IllustrationFUEL LEAK ON 2002 SUBARU IMPREZA WRX. FUEL LEAKS/SPRAYS FORM FUEL LINES ONTO MANIFOLD. STRONG FUEL SMELLS FILL CABIN WITH VAPORS. POSSIBLE CHANCE OF FIRE IN ENGINE COMPARTMENT. CONTACTED SUBARU WITH NO RESOLUTION. FIND THIS TO BE A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH 2002 SUBARU IMPREZA WRX. *TR
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 reportsIN COOL OR COLD WEATHER, THERE IS A VERY STRONG ODOR OF RAW FUEL INSIDE THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. ANYONE INSIDE OR NEAR THE CAR IS EXPOSED TO HARMFUL GASOLINE FUMES, THESE VAPORS ARE TOXIC WHEN CONCENTRATED AND MAY CAUSE DIZZINESS AND HALLUCINATIONS IN SMALLER AMOUNTS. THERE IS ALSO CONCERN OF POTENTIAL FIRE DANGER. FUEL ODOR…
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IN COOL OR COLD WEATHER, THERE IS A VERY STRONG ODOR OF RAW FUEL INSIDE THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. ANYONE INSIDE OR NEAR THE CAR IS EXPOSED TO HARMFUL GASOLINE FUMES, THESE VAPORS ARE TOXIC WHEN CONCENTRATED AND MAY CAUSE DIZZINESS AND HALLUCINATIONS IN SMALLER AMOUNTS. THERE IS ALSO CONCERN OF POTENTIAL FIRE DANGER. FUEL ODOR HAS BEEN PRESENT YEAR-ROUND ON MY CAR, AND ALSO ON MANY OTHER 2002 AND 2003 SUBARU IMPREZAS. THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE THAT SUBARU NEEDS TO ADDRESS, BUT THEIR POSITION SEEMS TO BE THAT IT IS THE CUSTOMER'S FAULT AND RESPONSIBILITY. THIS REPAIR, TO CORRECT A DESIGN FLAW IN THE SUBARU WRX, WILL COST THE LOYAL CUSTOMER SEVERAL HUNDRED DOLLARS. THANKS SUBARU, THANKS A LOT. *TR
MY 2002 SUBARU IMPREZA WRX EXHIBITS A VERY STRONG RAW GASOLINE SMELL AFTER RUNNING IN COLD WEATHER. I FIND THE PROBLEM MOST PRONOUNCED AFTER A TEMPERATURE CHANGE. I AM CONCERNED THAT MY CAR WILL CATCH ON FIRE. *TR
EARLY MODEL YEAR 2002 SUBARU IMPREZZA WRX - EXHIBITS A VERY STRONG RAW GASOLINE ODOR WHEN THE AMBIENT TEMPERATURE IS 60F OR BELOW AND THE ENGINE IS COLD. THE SMELL IS SO STRONG THAT THE WINDOWS OF THE CAR MUST BE OPENED IN ORDER NOT TO GET SICK FROM THE VAPORS. A VERY SIMILAR IF NOT IDENTICAL ISSUE IS RECORDED BY SUBARU AS SERVI…
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EARLY MODEL YEAR 2002 SUBARU IMPREZZA WRX - EXHIBITS A VERY STRONG RAW GASOLINE ODOR WHEN THE AMBIENT TEMPERATURE IS 60F OR BELOW AND THE ENGINE IS COLD. THE SMELL IS SO STRONG THAT THE WINDOWS OF THE CAR MUST BE OPENED IN ORDER NOT TO GET SICK FROM THE VAPORS. A VERY SIMILAR IF NOT IDENTICAL ISSUE IS RECORDED BY SUBARU AS SERVICE BULLETIN 09-36-03, HOWEVER THE TEMPERATURE DOES NOT HAVE TO BE BELOW FREEZING FOR THE PROBLEM TO OCCUR. AS STRONG AS THE ODOR IS FROM THIS PROBLEM, THERE IS CLEARLY RAW FUEL POOLING