IllustrationDURING THE WINTER MONTHS THE CAR BEGINS TO EMIT THE SMELL OF GAS INTO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT - SO MUCH THAT I HAVE TO ROLL THE WINDOWS DOWN OR I BEGIN TO GAG. MOST LIKELY THIS IS A FUEL LEAK BUT I CAN'T SEEM TO LOCATE IT. THIS IS ON A 2002 SUBARU WRX SEDAN PURCHASED IN APRIL 2001. *JB
2002 Subaru Wrx
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
Limited comparison data
There is not enough comparable history to draw a useful model-year comparison.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Wrx years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
700–25K
13225–50K
6850–75K
3575–100K
20100–150K
3150K+
328 reports with mileage · 99 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Fuel System, Gasoline. Review the 266 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic. Review the 64 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 16 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
17 crash reports2 fire reports9 injury reports
Fuel System, Gasoline complaints
266 reportsVEHICLE IS LEAKING FUEL INTO THE ENGINE BAY. THE PASSENGER SIDE FUEL RAIL IS LEAKING. SUBARU OF AMERICA IS NOT WILLING TO FIX THE ISSUE IT IS HAPPENING TO A LOT OF PEOPLE. THE VEHICLE HAS GASOLINE FUMES COMING IN THROUGH THE VENTS. THE CONDITION IS WORSENED IN WINTER. *JB
IN REGARDS TO NHTSA ACTION NUMBER : PE04002 I HAVE A 2002 SUBARU WRX WITH 34000 MILES AND LIVE IN HOUSTON, TX. I FIRST ENCOUNTERED THE PROBLEM WHEN VISITING MY FAMILY IN FT. WORTH SEVERAL YEARS AGO. IT WAS NOT VERY COLD, BUT THERE WAS SNOW ON THE GROUND. I STARTED THE CAR AND TURNED ON THE HEATER TO LET CAR WARM UP. WHEN I RETU…
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IN REGARDS TO NHTSA ACTION NUMBER : PE04002 I HAVE A 2002 SUBARU WRX WITH 34000 MILES AND LIVE IN HOUSTON, TX. I FIRST ENCOUNTERED THE PROBLEM WHEN VISITING MY FAMILY IN FT. WORTH SEVERAL YEARS AGO. IT WAS NOT VERY COLD, BUT THERE WAS SNOW ON THE GROUND. I STARTED THE CAR AND TURNED ON THE HEATER TO LET CAR WARM UP. WHEN I RETURNED ABOUT FIVE MINUTES LATER, I DETECTED A STRONG ODOR OF GASOLINE BEFORE GETTING IN. THE FUMES INSIDE WERE UNBEARABLE AND I HAD TO AIR OUT THE CAR BEFORE DRIVING, BUT THE ORDER PERSISTED FOR ABOUT AN HOUR. I LEFT FOR HOUSTON THAT EVENING AND THOUGHT THE FUMES WERE JUST A ONE TIME OCCURRENCE. LAST NIGHT I VISITED A FRIEND FOR ABOUT 2 HOURS. IT RARELY GETS VERY COLD IN HOUSTON, BUT AT 9 P.M. LAST NIGHT WHEN I LEFT THE TEMPERATURE WAS PROBABLY JUST A LITTLE ABOVE FREEZING. WHEN I STARTED THE CAR ALL APPEARED NORMAL, BUT WHEN I TURNED ON THE HEATER, THE SMELL OF GAS WAS OVERWHELMING. I AIRED OUT THE CAR WHILE DRIVING, BUT THE GOT THE SAME RESULT EVERY TIME I TRIED TO USE THE HEATER. THE CAR REEKED OF RAW GASOLINE WHEN I PARKED IT AFTER THE 1.5 MILE DRIVE HOME. I GOT ON-LINE AFTER I GOT HOME AND FOUND OUT THIS WAS A VERY COMMON COMPLAINT AND THAT TSB HAD BEEN ISSUED. I ALSO SAW YOUR ACTION AND BELIEVE SUBARU OF AMERICA MAY HAVE GIVEN YOU THE IMPRESSION THAT THE DEFECT IS THE RESULT OF "VERY COLD CONDITIONS." FROM WHAT I'VE SEEN ON THE INTERNET, I DO NOT BELIEVE THAT TO BE THE CASE. HTTP://FORUMS.NASIOC.COM/FORUMS/SHOWTHREAD.PHP?T=675874&HIGHLIGHT=FUEL+LEAK HTTP://WWW.WRXFORUM.COM/CGI-BIN/ULTIMATEBB.CGI?UBB=PRINT_TOPIC;F=3;T=008039 HTTP://WWW.DAYTONSUBIES.COM/FORUMS/INDEX.PHP?ACT=ST&F=3&T=185 HTTP://64.119.173.9/FORUMS/PRINTTHREAD.PHP?T=81610 HTTP://CLUBWRX.NET/FORUMS/SHOWTHREAD.PHP?T=48256 ANYWAY, I BELIEVE RAW GASOLINE LEAKING ONTO THE TOP OF THE ENGINE IN THE QUANTITIES THAT WOULD CAUSE THAT STRONG OF ODOR HAS TO CREATE A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY HAZARD; AND THAT IT HAPPENS MORE OFTEN THAN SOA HAS ADMITTED. *JB
GASOLINE FUEL SMELL IN CABIN OF CAR, WHEN DRIVING AND WARMING IT UP IN THE MORNING. HAD JUST HAD CAR SERVICED BY DEALERSHIP FOR 60,000 MILE CHECK UP. WAS AFRAID TO DRIVE CAR SINCE I COULD SEE GASOLINE POOLED ON ENGINE BLOCK AND WAS SMOKING AS IT EVAPORATED. TOOK TO DEALERSHIP WHERE I PURCHASED VEHICLE TO HAVE IT SERVICED. WA…
