NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
427 reportsMileage unknown · May 28, 2009
Fuel System, GasolineFire
IN FEB OF 2006 I BEGAN SMELLING A SLIGHT FUEL ODOR IN MY 2002 SUBARU WRX. A FEW DAYS AFTER I NOTICED THIS I CAME HOME AND WAS GOING TO TRY AND FIND THE SOURCE OF THE SMELL, IT HAD SLIGHTLY WORSENED OVER THOSE DAYS. I PULLED IN MY DRIVEWAY, OPENED THE HOOD AND LOOKED AROUND THE ENGINE FOR A MINUTE, I THEN WENT INTO MY GARAGE TO G…
Read full complaint
IN FEB OF 2006 I BEGAN SMELLING A SLIGHT FUEL ODOR IN MY 2002 SUBARU WRX. A FEW DAYS AFTER I NOTICED THIS I CAME HOME AND WAS GOING TO TRY AND FIND THE SOURCE OF THE SMELL, IT HAD SLIGHTLY WORSENED OVER THOSE DAYS. I PULLED IN MY DRIVEWAY, OPENED THE HOOD AND LOOKED AROUND THE ENGINE FOR A MINUTE, I THEN WENT INTO MY GARAGE TO GET SOME TOOLS AND A LIGHT. WHILE IN THE GARAGE I HEARD A "WHOOSH" AND WENT OUTSIDE TO SEE WHAT MADE THE NOISE. WHEN I WENT OUTSIDE MY CAR WAS ON FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. I THEN CALLED 911. WHEN THEY FIRE DEPT ARRIVED I INFORMED THEM THAT I HAD AMMUNITION IN THE CAR, AND THEY SAID THEY WOULD HAVE TO WAIT TO PUT IT OUT UNTIL THE AMMO BURNED OFF. AFTER A FEW MINUTES THE FIRE HAD REACHED THE REAR OF THE CAR AND THE AMMO EXPLODED, THE FIRE DEPT THEN PUT THE FIRE OUT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10270234
75,000 miles · Mar 2, 2009
Seat Belts
DRIVER'S SEATBELT OFTEN FAILS TO RETRACT AT TOP, LEAVING SLACK, WHICH SOMETIMES WRAPS ITSELF AROUND THE SEAT ADJUSTMENT LEVER. WHEN PULLING TO ADJUST BELT, LEVER CAN ABRUPTLY LET GO, CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL DUE TO DRIVER SUDDENLY LOSING SUPPORT OF SEAT. IT'S HAPPENED TO ME A FEW TIMES NOW, ALWAYS WITHOUT INCIDENT, AS I TEND TO G…
Read full complaint
DRIVER'S SEATBELT OFTEN FAILS TO RETRACT AT TOP, LEAVING SLACK, WHICH SOMETIMES WRAPS ITSELF AROUND THE SEAT ADJUSTMENT LEVER. WHEN PULLING TO ADJUST BELT, LEVER CAN ABRUPTLY LET GO, CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL DUE TO DRIVER SUDDENLY LOSING SUPPORT OF SEAT. IT'S HAPPENED TO ME A FEW TIMES NOW, ALWAYS WITHOUT INCIDENT, AS I TEND TO GET MY SEATBELT SORTED OUT BEFORE I START DRIVING. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10260453
Mileage unknown · Feb 25, 2009
Fuel System, Gasoline
I DRIVE A 2002 SUBARU WRX IMPREZA, AND IT HAS A GAS LEAK THAT I CAN SMELL INSIDE THE CABIN WHEN ITS COLD OUTSIDE. AFTER DOING RESEARCH I FOUND THAT A LOT OF THE SAME MODEL CARS HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. WHEN IT GETS COLD OUTSIDE THE HARDLINES ON THE ENGINE SHRINK ALLOWING THE SOFTLINES TO SQUIRT GAS ONTO THE ENGINE BLOCK. SUBARU AC…
Read full complaint
