10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
56,269 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

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« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #20

Feb 072006

Impreza

  • miles
Raw fuel smell in cold weather. Had to replace cd player. Seals on windows fell off. Brakes pump when hitting the brake when debris on road. (rocks, etc.).

- Bethlehem, PA, USA

problem #19

Feb 012007

Impreza 4-cyl

  • Manual transmission
  • 103,000 miles
Raw fuel smell noticed while car is on. Seems to be coming from engine bay. Has just begun to occur as temperature has dropped below freezing.

- Newtown, PA, USA

problem #18

Feb 012004

Impreza 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 10,000 miles
In the first winter after purchasing my 2002 Subaru Impreza WRX, there was a strong smell of gasoline in the passenger cabin as well as around the car. The problem persisted in the following years particularly during cold winter days, however dealerships were not able to replicate the problem. One dealership attempted to replace the fuel filter and spray "deodorant" into the vents to help, but the strong smell of gasoline persisted on cold days, particularly when we wanted to turn the heat on. The smell of gasoline is not only nauseating, but most likely very harmful to myself and my family. On occasion, it is impossible to drive the car with the heat on and consequently we need to drive with the windows down, in the cold, with the heat off.

- Braintree, MA, USA

problem #17

Sep 242006

Impreza 4-cyl

  • Manual transmission
  • 72,000 miles
My car is Subaru Impreza WRX sport wagon. I used to gas my car at shell gas station in highland park. A lot of times I found water in my car's gas tank. I use the 93 octane, because my car has turbo. Please check the 93 octane gas on the shell gas station.

- Chicago, IL, USA

problem #16

Feb 182006

Impreza 4-cyl

  • Manual transmission
  • 33,000 miles
In cold weather (sub-freezing), I smell gasoline vapors in the passenger compartment of my 2002 suburu Impreza WRX. The smell of gasoline is equally strong under the hood. One must drive with the windows open, with no heat, so as to avoid light-headiness.

- Denver, CO, USA

problem #15

Feb 182006

Impreza 4-cyl

  • Manual transmission
  • miles
2002 subrau WRX. Long drive in sub-zero weather after which a extreme fuel smell was entering the car at stops. After arriving home I quickly looked under the hood where I could see and smell fuel vaporizing on the left (passenger) side of the engine compartment. The fuel vapor was originating from the hose mentioned in PE04002, Subaru tsb #09-36-03. This is contrary to the problem only existing during cold start conditions as my car was fully warmed up and after 2 hours driving. The fuel vapor filled up my garage to the extent that I was forced to open the garage door. According to Subaru this is not a recall and thus I need to pay to fix this issue-- however after my experience tonight I'm scared to drive my car in sub-zero weather. I urge NHTSA to re-examine action number PE04002 as the amount of fuel vapor coming from my car this evening could have very easily caused a fire had an ignition source been introduced anywhere around my car.

- Pewaukee, WI, USA

problem #14

Jan 212002

Impreza 4-cyl

  • Manual transmission
  • 67,013 miles
Raw fuel smell with temperatures below 20 degrees F and raw fuel in engine compartment with temperatures below 0 degrees F. smell occurs anytime car sits in sub 20F temperatures. Actual leak with raw fuel occurred after car sat out overnight in sub zero degree temperatures. Small smoldering fire signified by small amount of grey smoke coming from engine compartment upon start up. Car has been taken to dealer three times for problem over two years and still leaks. Most recently after leak they replaced fuel rail system, but car still leaks.

- Thornton, CO, USA

problem #13

Jan 152006

Impreza 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 85,000 miles
During one cold day I noticed that my car (2002 Subaru WRX) had a raw gas smell after starting up, like a fuel leak.

- West Rutland, VT, USA

problem #12

Jan 192005

(reported on)

Impreza

  • miles
2002 Subaru Impreza developed a fuel leak.** answer required***.

- Unknown, DC, USA

problem #11

Jan 032005

Impreza

  • miles
2002 Subaru Impreza gives off a strong fuel odor.** answer required***. the dealer told the consumer the odor was normal and that it was due to the rich fuel in cold weather.

- Unknown, DC, USA

problem #10

Jan 252005

Impreza

  • Manual transmission
  • 36,500 miles
Upon start up and driving in cold weather a strong fuel smell emitted from the vehicle. The owner has contacted the dealer and the manufacturer and was told that this is common. Provide further details.

- Garnerville, NY, USA

problem #9

Jan 192005

Impreza 4-cyl

  • Manual transmission
  • 78,547 miles
I drive a 2002 Subaru Impreza WRX manufactured in Feb 2001. I have owned the vehicle for 3 months. I noticed the failure during the first day the temperature dropped below freezing. The failure is described as a very strong scent of noxious fuel into the passenger cabin of the vehicle. The scent is present when the vehicle is started with a cold engine and the outside temperature is below freezing. The scent dissipates after 5 minutes of running the engine. This occurs every time these conditions are present which can be multiple times daily. The consequences to date have simply been discomfort but I am concerned that long term exposure may have lasting damage to my and my passengers lungs and eyes. So far I have not taken any corrective action as the discussion forum at www.nasioc.com has many postings describing failed attempts of fixing the problem by Subaru trained mechanics.

- Westerville, OH, USA

problem #8

Jan 182005

Impreza 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Strong gas odor in cabin when temps are below 30 out side. This is the same problem reported last year with no recall or resolution by dealer/NHTSA.

- Crofton, MD, USA

problem #7

Oct 012004

Impreza

  • miles
Vehicle service several time due to gas smell, unsafe to drive. Consumer was told that a mouse nest was the cause of the gas smell in her vehicle and was charged $140.74. The consumer showed the mechanic where the fuel was pooling on the engine. Problem still not resolved.

- Peoria Heights, IL, USA

problem #6

Jan 162004

Impreza 4-cyl

  • Manual transmission
  • 30,000 miles
Strong fuel smell in cold weather. Occurs whenever the temperature drops below 25 C.

- Grayslake, IL, USA

problem #5

Jan 172002

Impreza 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 12,000 miles
Gas smell in car cabin in a 2002 WRX in cold weather conditions.

- Amherst, NY, USA

problem #4

Jan 162004

(reported on)

Impreza

  • miles
The consumer stated that the vehicle had a very strong gas smell when the temperature was below 14 degrees. The consumer stated that there was a fuel leak. There is a bulletin describing the same problem.

- North Grosvenordale, CT, USA

problem #3

Jan 162004

Impreza

  • Automatic transmission
  • 25,000 miles
While driving the consumer smelled fuel coming through the vents. There was a gas leak in the engine compartment. This problem only occurred when the weather was extremely cold. The consumer indicated that there was a "tbs" on this issues. The dealer could not find anything wrong with the vehicle.

- Brooklyn, NY, USA

problem #2

Jan 092004

Impreza 4-cyl

  • Manual transmission
  • 61,500 miles
Fuel leak in cold weather. Can smell fuel inside the car when the outside air vent is on. Gas mileage is also lower in really cold weather (may or may not be related).

- Middletown, CT, USA

problem #1

Jan 062004

Impreza 4-cyl

  • Manual transmission
  • 26,700 miles
On my 2002 Subaru Impreza WRX, the car leaks fuel and a raw fuel smell is strong in the cabin whenever the car is driven when the outside temperature is below 20 degrees Fahrenheit.

- Arlington, VA, USA