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GASOLINE FUEL SMELL IN CABIN OF CAR, WHEN DRIVING AND WARMING IT UP IN THE MORNING. HAD JUST HAD CAR SERVICED BY DEALERSHIP FOR 60,000 MILE CHECK UP. WAS AFRAID TO DRIVE CAR SINCE I COULD SEE GASOLINE POOLED ON ENGINE BLOCK AND WAS SMOKING AS IT EVAPORATED. TOOK TO DEALERSHIP WHERE I PURCHASED VEHICLE TO HAVE IT SERVICED. WAS INFORMED OF A SERVICE BULLETIN SUBARU PUBLISHED 4/1/03 - BULLETIN NO. 09-36-03 CONCERNING THE PROBLEM AND REPAIR. ASKED DEALERSHIP IF PROBLEM WAS COVERED UNDER EXTENDED WARRANTY. THEY SAID NO. SINCE THIS PROBLEM WAS IDENTIFIED BY THE MANUFACTURER OF THE VEHICLE BEFORE MY PURCHASE OF THE CAR AND IS IN FACT A SAFETY ISSUE, I AM CONFUSED AS TO WHY THIS REPAIR IS NOT COVERED BY THE DEALERSHIP/MANUFACTURER OF THE VEHICLE. PAID FOR REPAIR COST OF $ 818. DEALERSHIP UNWILLING TO TRY TO HELP RESOLVE MY ISSUE WITH THE REPAIR. CONTACTED AUTO MANUFACTURER DIRECTLY AND AM WAITING FOR RESPONSE. *JB
SINCE THE WEATHER HAS GOTTEN COLDER THERE IS A STRONG SMELL OF GASOLINE COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THIS IS DUE TO A LEAK IN THE FUEL LINE BETWEEN A RUBBER HOSE AND A METAL FUEL LINE. SUBARU IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM BUT HAS NOT ISSUED A RECALL. (TSB 09-36-03) SEE POST HERE: HTTP://FORUMS.NASIOC.COM/FORUMS/SHOWTHREAD.PH…
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SINCE THE WEATHER HAS GOTTEN COLDER THERE IS A STRONG SMELL OF GASOLINE COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THIS IS DUE TO A LEAK IN THE FUEL LINE BETWEEN A RUBBER HOSE AND A METAL FUEL LINE. SUBARU IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM BUT HAS NOT ISSUED A RECALL. (TSB 09-36-03) SEE POST HERE: HTTP://FORUMS.NASIOC.COM/FORUMS/SHOWTHREAD.PHP?T=131755&PAGE=7&PP=25. *JB
RAW FUEL SMELL DURING COLDER WEATHER. THE SMELL IS FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND IS DUE TO POORLY DESIGNED FUEL DELIVERY PIPING/HOSES. RAW FUEL IS LEAKING FROM THE FUEL DELIVERY PIPING/HOSES AND THEN PUDDLES ON THE ENGINE BLOCK. THIS IS A KNOWN DEFECT AND SUBARU OF AMERICA STILL WILL NOT ACKNOWLEDGE ANY ISSUES NOR FIX THE P…
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RAW FUEL SMELL DURING COLDER WEATHER. THE SMELL IS FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND IS DUE TO POORLY DESIGNED FUEL DELIVERY PIPING/HOSES. RAW FUEL IS LEAKING FROM THE FUEL DELIVERY PIPING/HOSES AND THEN PUDDLES ON THE ENGINE BLOCK. THIS IS A KNOWN DEFECT AND SUBARU OF AMERICA STILL WILL NOT ACKNOWLEDGE ANY ISSUES NOR FIX THE PROBLEM. THE THREAT OF ENGINE FIRE IS VERY REAL AS IS PERSONAL INJURY AND/OR DEATH. I STRONGLY ENCOURAGE NHTSA TO INVESTIGATE THIS PROBLEM BEFORE SOMEONE IS SERIOUSLY HURT OR KILLED. TO FIX THIS PROBLEM WOULD BE MUCH BETTER FOR SOA THAN TO DEAL WITH LAWSUITS INVOLVING INJURY & DEATH. *JB
THIS IS A FOLLOW UP TO COMPLAINT 10144181. I TRIED TO CALL IN A FOLLOW UP AND WAS TREATED WITH TOTAL INDIFFERENCE. THE WEATHER IS NOW IN THE -8 TO +5 RANGE HERE IN WESTERN NE AND THE FUEL LEAK DOES NOT STOP, EVER. AFTER DRIVING 20 MILES TO WORK AND PARKING THE SMELL IS SO STRONG I FELT LIGHT HEADED, HEADACHE AND NAUSEOUS. A CO-W…
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THIS IS A FOLLOW UP TO COMPLAINT 10144181. I TRIED TO CALL IN A FOLLOW UP AND WAS TREATED WITH TOTAL INDIFFERENCE. THE WEATHER IS NOW IN THE -8 TO +5 RANGE HERE IN WESTERN NE AND THE FUEL LEAK DOES NOT STOP, EVER. AFTER DRIVING 20 MILES TO WORK AND PARKING THE SMELL IS SO STRONG I FELT LIGHT HEADED, HEADACHE AND NAUSEOUS. A CO-WORKER PARKED 2 SPACES AWAY COULD SMELL IT GETTING OUT OF HIS CAR. I HAVE PARKED THE CAR. I WILL NOT SUBJECT MYSELF OF MY FAMILY TO THE HEALTH AND FIRE RISK. I GUESS I WILL WAIT UNTIL SOMEONE DIES FROM A FIRE OR ASPHYXIATION AND THEN SEE IF THERE IS ANY RECALL OR REACTION FROM THE NHTSA. THIS IS CUT DIRECTLY FOR YOUR WEB SITE. HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV/PAGES/ODIFAQSREV2.HTM#OD5 WHAT ARE EXAMPLES OF SAFETY DEFECTS? EXAMPLES INCLUDE: PROBLEMS WITH FUEL SYSTEM COMPONENTS, PARTICULARLY IN THEIR SUSCEPTIBILITY TO CRASH DAMAGE, THAT RESULT IN LEAKAGE OF FUEL AND POSSIBLY CAUSE VEHICLE FIRES. FORGET CRASH DAMAGE, THIS THING LEAKS FUEL SITTING STILL. REVIEWING THIS MODEL YEAR ON YOUR SITE I NOTICE PEOPLE ARE LOGGING COMPLAINTS UNDER THE IMPREZA MODEL AND THE WRX MODEL AND IF YOU LOOK THROUGH THE COMPLAINTS ON THESE SYMPTOMS THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS. I AM SHOCKED THAT NO RECALL HAS BEEN FORCES CONSIDERING IT IS, BY YOUR OWN DEFINITION, A SAFETY HAZARD. *JB
