On October 2, 2018, at 47,735 miles I filled my gas tank and upon driving home had a really bad gasoline smell. This continued for several days and I determined I couldn't drive it anymore, it made me sick, plus I knew it was dangerous. My local mechanic put it on his lift and said I had a severe gas leak on top of my gas tank. I read some online forums and found people complaining about gas lines being chewed by rodents. The nearest Subaru dealer told me this was possible; however, the dealer where I'd purchased it in Idaho told he'd never heard of it. Both told me this problem was not covered by the emission system or drive train warranty. My local mechanic was able to put in a temporary fuel vent line and order a new one from Subaru. He cut out and gave me the piece of the fuel line, very hard material, that was chewed through. He also said he had vacuumed a large amount of pine needle nests out of the rear of the car underneath the seat and on top of the gas tank. Since then, I've found lots of information on the Web about rodent damage to cars; it spans all models, and some damage is way more serious and costly than mine. I read there are class action lawsuits against Honda and Toyota for the problem, which apparently stems from car manufacturers switching from oil based coatings on wires, vents, etc., to soy based coatings. I have also had mice inside my vehicle, but no damage from them to date. I haven't heard of any car manufacturer covering rodent damage under any warranty, including bumper to bumper. I think that's unconscionable and as I said in another complaint, this did not happen with my 2001 Forester, which is still running today with no rodents inside or outside causing any damage. Nor do we have rodents inside or outside of two other vehicles we own. We live in a rural area, and mice and rodents are plentiful, but only my 2015 Subaru Forester has had rodent invasions. Shame on you Subaru for not taking responsibility for this problem and correcting it.
On October 2, 2018, at 47,735 miles I filled my gas tank and upon driving home had a really bad gasoline smell. This continued for several days and I determined I couldn't drive it anymore, it made me sick, plus I knew it was dangerous. My local mechanic put it on his lift and said I had a severe gas leak on top of my gas tank. I read some online forums and found people complaining about gas lines being chewed by rodents. The nearest Subaru dealer told me this was possible; however, the dealer where I'd purchased it in Idaho told he'd never heard of it. Both told me this problem was not covered by the emission system or drive train warranty. My local mechanic was able to put in a temporary fuel vent line and order a new one from Subaru. He cut out and gave me the piece of the fuel line, very hard material, that was chewed through. He also said he had vacuumed a large amount of pine needle nests out of the rear of the car underneath the seat and on top of the gas tank. Since then, I've found lots of information on the Web about rodent damage to cars; it spans all models, and some damage is way more serious and costly than mine. I read there are class action lawsuits against Honda and Toyota for the problem, which apparently stems from car manufacturers switching from oil based coatings on wires, vents, etc., to soy based coatings. I have also had mice inside my vehicle, but no damage from them to date. I haven't heard of any car manufacturer covering rodent damage under any warranty, including bumper to bumper. I think that's unconscionable and as I said in another complaint, this did not happen with my 2001 Forester, which is still running today with no rodents inside or outside causing any damage. Nor do we have rodents inside or outside of two other vehicles we own. We live in a rural area, and mice and rodents are plentiful, but only my 2015 Subaru Forester has had rodent invasions. Shame on you Subaru for not taking responsibility for this problem and correcting it.
- buttemont, Darby, US