRANSMISSION IS NOT ENGINEERED TO HANDLE THE INCREASE POWER OF THE WRX MOTOR? THERE WAS NO ABUSE, NO RACING OR DRIVER ERROR ASSOCIATED WITH THIS FAILURE. I AM FORTUNATE NOT TO HAVE CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10110023
48,000 miles · Oct 27, 2004
Power Train
ON SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 12TH, 2004 I WAS TRAVELLING WITH MY MOTHER SOUTHBOUND ON THE 5 FREEWAY. THE TRAFFIC WAS STOP AND GO. I WAS STOPPED ,AND HAD PUT THE CAR INTO FIRST GEAR AND RELEASED THE CLUTCH AND THERE WAS A LOUD POP. FIRST GEAR WAS GONE. I DROVE IT HOME. THE FOLLOWING DAY TOOK IT TO BOB BAKER SUBARU IN CARLSBAD, CA. AN HOUR…
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ON SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 12TH, 2004 I WAS TRAVELLING WITH MY MOTHER SOUTHBOUND ON THE 5 FREEWAY. THE TRAFFIC WAS STOP AND GO. I WAS STOPPED ,AND HAD PUT THE CAR INTO FIRST GEAR AND RELEASED THE CLUTCH AND THERE WAS A LOUD POP. FIRST GEAR WAS GONE. I DROVE IT HOME. THE FOLLOWING DAY TOOK IT TO BOB BAKER SUBARU IN CARLSBAD, CA. AN HOUR LATER THEY CALLED ME AND TOLD ME THE FAILURE WAS A RESULT OF DRIVER ABUSE AND/OR RACING. THEY DENIED MY CLAIM! I WROTE LETTERS TO SUBARU AND ATTEMPTED TO MAKE PHONE CALLS (MOST WERE NEVER RETURNED). ON OCT. 27TH I FINALLY WENT TO PICK UP THE VEHICLE AND PAID $700 FOR THEM LOOKING AT THE TRANSMISSION AND $205 FOR STORING THE CAR. IT NOW ONLY HAS SECOND GEAR. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10096519
35,750 miles · Jun 18, 2004
Power Train
MY HUSBAND WAS DRIVING MY 2002 SUBARU WRX IN A NORMAL MANNER WHEN HE STOPPED AT A LIGHT AT AN INTERSECTION. HE WENT TO PULL OUT AND COULD NOT GET INTO GEAR. HE GAVE A LITTLE GAS AND ATTEMPTED TO GET CAR TO GO IN FIRST GEAR, THEN THE LUTCH WENT TO FLOOR AND HE COULD NOT GET CAR TO MOVE, EXCEPT BY DRIFTING. WHEN IT WAS TAKEN TO G…
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MY HUSBAND WAS DRIVING MY 2002 SUBARU WRX IN A NORMAL MANNER WHEN HE STOPPED AT A LIGHT AT AN INTERSECTION. HE WENT TO PULL OUT AND COULD NOT GET INTO GEAR. HE GAVE A LITTLE GAS AND ATTEMPTED TO GET CAR TO GO IN FIRST GEAR, THEN THE LUTCH WENT TO FLOOR AND HE COULD NOT GET CAR TO MOVE, EXCEPT BY DRIFTING. WHEN IT WAS TAKEN TO GARAGE, THEY STATED THAT THE CLUTCH SPRINGS BLEW OUT, THE CLUTCH, 2ND GEAR WAS STRIPPED OF ITS TEETH. SUBARU OF AMERICA IS CLAIMING ABUSE AND WILL NOT COVER UNDER WARRANTY. THIS CAR HAS 35750 MILES ON IT. THIS CAR IS ENGINEERED INCORRECTLY, AND IS A SAFETY HAZARD. YOU CAN NOT GET CAR TO MOVE WHEN THIS HAPPENS. THIS IS NOT ONLY A SAFETY ISSUE BUT A WARRRANTY ISSUE. SOMEONE NEEDS TO STOP THIS, BEFORE MORE COMPANIES START NEGATING WARRANTIES ALSO. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10078427
40,000 miles · Dec 22, 2003
Power Train
FOR ABOUT A YEAR NOW, IN THE MORNING WHEN THE CAR IS FIRST STARTED, THE CLUTCH SHUDDERS WHEN IT IS INITIALLY ENGAGED INTO FIRST GEAR. THE CAR OFTEN SHAKES VIOLENTLY. THE PROBLEM USUALLY GOES AWAY WHEN THE CAR WARMS UP, BUT RETURNS THE NEXT MORNING. I CANNOT IMAGINE THAT THIS IS GOOD FOR THE CLUTCH, AND IS DUE TO MANUFACTURER …
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FOR ABOUT A YEAR NOW, IN THE MORNING WHEN THE CAR IS FIRST STARTED, THE CLUTCH SHUDDERS WHEN IT IS INITIALLY ENGAGED INTO FIRST GEAR. THE CAR OFTEN SHAKES VIOLENTLY. THE PROBLEM USUALLY GOES AWAY WHEN THE CAR WARMS UP, BUT RETURNS THE NEXT MORNING. I CANNOT IMAGINE THAT THIS IS GOOD FOR THE CLUTCH, AND IS DUE TO MANUFACTURER DEFECTS. SUBARU ACKNOWLEDGES THE PROBLEM (THEY HAVE ISSUED A SERVICE BULLETIN) BUT REFUSES TO REPLACE THE CLUTCH IF IT IS NOT UNDER THE WARRANTY PERIOD.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10050961
