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2002 Subaru Wrx

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

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There is not enough comparable history to draw a useful model-year comparison.

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Owner complaints by model year

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Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.

What owners reported most

All reported categories

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

328 reports with mileage · 99 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Fuel System, Gasoline. Review the 266 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic. Review the 64 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 16 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

17 crash reports2 fire reports9 injury reports

What owners actually said

427 reports
105,000 miles · Jan 2, 2009
Fuel System, Gasoline

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 SUBARU WRX. IN COLD WEATHER CONDITIONS, THE CONTACT SMELLS RAW FUEL WITHIN THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT OF THE VEHICLE. THE ODOR OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE METAL FUEL LINES THAT RUN UNDER THE INTAKE MANIFOLD WERE LEAKING GASOLINE. THE INTAKE …

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 SUBARU WRX. IN COLD WEATHER CONDITIONS, THE CONTACT SMELLS RAW FUEL WITHIN THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT OF THE VEHICLE. THE ODOR OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE METAL FUEL LINES THAT RUN UNDER THE INTAKE MANIFOLD WERE LEAKING GASOLINE. THE INTAKE MANIFOLD WOULD HAVE TO BE REMOVED FOR THE REPAIR. THE COST TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE WOULD BE $460. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT YET BEEN REPAIRED. THE CONTACT IS IN THE PROCESS OF NOTIFYING THE MANUFACTURER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 105,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 116,000.

NHTSA ODI #10253614

51,564 miles · Jan 1, 2009
Fuel System, Gasoline

FUEL LEAK IN ENGINE COMPARTMENT AT VERY LOW AMBIENT AIR TEMPERATURES I LOCATED THE LEAK AND TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP SERVICE DEPT. THE DAY I TOOK THE CAR THERE AIR TEMPS WERE 20 DEGREES WARMER AND I DID NOT EXPERIENCE A LEAK. THE DEALERSHIP SERVICE DEPT. STATED THAT THEY COULD NOT FIND A LEAK I TOLD THEM THE LEAK OCCU…

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FUEL LEAK IN ENGINE COMPARTMENT AT VERY LOW AMBIENT AIR TEMPERATURES I LOCATED THE LEAK AND TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP SERVICE DEPT. THE DAY I TOOK THE CAR THERE AIR TEMPS WERE 20 DEGREES WARMER AND I DID NOT EXPERIENCE A LEAK. THE DEALERSHIP SERVICE DEPT. STATED THAT THEY COULD NOT FIND A LEAK I TOLD THEM THE LEAK OCCURS AT VERY LOW TEMPERATURES ONLY AND TOLD THEM THE LOCATION OF THE LEAK ALSO I GAVE THEM A COPY OF A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN PERTAINING TO THIS VERY PROBLEM. THEY SENT ME ON MY WAY SAYING IT SEEMS TO BE FINE EVEN WITH MY EXPLANATION. THAT NIGHT TEMPERATURES DROPPED AND THE FUEL LEAK RETURNED IT SEEMS THAT THE DEALERSHIP WILL NOT FIX THIS PROBLEM UNTIL THEY ACTUALLY EXPERIENCE IT THEMSELVES. I HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO USE THE CAR FOR FEAR OF A FIRE IT LEAKS LARGE AMOUNTS OF FUEL DOWN ONTO THE ENGINE AND EXHAUST. I DO NOT UNDERSTAND WHY THE DEALERSHIP WILL NOT TAKE MY WORD FOR THIS SINCE IT IS ALREADY A DOCUMENTED PROBLEM BY THE MANUFACTURER AND SUCH A DANGEROUS ONE AT THAT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10253437

81,000 miles · Dec 22, 2008
Fuel System, Other

I BOUGHT A 2002 SUBARU WRX IN SEPTEMBER AND DIDN'T NOTICE THE RAW FUEL SMELL UNTIL IT STARTED GETTING COLD. I NOTICED IT EVERY TIME I STARTED THE CAR WHEN THE TEMPERATURE WAS BELOW 30 DEGREES F. ONE NIGHT I LET IS RUN TO WARM UP AND SAW A LARGE PUDDLE OF WHAT APPEARED TO BE OIL/GAS MIXTURE COMING FROM UNDERNEATH THE CAR. FROM…

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I BOUGHT A 2002 SUBARU WRX IN SEPTEMBER AND DIDN'T NOTICE THE RAW FUEL SMELL UNTIL IT STARTED GETTING COLD. I NOTICED IT EVERY TIME I STARTED THE CAR WHEN THE TEMPERATURE WAS BELOW 30 DEGREES F. ONE NIGHT I LET IS RUN TO WARM UP AND SAW A LARGE PUDDLE OF WHAT APPEARED TO BE OIL/GAS MIXTURE COMING FROM UNDERNEATH THE CAR. FROM RESEARCH I UNDERSTAND THAT MANY OTHER 2002 WRX OWNERS SEEM TO HAVE THIS SAME PROBLEM DUE TO A FUEL LINE LEAK. I BELIEVE THAT SUBARU SHOULD HAVE A RECALL TO FIX THIS DANGEROUS PROBLEM. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10252525

