NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic complaints
64 reportsClear category filterMileage unknown · Feb 25, 2004
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES OVER THE LAST TWO YEARS (DATE IS THE FIRST INCIDENT I RECALL). ON SURFACES THAT ARE WET, SNOWY OR ICY, I CANNOT BRAKE INTO A TURN. THE CAR DOES NOT TURN OR STOP, BUT MERELY SLIDES IN A STRAIGHT LINE AND EVENTUALLY STOPS AFTER IT GOES 3 FEET OR MORE, DEPENDING ON MY SPEED WHEN I ATTEMPTED TO TAKE T…
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THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES OVER THE LAST TWO YEARS (DATE IS THE FIRST INCIDENT I RECALL). ON SURFACES THAT ARE WET, SNOWY OR ICY, I CANNOT BRAKE INTO A TURN. THE CAR DOES NOT TURN OR STOP, BUT MERELY SLIDES IN A STRAIGHT LINE AND EVENTUALLY STOPS AFTER IT GOES 3 FEET OR MORE, DEPENDING ON MY SPEED WHEN I ATTEMPTED TO TAKE THE TURN. THIS HAPPENS AT ALL SPEEDS, EVEN WHEN I AM GOING VERY SLOWLY (LESS THAN 5 MPH, FOR EXAMPLE, AS TO MAKE A 90-DEGREE TURN INTO A PARKING LOT). IN ORDER TO TAKE TWO TURNS ON MY DAILY COMMUTE, I MUST COME TO A COMPLETE STOP, TURN THE WHEEL, AND THEN ACCELERATE INTO THE TURN. AMAZINGLY, I HAVE NOT HAD AN ACCIDENT DUE TO THIS PROBLEM, THOUGH I HAVE HAD SOME VERY CLOSE CALLS. ONE THING IVE FOUND THAT HELPS IS TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL SHARPLY SO THE FRONT TIRES ARE PERPENDICULAR TO THE CARS PATH. I COULDNT THINK OF ANYTHING ELSE TO TRY, AND THIS SEEMS TO MAKE THE CAR STOP MORE QUICKLY WHILE IN A SLIDE. THE MECHANICS AT MY LOCAL DEALERSHIP RAN DIAGNOSTICS AND PRONOUNCED MY BRAKES FINE. I TRIED TO SUGGEST SOMETHING ELSE TO CHECK DURING A 20-MINUTE PHONE CALL WITH THE MECHANIC, BUT HIS ONLY SUGGESTION WAS THAT IT COULD BE MY TIRES (WHICH ARE STANDARD AND JUST 2 YEARS OLD). I HAVE DRIVEN OTHER MAKES OF CARS WITH ANTI-LOCK BRAKES AND HAVE NOT HAD THIS PROBLEM, EVEN ON ICY, SNOWY, RAIN-DRENCHED ROADS.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10058994
56,820 miles · Feb 13, 2004
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
I HAVE HAD INSTANCES WHERE MY ABS WOULD NOT WORK WHEN I HIT A IRREGULARITY IN THE ROAD SURFACE, OR WHEN I GO OVER A SPEEDBUMP.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10057126
40,000 miles · Feb 9, 2004
Service Brakes, HydraulicCrash
THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SLOW DOWN AND SUBSEQUENT HARD BRAKING LED TO LOSS OF CONTROL. THE REAR END SWAYED TO THE RIGHT AND HIT THE RIGHT BARRIER, THEN TURNED AROUND, FRONT RIGHT HIT THE LEFT BARRIER. THE VEHICLE HAD HISTORY OF NOT BEING ABLE TO STOP ON SURFACES WITH THE SLIGHTEST BUMPS, AS FOUND ON EXIT RAMPS AND INTERSECTIONS. TH…
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THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SLOW DOWN AND SUBSEQUENT HARD BRAKING LED TO LOSS OF CONTROL. THE REAR END SWAYED TO THE RIGHT AND HIT THE RIGHT BARRIER, THEN TURNED AROUND, FRONT RIGHT HIT THE LEFT BARRIER. THE VEHICLE HAD HISTORY OF NOT BEING ABLE TO STOP ON SURFACES WITH THE SLIGHTEST BUMPS, AS FOUND ON EXIT RAMPS AND INTERSECTIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS CHECKED PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT FOR THE BRAKES BY THE DEALER AND HAD FOUND NO PROBLEM. SUBARU DECLINED TO LOOK AT THE VEHICLE AFTER THE ACCIDENT FOR POSSIBLE MANUFACTURING DEFECT REGARDING THE ABS. IT IS STILL IN MY GARAGE FOR POSSIBLE INSPECTION.
