Fuel Hoses Lines/piping And Fittings Problems of Subaru Impreza - part 1

Subaru Impreza owners have reported 63 problems related to fuel hoses lines/piping and fittings (under the gasoline fuel system category). The most recently reported issues are listed below. Also please check out the statistics and reliability analysis of Subaru Impreza based on all problems reported for the Impreza.

1 Fuel Hoses Lines/piping And Fittings problem of the 2005 Subaru Impreza

Failure Date: 10/01/2012

Fuel lines shrink under temperatures of 30 degrees. A strong odor of fuel coming from the engine bay. Seems like a very dangerous situation that may result in a explosion or fire. I took my car to the dealership and they wanted to charge me $900 to replace 2 rubber fuel lines that are 3 inches long. There is a recall on the 03 Subaru Impreza for the same issue. I don't know why there is no recall on the 04/05 Subaru Impreza.

See all problems of the 2005 Subaru Impreza 🔎.

2 Fuel Hoses Lines/piping And Fittings problem of the 2005 Subaru Impreza

Failure Date: 01/12/2011

On Jan 12 2011 my 2005 Subaru Impreza wrx started to have a raw fuel smell coming into the cabin area when it was cold outside no matter if it was in a garage or outside. On further inspection I could see raw fuel streaming out of the fuel lines onto a hot engine block. There is a recall for 02-03 Subaru Imprezas with the same problem, but it does not cover any newer models with the same fuel delivery system problems. Nothing was done to correct it by the dealer because it was not covered by the recall. It should have been covered by some type recall because of found defects in just slightly older models but the same engine configuration and fuel system.

3 Fuel Hoses Lines/piping And Fittings problem of the 2002 Subaru Impreza

Failure Date: 01/01/2010

I have a 2002 Subaru Impreza wagon, also known as the "outback sport". The car reeks of gasoline recently. Subaru recently recalled some 2002 Imprezas because the fuel line leaked fuel in cold weather. The recall # is 09v468000. It has been quite cold here in nc recently with temps in the teens and 20s. The problem with my car seems identical to the problem that was the subject of the recall, but my car model was not included in the recall. The gas smell is very strong and I am afraid that this could be dangerous and set my car and possibly my house on fire.

See all problems of the 2002 Subaru Impreza 🔎.

4 Fuel Hoses Lines/piping And Fittings problem of the 2002 Subaru Impreza

Failure Date: 12/12/2009

Getting a raw fuel smell in and around vehicle during cold weather on 2002 Subaru Impreza outback. Researched problem on internet and determined possible fix involving tightening the clamps that connect the rubber fuel line hoses to the rigid hose lines (eight clamps total). Tightened clamps but problem recurred two days later. Gasoline smell is somewhat overpowering inside car and inside garage where car is parked.

5 Fuel Hoses Lines/piping And Fittings problem of the 2003 Subaru Impreza

Failure Date: 12/03/2009

Fuel leaking from lines in engine compartment of 2003 (man. Date July 2002) Subaru wrx sedan. Leak appears to be triggered by cold temperatures. Fuel pools in the engine compartment. Very strong smell of fuel in the passenger compartment. Contacted local dealer, who did not think it was a serious issue.

See all problems of the 2003 Subaru Impreza 🔎.

6 Fuel Hoses Lines/piping And Fittings problem of the 2002 Subaru Impreza

Failure Date: 11/28/2008

The contact owns a 2002 Subaru Impreza. The contact observed a small amount of fuel leaking from the fuel tank onto the ground. In addition, while driving various speeds, the contact smelled a strong odor of fuel inside the passenger compartment. The failure occurred without warning. The authorized dealer stated that the fuel line was the cause of the failure, which could be corrected by a patch kit. The vehicle has not yet been repaired. The failure mileage was 60,000. Updated 01/09/09. Updated 01/12/09.

7 Fuel Hoses Lines/piping And Fittings problem of the 2003 Subaru Impreza

Failure Date: 06/15/2008

The contact owns a 2003 Subaru Impreza. The contact smelled a strong odor of gasoline coming from the vehicle. She took the vehicle to a local dealer and had it repaired according to a TSB (replacement of the fuel lines). The contact had to assume financial responsibility for the repair because there was no recall for that component. Weeks later, the failure recurred and a technician stated that they would have to repair the vehicle according to another TSB (add clamps to fuel lines). She is in the process of having the vehicle repaired. The manufacturer did not offer any assistance. The failure mileage was 135,000 and current mileage was 140,000.