WITH REGARDS TO THE INVESTIGATION LISTED BELOW, I WOULD LIKE TO ATTEST THAT THIS PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN ADDRESSED. AS REGARDS THE LEAKING OF FUEL INTO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, IT IS A MORE SERIOUS HAZARD THAN INDICATED IN YOUR IMPOVERISHED DATA. IN MANY CASES, THE FUEL DOES NOT CEASE TO LEAK WHEN THE CAR HAS WARMED UP, AND WILL C…
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WITH REGARDS TO THE INVESTIGATION LISTED BELOW, I WOULD LIKE TO ATTEST THAT THIS PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN ADDRESSED. AS REGARDS THE LEAKING OF FUEL INTO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, IT IS A MORE SERIOUS HAZARD THAN INDICATED IN YOUR IMPOVERISHED DATA. IN MANY CASES, THE FUEL DOES NOT CEASE TO LEAK WHEN THE CAR HAS WARMED UP, AND WILL CONTINUE TO LEAK FUEL STEADILY. THIS PRODUCES PUDDLES ON THE HOT INTAKE MANIFOLD, AND TOXIC CONDITIONS FOR PASSENGERS AND BYSTANDERS. AS MENTIONED IN SUBARU TSB 09-36-03, UNDER COLD WEATHER CONDITIONS, FUEL WILL LEAK FROM A RUBBER-METAL JOINT IN THE FUEL LINE. THE REASON GIVEN IS THAT THE STIFFENING OF THE RUBBER IN COLD WEATHER DEPRIVES THE MATERIAL OF THE RESILIENCY NEEDED TO PROVIDE STRAIN RELIEF FOR THE HIGH PRESSURE RUBBER-METAL JOINT, THIS STRESSING THE JOINT, AND ALLOWING FUEL TO LEAK FROM IT. IN MY CASE, AND IN THE CASE OF MANY OTHERS I HAVE RESEARCHED, THE FUEL WILL CONTINUE TO LEAK EVEN AFTER THE ENGINE IS WARMED UP, CONTRARY TO YOUR REPORT. I BELIEVE THAT YOUR REPORT HAS UNDERSTATED THE PROBLEM, AND BELIEVE THAT A RECALL SHOULD BE STRONGLY RECOMMENDED. == NHTSA ACTION NUMBER : PE04002 NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN NUMBER : N/A MAKE / MODELS : MODEL/BUILD YEARS: SUBARU / IMPREZA 2002-2003 SUBARU / WRX 2002-2003 MANUFACTURER : SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC. COMPONENT : FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS DATE INVESTIGATION OPENED : JANUARY 7, 2004 DATE INVESTIGATION CLOSED : MAY 27, 2004. *NM
EXTREMELY STRONG RAW FUEL SMELL INSIDE CAB OF CAR AND IN ENGINE COMPARTMENT. FOUND FUEL LEAKING FROM A LINE AND POOLING ON THE ENGINE BLOCK. HAVE READ NUMEROUS POSTS ABOUT THIS ON THE MULTIPLE SUBARU WRX AND RELATED WEB FORUMS. THE PROBLEM APPEARS TO BE COMING FROM A LOOSE CLAMP WHERE A RUBBER HOSE MEETS A METAL FUEL LINE....…
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EXTREMELY STRONG RAW FUEL SMELL INSIDE CAB OF CAR AND IN ENGINE COMPARTMENT. FOUND FUEL LEAKING FROM A LINE AND POOLING ON THE ENGINE BLOCK. HAVE READ NUMEROUS POSTS ABOUT THIS ON THE MULTIPLE SUBARU WRX AND RELATED WEB FORUMS. THE PROBLEM APPEARS TO BE COMING FROM A LOOSE CLAMP WHERE A RUBBER HOSE MEETS A METAL FUEL LINE....I CAN VISIBLY SEE FUEL DRIPPING ONTO THE ENGINE!. I CANNOT GET AT ALL THE HOSE CLAMPS AND CANNOT AFFORD THE $400 - $600 OTHERS ON THE FORUMS HAVE BEEN QUOTED FOR THE FIX. SUBARU HAS RELEASED A TSB FOR THIS PROBLEM ON 2002 WRX'S LIKE MINE BUT FOR SOME REASON HAS NOT ISSUES A RECALL. I GUESS IT'S GOING TO TAKE A BURNT UP FAMILY TO GET IT TAKEN CARE OF....I JUST HOPE IT'S NOT MINE. *JB
1) FAILURE: SEVERELY LEAKING FUEL ON MY 2002 WRX WHENEVER THE WEATHER GETS COLD. 2) CONSEQUENCES: POTENTIAL ENGINE FIRE. GASOLINE POOLS ON THE INTAKE MANIFOLD. *JB 3) THIS IS ADDRESSED UNDER SUBARU TSB 03-51-02 BUT IT HAS NOT BEEN RECALLED AS OF YET. I CALLED MY LOCAL SUBARU SERVICE DEPARTMENT AND THEY WERE UNAWARE OF T…
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1) FAILURE: SEVERELY LEAKING FUEL ON MY 2002 WRX WHENEVER THE WEATHER GETS COLD. 2) CONSEQUENCES: POTENTIAL ENGINE FIRE. GASOLINE POOLS ON THE INTAKE MANIFOLD. *JB 3) THIS IS ADDRESSED UNDER SUBARU TSB 03-51-02 BUT IT HAS NOT BEEN RECALLED AS OF YET. I CALLED MY LOCAL SUBARU SERVICE DEPARTMENT AND THEY WERE UNAWARE OF THE PROBLEM. *JB
Official recalls
109V468000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump
Dec 4, 2009
