Fuel leak somewhere in engine compartment; gasoline odor went into passenger compartment. Worse in very cold or very hot weather. It's been like this for 3 or 4 years. My mechanic said it would cost $200 to try to find the leaks -- maybe some hose clamps near the fuel injectors are the culprit, but are hard to get to without taking apart some of the engine? I've seen many similar complaints on various online bulletin boards. I suppose NHTSA won't force Subaru to issue a recall until some large number of drivers/passengers die from an engine fire that starts from this type of leaking. Most recent incident: Late January, 2010.

- Newton, MA, USA

A very bad fuel smell inside cabin when it's cold outside and the vehicle is warming up and the vent is running. Fuel leak up by fuel filter area. Checked all hoses and clamps no leaks. Dealer checked it out and couldn't find a leak or problem. Afraid this may start a engine fire sometime.

- Green Bay, WI, USA

There is a fuel leak in the engine compartment of my Subaru Outback wagon on cold days and is a potential fire hazard. I have talked to several other people and they have the same problem. I would think there would be a recall since it is fuel related and a serious risk. The fuel leaks from a rubber hose on the left side of the engine that connects two hard gas lines. I tried tightening the clamps and it did not have much affect. The house has no holes or tears in it. Neither do the hard gas lines. So I don't know if it cant hold the pressure or what? I noticed it after driving for a few miles. I stopped for a minute and got a strong gas smell. There was gas in the engine compartment when I checked it when I got home. I drove a total of ten miles maybe.

- Saint Albans, VT, USA

Strong smell of gas in the cabin of the vehicle during cold weather - definitely smells of leaking gas - dealer advised and looked at car a number of times - could not resolve. I gave this car to my daughter and I fear an engine fire.

- Portland, OR, USA

While driving vehicle kept pulling to the right, and front end was wobbling, caused by the carriage bolt that fell off. Dealer contacted. While the consumer was driving the bike rack dropped down. The check engine light came on and stayed on due to evaporation leak from system and loose gas cap. The driver's side window seal was damaged.

- Manchester, NH, USA