NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
60 reports128,305 miles · Nov 17, 2009
Tires
THERE HAS BEEN NO ACCIDENT OR CRASH. THIS IS AN ONGOING SAFETY PROBLEM WITH A MODEL OF TIRES. THE TIRES ARE KUMHO SPT 225/45R-17. THESE TIRES HAVE SERIOUS DIRECTIONAL STABILITY ISSUES. THEY MAKE THE CAR VERY SCARY TO DRIVE IN CROSS WINDS. IN CORNERS, THE CAR ALWAYS FEELS LIKE IT IS SQUIRMING AROUND AND YOU NEVER REALLY KNOW …
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THERE HAS BEEN NO ACCIDENT OR CRASH. THIS IS AN ONGOING SAFETY PROBLEM WITH A MODEL OF TIRES. THE TIRES ARE KUMHO SPT 225/45R-17. THESE TIRES HAVE SERIOUS DIRECTIONAL STABILITY ISSUES. THEY MAKE THE CAR VERY SCARY TO DRIVE IN CROSS WINDS. IN CORNERS, THE CAR ALWAYS FEELS LIKE IT IS SQUIRMING AROUND AND YOU NEVER REALLY KNOW WHAT DIRECTION IT IS GOING TO GO. I'VE ALIGNED THE CAR TWICE, BOTH TIMES ADDING MORE REAR TOE IN TO INCREASE STABILITY. THIS HAS HAD ALMOST NO EFFECT. I'VE TRIED A NUMBER OF DIFFERENT TIRE PRESSURES. HIGHER PRESSURES (ABOVE 40PSI) HELP, BUT DO NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. I'VE USED SEVERAL OTHER TYPE AND BRAND OF TIRES ON THE CAR AND NEVER HAD ANY STABILITY ISSUES WITH ANY OF THEM. THERE IS NO PROBLEM WITH ANY OF THE COMPONENTS IN THE SUSPENSION SYSTEM. I'VE SPENT OVER ONE MONTH WITH KUMHO TRYING TO RESOLVE THIS PROBLEM WITH THE TIRES. IN THAT TIME, I HAVE RECEIVED A SINGLE ONE SENTENCE RESPONSE TO MY E-MAILS. KUMHO HAS REPEATEDLY NOT RETURNED THE MAJORITY OF MY PHONE CALLS TO RESOLVE THIS PROBLEM. APPARENTLY THEY DO NOT THINK THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE TIRES, AS THEY HAVE ABSOLUTELY NO INTEREST IN HELPING TO FIGURE OUT THE PROBLEM OR EVEN LOOKING AT THE TIRES. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10292632
89,000 miles · Nov 12, 2009
Fuel System, Gasoline
2003 SUBARU WRX, RAW FUEL SMELL IN CABIN BEFORE ENGINE IS WARM AND COOLANT TEMPERATURES ARE WARM. HAPPENS INFREQUENTLY BUT WOULD LIKE TO GET RID OF THE SMELL. SEEMS LIKE IT'S A POPULAR PROBLEM FOR THE CARS IN THIS PRODUCTION RANGE. FIRST NOTICED IT ON THE DATE SHOWN BUT OCCURS MORE OFTEN WHEN TEMPERATURES ARE BELOW 50F. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10291926
85,000 miles · Oct 29, 2009
Fuel System, Gasoline
I HAVE A 2003 SUBARU WRX WAGON. AS TEMPERATURES APPROACH FREEZING THE FUEL LINES ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE ENGINE BEGIN TO LEAK, HEAVILY, DURING COLD START UP. THIS CAUSES RAW FUEL SMELL TO ENTER THE CABIN AS WELL AS CREATING A POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS SITUATION WITH RAW FUEL OPENLY POOLING ON THE ENGINE. SUBARU AND THEIR DEA…
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I HAVE A 2003 SUBARU WRX WAGON. AS TEMPERATURES APPROACH FREEZING THE FUEL LINES ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE ENGINE BEGIN TO LEAK, HEAVILY, DURING COLD START UP. THIS CAUSES RAW FUEL SMELL TO ENTER THE CABIN AS WELL AS CREATING A POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS SITUATION WITH RAW FUEL OPENLY POOLING ON THE ENGINE. SUBARU AND THEIR DEALERS ARE AWARE OF THE SITUATION AND IT IS FIXABLE, HOWEVER IT REQUIRES REMOVAL OF THE INTAKE MANIFOLD - A VERY LABOR INTENSIVE JOB - WHICH MAKES IT A COSTLY REPAIR FOR THE CONSUMER TO BEAR. I ACQUIRED THE CAR LAST YEAR AND THE PROBLEM OCCURRED THROUGHOUT LAST WINTER AND HAS RECURRED ALREADY ONCE THIS FALL. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10290208