I DRIVE A 2002 SUBARU WRX IMPREZA, AND IT HAS A GAS LEAK THAT I CAN SMELL INSIDE THE CABIN WHEN ITS COLD OUTSIDE. AFTER DOING RESEARCH I FOUND THAT A LOT OF THE SAME MODEL CARS HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. WHEN IT GETS COLD OUTSIDE THE HARDLINES ON THE ENGINE SHRINK ALLOWING THE SOFTLINES TO SQUIRT GAS ONTO THE ENGINE BLOCK. SUBARU ACKNOWLEDGES THE PROBLEM BUT CLAIMS ITS NOT A SAFETY ISSUE AND WON'T FIX IT. I FEEL ITS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE DUE TO THE FACT I'M BREATHING IN GAS, AND CAUSE ANY TYPE OF SPARK UNDER THE HOOD OF MY CAR COULD LEAD TO AN EXPLOSION WHEN IM DRIVING. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10259900
Mileage unknown · Feb 16, 2009
Fuel System, Gasoline
SINCE OWNING MY 2002 SUBARU IMPREZA WRX, ON OCCASIONS WHEN THE WEATHER IS COLD AND VEHICLE HEATING IS ACTIVATED, OVERPOWERING FUEL ODORS ARE CONSISTENTLY PRESENT IN THE CABIN AREA. THE ODOR IS PRONOUNCED AND PERSISTENT AND DOES NOT "BURN OFF" EVENTUALLY. UNDER THESE CONDITIONS, IT IS NOT TOLERABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE WITHOUT …
Read full complaint
SINCE OWNING MY 2002 SUBARU IMPREZA WRX, ON OCCASIONS WHEN THE WEATHER IS COLD AND VEHICLE HEATING IS ACTIVATED, OVERPOWERING FUEL ODORS ARE CONSISTENTLY PRESENT IN THE CABIN AREA. THE ODOR IS PRONOUNCED AND PERSISTENT AND DOES NOT "BURN OFF" EVENTUALLY. UNDER THESE CONDITIONS, IT IS NOT TOLERABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE WITHOUT OPENING THE CAR'S WINDOWS TO HELP DIFFUSE THEM. NOT DOING SO WILL GIVE OCCUPANTS SYMPTOMS COMMON TO EXPOSURE TO HEAVY DOSES OF FUELS VAPORTS IN AN ENCLOSED AREA: NAMELY HEADACHES AND NAUSEA. THE ISSUE APPEARS TO BE WELL KNOWN WITHIN THE WRX COMMUNITY, PARTICULARLY WITH THE 2002 MODEL OWNERS AND NHTSA IS AWARE OF SUBARU OF AMERICA'S (SOA) TSB CONCERNING THE PROBLEM. AS I LIVE IN AN AREA WHERE EXTREMELY COLD WEATHER, WHICH SEEMS TO BE ASSOCIATED WITH THE ISSUE, DOES NOT USUALLY OCCUR FOR EXTENSIVE PERIODS OF TIME, I HAD NOT PURSUED THE ISSUE FOR RESOLUTION BY TILL LAST YEAR WHEN THE PROBLEM WAS NOTICED TO BE PREDICTABLY CHRONIC IN THE WINTER SEASON. I CONTACTED SOA VIA EMAIL AT THAT TIME ASKING THEM FOR ADVICE TO RESOLVE THE PROBLEM AND WAS ADVISED TO HAVE A DEALERSHIP INVESTIGATE IT. AS THEY DID NOT INDICATE THIS WOULD BE PAID FOR BY THEM AND I DID NOT HAVE FINANCIAL RESOURCES TO PURSUE THIS INDEPENDENTLY, I DID NOT TAKE THE ISSUE FURTHER. HOWEVER, THE ISSUE IS RECURRING DAILY NOW IN THIS PARTICULARLY COLD WINTER SO I HAVE CONTACTED THEM AGAIN TO FURTHER PURSUE THIS WITH THEM. MY INTERNET RESEARCH, THE TSB AND THE MANY COMPLAINTS ON NHTSAS SITE CONCERNING THE ISSUE SEEM TO SUPPORT THE WRX OWNER COMMUNITY'S PERSPECTIVE THAT THIS IS A DESIGN FLAW AND SHOULD BE REMEDIATED BY SOA, FREE OF OWNER CHARGES, AS A RECALL. WOULD YOU PLEASE ADVISE IF NHTSA WILL BE PURSUING THIS WITH SOA AS A RECALL ISSUE? ALSO, I WAS INTERESTED IN READING THE DETAILED TSBS AVAILABLE ON THIS SITE BUT CANNOT RETRIEVE THEM. SOA CHARGES A FEE TO DOWNLOAD THEM. IS THIS STANDARD INDUSTRY PRACTICE AND IS THERE A WAY I CAN GET THEM FROM NHTSA WITHOUT FEES? *TR