SUBARU IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2002 AND 2003 IMPREZA WRX VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF SOUTH DAKOTA, NEBRASKA, NORTH DAKOTA, MINNESOTA, IDAHO, IOWA, MONTANA, COLORADO, WISCONSIN, NEW YORK, WYOMING, MICHIGAN, ALASKA, NEW HAMPSHIRE, VERMONT, AND MAINE. DURING COLD STARTS, TYPICALLY UNDER EXTREMELY COLD TEMPERATURES, FUEL LEAKS IN THE FUEL DELIVERY LINE COULD OCCUR WHERE THE LINE CONNECTS WITH A RUBBER HOSE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: FUEL LEAKS, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL LINE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 31, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SUBARU AT 1-800-782-2783.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
5EA09011 · Fuel Line Leak
Opened Jul 2, 2009 · Closed Dec 14, 2009
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
THE DESIGN OF THE FUEL LINE (METAL RAIL/RUBBER HOSE INTERFACE) IS SUSCEPTIBLE TO FUEL ODOR AND/OR SEEPAGE IN EXTREME COLD TEMPERATURE CONDITIONS.OWNERS MOST OFTEN NOTICED FUEL ODOR IN THE OCCUPANT COMPARTMENT AREA DURING INITIAL COLD ENGINE START-UP.ONCE THE ENGINE IS WARMED, THE ODOR/SEEPAGE ISSUE DISSIPATES.FROM SUBARU'S DATA, ODI NOTES THAT THE INCIDENT RATES ARE HIGHER IN STATES WITH COLDER TEMPERATURES.THERE WAS ONE ALLEGATION OF A FIRE INCIDENT IN WHICH THE OWNER HAD REPORTED THAT HE NOTICED FUEL ODOR A FEW DAYS EARLIER, BUT ODI COULD NOT CONFIRM THE ORIGIN OF THE FIRE. TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE, SUBARU WILL REPLACE THE FUEL LINE WITH A LONGER RUBBER HOSE SEGMENT VERSION/DESIGN ON 5,724 MY 2002-2003 VEHICLES BUILT THROUGH SEPTEMBER 12, 2002 IN 16 STATES (AK, CO, IA, ID, ME, MI, MN, MT, ND, NE, NH, NY, SD, VT, WI & WY).IN ADDITION, SUBARU WILL EXTEND THE WARRANTY COVERAGE TO 12 YEARS/UNLIMITED MILEAGE ON VEHICLES IN THE REMAINING 34 STATES.THIS ENGINEERING ANALYSIS IS CLOSED (SEE RECALL CAMPAIGN 09V-468)
PE09017 · Fuel Line Leak
Opened Mar 10, 2009 · Closed Jul 2, 2009
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Fuel System, Gasoline; Fuel System, Gasoline:carburetor System; Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery; Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump; Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings; Fuel System, Gasoline:fuel Injection System; Fuel System, Gasoline:fuel Injection System:fuel Rail; Fuel System, Gasoline:fuel Injection System:injectors; Fuel System, Other; Fuel System, Other:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings; Fuel System, Other:fuel Injection System
COMPLAINANTS REPORT FUEL LEAKAGE MOST FREQUENTLY IN WINTER DURING INITIAL COLD ENGINE STARTUP.OWNERS WILL EITHER NOTICE A FUEL ODOR INSIDE THE OCCUPANT COMPARTMENT OR FUEL ODOR/LEAKAGE AT THE FUEL LINES ON THE RIGHT SIDE ATOP THE ENGINE. ONCE THE ENGINE HAS WARMED, THE ODOR/LEAKAGE MAY CEASE.SUBARU REVISED THE FUEL PIPE/HOSE DESIGN FOR MODEL YEAR (MY) 2003-04 WRX VEHICLES PRODUCED AFTER AUGUST 2003.SUBARU ALSO INTRODUCED A MY 2004 IMPREZA STI VEHICLE WITH A DIFFERENT ENGINE AND FUEL PIPE/HOSE LAYOUT.OUT OF THE TOTAL OF 994 COMPLAINTS, 944 CONCERN MY 2002-03 WRX VEHICLES BUILT THROUGH AUGUST 2003.SUBARU ALSO REPORTS ONE FIRE ON A MY 2002 WRX VEHICLE THAT OCCURRED IN FEBRUARY 2006.IN MARCH 2009, ODI INSPECTED AND VIDEO TAPED A MY 2002 WRX VEHICLE WITH A FUEL LEAK DURING COLD ENGINE START UP.THE VIDEO WAS PROVIDED TO SUBARU AND IS IN THE INVESTIGATION FILE. THIS INVESTIGATION IS BEING UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA09-011) TO FURTHER STUDY THIS ISSUE.
Additional source detail variants (11)
Fuel System, Gasoline:carburetor System
COMPLAINANTS REPORT FUEL LEAKAGE MOST FREQUENTLY IN WINTER DURING INITIAL COLD ENGINE STARTUP.OWNERS WILL EITHER NOTICE A FUEL ODOR INSIDE THE OCCUPANT COMPARTMENT OR FUEL ODOR/LEAKAGE AT THE FUEL LINES ON THE RIGHT SIDE ATOP THE ENGINE. ONCE THE ENGINE HAS WARMED, THE ODOR/LEAKAGE MAY CEASE.SUBARU REVISED THE FUEL PIPE/HOSE DESIGN FOR MODEL YEAR (MY) 2003-04 WRX VEHICLES PRODUCED AFTER AUGUST 2003.SUBARU ALSO INTRODUCED A MY 2004 IMPREZA STI VEHICLE WITH A DIFFERENT ENGINE AND FUEL PIPE/HOSE LAYOUT.OUT OF THE TOTAL OF 994 COMPLAINTS, 944 CONCERN MY 2002-03 WRX VEHICLES BUILT THROUGH AUGUST 2003.SUBARU ALSO REPORTS ONE FIRE ON A MY 2002 WRX VEHICLE THAT OCCURRED IN FEBRUARY 2006.IN MARCH 2009, ODI INSPECTED AND VIDEO TAPED A MY 2002 WRX VEHICLE WITH A FUEL LEAK DURING COLD ENGINE START UP.THE VIDEO WAS PROVIDED TO SUBARU AND IS IN THE INVESTIGATION FILE. THIS INVESTIGATION IS BEING UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA09-011) TO FURTHER STUDY THIS ISSUE.
Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump
COMPLAINANTS REPORT FUEL LEAKAGE MOST FREQUENTLY IN WINTER DURING INITIAL COLD ENGINE STARTUP.OWNERS WILL EITHER NOTICE A FUEL ODOR INSIDE THE OCCUPANT COMPARTMENT OR FUEL ODOR/LEAKAGE AT THE FUEL LINES ON THE RIGHT SIDE ATOP THE ENGINE. ONCE THE ENGINE HAS WARMED, THE ODOR/LEAKAGE MAY CEASE.SUBARU REVISED THE FUEL PIPE/HOSE DESIGN FOR MODEL YEAR (MY) 2003-04 WRX VEHICLES PRODUCED AFTER AUGUST 2003.SUBARU ALSO INTRODUCED A MY 2004 IMPREZA STI VEHICLE WITH A DIFFERENT ENGINE AND FUEL PIPE/HOSE LAYOUT.OUT OF THE TOTAL OF 994 COMPLAINTS, 944 CONCERN MY 2002-03 WRX VEHICLES BUILT THROUGH AUGUST 2003.SUBARU ALSO REPORTS ONE FIRE ON A MY 2002 WRX VEHICLE THAT OCCURRED IN FEBRUARY 2006.IN MARCH 2009, ODI INSPECTED AND VIDEO TAPED A MY 2002 WRX VEHICLE WITH A FUEL LEAK DURING COLD ENGINE START UP.THE VIDEO WAS PROVIDED TO SUBARU AND IS IN THE INVESTIGATION FILE. THIS INVESTIGATION IS BEING UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA09-011) TO FURTHER STUDY THIS ISSUE.
Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
COMPLAINANTS REPORT FUEL LEAKAGE MOST FREQUENTLY IN WINTER DURING INITIAL COLD ENGINE STARTUP.OWNERS WILL EITHER NOTICE A FUEL ODOR INSIDE THE OCCUPANT COMPARTMENT OR FUEL ODOR/LEAKAGE AT THE FUEL LINES ON THE RIGHT SIDE ATOP THE ENGINE. ONCE THE ENGINE HAS WARMED, THE ODOR/LEAKAGE MAY CEASE.SUBARU REVISED THE FUEL PIPE/HOSE DESIGN FOR MODEL YEAR (MY) 2003-04 WRX VEHICLES PRODUCED AFTER AUGUST 2003.SUBARU ALSO INTRODUCED A MY 2004 IMPREZA STI VEHICLE WITH A DIFFERENT ENGINE AND FUEL PIPE/HOSE LAYOUT.OUT OF THE TOTAL OF 994 COMPLAINTS, 944 CONCERN MY 2002-03 WRX VEHICLES BUILT THROUGH AUGUST 2003.SUBARU ALSO REPORTS ONE FIRE ON A MY 2002 WRX VEHICLE THAT OCCURRED IN FEBRUARY 2006.IN MARCH 2009, ODI INSPECTED AND VIDEO TAPED A MY 2002 WRX VEHICLE WITH A FUEL LEAK DURING COLD ENGINE START UP.THE VIDEO WAS PROVIDED TO SUBARU AND IS IN THE INVESTIGATION FILE. THIS INVESTIGATION IS BEING UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA09-011) TO FURTHER STUDY THIS ISSUE.
Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery
COMPLAINANTS REPORT FUEL LEAKAGE MOST FREQUENTLY IN WINTER DURING INITIAL COLD ENGINE STARTUP.OWNERS WILL EITHER NOTICE A FUEL ODOR INSIDE THE OCCUPANT COMPARTMENT OR FUEL ODOR/LEAKAGE AT THE FUEL LINES ON THE RIGHT SIDE ATOP THE ENGINE. ONCE THE ENGINE HAS WARMED, THE ODOR/LEAKAGE MAY CEASE.SUBARU REVISED THE FUEL PIPE/HOSE DESIGN FOR MODEL YEAR (MY) 2003-04 WRX VEHICLES PRODUCED AFTER AUGUST 2003.SUBARU ALSO INTRODUCED A MY 2004 IMPREZA STI VEHICLE WITH A DIFFERENT ENGINE AND FUEL PIPE/HOSE LAYOUT.OUT OF THE TOTAL OF 994 COMPLAINTS, 944 CONCERN MY 2002-03 WRX VEHICLES BUILT THROUGH AUGUST 2003.SUBARU ALSO REPORTS ONE FIRE ON A MY 2002 WRX VEHICLE THAT OCCURRED IN FEBRUARY 2006.IN MARCH 2009, ODI INSPECTED AND VIDEO TAPED A MY 2002 WRX VEHICLE WITH A FUEL LEAK DURING COLD ENGINE START UP.THE VIDEO WAS PROVIDED TO SUBARU AND IS IN THE INVESTIGATION FILE. THIS INVESTIGATION IS BEING UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA09-011) TO FURTHER STUDY THIS ISSUE.
Fuel System, Gasoline:fuel Injection System:fuel Rail
COMPLAINANTS REPORT FUEL LEAKAGE MOST FREQUENTLY IN WINTER DURING INITIAL COLD ENGINE STARTUP.OWNERS WILL EITHER NOTICE A FUEL ODOR INSIDE THE OCCUPANT COMPARTMENT OR FUEL ODOR/LEAKAGE AT THE FUEL LINES ON THE RIGHT SIDE ATOP THE ENGINE. ONCE THE ENGINE HAS WARMED, THE ODOR/LEAKAGE MAY CEASE.SUBARU REVISED THE FUEL PIPE/HOSE DESIGN FOR MODEL YEAR (MY) 2003-04 WRX VEHICLES PRODUCED AFTER AUGUST 2003.SUBARU ALSO INTRODUCED A MY 2004 IMPREZA STI VEHICLE WITH A DIFFERENT ENGINE AND FUEL PIPE/HOSE LAYOUT.OUT OF THE TOTAL OF 994 COMPLAINTS, 944 CONCERN MY 2002-03 WRX VEHICLES BUILT THROUGH AUGUST 2003.SUBARU ALSO REPORTS ONE FIRE ON A MY 2002 WRX VEHICLE THAT OCCURRED IN FEBRUARY 2006.IN MARCH 2009, ODI INSPECTED AND VIDEO TAPED A MY 2002 WRX VEHICLE WITH A FUEL LEAK DURING COLD ENGINE START UP.THE VIDEO WAS PROVIDED TO SUBARU AND IS IN THE INVESTIGATION FILE. THIS INVESTIGATION IS BEING UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA09-011) TO FURTHER STUDY THIS ISSUE.