60,000 miles · Mar 13, 2009
Fuel System, Gasoline
I WOULD LIKE TO FILE THIS COMPLAINT AFTER READING ALL OF THE COMPLAINTS RELATED TO THE SAME PROBLEM I AM HAVING WITH MY 2003 SUBARU WRX. VERY STRONG RAW GASOLINE FUMES INSIDE THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT DURING COLD WEATHER STARTUP. I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF THIS CAR. THIS PROBLEM JUST STARTED THIS WINTER. YES SUBARU OF AMERICA IT…
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I WOULD LIKE TO FILE THIS COMPLAINT AFTER READING ALL OF THE COMPLAINTS RELATED TO THE SAME PROBLEM I AM HAVING WITH MY 2003 SUBARU WRX. VERY STRONG RAW GASOLINE FUMES INSIDE THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT DURING COLD WEATHER STARTUP. I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF THIS CAR. THIS PROBLEM JUST STARTED THIS WINTER. YES SUBARU OF AMERICA IT'S HAPPENING ON THE 2003 MODELS ALSO. I WOULD APPRECIATE SOME DIRECTION AS HOW TO PROCEED WITH THIS DEVELOPING SAFETY PROBLEM WITH MY CAR. THANK YOU. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10261738
82,000 miles · Feb 17, 2009
Engine And Engine Cooling
TOOK MY VEHICLE IN FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE WHEN IT WAS FOUND TO HAVE A SIGNIFICANT GAS LEAK. SPECIFICALLY THE FUEL RAIL HAD SOMETHING LIKE 16 LEAKS. WHILE I NEVER HAD AN ENGINE FIRE THE POSSIBILITY FOR THAT HAPPENING WAS VERY REAL. THIS IS MY FAMILY CAR, WHICH I TRANSPORT MY CHILDREN IN. FROM READING OTHER EXPERIENCES ABOUT …
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TOOK MY VEHICLE IN FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE WHEN IT WAS FOUND TO HAVE A SIGNIFICANT GAS LEAK. SPECIFICALLY THE FUEL RAIL HAD SOMETHING LIKE 16 LEAKS. WHILE I NEVER HAD AN ENGINE FIRE THE POSSIBILITY FOR THAT HAPPENING WAS VERY REAL. THIS IS MY FAMILY CAR, WHICH I TRANSPORT MY CHILDREN IN. FROM READING OTHER EXPERIENCES ABOUT THIS I HAVE FOUND IT TO BE A FLAW IN DESIGN WITH THE 2003 SUBARU WRX. I WOULD HOPE THAT SUBARU WOULD VALUE ITS CUSTOMERS SAFETY AND MAKE A SAFETY RECALL ABOUT THIS ISSUE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10258934
55,000 miles · Dec 7, 2008
Fuel System, GasolineFire
I HAVE A 2003 SUBARU WRX. MY CAR STARTED TO SMELL LIKE SOMETHING WAS BURNING A FEW DAYS AGO IN THE ENGINE BAY. I HAVE ALSO NOTICED THAT WHEN THE TEMPERATURE GOES BELOW 30 DEGREES THE INSIDE CABIN STARTS TO STRONGLY SMELL LIKE RAW FUEL. THE VAPORS CAN CAUSE HARMFUL AND EVEN DEADLY CONSEQUENCES. I HAVE DONE SOME RESEARCH ON THIS I…