NHTSA ODI #10258751
55,000 miles · Feb 10, 2009
Fuel System, Gasoline
RAW, UNBURNED FUEL SMELL INSIDE VEHICLE AND INSIDE ENGINE COMPARTMENT OF VEHICLE DURING WARM-UP IN COLD WEATHER. SMELL DISSIPATES AFTER DRIVING, BUT RETURNS WHEN VEHICLE IS STOPPED FOR A FEW SECONDS. IT HAPPENS EVERYTIME IT'S VERY COLD OUTSIDE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10258284
87,000 miles · Jan 26, 2009
Fuel System, Gasoline
THIS IS IN REFERENCE TO SUBARU ISSUED TSB 09-36-03 TITLED: "FUEL SMELL IN COLD WEATHER.". THIS PROBLEM IS GOING TO KILL SOMEBODY UNLESS YOU MANDATE A RECALL. I REPORTED THE ISSUE A FEW YEARS AGO AND YOUR INVESTIGATION CONCLUDED IT WAS NOT A SERIOUS PROBLEM. SINCE THEN I'VE DEALT WITH THE FUEL ODOR ON COLD DAYS. THE ODOR NOW OCCU…
Read full complaint
THIS IS IN REFERENCE TO SUBARU ISSUED TSB 09-36-03 TITLED: "FUEL SMELL IN COLD WEATHER.". THIS PROBLEM IS GOING TO KILL SOMEBODY UNLESS YOU MANDATE A RECALL. I REPORTED THE ISSUE A FEW YEARS AGO AND YOUR INVESTIGATION CONCLUDED IT WAS NOT A SERIOUS PROBLEM. SINCE THEN I'VE DEALT WITH THE FUEL ODOR ON COLD DAYS. THE ODOR NOW OCCURS WHEN THE TEMPERATURE IS BELOW 35 F. A COUPLE OF DAYS AGO, THE TEMPS WERE IN THE TEENS F AND THE ODOR GOT REALLY BAD. AFTER DRIVING FOR ABOUT 10 MINUTES, WHITE FUMES STARTED POURING OUT OF THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE HOOD AND FROM THE SCOOP. THERE IS SO MUCH FUEL LEAKING NOW THAT IT'S BEING VAPORIZED INTO A WHITE SMOKE AND SPEWS OUT OF THE ENGINE FOR ABOUT 1 OR 2 MINUTES. I OPENED THE HOOD TO CONFIRM THERE IS NO FIRE, WHICH THERE WAS NOT. BUT THERE WAS AN IMPRESSIVE AMOUNT OF WHITE FUMES WHICH RESEMBLED SMOKE BUT AGAIN, NO FIRE. A FRIEND WHO WAS DRIVING IN ANOTHER CAR, 3 CARS BEHIND ME, REPORTED THAT THE GAS SMELL FROM MY CAR WAS SO BAD THEY HAD TO PULL BACK. AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH, VAPORIZED FUEL WILL IGNITE AT 536 DEGREES F. IT IS VERY POSSIBLE FOR THE TURBO CHARGER ON THIS CAR TO GET THAT HOT AFTER SOME DRIVING. WITH THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT FULL OF WHITE GAS FUMES AND THE CABIN FILL OF A POWERFUL RAW GAS SMELL, IT ONLY STANDS TO REASON THAT THIS COULD CATCH FILE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND THE PASSENGER CABIN. AFTER DOING A SIMPLE SEARCH ON THIS (ODI) WEBSITE FOR BOTH SUBARU WRX, AND SUBARU IMPREZA, LOOKING AT SEVERAL DIFFERENT CATEGORIES (FUEL SYSTEM, FUEL DELIVERY, FUEL RAILS, ECT) I FOUND 286 COMPLAINTS OF THE SAME PROBLEM. ON THE NASIOC SITE, THERE ARE 97 PAGES OF PEOPLE LISTING THE SAME PROBLEM WHICH IS ~1800 POSTS (HTTP://FORUMS.NASIOC.COM/FORUMS/SHOWTHREAD.PHP?T=131755&PAGE=97). THE TSB MENTIONED ABOVE MINIMIZES THE ISSUE BY STATING FUEL LEAKS WITH TEMPS UNDER 14 F. IN MY CAR IT HAPPENS UNDER 35 F FOR THE LENGTH OF MY DRIVE. THIS ISSUES IS GOING TO KILL SOMEBODY AND THERE NEEDS TO BE A RECALL. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10256397