65,400 miles · Dec 22, 2003
Power Train
LAST WEEK AS I WAS DRIVING TO WORK, THE CLUTCH PEDAL STARTED FEELING A BIT LOOSE (IE SOFT UNTIL IT WAS DEPRESSED HALF-WAY) AND WAS STICKING TO THE FLOOR WHEN DEPRESSED FULLY. IT BECAME INCREDIBLY DIFFICULT TO SHIFT AT ALL AND I WAS QUITE FORTUNATE TO HAVE NOT CAUSED ANY ACCIDENTS AS I WAS NOT ON THE HIGHWAY. HAD I BEEN AT HIGH…
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LAST WEEK AS I WAS DRIVING TO WORK, THE CLUTCH PEDAL STARTED FEELING A BIT LOOSE (IE SOFT UNTIL IT WAS DEPRESSED HALF-WAY) AND WAS STICKING TO THE FLOOR WHEN DEPRESSED FULLY. IT BECAME INCREDIBLY DIFFICULT TO SHIFT AT ALL AND I WAS QUITE FORTUNATE TO HAVE NOT CAUSED ANY ACCIDENTS AS I WAS NOT ON THE HIGHWAY. HAD I BEEN AT HIGHER SPEED AND BEEN FOR EXAMPLE ATTEMPTING TO PASS SOMEONE AND THE PEDAL WOULD HAVE FAILED IN THE SAME WAY, MUCH MORE SERIOUS CONSEQUENCES WOULD HAVE OCCURRED. IT THEN BECAME IMPOSSIBLE TO SHIFT INTO 1ST GEAR ON A COLD MORNING UNTIL I HAD PUMPED THE CLUTCH FOR AWHILE AND LET THE CAR WARM UP. ONCE I HAD DONE THIS, I COULD SOMETIMES SHIFT WITH NO PROBLEMS, BUT THE PEDAL WOULD STILL STICK TO THE FLOOR MOST OF THE TIME MAKING ME HAVE TO PULL IT BACK UP WITH MY FOOT. AFTER CALLING THE LOCAL DEALER, I FOUND THAT SUBARU HAS IDENTIFIED THIS AS AN ISSUE WITH MY CAR AND HAS ISSUED A SERVICE BULLETIN (TSB# 03-52-03) CONFIRMING THAT A HOSE FAILURE IS AT FAULT. SUBARU WILL NOT REPLACE MY HOSE FREE OF CHARGE BECAUSE I AM OUT OF THE WARRANTY PERIOD. CONSIDERING THE QUICK ONSET OF THIS PROBLEM AND THE POTENTIAL HAZARD TO THE DRIVER AND OTHERS, IT WOULD SEEM THAT SUBARU SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR REPLACING THE OFFENDING HOSE WITH ONE THAT WILL NOT FAIL FREE OF CHARGE REGARDLESS OF WARRANTY STATUS.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10050959
23,000 miles · Oct 10, 2003
Power Train
WAS DRIVING THE SUBARU WRX IN A NORMAL FASHION WHEN THE TRANSMISSION LOCKED UP. AFTER HAVING IT TOWED TO CLASSIC SUBARU, THEY OPENED IT UP AND 2ND GEAR WAS STRIPPED OF ALL THE TEETH. THEY WILL NOT FIX IT UNDER WARRANTY CLAIMING IT WAS ABUSED. THIS IS NOT TRUE. THERE ARE A LARGE NUMBER OF THESE TRANSMISSIONS THAT ARE STRIPPING OU…
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WAS DRIVING THE SUBARU WRX IN A NORMAL FASHION WHEN THE TRANSMISSION LOCKED UP. AFTER HAVING IT TOWED TO CLASSIC SUBARU, THEY OPENED IT UP AND 2ND GEAR WAS STRIPPED OF ALL THE TEETH. THEY WILL NOT FIX IT UNDER WARRANTY CLAIMING IT WAS ABUSED. THIS IS NOT TRUE. THERE ARE A LARGE NUMBER OF THESE TRANSMISSIONS THAT ARE STRIPPING OUT OBVIOUSLY BECAUSE THEY ARE ENGINEERED INCORRECTLY. THERE IS NO WAY THEY CAN PROVE ABUSE. THE CAR WAS ONLY TRAVELING 10MPH WHEN IT HAPPENED. THE CAR ONLY HAS 23,000 MILES ON IT. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY HAZARD BECAUSE OF NOT BEING ABLE TO MOVE THE CAR AT ALL WHEN THIS HAPPENS. *LA
NHTSA ODI #10041586
Official recalls
1Dec 4, 2009
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
5EA09011 · Fuel Line Leak
Opened Jul 2, 2009 · Closed Dec 14, 2009
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
