I also have noticed the smell of gasoline coming out from under the hood of my 2000 Subaru Outback wagon in the winter here in boston, when I get out of the car on a cold day. Sounds like a design defect to me in some gas line hose.

- Newton, MA, USA

The engine warning light came on and stayed on for 3-5 days before going off. The dealership performed a diagnostic test and the failure code found was for the oxygen sensor or the catalytic convertor. There's a recall on this issue wxw-80 for other 2000 model Subaru, but it's for the automatic transmission. The vehicle has a manual transmission but has the same design, per consumer. Please provide any additional information.

- Baltimore, MD, USA

Several weeks ago the dealer replaced the first gear of the manual transmission because it repeatedly came out of gear when going down steep inclines, such as in a parking garage. After the work was completed, the car emitted a very strong smell. I have taken the car back to the dealer four times. The last time the dealer said the seals on the transmission were leaking and replaced. It is apparent that a petroleum product is leaking onto the exhaust system and burning and the smell enters the ventilation system while the car is stationary. Dealer says I need to keep A/C on and the recycle air button pushed. Issues unresolved.

- Fairfax, VA, USA