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I HAVE A 2003 SUBARU WRX. MY CAR STARTED TO SMELL LIKE SOMETHING WAS BURNING A FEW DAYS AGO IN THE ENGINE BAY. I HAVE ALSO NOTICED THAT WHEN THE TEMPERATURE GOES BELOW 30 DEGREES THE INSIDE CABIN STARTS TO STRONGLY SMELL LIKE RAW FUEL. THE VAPORS CAN CAUSE HARMFUL AND EVEN DEADLY CONSEQUENCES. I HAVE DONE SOME RESEARCH ON THIS ISSUE AND IT SEEMS THAT ITS A WIDELY COMMON ISSUE WITH SUBARU WRX'S FROM 2002 TO 2004. I TOOK THE CAR TO A MECHANIC SHOP AND GOT THE CAR EXAMINED. THE MECHANIC TOLD ME THAT THE CLAMPS THAT HOLD THE GAS LINES INTACT WERE VERY LOOSE. HE SAID THAT THE DURING HIGH FUEL PRESSURE THE FUEL LINES COULD SEPARATE AND CAUSE A ENGINE FIRE. I HAVE CALLED SUBARU OF AMERICA AND THEY TOLD ME THERE'S A BULLETIN ON THIS ISSUE. IT SEEMS THAT THIS CAN BE A VERY DANGEROUS SAFETY ISSUE, AND IT SOUNDS TO ME THAT SUBARU OF AMERICA IS NOT WILLING TO REPAIR THE $500 ISSUE. I HAVE NOTICED THAT THERE WAS ANOTHER FUEL ISSUE WITH ANOTHER SUBARU MODEL (NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 03V303000). THE SUBARU OUTBACK HAD A RECALL BECAUSE THERE WAS A LOOSE CLAMP AT THE FILLER CAP THAT COULD HAVE CAUSED A FUEL LEAK. WHY IS THERE NO RECALL FOR THE FUEL LEAK IN THE WRXS? THE LEAK HAPPENS VERY CLOSE TO THE ENGINE. ANY TYPE OF HEAT OR IGNITION COULD CAUSE A FIRE OR EVEN DEATH! PLEASE RESEARCH THIS ISSUE AS IT COULD BECOME A VERY DANGEROUS PROBLEM! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10251008
65,000 miles · Sep 18, 2008
Fuel System, Gasoline
I AM WRITING WITH RESPECT TO THE INVESTIGATIONS CONCERNING FUEL LEAKS IN THE 2002-2003 MODELS OF THE SUBARU IMPREZA WRX MODELS. I PURCHASED A WRX IN FEBRUARY OF 2003. LIKE OTHER REPORTS, MY CAR INITIALLY EMITTED A FUEL ODOR ONLY ON COLD DAYS. I TOOK THE CAR TO MY LOCAL SUBARU DEALERSHIP, BEL AIR SUBARU, TO HAVE THE PROBLEM IN…
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I AM WRITING WITH RESPECT TO THE INVESTIGATIONS CONCERNING FUEL LEAKS IN THE 2002-2003 MODELS OF THE SUBARU IMPREZA WRX MODELS. I PURCHASED A WRX IN FEBRUARY OF 2003. LIKE OTHER REPORTS, MY CAR INITIALLY EMITTED A FUEL ODOR ONLY ON COLD DAYS. I TOOK THE CAR TO MY LOCAL SUBARU DEALERSHIP, BEL AIR SUBARU, TO HAVE THE PROBLEM INVESTIGATED. THEY INFORMED MY THAT I HAD A FAULTY FUEL LINE, REPLACED THE FUEL LINE, AND CHARGED ME $800.00. THE FOLLOWING WEEK I STILL SMELLED FUEL. I TOOK THE CAR BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP; THEY INFORMED ME THAT THEY COULD NOT FIND ANOTHER LEAK. I WAS TOLD BY THE SALES MANAGER TO "WAIT FOR THE PROBLEM TO FULLY MANIFEST ITSELF." IN THE MEANTIME, I RESEARCHED THE ISSUE ON YOUR WEBSITE. MY INTERPRETATION OF THE REPORT WAS THAT THIS WAS NOT A SAFETY CONCERN, SO I INITIALLY DROPPED THE ISSUE. HOWEVER, AS THE PROBLEM PROGRESSED, THE FUEL LEAK BEGAN TO OCCUR EVEN IN WARM WEATHER AND EVEN WHEN THE ENGINE WAS WARM. NOW, APPROXIMATELY 18 MONTHS FROM THE INITIAL REPAIR, I AM BEING TOLD BY THE DEALERSHIP THAT I HAVE A LEAK IN MY FUEL HOSES. THE DEALERSHIP INSISTS THAT THIS IS A SEPARATE REPAIR ISSUE THAT DID NOT EXIST WHEN THEY LOOKED AT THE CAR THE FIRST TIME. AGAIN, I HAVE BEEN QUOTED A PRICE OF $800.00 TO HAVE THE PROBLEM FIXED. I AM RELUCTANT TO SPEND $800.00 MORE DOLLARS TO TRY TO ELIMINATE THE FUEL LEAK AFTER THE RESULTS I GOT LAST TIME. IN LIGHT OF THE FACT THAT THE FUEL LEAKS IN THESE VEHICLES PROGRESS TO A LEAK THAT IS NO LONGER SIMPLY A COLD WEATHER PROBLEM, IS THIS NOW CONSIDERED A SAFETY ISSUE? SUBARU HAS BEEN UNHELPFUL IN HELPING ME SOLVE THIS DILEMMA. CAN YOU HELP? *TR
NHTSA ODI #10242845
121,929 miles · Aug 20, 2008
Engine And Engine CoolingSteeringFire