THE DESIGN OF THE FUEL LINE (METAL RAIL/RUBBER HOSE INTERFACE) IS SUSCEPTIBLE TO FUEL ODOR AND/OR SEEPAGE IN EXTREME COLD TEMPERATURE CONDITIONS.OWNERS MOST OFTEN NOTICED FUEL ODOR IN THE OCCUPANT COMPARTMENT AREA DURING INITIAL COLD ENGINE START-UP.ONCE THE ENGINE IS WARMED, THE ODOR/SEEPAGE ISSUE DISSIPATES.FROM SUBARU'S DATA, ODI NOTES THAT THE INCIDENT RATES ARE HIGHER IN STATES WITH COLDER TEMPERATURES.THERE WAS ONE ALLEGATION OF A FIRE INCIDENT IN WHICH THE OWNER HAD REPORTED THAT HE NOTICED FUEL ODOR A FEW DAYS EARLIER, BUT ODI COULD NOT CONFIRM THE ORIGIN OF THE FIRE. TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE, SUBARU WILL REPLACE THE FUEL LINE WITH A LONGER RUBBER HOSE SEGMENT VERSION/DESIGN ON 5,724 MY 2002-2003 VEHICLES BUILT THROUGH SEPTEMBER 12, 2002 IN 16 STATES (AK, CO, IA, ID, ME, MI, MN, MT, ND, NE, NH, NY, SD, VT, WI & WY).IN ADDITION, SUBARU WILL EXTEND THE WARRANTY COVERAGE TO 12 YEARS/UNLIMITED MILEAGE ON VEHICLES IN THE REMAINING 34 STATES.THIS ENGINEERING ANALYSIS IS CLOSED (SEE RECALL CAMPAIGN 09V-468)
PE09017 · Fuel Line Leak
Opened Mar 10, 2009 · Closed Jul 2, 2009
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Fuel System, Gasoline; Fuel System, Gasoline:carburetor System; Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery; Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump; Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings; Fuel System, Gasoline:fuel Injection System; Fuel System, Gasoline:fuel Injection System:fuel Rail; Fuel System, Gasoline:fuel Injection System:injectors; Fuel System, Other; Fuel System, Other:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings; Fuel System, Other:fuel Injection System
COMPLAINANTS REPORT FUEL LEAKAGE MOST FREQUENTLY IN WINTER DURING INITIAL COLD ENGINE STARTUP.OWNERS WILL EITHER NOTICE A FUEL ODOR INSIDE THE OCCUPANT COMPARTMENT OR FUEL ODOR/LEAKAGE AT THE FUEL LINES ON THE RIGHT SIDE ATOP THE ENGINE. ONCE THE ENGINE HAS WARMED, THE ODOR/LEAKAGE MAY CEASE.SUBARU REVISED THE FUEL PIPE/HOSE DESIGN FOR MODEL YEAR (MY) 2003-04 WRX VEHICLES PRODUCED AFTER AUGUST 2003.SUBARU ALSO INTRODUCED A MY 2004 IMPREZA STI VEHICLE WITH A DIFFERENT ENGINE AND FUEL PIPE/HOSE LAYOUT.OUT OF THE TOTAL OF 994 COMPLAINTS, 944 CONCERN MY 2002-03 WRX VEHICLES BUILT THROUGH AUGUST 2003.SUBARU ALSO REPORTS ONE FIRE ON A MY 2002 WRX VEHICLE THAT OCCURRED IN FEBRUARY 2006.IN MARCH 2009, ODI INSPECTED AND VIDEO TAPED A MY 2002 WRX VEHICLE WITH A FUEL LEAK DURING COLD ENGINE START UP.THE VIDEO WAS PROVIDED TO SUBARU AND IS IN THE INVESTIGATION FILE. THIS INVESTIGATION IS BEING UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA09-011) TO FURTHER STUDY THIS ISSUE.
Additional source detail variants (11)
Fuel System, Gasoline:carburetor System
COMPLAINANTS REPORT FUEL LEAKAGE MOST FREQUENTLY IN WINTER DURING INITIAL COLD ENGINE STARTUP.OWNERS WILL EITHER NOTICE A FUEL ODOR INSIDE THE OCCUPANT COMPARTMENT OR FUEL ODOR/LEAKAGE AT THE FUEL LINES ON THE RIGHT SIDE ATOP THE ENGINE. ONCE THE ENGINE HAS WARMED, THE ODOR/LEAKAGE MAY CEASE.SUBARU REVISED THE FUEL PIPE/HOSE DESIGN FOR MODEL YEAR (MY) 2003-04 WRX VEHICLES PRODUCED AFTER AUGUST 2003.SUBARU ALSO INTRODUCED A MY 2004 IMPREZA STI VEHICLE WITH A DIFFERENT ENGINE AND FUEL PIPE/HOSE LAYOUT.OUT OF THE TOTAL OF 994 COMPLAINTS, 944 CONCERN MY 2002-03 WRX VEHICLES BUILT THROUGH AUGUST 2003.SUBARU ALSO REPORTS ONE FIRE ON A MY 2002 WRX VEHICLE THAT OCCURRED IN FEBRUARY 2006.IN MARCH 2009, ODI INSPECTED AND VIDEO TAPED A MY 2002 WRX VEHICLE WITH A FUEL LEAK DURING COLD ENGINE START UP.THE VIDEO WAS PROVIDED TO SUBARU AND IS IN THE INVESTIGATION FILE. THIS INVESTIGATION IS BEING UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA09-011) TO FURTHER STUDY THIS ISSUE.
Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump
COMPLAINANTS REPORT FUEL LEAKAGE MOST FREQUENTLY IN WINTER DURING INITIAL COLD ENGINE STARTUP.OWNERS WILL EITHER NOTICE A FUEL ODOR INSIDE THE OCCUPANT COMPARTMENT OR FUEL ODOR/LEAKAGE AT THE FUEL LINES ON THE RIGHT SIDE ATOP THE ENGINE. ONCE THE ENGINE HAS WARMED, THE ODOR/LEAKAGE MAY CEASE.SUBARU REVISED THE FUEL PIPE/HOSE DESIGN FOR MODEL YEAR (MY) 2003-04 WRX VEHICLES PRODUCED AFTER AUGUST 2003.SUBARU ALSO INTRODUCED A MY 2004 IMPREZA STI VEHICLE WITH A DIFFERENT ENGINE AND FUEL PIPE/HOSE LAYOUT.OUT OF THE TOTAL OF 994 COMPLAINTS, 944 CONCERN MY 2002-03 WRX VEHICLES BUILT THROUGH AUGUST 2003.SUBARU ALSO REPORTS ONE FIRE ON A MY 2002 WRX VEHICLE THAT OCCURRED IN FEBRUARY 2006.IN MARCH 2009, ODI INSPECTED AND VIDEO TAPED A MY 2002 WRX VEHICLE WITH A FUEL LEAK DURING COLD ENGINE START UP.THE VIDEO WAS PROVIDED TO SUBARU AND IS IN THE INVESTIGATION FILE. THIS INVESTIGATION IS BEING UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA09-011) TO FURTHER STUDY THIS ISSUE.
Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
COMPLAINANTS REPORT FUEL LEAKAGE MOST FREQUENTLY IN WINTER DURING INITIAL COLD ENGINE STARTUP.OWNERS WILL EITHER NOTICE A FUEL ODOR INSIDE THE OCCUPANT COMPARTMENT OR FUEL ODOR/LEAKAGE AT THE FUEL LINES ON THE RIGHT SIDE ATOP THE ENGINE. ONCE THE ENGINE HAS WARMED, THE ODOR/LEAKAGE MAY CEASE.SUBARU REVISED THE FUEL PIPE/HOSE DESIGN FOR MODEL YEAR (MY) 2003-04 WRX VEHICLES PRODUCED AFTER AUGUST 2003.SUBARU ALSO INTRODUCED A MY 2004 IMPREZA STI VEHICLE WITH A DIFFERENT ENGINE AND FUEL PIPE/HOSE LAYOUT.OUT OF THE TOTAL OF 994 COMPLAINTS, 944 CONCERN MY 2002-03 WRX VEHICLES BUILT THROUGH AUGUST 2003.SUBARU ALSO REPORTS ONE FIRE ON A MY 2002 WRX VEHICLE THAT OCCURRED IN FEBRUARY 2006.IN MARCH 2009, ODI INSPECTED AND VIDEO TAPED A MY 2002 WRX VEHICLE WITH A FUEL LEAK DURING COLD ENGINE START UP.THE VIDEO WAS PROVIDED TO SUBARU AND IS IN THE INVESTIGATION FILE. THIS INVESTIGATION IS BEING UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA09-011) TO FURTHER STUDY THIS ISSUE.
Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery
COMPLAINANTS REPORT FUEL LEAKAGE MOST FREQUENTLY IN WINTER DURING INITIAL COLD ENGINE STARTUP.OWNERS WILL EITHER NOTICE A FUEL ODOR INSIDE THE OCCUPANT COMPARTMENT OR FUEL ODOR/LEAKAGE AT THE FUEL LINES ON THE RIGHT SIDE ATOP THE ENGINE. ONCE THE ENGINE HAS WARMED, THE ODOR/LEAKAGE MAY CEASE.SUBARU REVISED THE FUEL PIPE/HOSE DESIGN FOR MODEL YEAR (MY) 2003-04 WRX VEHICLES PRODUCED AFTER AUGUST 2003.SUBARU ALSO INTRODUCED A MY 2004 IMPREZA STI VEHICLE WITH A DIFFERENT ENGINE AND FUEL PIPE/HOSE LAYOUT.OUT OF THE TOTAL OF 994 COMPLAINTS, 944 CONCERN MY 2002-03 WRX VEHICLES BUILT THROUGH AUGUST 2003.SUBARU ALSO REPORTS ONE FIRE ON A MY 2002 WRX VEHICLE THAT OCCURRED IN FEBRUARY 2006.IN MARCH 2009, ODI INSPECTED AND VIDEO TAPED A MY 2002 WRX VEHICLE WITH A FUEL LEAK DURING COLD ENGINE START UP.THE VIDEO WAS PROVIDED TO SUBARU AND IS IN THE INVESTIGATION FILE. THIS INVESTIGATION IS BEING UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA09-011) TO FURTHER STUDY THIS ISSUE.