NHTSA ODI #10056826
30,000 miles · Feb 2, 2004
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
I WAS TRAVELING ON A STREET WITH SOME CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES APPROACHING AN INTERSECTION. THERE WAS A SMALL ROAD IRREGULARITY ON THE ROAD. THIS ROAD IRREGULARITY SPANS ACROSS BOTH OF THE FRONT WHEELS. WHEN I APPLIED THE BRAKE (BEFORE I CAN FEEL THE ROAD IRREGULARITY), THE CAR CONTINUED TO LEAP FORWARD FOR A MOMENT AND THE BR…
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I WAS TRAVELING ON A STREET WITH SOME CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES APPROACHING AN INTERSECTION. THERE WAS A SMALL ROAD IRREGULARITY ON THE ROAD. THIS ROAD IRREGULARITY SPANS ACROSS BOTH OF THE FRONT WHEELS. WHEN I APPLIED THE BRAKE (BEFORE I CAN FEEL THE ROAD IRREGULARITY), THE CAR CONTINUED TO LEAP FORWARD FOR A MOMENT AND THE BRAKING DISTANCE WAS MUCH GREATER THEN I ANTICIPATED AND NOT THE NORMAL BEHAVIOR OF THE CAR. HAVE THERE BEEN A CAR I STRONGLY BELIEVE THAT MY CAR'S ABS BRAKING SYSTEM HAS A PROBLEM. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10056344
29,000 miles · Jan 27, 2004
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
I OWN A 2002 SUBARU IMPREZA WRX WAGON, WHICH COMES STANDARD WITH ABS BRAKES. I'D HEARD THROUGH A VARIETY OF CHANNELS THAT THERE WAS AN ABS ISSUE WITH THE CAR, IN THAT UNDER SPECIFIC CIRCUMSTANCES THE DRIVER COULD MOMENTARILY LOSE ALL BRAKING ABILITY. I HAD MY DOUBTS, HAVING OWNED THE CAR FOR 2 YEARS BEFORE MY INCIDENT OCCURRED, …
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I OWN A 2002 SUBARU IMPREZA WRX WAGON, WHICH COMES STANDARD WITH ABS BRAKES. I'D HEARD THROUGH A VARIETY OF CHANNELS THAT THERE WAS AN ABS ISSUE WITH THE CAR, IN THAT UNDER SPECIFIC CIRCUMSTANCES THE DRIVER COULD MOMENTARILY LOSE ALL BRAKING ABILITY. I HAD MY DOUBTS, HAVING OWNED THE CAR FOR 2 YEARS BEFORE MY INCIDENT OCCURRED, BUT IT DID FINALLY HAPPEN TO ME. I WAS COMING TO A STOP AT A LIGHT THAT HAD TURNED RED. THERE WERE NO CARS IN FRONT OF ME. I WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 35-40 MPH AND BEGAN BRAKING WITH A LIGHT-MODERATE PEDAL PRESSURE. ABOUT 200 FEET BEFORE THE INTERSECTION, THERE IS A SEAM IN THE PAVEMENT AND THE LATTER PIECE OF ROADWAY IS ABOUT 1-2 INCHES BELOW THE PART BEFORE IT. IN OTHER WORDS, IT'S A VERY SMALL DROP OFF. UPON HITTING THIS DROP OFF AND MAINTAINING PEDAL PRESSURE, THE ABS BRIEFLY CYCLED (FELT AS A VIBRATION IN THE BRAKE PEDAL) AND THEN THE CAR STOPPED DECELERATING FOR ABOUT 2 SECONDS. IT WAS AS IF I'D LIFTED COMPLETELY OFF THE BRAKE PEDAL, YET I HAD NOT. ONCE I REALIZED I WASN'T GOING TO STOP, I RELEASED THE PEDAL AND REAPPLIED IT VERY QUICKLY. BRAKING FORCE WAS RETURNED, AS IF THERE WERE NO PROBLEM. THIS IS THE ONLY TIME I'VE EXPERIENCED THE INCIDENT. I'VE DRIVEN MANY ABS-EQUIPPED CARS IN THE PAST, AND AM VERY FAMILIAR WITH WHAT ABS BRAKING FEELS LIKE. I'M ASE CERTIFIED IN BRAKING SYSTEMS, AND HAVE RACED BOTH ABS AND NON-ABS EQUIPPED CARS AT AN AMATEUR LEVEL. WHAT I FELT WAS NOT NORMAL ABS OPERATION, AND HAD THERE BEEN A CAR STOPPED AT THE INTERSECTION AHEAD OF ME I MAY WELL HAVE RUN INTO IT. I ENJOY MY CAR QUITE THOROUGHLY, AND LIKE EVERYTHING ELSE ABOUT IT. I'M NOT 'OUT TO GET' SUBARU. BUT THERE IS DECIDEDLY A FLAW IN THE ABS SYSTEM THAT MANY OTHERS AND NOW MYSELF HAVE EXPERIENCED. I JUST DON'T WANT TO BE CAUGHT OFF GUARD AGAIN. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10054976