Fuel System, Gasoline:fuel Injection System:injectors
COMPLAINANTS REPORT FUEL LEAKAGE MOST FREQUENTLY IN WINTER DURING INITIAL COLD ENGINE STARTUP.OWNERS WILL EITHER NOTICE A FUEL ODOR INSIDE THE OCCUPANT COMPARTMENT OR FUEL ODOR/LEAKAGE AT THE FUEL LINES ON THE RIGHT SIDE ATOP THE ENGINE. ONCE THE ENGINE HAS WARMED, THE ODOR/LEAKAGE MAY CEASE.SUBARU REVISED THE FUEL PIPE/HOSE DESIGN FOR MODEL YEAR (MY) 2003-04 WRX VEHICLES PRODUCED AFTER AUGUST 2003.SUBARU ALSO INTRODUCED A MY 2004 IMPREZA STI VEHICLE WITH A DIFFERENT ENGINE AND FUEL PIPE/HOSE LAYOUT.OUT OF THE TOTAL OF 994 COMPLAINTS, 944 CONCERN MY 2002-03 WRX VEHICLES BUILT THROUGH AUGUST 2003.SUBARU ALSO REPORTS ONE FIRE ON A MY 2002 WRX VEHICLE THAT OCCURRED IN FEBRUARY 2006.IN MARCH 2009, ODI INSPECTED AND VIDEO TAPED A MY 2002 WRX VEHICLE WITH A FUEL LEAK DURING COLD ENGINE START UP.THE VIDEO WAS PROVIDED TO SUBARU AND IS IN THE INVESTIGATION FILE. THIS INVESTIGATION IS BEING UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA09-011) TO FURTHER STUDY THIS ISSUE.
Fuel System, Gasoline:fuel Injection System
COMPLAINANTS REPORT FUEL LEAKAGE MOST FREQUENTLY IN WINTER DURING INITIAL COLD ENGINE STARTUP.OWNERS WILL EITHER NOTICE A FUEL ODOR INSIDE THE OCCUPANT COMPARTMENT OR FUEL ODOR/LEAKAGE AT THE FUEL LINES ON THE RIGHT SIDE ATOP THE ENGINE. ONCE THE ENGINE HAS WARMED, THE ODOR/LEAKAGE MAY CEASE.SUBARU REVISED THE FUEL PIPE/HOSE DESIGN FOR MODEL YEAR (MY) 2003-04 WRX VEHICLES PRODUCED AFTER AUGUST 2003.SUBARU ALSO INTRODUCED A MY 2004 IMPREZA STI VEHICLE WITH A DIFFERENT ENGINE AND FUEL PIPE/HOSE LAYOUT.OUT OF THE TOTAL OF 994 COMPLAINTS, 944 CONCERN MY 2002-03 WRX VEHICLES BUILT THROUGH AUGUST 2003.SUBARU ALSO REPORTS ONE FIRE ON A MY 2002 WRX VEHICLE THAT OCCURRED IN FEBRUARY 2006.IN MARCH 2009, ODI INSPECTED AND VIDEO TAPED A MY 2002 WRX VEHICLE WITH A FUEL LEAK DURING COLD ENGINE START UP.THE VIDEO WAS PROVIDED TO SUBARU AND IS IN THE INVESTIGATION FILE. THIS INVESTIGATION IS BEING UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA09-011) TO FURTHER STUDY THIS ISSUE.
Fuel System, Gasoline
COMPLAINANTS REPORT FUEL LEAKAGE MOST FREQUENTLY IN WINTER DURING INITIAL COLD ENGINE STARTUP.OWNERS WILL EITHER NOTICE A FUEL ODOR INSIDE THE OCCUPANT COMPARTMENT OR FUEL ODOR/LEAKAGE AT THE FUEL LINES ON THE RIGHT SIDE ATOP THE ENGINE. ONCE THE ENGINE HAS WARMED, THE ODOR/LEAKAGE MAY CEASE.SUBARU REVISED THE FUEL PIPE/HOSE DESIGN FOR MODEL YEAR (MY) 2003-04 WRX VEHICLES PRODUCED AFTER AUGUST 2003.SUBARU ALSO INTRODUCED A MY 2004 IMPREZA STI VEHICLE WITH A DIFFERENT ENGINE AND FUEL PIPE/HOSE LAYOUT.OUT OF THE TOTAL OF 994 COMPLAINTS, 944 CONCERN MY 2002-03 WRX VEHICLES BUILT THROUGH AUGUST 2003.SUBARU ALSO REPORTS ONE FIRE ON A MY 2002 WRX VEHICLE THAT OCCURRED IN FEBRUARY 2006.IN MARCH 2009, ODI INSPECTED AND VIDEO TAPED A MY 2002 WRX VEHICLE WITH A FUEL LEAK DURING COLD ENGINE START UP.THE VIDEO WAS PROVIDED TO SUBARU AND IS IN THE INVESTIGATION FILE. THIS INVESTIGATION IS BEING UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA09-011) TO FURTHER STUDY THIS ISSUE.
Fuel System, Other:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
COMPLAINANTS REPORT FUEL LEAKAGE MOST FREQUENTLY IN WINTER DURING INITIAL COLD ENGINE STARTUP.OWNERS WILL EITHER NOTICE A FUEL ODOR INSIDE THE OCCUPANT COMPARTMENT OR FUEL ODOR/LEAKAGE AT THE FUEL LINES ON THE RIGHT SIDE ATOP THE ENGINE. ONCE THE ENGINE HAS WARMED, THE ODOR/LEAKAGE MAY CEASE.SUBARU REVISED THE FUEL PIPE/HOSE DESIGN FOR MODEL YEAR (MY) 2003-04 WRX VEHICLES PRODUCED AFTER AUGUST 2003.SUBARU ALSO INTRODUCED A MY 2004 IMPREZA STI VEHICLE WITH A DIFFERENT ENGINE AND FUEL PIPE/HOSE LAYOUT.OUT OF THE TOTAL OF 994 COMPLAINTS, 944 CONCERN MY 2002-03 WRX VEHICLES BUILT THROUGH AUGUST 2003.SUBARU ALSO REPORTS ONE FIRE ON A MY 2002 WRX VEHICLE THAT OCCURRED IN FEBRUARY 2006.IN MARCH 2009, ODI INSPECTED AND VIDEO TAPED A MY 2002 WRX VEHICLE WITH A FUEL LEAK DURING COLD ENGINE START UP.THE VIDEO WAS PROVIDED TO SUBARU AND IS IN THE INVESTIGATION FILE. THIS INVESTIGATION IS BEING UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA09-011) TO FURTHER STUDY THIS ISSUE.