Fuel System, Gasoline:fuel Injection System:fuel Rail
COMPLAINANTS REPORT FUEL LEAKAGE MOST FREQUENTLY IN WINTER DURING INITIAL COLD ENGINE STARTUP.OWNERS WILL EITHER NOTICE A FUEL ODOR INSIDE THE OCCUPANT COMPARTMENT OR FUEL ODOR/LEAKAGE AT THE FUEL LINES ON THE RIGHT SIDE ATOP THE ENGINE. ONCE THE ENGINE HAS WARMED, THE ODOR/LEAKAGE MAY CEASE.SUBARU REVISED THE FUEL PIPE/HOSE DESIGN FOR MODEL YEAR (MY) 2003-04 WRX VEHICLES PRODUCED AFTER AUGUST 2003.SUBARU ALSO INTRODUCED A MY 2004 IMPREZA STI VEHICLE WITH A DIFFERENT ENGINE AND FUEL PIPE/HOSE LAYOUT.OUT OF THE TOTAL OF 994 COMPLAINTS, 944 CONCERN MY 2002-03 WRX VEHICLES BUILT THROUGH AUGUST 2003.SUBARU ALSO REPORTS ONE FIRE ON A MY 2002 WRX VEHICLE THAT OCCURRED IN FEBRUARY 2006.IN MARCH 2009, ODI INSPECTED AND VIDEO TAPED A MY 2002 WRX VEHICLE WITH A FUEL LEAK DURING COLD ENGINE START UP.THE VIDEO WAS PROVIDED TO SUBARU AND IS IN THE INVESTIGATION FILE. THIS INVESTIGATION IS BEING UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA09-011) TO FURTHER STUDY THIS ISSUE.
Fuel System, Gasoline:fuel Injection System:injectors
COMPLAINANTS REPORT FUEL LEAKAGE MOST FREQUENTLY IN WINTER DURING INITIAL COLD ENGINE STARTUP.OWNERS WILL EITHER NOTICE A FUEL ODOR INSIDE THE OCCUPANT COMPARTMENT OR FUEL ODOR/LEAKAGE AT THE FUEL LINES ON THE RIGHT SIDE ATOP THE ENGINE. ONCE THE ENGINE HAS WARMED, THE ODOR/LEAKAGE MAY CEASE.SUBARU REVISED THE FUEL PIPE/HOSE DESIGN FOR MODEL YEAR (MY) 2003-04 WRX VEHICLES PRODUCED AFTER AUGUST 2003.SUBARU ALSO INTRODUCED A MY 2004 IMPREZA STI VEHICLE WITH A DIFFERENT ENGINE AND FUEL PIPE/HOSE LAYOUT.OUT OF THE TOTAL OF 994 COMPLAINTS, 944 CONCERN MY 2002-03 WRX VEHICLES BUILT THROUGH AUGUST 2003.SUBARU ALSO REPORTS ONE FIRE ON A MY 2002 WRX VEHICLE THAT OCCURRED IN FEBRUARY 2006.IN MARCH 2009, ODI INSPECTED AND VIDEO TAPED A MY 2002 WRX VEHICLE WITH A FUEL LEAK DURING COLD ENGINE START UP.THE VIDEO WAS PROVIDED TO SUBARU AND IS IN THE INVESTIGATION FILE. THIS INVESTIGATION IS BEING UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA09-011) TO FURTHER STUDY THIS ISSUE.
Fuel System, Gasoline:fuel Injection System
COMPLAINANTS REPORT FUEL LEAKAGE MOST FREQUENTLY IN WINTER DURING INITIAL COLD ENGINE STARTUP.OWNERS WILL EITHER NOTICE A FUEL ODOR INSIDE THE OCCUPANT COMPARTMENT OR FUEL ODOR/LEAKAGE AT THE FUEL LINES ON THE RIGHT SIDE ATOP THE ENGINE. ONCE THE ENGINE HAS WARMED, THE ODOR/LEAKAGE MAY CEASE.SUBARU REVISED THE FUEL PIPE/HOSE DESIGN FOR MODEL YEAR (MY) 2003-04 WRX VEHICLES PRODUCED AFTER AUGUST 2003.SUBARU ALSO INTRODUCED A MY 2004 IMPREZA STI VEHICLE WITH A DIFFERENT ENGINE AND FUEL PIPE/HOSE LAYOUT.OUT OF THE TOTAL OF 994 COMPLAINTS, 944 CONCERN MY 2002-03 WRX VEHICLES BUILT THROUGH AUGUST 2003.SUBARU ALSO REPORTS ONE FIRE ON A MY 2002 WRX VEHICLE THAT OCCURRED IN FEBRUARY 2006.IN MARCH 2009, ODI INSPECTED AND VIDEO TAPED A MY 2002 WRX VEHICLE WITH A FUEL LEAK DURING COLD ENGINE START UP.THE VIDEO WAS PROVIDED TO SUBARU AND IS IN THE INVESTIGATION FILE. THIS INVESTIGATION IS BEING UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA09-011) TO FURTHER STUDY THIS ISSUE.