Mileage unknown · Jan 26, 2009
Fuel System, Gasoline
CONSTANT GASOLINE LEAKAGE DURING COLD WEATHER (BELOW TWENTY DEGREES FAHRENHEIT). AFTER DRIVING WITH THE WINDOWS OPEN FOR FORTY FIVE MINUTES, THE CAR STILL REEKED OF GASOLINE. I PULLED INTO THE SUBARU DEALERSHIPS SERVICE AREA CAUSING THE CAR NEXT TO ME TO MOVE BECAUSE OF THE SMELL - BUT THE SERVICE ADVISOR SAID THERE IS NO RECALL…
Read full complaint
CONSTANT GASOLINE LEAKAGE DURING COLD WEATHER (BELOW TWENTY DEGREES FAHRENHEIT). AFTER DRIVING WITH THE WINDOWS OPEN FOR FORTY FIVE MINUTES, THE CAR STILL REEKED OF GASOLINE. I PULLED INTO THE SUBARU DEALERSHIPS SERVICE AREA CAUSING THE CAR NEXT TO ME TO MOVE BECAUSE OF THE SMELL - BUT THE SERVICE ADVISOR SAID THERE IS NO RECALL BUT THEY WERE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM AND THAT IT WOULD COST ABOUT $800 TO FIX, BUT THEY WERE BUSY RIGHT NOW. . . THIS DOES NOT SEEM RIGHT, THIS COULD CAUSE A FIRE, AND GASOLINE IS NOT HEALTHY TO BREATH ESPECIALLY FOR LONG PERIODS OF TIME! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10256360
62,500 miles · Jan 20, 2009
Fuel System, Gasoline
OUR 2002 SUBARU WRX 2.0L TURBO HAS DEVELOPED A FUEL LINE LEAK (HIGH PRESSURE SIDE) BELOW THE INTAKE. A SIMPLE GOOGLE SEARCH REVEALED A SUBARU SERVICE BULLETIN 09-36-03 "FUEL SMELL IN COLD WEATHER" WARNING OF THIS ISSUE WITH THE 2002 2.0L ENGINE. THE PROBLEM IS CLEARLY MUCH MORE THAN A FUEL SMELL. IT IS VERY DANGEROUS LEAK TH…
Read full complaint
OUR 2002 SUBARU WRX 2.0L TURBO HAS DEVELOPED A FUEL LINE LEAK (HIGH PRESSURE SIDE) BELOW THE INTAKE. A SIMPLE GOOGLE SEARCH REVEALED A SUBARU SERVICE BULLETIN 09-36-03 "FUEL SMELL IN COLD WEATHER" WARNING OF THIS ISSUE WITH THE 2002 2.0L ENGINE. THE PROBLEM IS CLEARLY MUCH MORE THAN A FUEL SMELL. IT IS VERY DANGEROUS LEAK THAT WILL EVENTUALLY CAUSE SOMEONE TO BE KILLED IN A FUEL FIRE. THIS IS A FUNDAMENTAL DESIGN FLAW AND A VERY DANGEROUS ONE AT THAT. A RECALL SHOULD HAVE BEEN ISSUED. I'D BE SURPRISED THERE ISN'T PENDING LITIGATION. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10255614
Mileage unknown · Jan 15, 2009
Fuel System, Gasoline
PROBLEM MY 2002 SUBARU IMPREZA WRX WAGON WITH VIN CURRENTLY HAS 89,000 MILES. I STARTED GETTING A STRONG SMELL OF FUEL THROUGH THE VENTS IN NOVEMBER WHEN THE TEMPERATURE STARTED COMING DOWN. LOOKING UNDER THE HOOD, I FOUND NO APPARENT LEAKS BUT THE SMELL WAS STRONG. LOOKING ONLINE FOR SOLUTIONS, I CAME ACROSS NUMEROUS FORUMS A…
Read full complaint