OR SPILLING SOMEWHERE WITHIN THE ENGINE. IN ADDITION, THERE ARE WELL OVER 1500 POSTS REGARDING THIS ISSUE ON THE FOLLOWING SITE: HTTP://FORUMS.NASIOC.COM/FORUMS/SHOWTHREAD.PHP?T=131755 THERE ARE OTHER FORUMS WITH INFORMATION REGARDING THIS ISSUE. THERE ARE REPORTS OF RAW FUEL POOLING ON SOME PEOPLE'S MANIFOLDS. THIS REPRESENTS A CLEAR DANGER TO PEOPLE AND PROPERTY, AND SHOULD BE RECONSIDERED BY THE NHTSA AS A MANDATORY RECALL FOR ALL SUBARU WRX VEHICLES WITH ENGINES PRIOR TO 673467 AS LISTED IN THE SERVICE BULLETIN. IF THE NHTSA WAITS UNTIL A VEHICLE CATCHES FIRE OR EXPLODES BEFORE MAKING THIS A RECALL, IT WILL BE A POTENTIAL TRAGEDY THAT COULD HAVE BEEN EASILY AVOIDED. *TR
EXTREMELY STRONG SMELL OF GASOLINE INSIDE CABIN AREA. TO THE POINT WHERE WINDOWS ALL HAVE TO BE ROLLED DOWN, SCARED THAT CAR MAY EXPLODE. NOTICED THAT IT IS WORSE ON COLD DAYS MORESO THAN ON HOT DAYS. I HAVE ALSO NOTICED WHAT LOOKS TO BE GASOLINE STAINS ON OUR DRIVEWAY, WHICH ARE LOCATED DIRECTLY UNDER ENGINE COMPARTMENT AREA OF…
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EXTREMELY STRONG SMELL OF GASOLINE INSIDE CABIN AREA. TO THE POINT WHERE WINDOWS ALL HAVE TO BE ROLLED DOWN, SCARED THAT CAR MAY EXPLODE. NOTICED THAT IT IS WORSE ON COLD DAYS MORESO THAN ON HOT DAYS. I HAVE ALSO NOTICED WHAT LOOKS TO BE GASOLINE STAINS ON OUR DRIVEWAY, WHICH ARE LOCATED DIRECTLY UNDER ENGINE COMPARTMENT AREA OF WHERE OUR 2002 SUBARU IMPREZA WRX USUALLY PARKS.
2002 SUBARU WRX SEDAN. STRONG FUEL SMELL COMES FROM PASSENGER SIDE OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. A MINOR FUEL LEAK OCCURS OCCASIONALLY DURING COLD WEATHER. TOOK IT TO SUBARU DEALER BUT THEY COULD NOT REPRODUCE THE LEAK SINCE THE WEATHER WARMED UP. SERVICE REP RECALLED SIMILAR PROBLEM WITH ANOTHER CUSTOMER WHO PAID $400 FOR REPLACIN…
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2002 SUBARU WRX SEDAN. STRONG FUEL SMELL COMES FROM PASSENGER SIDE OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. A MINOR FUEL LEAK OCCURS OCCASIONALLY DURING COLD WEATHER. TOOK IT TO SUBARU DEALER BUT THEY COULD NOT REPRODUCE THE LEAK SINCE THE WEATHER WARMED UP. SERVICE REP RECALLED SIMILAR PROBLEM WITH ANOTHER CUSTOMER WHO PAID $400 FOR REPLACING A FUEL LINE. FUEL LEAKS ARE SAFETY HAZARDS AND SHOULD BE FIXED AS RECALLS. *JB
DURING SOME COLD WEATHER OF ABOUT 20 FARENHEIT I RECENTLY I SMELLED A STRONG GASOLINE SMELL IN THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE. AT FIRST I THOUGHT IT WAS THE VEHICLE COLD START EMISSIONS, BUT IT CONTINUED AFTER A LONG DRIVE (60 MINUTES) AND WAS MOST NOTICEABLE WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS NOT MOVING. I POPPED THE HOOD AND THERE WAS A STRONG GA…