Fuel System, Other:fuel Injection System
COMPLAINANTS REPORT FUEL LEAKAGE MOST FREQUENTLY IN WINTER DURING INITIAL COLD ENGINE STARTUP.OWNERS WILL EITHER NOTICE A FUEL ODOR INSIDE THE OCCUPANT COMPARTMENT OR FUEL ODOR/LEAKAGE AT THE FUEL LINES ON THE RIGHT SIDE ATOP THE ENGINE. ONCE THE ENGINE HAS WARMED, THE ODOR/LEAKAGE MAY CEASE.SUBARU REVISED THE FUEL PIPE/HOSE DESIGN FOR MODEL YEAR (MY) 2003-04 WRX VEHICLES PRODUCED AFTER AUGUST 2003.SUBARU ALSO INTRODUCED A MY 2004 IMPREZA STI VEHICLE WITH A DIFFERENT ENGINE AND FUEL PIPE/HOSE LAYOUT.OUT OF THE TOTAL OF 994 COMPLAINTS, 944 CONCERN MY 2002-03 WRX VEHICLES BUILT THROUGH AUGUST 2003.SUBARU ALSO REPORTS ONE FIRE ON A MY 2002 WRX VEHICLE THAT OCCURRED IN FEBRUARY 2006.IN MARCH 2009, ODI INSPECTED AND VIDEO TAPED A MY 2002 WRX VEHICLE WITH A FUEL LEAK DURING COLD ENGINE START UP.THE VIDEO WAS PROVIDED TO SUBARU AND IS IN THE INVESTIGATION FILE. THIS INVESTIGATION IS BEING UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA09-011) TO FURTHER STUDY THIS ISSUE.
Fuel System, Other
COMPLAINANTS REPORT FUEL LEAKAGE MOST FREQUENTLY IN WINTER DURING INITIAL COLD ENGINE STARTUP.OWNERS WILL EITHER NOTICE A FUEL ODOR INSIDE THE OCCUPANT COMPARTMENT OR FUEL ODOR/LEAKAGE AT THE FUEL LINES ON THE RIGHT SIDE ATOP THE ENGINE. ONCE THE ENGINE HAS WARMED, THE ODOR/LEAKAGE MAY CEASE.SUBARU REVISED THE FUEL PIPE/HOSE DESIGN FOR MODEL YEAR (MY) 2003-04 WRX VEHICLES PRODUCED AFTER AUGUST 2003.SUBARU ALSO INTRODUCED A MY 2004 IMPREZA STI VEHICLE WITH A DIFFERENT ENGINE AND FUEL PIPE/HOSE LAYOUT.OUT OF THE TOTAL OF 994 COMPLAINTS, 944 CONCERN MY 2002-03 WRX VEHICLES BUILT THROUGH AUGUST 2003.SUBARU ALSO REPORTS ONE FIRE ON A MY 2002 WRX VEHICLE THAT OCCURRED IN FEBRUARY 2006.IN MARCH 2009, ODI INSPECTED AND VIDEO TAPED A MY 2002 WRX VEHICLE WITH A FUEL LEAK DURING COLD ENGINE START UP.THE VIDEO WAS PROVIDED TO SUBARU AND IS IN THE INVESTIGATION FILE. THIS INVESTIGATION IS BEING UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA09-011) TO FURTHER STUDY THIS ISSUE.
PE04002 · Fuel Line Leakage In Engine Compartment
Opened Jan 7, 2004 · Closed May 27, 2004
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Fuel System, Gasoline; Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
SUBARU REPORTS THAT THE FUEL ODOR IS CAUSED BY FUEL SEEPAGE DURING COLD START OF THE ENGINE UNDER EXTREMELY COLD TEMPERATURES. THE LEAK OCCURS IN A FUEL LINE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.IT REPORTS THAT THE FAILURE IS DUE TO THE MISALIGNED ANGLE BETWEEN TWO FUEL DELIVERY LINES WHICH RESULTED IN SUCH FUEL SEEPAGE DURING THE FIRST FEW SECONDS OF COLD ENGINE START DURING THESE COLD TEMPERATURES.SUBARU REPORTS THAT THE TWO FUEL LINES ARE CONNECTED WITH A HOSE THAT BECOMES TOO STIFF IN VERY COLD TEMPERATURES TO CONFORM TO THE MISALIGNMENT. SUBARU HAS ISSUED A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN (SUBARU SERVICE BULLETIN NUMBER 09-36-03) TO REPLACE THE FUEL LINES WITH NEW LINES THAT ARE PROPERLY ALIGNED AND THAT HAVE A LONGER CONNECTING HOSE.ODI PHONE CALLS TO MANY OF THE COMPLAINANTS CONFIRM THAT FUEL ODOR IS NOTICABLE DURING VERY COLD TEMPERATURES AND COLD START BUT GOES AWAY AS THE ENGINE WARMS UP, AND THE ODOR IS NOT PRESENT IN WARMER TEMPERATURES. A FEW OWNERS REPORT THAT ATTEMPTS TO ELIMINATE THE LEAKAGE BY TIGHTENING THE CONNECTING HOSE CLAMPS IS NOT EFFECTIVE IN ELIMINATING THE FUEL ODOR.A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY WILL MONITOR THIS ISSUE AND RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
SUBARU REPORTS THAT THE FUEL ODOR IS CAUSED BY FUEL SEEPAGE DURING COLD START OF THE ENGINE UNDER EXTREMELY COLD TEMPERATURES. THE LEAK OCCURS IN A FUEL LINE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.IT REPORTS THAT THE FAILURE IS DUE TO THE MISALIGNED ANGLE BETWEEN TWO FUEL DELIVERY LINES WHICH RESULTED IN SUCH FUEL SEEPAGE DURING THE FIRST FEW SECONDS OF COLD ENGINE START DURING THESE COLD TEMPERATURES.SUBARU REPORTS THAT THE TWO FUEL LINES ARE CONNECTED WITH A HOSE THAT BECOMES TOO STIFF IN VERY COLD TEMPERATURES TO CONFORM TO THE MISALIGNMENT. SUBARU HAS ISSUED A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN (SUBARU SERVICE BULLETIN NUMBER 09-36-03) TO REPLACE THE FUEL LINES WITH NEW LINES THAT ARE PROPERLY ALIGNED AND THAT HAVE A LONGER CONNECTING HOSE.ODI PHONE CALLS TO MANY OF THE COMPLAINANTS CONFIRM THAT FUEL ODOR IS NOTICABLE DURING VERY COLD TEMPERATURES AND COLD START BUT GOES AWAY AS THE ENGINE WARMS UP, AND THE ODOR IS NOT PRESENT IN WARMER TEMPERATURES. A FEW OWNERS REPORT THAT ATTEMPTS TO ELIMINATE THE LEAKAGE BY TIGHTENING THE CONNECTING HOSE CLAMPS IS NOT EFFECTIVE IN ELIMINATING THE FUEL ODOR.A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY WILL MONITOR THIS ISSUE AND RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.