Fuel System, Gasoline
COMPLAINANTS REPORT FUEL LEAKAGE MOST FREQUENTLY IN WINTER DURING INITIAL COLD ENGINE STARTUP.OWNERS WILL EITHER NOTICE A FUEL ODOR INSIDE THE OCCUPANT COMPARTMENT OR FUEL ODOR/LEAKAGE AT THE FUEL LINES ON THE RIGHT SIDE ATOP THE ENGINE. ONCE THE ENGINE HAS WARMED, THE ODOR/LEAKAGE MAY CEASE.SUBARU REVISED THE FUEL PIPE/HOSE DESIGN FOR MODEL YEAR (MY) 2003-04 WRX VEHICLES PRODUCED AFTER AUGUST 2003.SUBARU ALSO INTRODUCED A MY 2004 IMPREZA STI VEHICLE WITH A DIFFERENT ENGINE AND FUEL PIPE/HOSE LAYOUT.OUT OF THE TOTAL OF 994 COMPLAINTS, 944 CONCERN MY 2002-03 WRX VEHICLES BUILT THROUGH AUGUST 2003.SUBARU ALSO REPORTS ONE FIRE ON A MY 2002 WRX VEHICLE THAT OCCURRED IN FEBRUARY 2006.IN MARCH 2009, ODI INSPECTED AND VIDEO TAPED A MY 2002 WRX VEHICLE WITH A FUEL LEAK DURING COLD ENGINE START UP.THE VIDEO WAS PROVIDED TO SUBARU AND IS IN THE INVESTIGATION FILE. THIS INVESTIGATION IS BEING UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA09-011) TO FURTHER STUDY THIS ISSUE.
Fuel System, Other:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
COMPLAINANTS REPORT FUEL LEAKAGE MOST FREQUENTLY IN WINTER DURING INITIAL COLD ENGINE STARTUP.OWNERS WILL EITHER NOTICE A FUEL ODOR INSIDE THE OCCUPANT COMPARTMENT OR FUEL ODOR/LEAKAGE AT THE FUEL LINES ON THE RIGHT SIDE ATOP THE ENGINE. ONCE THE ENGINE HAS WARMED, THE ODOR/LEAKAGE MAY CEASE.SUBARU REVISED THE FUEL PIPE/HOSE DESIGN FOR MODEL YEAR (MY) 2003-04 WRX VEHICLES PRODUCED AFTER AUGUST 2003.SUBARU ALSO INTRODUCED A MY 2004 IMPREZA STI VEHICLE WITH A DIFFERENT ENGINE AND FUEL PIPE/HOSE LAYOUT.OUT OF THE TOTAL OF 994 COMPLAINTS, 944 CONCERN MY 2002-03 WRX VEHICLES BUILT THROUGH AUGUST 2003.SUBARU ALSO REPORTS ONE FIRE ON A MY 2002 WRX VEHICLE THAT OCCURRED IN FEBRUARY 2006.IN MARCH 2009, ODI INSPECTED AND VIDEO TAPED A MY 2002 WRX VEHICLE WITH A FUEL LEAK DURING COLD ENGINE START UP.THE VIDEO WAS PROVIDED TO SUBARU AND IS IN THE INVESTIGATION FILE. THIS INVESTIGATION IS BEING UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA09-011) TO FURTHER STUDY THIS ISSUE.
Fuel System, Other:fuel Injection System
COMPLAINANTS REPORT FUEL LEAKAGE MOST FREQUENTLY IN WINTER DURING INITIAL COLD ENGINE STARTUP.OWNERS WILL EITHER NOTICE A FUEL ODOR INSIDE THE OCCUPANT COMPARTMENT OR FUEL ODOR/LEAKAGE AT THE FUEL LINES ON THE RIGHT SIDE ATOP THE ENGINE. ONCE THE ENGINE HAS WARMED, THE ODOR/LEAKAGE MAY CEASE.SUBARU REVISED THE FUEL PIPE/HOSE DESIGN FOR MODEL YEAR (MY) 2003-04 WRX VEHICLES PRODUCED AFTER AUGUST 2003.SUBARU ALSO INTRODUCED A MY 2004 IMPREZA STI VEHICLE WITH A DIFFERENT ENGINE AND FUEL PIPE/HOSE LAYOUT.OUT OF THE TOTAL OF 994 COMPLAINTS, 944 CONCERN MY 2002-03 WRX VEHICLES BUILT THROUGH AUGUST 2003.SUBARU ALSO REPORTS ONE FIRE ON A MY 2002 WRX VEHICLE THAT OCCURRED IN FEBRUARY 2006.IN MARCH 2009, ODI INSPECTED AND VIDEO TAPED A MY 2002 WRX VEHICLE WITH A FUEL LEAK DURING COLD ENGINE START UP.THE VIDEO WAS PROVIDED TO SUBARU AND IS IN THE INVESTIGATION FILE. THIS INVESTIGATION IS BEING UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA09-011) TO FURTHER STUDY THIS ISSUE.