PROBLEM MY 2002 SUBARU IMPREZA WRX WAGON WITH VIN CURRENTLY HAS 89,000 MILES. I STARTED GETTING A STRONG SMELL OF FUEL THROUGH THE VENTS IN NOVEMBER WHEN THE TEMPERATURE STARTED COMING DOWN. LOOKING UNDER THE HOOD, I FOUND NO APPARENT LEAKS BUT THE SMELL WAS STRONG. LOOKING ONLINE FOR SOLUTIONS, I CAME ACROSS NUMEROUS FORUMS ADDRESSING THIS ISSUE. MOST NOTABLY THIS ONE: HTTP://FORUMS.NASIOC.COM/FORUMS/SHOWTHREAD.PHP?S=&THREADID=138069&HIGHLIGHT=FUEL+SMELL. I ALSO FOUND SUBARU SERVICE BULLETIN 09-36-03 DATED 04/01/03. SUBARU SERVICE BULLETIN 09-36-03 THIS BULLETIN STATES: SOME 2002 MODEL IMPREZA WRX (2.0L TURBO) MAY EXPERIENCE A FUEL SMELL IN COLD WEATHER (TEMPERATURE <14 DEGREES F) FROM THE RUBBER HOSE CONNECTOR, LOCATED UNDER THE INTAKE MANIFOLD, BETWEEN TWO DIRECT FUEL-FEED METAL LINES TO THE INJECTORS. THE CHANGING OF THE PIPE AND HOSE SIZE WAS ADOPTED, STARTING WITH ENGINE NUMBER 673467 TO BETTER ALIGN THE TWO FUEL LINES. THIS WAS ACCOMPLISHED BY SHORTENING THE FUEL PIPE AND LENGTHENING THE HOSE BOTH BY 30MM. TO COMPLETE THIS SERVICE PROCEDURE, YOU MUST REPLACE THE FUEL PIPE ASSEMBLY AND HOSE AS A SET. READING THIS IT IS EVIDENT OF THE FOLLOWING CONCLUSIONS: THERE IS A DESIGN FLAW IN SOME 2002 MODEL IMPREZA WRXS THIS DESIGN FLAW IS EVIDENT IN THE FACT THAT IT WAS APPARENTLY CHANGED FOR FUTURE MODELS AFTER THE PROBLEM WAS REALIZED. USING THE SUBARU SERVICE BULLETIN AND THE ONLINE FORUMS, I WAS ABLE TO LOCATE A FUEL LEAK IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AT THE LOCATION DETERMINED. THIS FUEL LEAK WAS FURTHER CONFIRMED BY A SUBARU DEALER AFTER ASKED BY SUBARU OF AMERICA TO GET IT LOOKED AT BY ONE OF THEIR DEALERS FOR THEM TO TAKE ACTION ON THIS ISSUE WHILE I WAS STILL WORKING WITH THEM TO GET THIS ISSUE RESOLVED. THIS FUEL LEAK POSES AT LEAST 2 THREATS: 1 FOR A FIRE, AND 2 FOR EXPOSING PASSENGERS TO HAZARDOUS FUMES. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10255215
69,850 miles · Jan 4, 2009
Fuel System, Gasoline
THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT OF MY 2002 SUBARU WRX SMELLS LIKE RAW GASOLINE WHEN I START THE CAR IN COLD TEMPERATURES. I HAVE READ STORIES OF OTHER WRX OWNERS WHO HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM, AND IT IS A LEAKY FUEL LINE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. I AM CONCERNED THAT ONE OF THESE TIMES, THE FUEL IS GOING TO CATCH FIRE AND CAUSE SERIOUS I…
Read full complaint
THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT OF MY 2002 SUBARU WRX SMELLS LIKE RAW GASOLINE WHEN I START THE CAR IN COLD TEMPERATURES. I HAVE READ STORIES OF OTHER WRX OWNERS WHO HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM, AND IT IS A LEAKY FUEL LINE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. I AM CONCERNED THAT ONE OF THESE TIMES, THE FUEL IS GOING TO CATCH FIRE AND CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY TO MYSELF AND MY PASSENGERS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10253737
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.
Illustration