105,000 miles · Dec 21, 2008
Fuel System, GasolineInjury

ON VERY COLD DAYS I HAVE A VERY STRONG SMELL OF GAS IN THE CAR WITH THE HEAT ON. IT IS SO STRONG I GET DIZZY AND NAUSEOUS AND HAVE TO DRIVE WITH THE WINDOWS DOWN AND SHUT THE HEAT OFF. I HAVE A 6 WEEK OLD BABY IN THE CAR WHO'S DAYCARE PROVIDER COMPLAINS ABOUT HER CLOTHES AND CAR SEAT SMELLING LIKE GAS. I HAVE TRACKED DOWN THE …

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ON VERY COLD DAYS I HAVE A VERY STRONG SMELL OF GAS IN THE CAR WITH THE HEAT ON. IT IS SO STRONG I GET DIZZY AND NAUSEOUS AND HAVE TO DRIVE WITH THE WINDOWS DOWN AND SHUT THE HEAT OFF. I HAVE A 6 WEEK OLD BABY IN THE CAR WHO'S DAYCARE PROVIDER COMPLAINS ABOUT HER CLOTHES AND CAR SEAT SMELLING LIKE GAS. I HAVE TRACKED DOWN THE PROBLEM AND ATTRIBUTED IT TO A KNOWN TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN NUMBER 09-36-03. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHY THIS ISN'T A RECALL? RAW FUEL VAPOR IS EXPLOSIVE AND A CARCINOGEN. AS IT IS NOW, I CANNOT DRIVE MY CAR ON COLD DAYS DUE TO THIS PROBLEM. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10252388

86,000 miles · Dec 18, 2008
Fuel System, Gasoline

USUALLY IN THE MORNING WHEN I TURN ON THE CAR, AS SOON AS I WOULD DRIVE OFF TO WORK I WOULD CATCH A THE SMELL OF RAW GAS INSIDE MY CAR! AT FIRST I THOUGHT IT WAS JUST FROM THE OUTSIDE THAT MADE ITS WAY THROUGH MY CABIN BUT IT KEPT HAPPENING FOR DAYS. YESTERDAY [12-17-08] WAS THE WORST! ITS BEEN COLD THE LAST COUPLE OF DAYS & RAI…

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USUALLY IN THE MORNING WHEN I TURN ON THE CAR, AS SOON AS I WOULD DRIVE OFF TO WORK I WOULD CATCH A THE SMELL OF RAW GAS INSIDE MY CAR! AT FIRST I THOUGHT IT WAS JUST FROM THE OUTSIDE THAT MADE ITS WAY THROUGH MY CABIN BUT IT KEPT HAPPENING FOR DAYS. YESTERDAY [12-17-08] WAS THE WORST! ITS BEEN COLD THE LAST COUPLE OF DAYS & RAINING HARD. TO REMOVE THE FOG ON MY WINDSHIELD I HAD TO TURN ON THE FAN AND THAT'S WHEN THE RAW FUEL SMELL MAGNIFIED! I COULD NOT STAND IT & NEITHER COULD MY PASSENGERS. WE HAD TO OPEN THE WINDOWS TO AIR OUT THE CAR.*TR

NHTSA ODI #10252230

86,500 miles · Dec 17, 2008
Fuel System, Gasoline

CAR PRODUCES A STRONG FUEL INSIDE THE CABIN ON COLD MORNINGS. FUEL IS VISIBLE ON THE ENGINE BLOCK WHERE THE FUEL LINE IS LEAKING. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10252138

50,000 miles · Dec 16, 2008
Fuel System, Gasoline

1) WHEN THE VEHICLE IS PARKED, AND WHEN THE TEMPERATURES DROP BELOW 40 DEGREES, A STRONG PUNGENT SMELL OF GASOLINE IS APPARENT IN THE CABIN. 2) THE FAILURE IS THE FUEL LINES IN THE VEHICLE AND HOSES ARE IMPROPERLY DESIGNED, CAUSING A SHRINKING OF THE SIZE OF THE HOSES. THIS PROBLEM IS A TSB AND KNOWN BY THE MANUFACTURE, BUT T…

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1) WHEN THE VEHICLE IS PARKED, AND WHEN THE TEMPERATURES DROP BELOW 40 DEGREES, A STRONG PUNGENT SMELL OF GASOLINE IS APPARENT IN THE CABIN. 2) THE FAILURE IS THE FUEL LINES IN THE VEHICLE AND HOSES ARE IMPROPERLY DESIGNED, CAUSING A SHRINKING OF THE SIZE OF THE HOSES. THIS PROBLEM IS A TSB AND KNOWN BY THE MANUFACTURE, BUT THIS SHOULD NOT BE A TSB , BECAUSE THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD NOT JUST FOR MILEAGE REASONS BUT FOR SAFETY AND HEALTH PROBLEMS 3) NOTHING WAS DONE, CALLED SUBARU OF AMERICA AND THEY RE NOT HONORING THIS WARRANTY. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10251928