59,027 miles · Jan 24, 2004
Service Brakes, HydraulicCrashInjury
I DRIVE A 2002 SUBARU IMPREZA WRX SEDAN. THE ABS SYSTEM IS TERRIBLE ON THIS VEHICLE AND HAS NUMEROUS TIMES FAILED TO APPLY PRESSURE TO THE BRAKE SYSTEM, REGARDLESS OF PEDAL POSITION. ONE TIME SPECIFICALLY THIS CAUSED ME TO NOT BE ABLE TO AVOID HITTING A DEER, AND DOING 4000 DOLLARS OF DAMAGE TO MY VEHICLE. THE DEALERSHIP DENI…
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I DRIVE A 2002 SUBARU IMPREZA WRX SEDAN. THE ABS SYSTEM IS TERRIBLE ON THIS VEHICLE AND HAS NUMEROUS TIMES FAILED TO APPLY PRESSURE TO THE BRAKE SYSTEM, REGARDLESS OF PEDAL POSITION. ONE TIME SPECIFICALLY THIS CAUSED ME TO NOT BE ABLE TO AVOID HITTING A DEER, AND DOING 4000 DOLLARS OF DAMAGE TO MY VEHICLE. THE DEALERSHIP DENIES ANY PROBLEMS, BUT I WAY MORE THAN ENOUGH STOPPING DISTANCE WHERE ANY VEHICLE SHOULD HAVE BEEN ABLE TO STOP. THE SURFACE WAS ROUGH ASPHALT. I WAS GOING APPROXIMATED 55 MPH (SPEED LIMIT), AND WAS 200 FT AWAY FROM THE DEER WHEN I FIRST APPLIED PRESSURE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL. *LA
NHTSA ODI #10054784
13,050 miles · Jan 20, 2004
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
COMPLETE FAILURE OF THE BRAKING SYSTEM. DURING SNOWY CONDITIONS AT APPROXIMATELY 15MPH, I PRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL VERY SOFTLY. THE PEDAL WAS VERY STIFF AND DIDN'T DEPRESS AT ALL (NO TRAVEL AT ALL). THE ABS DIDN'T ACTIVATE AND NO BRAKING OCCURED, I PRESSED HARDER AND STILL NOTHING. THE CAR DIDN'T SLIDE AT ALL, DIDN'T SLOW AN…
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COMPLETE FAILURE OF THE BRAKING SYSTEM. DURING SNOWY CONDITIONS AT APPROXIMATELY 15MPH, I PRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL VERY SOFTLY. THE PEDAL WAS VERY STIFF AND DIDN'T DEPRESS AT ALL (NO TRAVEL AT ALL). THE ABS DIDN'T ACTIVATE AND NO BRAKING OCCURED, I PRESSED HARDER AND STILL NOTHING. THE CAR DIDN'T SLIDE AT ALL, DIDN'T SLOW AND NO BRAKING OCCURED AT ALL. I LET ALL PRESSURE OFF THE PEDAL AND AGAIN GENTLY PRESSED THE PEDAL AGAIN. THE CAR SLOWED TO A STOP LIKE NORMAL. IT WAS -5 DEG F. OUTSIDE AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT. IT HAS NEVER HAPPENED BEFORE OR SINCE THIS INCIDENT BUT IN 17 YEARS OF DRIVING I'VE NEVER HAD A CAR DO THIS. I WOULD HAVE GONE RIGHT INTO THE INTERSECTION IF I HADN'T BEEN BREAKING VERY EARLY DUE TO THE CONDITIONS. I STRESS THAT THE INITIAL APPLICATION OF THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS VERY GENTLE AND NO MATTER HOW HARD I SUBSEQUENTLY PUSHED THE PEDAL DIDN'T DEPRESS AT ALL AT ANY TIME UNTILL I LET UP PRESSURE AND TRIED AGAIN.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10054541
20,000 miles · Jan 4, 2004
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
ABS OVER SENSITIVE - WILL OFTEN CAUSE FAILURE OF BRAKING POWER WHEN GOING OVER BUMPS/POTHOLES/ROAD SEAMS DURING NORMAL BRAKING. WILL CAUSE EXTENDED BRAKING DISTANCES DESPITE GOOD ROAD CONDITIONS AND SLOW TRAVEL SPEED. BRAKE PEDAL GOES TO FLOOR AND CAR FAILS TO STOP. *LA
NHTSA ODI #10052322
23,000 miles · Jan 2, 2004
