In 20 degree weather (Fahrenheit) an overwhelming gasoline odor filled the cabin of my 2001 Subaru legacy wagon (Outback). This happened on three different trips around town yesterday. I have a 2.5L engine, using 87 octane gasoline. The check engine light did not eliminate during these episodes. I lifted the engine compartment hood when this happened a third time and found the vapor smell was strongest near the intake manifold. There was no evidence of fuel leaking from any neoprene of steel lines. Obviously the odor was coming from the engine compartment through the heating system vents (the climate control fan was turned to high). The odor was so strong, it was overwhelming even when the vents were blowing recirculated air from the beginning of the trip. I believe a spark could have easily resulted in an explosion.

- Coppell, TX, USA

The contact owns a 2001 Subaru Outback. The contact noticed that the engine warning light would consistently illuminate on the instrument control panel. He took the vehicle to the dealer and a technician erased the fuel temperature code. Two weeks after the diagnostic, the contact noticed that the engine warning light had resurfaced on the instrument control panel. He took the vehicle back to the dealer and a technician replaced the knock sensor at the cost of $317. Several days after the repair, the engine warning light illuminated again. He took the vehicle to the dealer again and the technician stated that the fuel temperature sensor needed to be replaced at the cost of $520. The vehicle is currently being repaired. The manufacturer would not assist. The failure mileage was 53,378 and current mileage was 53,923. Updated 10/16/08. Updated the dealer replaced repaired a loose connection at the fuel pump sensor.

- St Louis, MO, USA

Bought Outback from nate wade Subaru in salt lake city in Nov. Of 2006. I was told that nate wade performed a complete inspection of the vehicle, and was told by the salesman, bryce, that the vehicle was in good condition. After purchasing the car(along with powertrain warranty), I noticed that in cold weather, the belt squealed. Talked to dealer, and dealer fixed the problem, but now I'm very insecure about the actual condition of the car. I'm not so sure that the salesman or the dealer was being honest about the condition of the car. Once the weather began heating up, the car would overheat. I took it into nate wade service. They said all that needed to be done was a new radiator cap and flushed the lines. Paid for that. The problem persisted, so I took the car back in. Service told me then that I needed a new radiator. Apparently, this was not a problem that could have been discovered when I visited nate wade service a week prior. I took the car to another mechanic for a second opinion, and he told me that it was not overheating due to the radiator because the radiator leak was minimal. Nate wade refused to do anything further to figure out what was wrong with the vehicle besides replacing the radiator. Recently the car has been losing power and a severe decrease in fuel mileage. Took the car to nate wade. Nate wade said that there was nothing wrong with the car at all, but that I could get a tune up for 150. But, there is nothing wrong with the sparkplugs or the timing. I know there is a problem with the car, but all the dealership wants me to do is throw money at the problem, and stall until the warranty expires this November. They refuse to identify the problem, but want me to just keep spending money to eliminate the possibilities for them. I'm concerned that the car was not in good condition when I bought it, as was promised by bryce, the salesman.

- Salt Lake City, UT, USA

(1) events leading to failure---just driving the car, then check engine light came on, then engine started to get hot, so car was towed to dealer. (2) failure and its consequences--$1900 repair bill-two head gasket in engine---from arlington, MA Subaru dealer--estimate reduced to $1700 upon request. Getting repair done with other shop (3) getting two head gaskets and other engine gaskets replaced.

- Belmont, MA, USA

While in motion and descending a steep grade the vehicle will intermittently accelerate on its own up to 4500 and 5000 RPM's. dealer is unable to duplicate the problem.

- Coloma, CA, USA