Fuel System, Gasoline
SUBARU REPORTS THAT THE FUEL ODOR IS CAUSED BY FUEL SEEPAGE DURING COLD START OF THE ENGINE UNDER EXTREMELY COLD TEMPERATURES. THE LEAK OCCURS IN A FUEL LINE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.IT REPORTS THAT THE FAILURE IS DUE TO THE MISALIGNED ANGLE BETWEEN TWO FUEL DELIVERY LINES WHICH RESULTED IN SUCH FUEL SEEPAGE DURING THE FIRST FEW SECONDS OF COLD ENGINE START DURING THESE COLD TEMPERATURES.SUBARU REPORTS THAT THE TWO FUEL LINES ARE CONNECTED WITH A HOSE THAT BECOMES TOO STIFF IN VERY COLD TEMPERATURES TO CONFORM TO THE MISALIGNMENT. SUBARU HAS ISSUED A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN (SUBARU SERVICE BULLETIN NUMBER 09-36-03) TO REPLACE THE FUEL LINES WITH NEW LINES THAT ARE PROPERLY ALIGNED AND THAT HAVE A LONGER CONNECTING HOSE.ODI PHONE CALLS TO MANY OF THE COMPLAINANTS CONFIRM THAT FUEL ODOR IS NOTICABLE DURING VERY COLD TEMPERATURES AND COLD START BUT GOES AWAY AS THE ENGINE WARMS UP, AND THE ODOR IS NOT PRESENT IN WARMER TEMPERATURES. A FEW OWNERS REPORT THAT ATTEMPTS TO ELIMINATE THE LEAKAGE BY TIGHTENING THE CONNECTING HOSE CLAMPS IS NOT EFFECTIVE IN ELIMINATING THE FUEL ODOR.A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY WILL MONITOR THIS ISSUE AND RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.
EA03024 · Extended Stopping Distances
Opened Nov 19, 2003 · Closed Jul 12, 2005
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip
DURING THE EA, ODI AND VRTC PERFORMED THE FOLLOWING ACTIVITIES:1.CONDUCTED A MAIL SURVEY OF 246 SUBJECT VEHICLE OWNERS TODETERMINE THE ROADWAY SURFACE THAT CAUSED OWNERS' CONCERN;2.INTERVIEWED COMPLAINING OWNERS;3.CONDUCTED FIELD INSPECTIONS OF SEVEN (7) COMPLAINT VEHICLES;4.INSTRUMENTED TESTING AT VRTC OF COMPLAINT AND PEER VEHICLES;5.REVIEWED SUBARU'S RESPONSE TO OUR INFORMATION REQUEST;6.MET WITH SUBARU FOR TECHNICAL REVIEW OF TESTINGAS A RESULT OF THE WORK CONDUCTED BY VRTC AND ODI DURING THIS INVESTIGAITON, A CONSISTENT OR CHRONIC PATTERN OF POOR BRAKE PERFORMANCE HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED.VRTC CONDUCTED OVER 11,500 BRAKE TESTS.THEY DID NOT OBSERVE ANY LONG-DURATION, LOW DECELERATION EVENTS (SOME OWNERS REPORTED DELAYS OF 4 TO 10 SECONDS) IN THE TEST VEHICLES.SEE ODI'S CLOSING REPORT AND VRTC'S TEST REPORT FOR FULL DETAILS
PE03029 · Braking System/abs
Opened Jul 8, 2003 · Closed Nov 19, 2003
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip
SUBARU'S SUPPLEMENTAL RESPONSE OF SEPTEMBER 29, 2003, IDENTIFIED THAT THE 2002, 2003 SUBARU WRX MODELS AREEQUIPPED WITH THE BOSCH 5.3 ABS SYSTEM, AND IDENTIFIED THAT OTHER MODEL SUBARU VEHICLES ARE ALSO EQUIPPED WITH THE BOSCH 5.3 ABS SYSTEM, BUT HAVE DIFFERENT CALIBRATIONS THAN THE WRX MODEL VEHICLES.SUBARU IDENTIFIED THAT CHANGES WERE MADE IN THE ABS ECU TO ADDRESS A CALIBRATION LOGIC ISSUE WHEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE WITH THE SPARE TIRE MOUNTED.SUBARU REPORTED THAT BOTH THE ABS HYDRAULIC UNIT AND THE ABS ECU WERE MODIFIED, AND GAVE VIN NUMBERS TO IDENTIFY THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE MODIFIED UNITS IN PRODUCTION. TESTING IS UNDERWAY TO GAIN AN UNDERSTANDING OF THE WRX VEHICLE PERFORMANCE DURING AN ABS ACTIVATION.FUTHER, ANALYSIS OFTHE DIFFERENCES IN VEHICLE PERFORMANCE RESULTING FROM ABS SOFTWARE CHANGES WILL BE EXAMINED.