EquipmentService Brakes, HydraulicCrashInjury
MY 2002 SUBARU WRX SEDAN HAS DISPLAYED UNRELIABLE ABS BEHAVIOR. THIS HAS RESULTED IN MY FIRST ACCIDENT IN 10 YEARS OF DRIVING. THE CAR APPEARS TO LOOSE VIRTUALLY ALL BREAKING POWER WHEN ENCOUNTERING ANY ROAD IMPERFECTIONS. WHILE THE ABS SYSTEM SHOULD ENGAGE IN SUCH AN EVEN, IT SHOULD DISENGAGE AS SOON AS IT CLEARS THE PROBLEM…
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MY 2002 SUBARU WRX SEDAN HAS DISPLAYED UNRELIABLE ABS BEHAVIOR. THIS HAS RESULTED IN MY FIRST ACCIDENT IN 10 YEARS OF DRIVING. THE CAR APPEARS TO LOOSE VIRTUALLY ALL BREAKING POWER WHEN ENCOUNTERING ANY ROAD IMPERFECTIONS. WHILE THE ABS SYSTEM SHOULD ENGAGE IN SUCH AN EVEN, IT SHOULD DISENGAGE AS SOON AS IT CLEARS THE PROBLEM. HOWEVER, WHILE DRIVING, I HAVE NOTICED THE WRX CONTINUES TO LOOSE BREAKING POWER. WHILE DRIVING DOWN A 35-MPH ROAD, I ENCOUNTERED A MINOR COLLISION CAUSED BY A CAR BEING OBSTRUCTED OR CUT OFF. NORMALLY AT THIS SPEED I WOULD ASSUME 5-6 CAR LENGTHS TO BE SUFFICIENT TO STOP THE CAR, BUT WHILE BREAKING I ENCOUNTERED A SMALL DIP IN THE ROAD SURFACE. WHEN THE CAR PASSED OVER THE DIP, THE ABS ENGAGED, AFTER THAT POINT THE CAR CONTINUED TO LOOSE BREAKING POWER UNTIL I COLLIDED WITH THE CAR AHEAD OF ME. DURING THE YEAR I HAVE OWNED THE CAR, I HAVE ENCOUNTERED THIS PROBLEM A NUMBER OF TIMES NON OF WHICH CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. I INITIALLY ATTRIBUTED IT TO THE BRAKE AND ROTOR WEAR, BUT AFTER REPLACING THE WHOLE BREAKING SYSTEM ABOUT A MONTH BEFORE THIS ACCIDENT, THE PROBLEM RE-OCCURRED. IT APPEARS TO BE SYSTEMIC TO THE ABS DESIGN/PROGRAMMING.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10051505
Mileage unknown · Dec 18, 2003
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
ABS ACTIVATES IN UNNECESSARY SITUATIONS. WHEN APPROACHING A STOP SIGN ON MY STREET, ON CLEAN DRY ASPHALT, THE ABS ACTIVATED WHEN GOING OVER A SMALL POTHOLE. THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR AND THERE WAS NO BRAKING POWER UNTIL I RELEASED AND REAPPLIED THE BRAKE. THIS EXACT SITUATION HAS OCCURRED AT LEAST 10-15 TIMES AT THE S…
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ABS ACTIVATES IN UNNECESSARY SITUATIONS. WHEN APPROACHING A STOP SIGN ON MY STREET, ON CLEAN DRY ASPHALT, THE ABS ACTIVATED WHEN GOING OVER A SMALL POTHOLE. THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR AND THERE WAS NO BRAKING POWER UNTIL I RELEASED AND REAPPLIED THE BRAKE. THIS EXACT SITUATION HAS OCCURRED AT LEAST 10-15 TIMES AT THE SAME LOCATION. I HAVE ALSO EXPERIENCED THE UNNECESSARY ABS ACTIVATION AND BRAKE FAILURE IN OTHER LOCATIONS WHERE I HAVE DRIVEN OVER BUMPS OR PAVEMENT IRREGULARITIES. THE RESULT IS USUALLY THE ACTIVATION OF ABS, THEN THE LOSS OF BRAKING POWER, AND THE REQUIREMENT THAT THE BRAKES BE RELEASED AND REAPPLIED. TO THE BEST OF MY KNOWLEDGE, THIS IS NOT THE PORPER OPERATION OF AN ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM. THIS BEHAVIOR HAS NOT YET CAUSED AN ACCIDENT OR ANY DAMAGE, BUT IT IS EASY TO SEE THAT IF I WERE IN CLOSER PROXIMITY TO OTHER VEHICLES OR OBJECTS, THE RESULT COULD BE CATASTROPHIC. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10050722
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.
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