33,000 miles · Dec 15, 2008
Fuel System, Gasoline

AFTER STARTING THE CAR ENGINE ON COLD MORNINGS (APPROX 32 DEGREES AND BELOW), STRONG SMELL OF RAW FUEL ENTERS THE CABIN THROUGH THE AIR VENTS. THIS HAS HAPPENED TO MY CAR EVERY WINTER SINCE I PURCHASED IT PRE-OWNED 4 YEARS AGO. TSB #09-36-03 HAS BEEN ISSUED REGARDING THIS PROBLEM, BUT I BELIEVE IT SHOULD BE A RECALL INSTEAD BE…

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AFTER STARTING THE CAR ENGINE ON COLD MORNINGS (APPROX 32 DEGREES AND BELOW), STRONG SMELL OF RAW FUEL ENTERS THE CABIN THROUGH THE AIR VENTS. THIS HAS HAPPENED TO MY CAR EVERY WINTER SINCE I PURCHASED IT PRE-OWNED 4 YEARS AGO. TSB #09-36-03 HAS BEEN ISSUED REGARDING THIS PROBLEM, BUT I BELIEVE IT SHOULD BE A RECALL INSTEAD BECAUSE OF THE HIGH RISK TO ONES HEALTH AND SAFETY, AND FOR PEOPLE LIKE MYSELF WHO PURCHASED THE CAR USED AFTER THE MANUFACTURER'S WARRANTY HAS EXPIRED. THIS IS OBVIOUSLY A PROBLEM WITH THE ORIGINAL PARTS USED DURING MANUFACTURING AND THE REPLACEMENT COST OF THE DEFECTIVE PARTS SHOULD NOT BE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE CONSUMER. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10251886

109,336 miles · Dec 13, 2008
Fuel System, Gasoline

MY VEHICLE IS A 2002 SUBARU IMPREZA WRX SPORT WAGON, VIN# . I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER. THERE IS A RECURRING HEAVY FUEL VAPOR PRESENCE IN THE VEHICLE CABIN AND ALSO NOTICEABLE OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE, ESPECIALLY AFTER HAVING DRIVEN AND PARKED IN A CLOSED GARAGE. THIS CONDITION OCCURS ONLY WHEN THE TEMPERATURE IS APPROXIMATELY 40 F OR…

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MY VEHICLE IS A 2002 SUBARU IMPREZA WRX SPORT WAGON, VIN# . I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER. THERE IS A RECURRING HEAVY FUEL VAPOR PRESENCE IN THE VEHICLE CABIN AND ALSO NOTICEABLE OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE, ESPECIALLY AFTER HAVING DRIVEN AND PARKED IN A CLOSED GARAGE. THIS CONDITION OCCURS ONLY WHEN THE TEMPERATURE IS APPROXIMATELY 40 F OR LOWER, AND CAN PERSIST FOR OVER 30 MINUTES (DURING THE COURSE OF MY TYPICAL COMMUTE). THIS HAS BEEN OCCURRING SINCE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE OVER SEVEN YEARS AGO. I UNDERSTAND THAT THE NHTSA HAS OPENED AND CLOSED AN INVESTIGATIVE ACTION # PE04002, WITHOUT SUBSEQUENT ACTION DIRECTED FOR THE MANUFACTURER TO ISSUE A RECALL. PERHAPS THIS FALLS UNDER THE JURISDICTION OF THE EPA, OSHA OR THE CONSUMER PRODUCTS SAFETY COMMISSION AS A SERIOUS ENVIRONMENTAL AND HEALTH SITUATION, AND THEREFORE DOES NOT TRIGGER ACTION UNDER NHTSA, HOWEVER I STRONGLY URGE RE-EVALUATION OF THIS SITUATION GIVEN THE OBVIOUS DANGER THIS SITUATION POSES TO THE PUBLIC. I INTEND TO HAVE MY VEHICLE REPAIRED IN ACCORDANCE WITH SUBARU'S TSB 09-36-03, HOWEVER HOPE THAT I CAN BE REIMBURSED FOR OUT OF POCKET REPAIR EXPENSES TO WHAT HAS BEEN AN UNACCEPTABLE AND DOCUMENTED SAFETY ISSUE AND DESIGN FLAW. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10251695

Mileage unknown · Dec 7, 2008
Fuel System, Gasoline

RAW GASOLINE ODOUR IN THE CABIN DURING THE FIRST 5 MINUTES OF STARTING THE CAR IN COLD WEATHER. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10251013

Official recalls

1

09V468000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump

Dec 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

5

EA09011 · 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.