1.3

hardly worth mentioning
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
138,998 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.

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problem #5

Mar 092017

Outback 4-cyl

  • 150,000 miles
The 2000 Subaru Outback has a noxious smell from fuel in the cabin only in cold weather, that you must ride with the windows open until this dissipates. I called my local dealer to ask if they would have an idea of what is the problem and what would be an estimate for repair? I, just about got the question out of my mouth, when the service representative said it'll cost around $200 maybe a little more to replace two fuel lines and fittings(screw clamps) on the top right side of the engine. I asked if something this serious was ever covered by a recall and he said no, but I should check with Subaru of North America to make sure, being the car is a 2000 his computer may not have it, for that far back" so, I called Subaru of na explained the situation and also explained that while I was doing some on-line research it seemed as though this is a well documented and discussed problem with many Subaru owners and they are very specific as to what the exact problem is. Subaru of na knows of no problem ever, I guess admission would mean this problem truly exists. This issue only became prevalent with Subaru's owned in cold weather areas, southern states or West coast would not see this problem regularly because you need temperatures to be approximately 30 degrees and below. I am just trying to find out why no federal Agency has held Subaru to a higher standard, especially when it comes to a problem with a fuel line and the fact that this is public knowledge and well documented. I am not a mechanic, and living on a fixed income I don't have the disposable income that I had in the past, Subaru knows about this problem, which is evident in the service departments familiarity with the fix? can someone please enlighten me as to why this has been allowed to go for as long as it has" Subaru knows does the government, I hope not. Concerned, [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).'

- Hazlet, NJ, USA

problem #4

Nov 272015

Outback

  • 124,400 miles
While driving at low speed on a town street the check engine light came on, followed by the odor of gas fumes. Subsequent inspection by experienced Subaru mechanics revealed a simultaneous failure of the A/C compressor, catalytic converter, a headlight bulb and finally, a damaged fuel line that was spraying a mist of gasoline over the entire engine compartment. The mechanics had never seen a situation like this before, and had no explanation for how these components could have failed at the same time. The fuel line and bulb were replaced.

- Lexington, MA, USA

problem #3

Nov 252013

Outback 4-cyl

  • 120,000 miles
In cold weather (usually 25 F and below) there is a strong fuel smell. Worse the colder it gets. I am worried for my baby's health and also worried I was inhaling this leaking fuel throughout my pregnancy. It is obviously not something that should be happening and is unhealthy. I reported this to a mechanic shop and they rebuilt the engine because of other issues. They said this rebuilding would fix the fuel leak/smell also. It lessened it, but it is still there every time it is cold out. It dissipates after driving it for a while. I have come to understand this is a widespread issue and there really should be a recall.

- Anchorage, AK, USA

problem #2

Jan 072014

Outback

  • 224,000 miles
During cold weather when the climate control system is set to fresh air, a gasoline odor enters the cabin. There is apparent fuel line leak that only occurs during cold weather.

- Helena, MT, USA

problem #1

Sep 062013

Outback

  • 76,590 miles
I smelled gas in car in sepy 2013. A fuel pump was gasket was replace.10/2013 fuel pump replaced.11/2013 above fuel pump removed & replaced. Gas smell still present, not as strong.I want to know if this is an issue with Subaru's.if so or if not, what will correct the gas smell?

- Midlothian, VA, USA