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DURING SOME COLD WEATHER OF ABOUT 20 FARENHEIT I RECENTLY I SMELLED A STRONG GASOLINE SMELL IN THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE. AT FIRST I THOUGHT IT WAS THE VEHICLE COLD START EMISSIONS, BUT IT CONTINUED AFTER A LONG DRIVE (60 MINUTES) AND WAS MOST NOTICEABLE WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS NOT MOVING. I POPPED THE HOOD AND THERE WAS A STRONG GASOLINE SMELL SO IT APPEARED THE SMELL WAS ORIGINATING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. I CONTINUED TO DRIVE IN COLD WEATHER, AND MY GAS MILEAGE DROPPED TO ABOUT 16 MPG HIGHWAY. THIS IS COMPARED TO ABOUT 28 MPG I NORMALLY GET ON THE HIGHWAY.*AK AFTER THE WEATHER WARMED UP, THE GAS SMELL MOSTLY SUBSIDED AND GAS MILEAGE RETURNED TO NORMAL UPON SEARCHING ONLINE I DID FIND THAT SUBARU HAS ISSUED A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN FOR THIS ISSUE THAT EXPLAINS THESE SYMPTOMS AS A DEFECT IN THE LENGTH OF THE FUEL HOSE AND RAIL WHICH CAUSES FUEL TO LEAK. BUT UPON TALKING TO THE DEALER, THEY WANTED ME TO PAY FOR A TECHNICIAN TO ATTEMPT TO VERIFY THE ISSUE, WHICH IS IMPOSSIBLE NOW THAT THE WEATHER IS WARM. THEY ALSO WILL NOT COMMIT THAT SUBARU WILL PAY FOR THE REPAIR IN ANY CASE. THE REPAIR IF I PAY FOR IT WILL BE MORE THAN $500, BUT I FEEL IT IS A HEALTH AND SAFETY ISSUE. IT'S A HEALTH ISSUE BECAUSE GASOLINE FUMES ARE A RECOGNIZED CARCINOGEN, AND A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE HAVING 40% OF THE GASOLINE DISPERSE IN THE ENGINE BAY COULD CAUSE A FIRE OR EXPLOSION. ALSO, WAITING FOR THE SYMPTOM TO APPEAR IS TOO LATE, AND DOES NOT RELIABLY IDENTIFY WHICH VEHICLES MAY BE AFFECTED. A VEHICLE MAY MOSTLY BE IN A MODERATE CLIMATE, AND THEN IS DRIVEN IN COLD WEATHER, AND SUDDENLY HAS A PRESSURIZED GAS LEAK.
I OWN A 2002 SUBARU WRX. IN FEB. 2007 I STARTED THE CAR AND STRONG GASOLINE SMELL ENTERED THE CABIN. I SEARCHED THE INTERNET AND FOUND THAT THIS IS A WELL KNOW DEFECT IN THE 2002 MODEL WHEN STARTING IN COLD WEATHER. THE DEALER KNEW THE TROUBLE WELL AND FIXED IT WITH CHANGE IN FUEL LINE NEAR INTAKE MANIFOLD. MY QUESTION IS WH…
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I OWN A 2002 SUBARU WRX. IN FEB. 2007 I STARTED THE CAR AND STRONG GASOLINE SMELL ENTERED THE CABIN. I SEARCHED THE INTERNET AND FOUND THAT THIS IS A WELL KNOW DEFECT IN THE 2002 MODEL WHEN STARTING IN COLD WEATHER. THE DEALER KNEW THE TROUBLE WELL AND FIXED IT WITH CHANGE IN FUEL LINE NEAR INTAKE MANIFOLD. MY QUESTION IS WHY THIS SERIOUS FLAW DID NOT TRIGGER A RECALL WHEN A FIRE COULD CERTAINLY RESULT FROM LEAKING FUEL NEAR THE MANIFOLD?