Fuel System, Other
COMPLAINANTS REPORT FUEL LEAKAGE MOST FREQUENTLY IN WINTER DURING INITIAL COLD ENGINE STARTUP.OWNERS WILL EITHER NOTICE A FUEL ODOR INSIDE THE OCCUPANT COMPARTMENT OR FUEL ODOR/LEAKAGE AT THE FUEL LINES ON THE RIGHT SIDE ATOP THE ENGINE. ONCE THE ENGINE HAS WARMED, THE ODOR/LEAKAGE MAY CEASE.SUBARU REVISED THE FUEL PIPE/HOSE DESIGN FOR MODEL YEAR (MY) 2003-04 WRX VEHICLES PRODUCED AFTER AUGUST 2003.SUBARU ALSO INTRODUCED A MY 2004 IMPREZA STI VEHICLE WITH A DIFFERENT ENGINE AND FUEL PIPE/HOSE LAYOUT.OUT OF THE TOTAL OF 994 COMPLAINTS, 944 CONCERN MY 2002-03 WRX VEHICLES BUILT THROUGH AUGUST 2003.SUBARU ALSO REPORTS ONE FIRE ON A MY 2002 WRX VEHICLE THAT OCCURRED IN FEBRUARY 2006.IN MARCH 2009, ODI INSPECTED AND VIDEO TAPED A MY 2002 WRX VEHICLE WITH A FUEL LEAK DURING COLD ENGINE START UP.THE VIDEO WAS PROVIDED TO SUBARU AND IS IN THE INVESTIGATION FILE. THIS INVESTIGATION IS BEING UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA09-011) TO FURTHER STUDY THIS ISSUE.
PE04002 · Fuel Line Leakage In Engine Compartment
Opened Jan 7, 2004 · Closed May 27, 2004
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Fuel System, Gasoline; Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
SUBARU REPORTS THAT THE FUEL ODOR IS CAUSED BY FUEL SEEPAGE DURING COLD START OF THE ENGINE UNDER EXTREMELY COLD TEMPERATURES. THE LEAK OCCURS IN A FUEL LINE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.IT REPORTS THAT THE FAILURE IS DUE TO THE MISALIGNED ANGLE BETWEEN TWO FUEL DELIVERY LINES WHICH RESULTED IN SUCH FUEL SEEPAGE DURING THE FIRST FEW SECONDS OF COLD ENGINE START DURING THESE COLD TEMPERATURES.SUBARU REPORTS THAT THE TWO FUEL LINES ARE CONNECTED WITH A HOSE THAT BECOMES TOO STIFF IN VERY COLD TEMPERATURES TO CONFORM TO THE MISALIGNMENT. SUBARU HAS ISSUED A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN (SUBARU SERVICE BULLETIN NUMBER 09-36-03) TO REPLACE THE FUEL LINES WITH NEW LINES THAT ARE PROPERLY ALIGNED AND THAT HAVE A LONGER CONNECTING HOSE.ODI PHONE CALLS TO MANY OF THE COMPLAINANTS CONFIRM THAT FUEL ODOR IS NOTICABLE DURING VERY COLD TEMPERATURES AND COLD START BUT GOES AWAY AS THE ENGINE WARMS UP, AND THE ODOR IS NOT PRESENT IN WARMER TEMPERATURES. A FEW OWNERS REPORT THAT ATTEMPTS TO ELIMINATE THE LEAKAGE BY TIGHTENING THE CONNECTING HOSE CLAMPS IS NOT EFFECTIVE IN ELIMINATING THE FUEL ODOR.A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY WILL MONITOR THIS ISSUE AND RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
SUBARU REPORTS THAT THE FUEL ODOR IS CAUSED BY FUEL SEEPAGE DURING COLD START OF THE ENGINE UNDER EXTREMELY COLD TEMPERATURES. THE LEAK OCCURS IN A FUEL LINE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.IT REPORTS THAT THE FAILURE IS DUE TO THE MISALIGNED ANGLE BETWEEN TWO FUEL DELIVERY LINES WHICH RESULTED IN SUCH FUEL SEEPAGE DURING THE FIRST FEW SECONDS OF COLD ENGINE START DURING THESE COLD TEMPERATURES.SUBARU REPORTS THAT THE TWO FUEL LINES ARE CONNECTED WITH A HOSE THAT BECOMES TOO STIFF IN VERY COLD TEMPERATURES TO CONFORM TO THE MISALIGNMENT. SUBARU HAS ISSUED A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN (SUBARU SERVICE BULLETIN NUMBER 09-36-03) TO REPLACE THE FUEL LINES WITH NEW LINES THAT ARE PROPERLY ALIGNED AND THAT HAVE A LONGER CONNECTING HOSE.ODI PHONE CALLS TO MANY OF THE COMPLAINANTS CONFIRM THAT FUEL ODOR IS NOTICABLE DURING VERY COLD TEMPERATURES AND COLD START BUT GOES AWAY AS THE ENGINE WARMS UP, AND THE ODOR IS NOT PRESENT IN WARMER TEMPERATURES. A FEW OWNERS REPORT THAT ATTEMPTS TO ELIMINATE THE LEAKAGE BY TIGHTENING THE CONNECTING HOSE CLAMPS IS NOT EFFECTIVE IN ELIMINATING THE FUEL ODOR.A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY WILL MONITOR THIS ISSUE AND RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.
