4.2

definitely annoying
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
27,400 miles

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problem #2

Dec 062007

Legacy 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 20,000 miles
I have a Subaru Legacy GT. Every time the temperate gets to about 20 degrees or colder, the engine emits a strong raw fuel smell into the cabin. The car has done so almost constantly since purchase, has been repaired twice for the problem (attributed to a problem with the fuel lines) and has been the subject of a prior NHTSA complaint. Cars manufacturer around the date of mine have been recalled for this problem, but my car was not included. Today was the first day below 20 degrees in several months and the fuel smell reappeared. Car now needs to be repaired again for this problem. The vehicle simply cannot be driven in extremely cold weather as it is a health hazard to breathe these fumes, as well as a fire danger. A search of the internet reveals a number of other owners with the exact same complaint.

- Cos Cob, CT, USA

problem #1

Jan 102004

Legacy 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 34,800 miles
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