AS I PULLED INTO A PARKING SPACE, THE ENGINE DIED AND FLAMES ABOUT 2' TALL SHOT OUT FROM BETWEEN THE HOOD AND COWL AND OUT OF THE INTERCOOLER INLET IN THE CENTER OF THE HOOD. THE FLAMES WERE FOLLOWED BY ABOUT 10 SECONDS OF A HUGE SMOKE CLOUD. IT TOOK ME ABOUT 90 SECONDS TO GET A FIRE EXTINGUISHER AND GET THE FIRE PUT OUT. I …
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AS I PULLED INTO A PARKING SPACE, THE ENGINE DIED AND FLAMES ABOUT 2' TALL SHOT OUT FROM BETWEEN THE HOOD AND COWL AND OUT OF THE INTERCOOLER INLET IN THE CENTER OF THE HOOD. THE FLAMES WERE FOLLOWED BY ABOUT 10 SECONDS OF A HUGE SMOKE CLOUD. IT TOOK ME ABOUT 90 SECONDS TO GET A FIRE EXTINGUISHER AND GET THE FIRE PUT OUT. I EXAMINED THE DAMAGE. THE PRESSURE SIDE POWER STEERING HOSE WAS RUBBING AGAINST THE SHEET METAL HEAT SHIELD OVER THE TURBOCHARGER. AFTER A WHILE, THE RELATIVE MOTION AND HEAT RUBBED A HOLE IN THE POWER STEERING HOSE. THE POWER STEERING HOSE THEN PUMPED POWER STEERING FLUID ALL OVER THE TURBOCHARGER, EXHAUST MANIFOLD, HEAT SHIELDS, HOOD, FIREWALL, ETC. WHEN THE POWER STEERING FLUID HIT THE HEAT SHIELDS AND EXHAUST, IT STARTED BURNING AND THIS CAUSED THE FIRE. I HAVE NOT FINISHED REPAIRING THE VEHICLE YET SO I DON'T KNOW THE COMPLETE EXTENT OF THE DAMAGE. AT THIS POINT, AT LEAST THE POWER STEERING HOSE AND FLUID NEED TO BE CHANGED. THE PRESSURE SIDE POWER STEERING HOSE HAS NO BRACKETS TO HOLD IT IN POSITION WITHIN ABOUT 1' OF THE TURBOCHARGER HEAT SHIELD. THE OUTSIDE OF THE HOSE IS RUBBER. THERE IS NO HEAT SHIELD OVER IT. IT IS GUARANTEED TO RUB AGAINST THE HEAT SHIELD AND FAIL THIS WAY. THE POWER STEERING RETURN HOSE ALSO HAS NO BRACKETS WITHIN 1' OF THE TURBOCHARGER HEAT SHIELD, BUT IT DOES AT LEAST HAVE A CORRUGATED ALUMINUM HEAT SHIELD OVER IT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10239073
3,000 miles · Jan 14, 2008
Vehicle Speed Control
THE CRUISE CONTROL UNIT ON MY CAR WILL CAUSE THE THROTTLE TO REMAIN OPEN, EVEN IF THE CRUISE IS TURNED OFF. THIS CAN RESULT IN ANYTHING FROM HIGHER THAN NORMAL IDLE TO RANDOM INSTANCES OF WIDE OPEN, UNCONTROLLED ACCELERATION. THE CAR HAS BEEN TO 2 DIFFERENT SUBARU DEALERS FOR A TOTAL OF 7 TIMES OVER THE COURSE OF 5 YEARS, AND TH…
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THE CRUISE CONTROL UNIT ON MY CAR WILL CAUSE THE THROTTLE TO REMAIN OPEN, EVEN IF THE CRUISE IS TURNED OFF. THIS CAN RESULT IN ANYTHING FROM HIGHER THAN NORMAL IDLE TO RANDOM INSTANCES OF WIDE OPEN, UNCONTROLLED ACCELERATION. THE CAR HAS BEEN TO 2 DIFFERENT SUBARU DEALERS FOR A TOTAL OF 7 TIMES OVER THE COURSE OF 5 YEARS, AND THE PROBLEM HAS YET TO BE RESOLVED. ALL APPLICABLE TSB'S AND RECALLS HAVE BEEN PERFORMED, BUT PROBLEM STILL OCCURS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10214827
37,000 miles · Apr 16, 2007
Unknown Or Other
DRIVER SIDE FLOOR MAT WILL NOT STAY IN METAL ROD DESIGNED TO KEEP THE MAT FROM GOING FORWARD. MAT SLIDES UNDERNEATH THE PETALS AND HAS WORN THE UPHOLSTERY ON THE FLOOR AS WELL. PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN FIXED AS I DO NOT HAVE THE MONEY TO GET IT REPAIRED. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10188063
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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