7.0
fairly significant- Crashes / Fires:
- 0 / 0
- Injuries / Deaths:
- 0 / 0
- Average Mileage:
- 8,700 miles
About These NHTSA Complaints:
The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.
Car at issue is a 2001 Subaru Legacy GT limited. On two occasions in the past month, a strong raw gas smell filled the engine compartment and passenger compartment of the car. On both occasions, the temperature outside was below 10 degrees. After the first occurrence, car was left at dealer who found nothing wrong. The car was fine for next 5 days (weather was 10 to 30 degrees). On day 6, weather dropped to about 8 degrees and gas smell returned. Car was left in garage after driving and garage filled with very strong gas smell. There is an obvious correlation between extreme cold (10 degrees or less) and this problem. Will return car to dealer for second attempt at repair but since weather is expected to be over 10 degrees for next 2 weeks am not sure will be able to replicate problem. Seems likely that the problem is a gas leak at cold temperatures, which may well be a safety hazard and fire/explosion danger.
- Cos Cob, CT, USA
Repeated cold engine hesitation to the point of stalling when gaining speed from a stop. Manufacturer repeatedly stated that there is no fix and the problem was a "condition of operation"characteristic of all 2001 and 2002 engines, that owner would have to warm the engine prior to use and burn a higher grade of gasoline. Engine light on at time of first service with code P0133. Replaced A/F sensor did not fix problem. Condition was not disclosed to me at the time of purchase. Dealer warms engine prior to customer test drive. After being refused a refund, I traded in the car 11/14/01 at oconner VW, augusta me. Informing owner of dealership about problem.
- Gardiner, ME, USA
Defective engine losing fluids. Smoke and fumes coming into car. Driver felt nausea at times windows were closed. Dealership wants to replace with refurbished engine block which is unacceptable. There is no confidence in the safety and reliability in this car for long term purchase. What danger could have been caused from engine failure and from the fumes inside the car" did dealership know about problem after their inspection when the car arrived on their lot"
- Crofton, MD, USA
- Cheektowaga, NY, USA