Fuel System, Gasoline
SUBARU REPORTS THAT THE FUEL ODOR IS CAUSED BY FUEL SEEPAGE DURING COLD START OF THE ENGINE UNDER EXTREMELY COLD TEMPERATURES. THE LEAK OCCURS IN A FUEL LINE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.IT REPORTS THAT THE FAILURE IS DUE TO THE MISALIGNED ANGLE BETWEEN TWO FUEL DELIVERY LINES WHICH RESULTED IN SUCH FUEL SEEPAGE DURING THE FIRST FEW SECONDS OF COLD ENGINE START DURING THESE COLD TEMPERATURES.SUBARU REPORTS THAT THE TWO FUEL LINES ARE CONNECTED WITH A HOSE THAT BECOMES TOO STIFF IN VERY COLD TEMPERATURES TO CONFORM TO THE MISALIGNMENT. SUBARU HAS ISSUED A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN (SUBARU SERVICE BULLETIN NUMBER 09-36-03) TO REPLACE THE FUEL LINES WITH NEW LINES THAT ARE PROPERLY ALIGNED AND THAT HAVE A LONGER CONNECTING HOSE.ODI PHONE CALLS TO MANY OF THE COMPLAINANTS CONFIRM THAT FUEL ODOR IS NOTICABLE DURING VERY COLD TEMPERATURES AND COLD START BUT GOES AWAY AS THE ENGINE WARMS UP, AND THE ODOR IS NOT PRESENT IN WARMER TEMPERATURES. A FEW OWNERS REPORT THAT ATTEMPTS TO ELIMINATE THE LEAKAGE BY TIGHTENING THE CONNECTING HOSE CLAMPS IS NOT EFFECTIVE IN ELIMINATING THE FUEL ODOR.A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY WILL MONITOR THIS ISSUE AND RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.
EA03024 · Extended Stopping Distances
Opened Nov 19, 2003 · Closed Jul 12, 2005
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip
DURING THE EA, ODI AND VRTC PERFORMED THE FOLLOWING ACTIVITIES:1.CONDUCTED A MAIL SURVEY OF 246 SUBJECT VEHICLE OWNERS TODETERMINE THE ROADWAY SURFACE THAT CAUSED OWNERS' CONCERN;2.INTERVIEWED COMPLAINING OWNERS;3.CONDUCTED FIELD INSPECTIONS OF SEVEN (7) COMPLAINT VEHICLES;4.INSTRUMENTED TESTING AT VRTC OF COMPLAINT AND PEER VEHICLES;5.REVIEWED SUBARU'S RESPONSE TO OUR INFORMATION REQUEST;6.MET WITH SUBARU FOR TECHNICAL REVIEW OF TESTINGAS A RESULT OF THE WORK CONDUCTED BY VRTC AND ODI DURING THIS INVESTIGAITON, A CONSISTENT OR CHRONIC PATTERN OF POOR BRAKE PERFORMANCE HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED.VRTC CONDUCTED OVER 11,500 BRAKE TESTS.THEY DID NOT OBSERVE ANY LONG-DURATION, LOW DECELERATION EVENTS (SOME OWNERS REPORTED DELAYS OF 4 TO 10 SECONDS) IN THE TEST VEHICLES.SEE ODI'S CLOSING REPORT AND VRTC'S TEST REPORT FOR FULL DETAILS
PE03029 · Braking System/abs
Opened Jul 8, 2003 · Closed Nov 19, 2003
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip
SUBARU'S SUPPLEMENTAL RESPONSE OF SEPTEMBER 29, 2003, IDENTIFIED THAT THE 2002, 2003 SUBARU WRX MODELS AREEQUIPPED WITH THE BOSCH 5.3 ABS SYSTEM, AND IDENTIFIED THAT OTHER MODEL SUBARU VEHICLES ARE ALSO EQUIPPED WITH THE BOSCH 5.3 ABS SYSTEM, BUT HAVE DIFFERENT CALIBRATIONS THAN THE WRX MODEL VEHICLES.SUBARU IDENTIFIED THAT CHANGES WERE MADE IN THE ABS ECU TO ADDRESS A CALIBRATION LOGIC ISSUE WHEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE WITH THE SPARE TIRE MOUNTED.SUBARU REPORTED THAT BOTH THE ABS HYDRAULIC UNIT AND THE ABS ECU WERE MODIFIED, AND GAVE VIN NUMBERS TO IDENTIFY THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE MODIFIED UNITS IN PRODUCTION. TESTING IS UNDERWAY TO GAIN AN UNDERSTANDING OF THE WRX VEHICLE PERFORMANCE DURING AN ABS ACTIVATION.FUTHER, ANALYSIS OFTHE DIFFERENCES IN VEHICLE PERFORMANCE RESULTING FROM ABS SOFTWARE CHANGES WILL BE EXAMINED.
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