DURING THE WINTER, OUR 2002 WRX HAS SMELLED LIKE EXHAUST OR RAW FUEL IN THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE. WE TOOK THE VEHICLE INTO SURBARU AND WERE TOLD THE RUBBER FUEL LINE SHRINKS WHEN THE TEMPERATURE DROPS AND FUEL LEAKS. THEY DID A NOTICE, BUT NOT A RECALL - WHICH MEANS YOU PAY NOT THEM. IT COST $700 IN PARTS & LABOUR ($15 FOR TH…
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DURING THE WINTER, OUR 2002 WRX HAS SMELLED LIKE EXHAUST OR RAW FUEL IN THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE. WE TOOK THE VEHICLE INTO SURBARU AND WERE TOLD THE RUBBER FUEL LINE SHRINKS WHEN THE TEMPERATURE DROPS AND FUEL LEAKS. THEY DID A NOTICE, BUT NOT A RECALL - WHICH MEANS YOU PAY NOT THEM. IT COST $700 IN PARTS & LABOUR ($15 FOR THE PART) - THE ENTIRE ENGINE HAS TO BE REMOVED TO FIX THE PROBLEM. I CALLED SUBARU AMERICA DIRECTLY AND WAS TOLD THEY DIDN'T SELL ENOUGH CARS IN THE NORTH TO WARRANT THE COST OF DOING A RECALL ON ALL THE SUBARU'S. MAYBE IF ENOUGH PEOPLE COMPLAIN THEY WILL RETHINK THEIR STRATEGY.
BEGINNING IN THE WINTER OF 2003- 2004 (I BOUGHT THE CAR IN JUNE OF 2003), I WOULD CLEARLY SMELL GASOLINE WHENEVER I TURNED MY CAR ON IN COLD WEATHER (BELOW 40 DEGREES OR SO). THE SMELL WOULD REMAIN FOR A LITTLE WHILE. I NEVER REALLY THOUGHT OF THIS AS A MAJOR PROBLEM, BUT I ALLOWED MY PREGNANT SISTER TO BORROW MY CAR AND ON A …
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BEGINNING IN THE WINTER OF 2003- 2004 (I BOUGHT THE CAR IN JUNE OF 2003), I WOULD CLEARLY SMELL GASOLINE WHENEVER I TURNED MY CAR ON IN COLD WEATHER (BELOW 40 DEGREES OR SO). THE SMELL WOULD REMAIN FOR A LITTLE WHILE. I NEVER REALLY THOUGHT OF THIS AS A MAJOR PROBLEM, BUT I ALLOWED MY PREGNANT SISTER TO BORROW MY CAR AND ON A PARTICULARLY COLD DAY, IT MADE HER SO NAUSEOUS SHE VOMITED AND COULDN'T REMAIN IN THE CAR. I HAD TO BORROW A FRIENDS CAR TO GO PICK HER UP, THEN HAVE HER DRIVE WITH ME TO MY FRIENDS HOUSE 30 MINUTES AWAY SO I COULD GIVE HIM HIS CAR BACK. AFTER THIS EMBARRASSING SITUATION, I DECIDED TO INVESTIGATE THIS AND CAME ACROSS A WEBSITE THAT 2002 SUBARU WRX OWNERS TRADE INFORMATION ON. I FOUND OUT THAT SUBARU OF AMERICA HAS KNOWN ABOUT THIS PROBLEM SINCE JANUARY OF 2003, BUT NEGLECTED TO LET THE BUYERS KNOW ABOUT IT. I ACTUALLY BOUGHT THE CAR AFTER THEY RELEASED THEIR TSB ABOUT THIS, BUT NEVER HEARD ABOUT IT. I AM REALLY AGGRAVATED THAT THIS HAS BEEN A PROBLEM FOR SO MANY PEOPLE, FOR SO MANY YEARS AND NEITHER SUBARU OF AMERICA, THE NHTSA, NOR ANYONE ELSE HAS DONE ANYTHING ABOUT IT. SHAME ON ALL PARTIES INVOLVED. *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.