Three problems related to manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe have been reported for the 2002 Subaru Impreza. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2002 Subaru Impreza based on all problems reported for the 2002 Impreza.
I recently bought an 02 Subaru and it seems that every time I cold start the car when it gets below freezing outside there is a horrid gas smell in the cabin of the car. On further investigation it is visible that there is a pool of gas accumulating on the motor from underneath the intake manifold. I have just noticed this and called the dealer and they said they had never heard of this. Looking online it seems to be a regular issue and there is no recall or information on how dangerous it is to have raw fuel on a hot engine. I am at a loss and a little concerned for my safety.
This issue is for a 2002 Subaru Impreza wrx wagon. There is a strong fuel smell in the vehicle cabin when the car is stoppped at idle. The Subaru mechanic said there is a clip attaching the fuel line from the tank to the engine under the intake manifold which is loose. They adjusted the clip but said it would be about $800 to fix if the problem occurred again since they would have to remove the intake manifold to repair. The smell came back a couple of days later. I have done research, and there is a TSB for this particular issue, but no recall. Looking at postings on this issue, there are hundreds if not thousands of people with the same issue. It seems to be particular with the 2002 wrx. It seems for an issue that has enough history to occur to generate a TSB that is also such a potential safety issue would warrant a recall.
2002 Subaru Impreza wrx, fuel leak on passanger side of engine compartment under intake manifold. Occurs in low tempuratures and leads to a strong raw gas odor in the cabin. Issue has not been resolved.