8 Fuel Hoses Lines/piping And Fittings problem of the 2002 Subaru Impreza

Failure Date: 02/28/2008

I just purchased this 02 Subaru Impreza wrx car a couple of months ago and noticed a strong smell of gas on the outside of the car when I started it and also on the inside, I had it looked at by a mechanic and it was spraying out of one of the hoses by the air intake tube, he was able to tighten it a little to slow the leak but the car has the same problem when you start it and driving it you can smell gas very strong on the inside of the car, I'm worried to drive it fearing it may start a fire. Is there anything that Subaru will do to fix this problem and also, I have to have an emissions test done in another state where I will be attending college, I was told it would be a problem. Thanks, any help would be greatly appreciated.

9 Fuel Hoses Lines/piping And Fittings problem of the 2002 Subaru Impreza

Failure Date: 02/01/2008

2002 Subaru Impreza wrx during cold temperatures a fuel line leaks. There is a service bulletin for this problem (TSB: 09-36-03), but it has not been made a recall. If enough fuel accumulates I would expect.

10 Fuel Hoses Lines/piping And Fittings problem of the 2003 Subaru Impreza

Failure Date: 01/01/2008

2003 Subaru Impreza wrx has a problem with the rubber connector between fuel lines. Consumer feels that it should be a recall for this part and would like assistance with the repair cost. The consumer smelled a strong odor of gas when the vehicle was cold.

11 Fuel Hoses Lines/piping And Fittings problem of the 2003 Subaru Impreza

Failure Date: 12/01/2007

I have a cold weather fuel leak underneath the intake manifold. This fuel leak causes the cabin of the car to fill up with volatile fumes. It is a visible leak and drips on top of the engine near sources of ignition. I contacted Subaru of America and 3 of my local dealerships and they have acknowledged the problem but only rank it as a service bulletin not a recall. This problem exists with all Subaru wrx owners in a cold climate. Use a search engine on the internet for (cold weather fuel leak wrx ect. . ) and you will find thousands of affected owners. Subaru wants $500-$900 for the repair. I believe that this is a serious hazard for explosion, health, and the environment. Please help.

12 Fuel Hoses Lines/piping And Fittings problem of the 2002 Subaru Impreza

Failure Date: 11/01/2007

On cold mornings there is a tremendous gasoline smell in side the car. This seems to only happen when the car has sat overnight and when the overnight temp goes below 35f. Gas can be smelled in the engine bay and what looks like gas can be seen pooling on the passenger side of the motor. I decided to file this report after speaking with other 2002 Subaru Impreza wrx owners who indicated that they have the same issue. I believe that this issue presents a fire hazard and that if this issue is wide spread, a mandatory recall is in order.

13 Fuel Hoses Lines/piping And Fittings problem of the 2002 Subaru Impreza

Failure Date: 10/31/2007

The contact owns a 2002 Subaru Impreza. The contact noticed a strong gasoline odor while the vehicle was idling. She took her vehicle to the dealer and they stated that the fuel line was too close to the exhaust manifold, causing fumes to emit and possibly start a fire. The vehicle is currently being repaired. The current and failure mileages were 118,000.

14 Fuel Hoses Lines/piping And Fittings problem of the 2003 Subaru Impreza

Failure Date: 02/09/2007

For a couple of years in cold weather, usually below 32 degrees, the smell of gasoline existed in the cabin of the vehicle. I had it checked during an local state inspection and discovered fuel was leaking on the passenger side of the engine compartment. It was discovered that the manufacturer was aware of this. I contacted three(3) local dealers, that all new about TSB 09-36-03. They all quoted the same $500 estimate to repair. Two of the dealers, Subaru of dallas and huffines Subaru in dallas texas informed me that failure to correct the condition could result in an engine fire. Given the severe nature of the defect, that the manufacturer clearly knows about, this should be upgraded to a recall. 1) the danger of leaking fuel due to a manufacture defect. 2) the hazards of inhaling gasoline fumes 3) the environmental hazard and violations of epa regulations release gasoline and gasoline vapors into the environment.

15 Fuel Hoses Lines/piping And Fittings problem of the 2004 Subaru Impreza

Failure Date: 01/31/2007

I own a 2004 Subaru Impreza wagon wrx with 67,000 miles on it. I bought the car from someone in nm and I live in colorado springs, CO. It had no issues in the summer and fall but in the winter I had a fuel smell in cabin with heater running during a cold day ~15 degrees f or below. I thought it was just a fluke but it now happens every time I start the car in the morning, evening or when engine has cooled down and it is really cold outside (less than 20 degrees f). I called a local Subaru dealer and they said around $500. 00 to fix issue. Seems the rubber hoses on the fuel rails contract when it is very cold outside. I have seen on the web that this problem has been occurring in 2002 wrxs as well. I can't believe Subaru has not done a recall for this serious issue! the fuel smell gives me a headache and pollutes the environment. I would try to fix myself but getting to the fuel rails requires extensive top side engine tear down.

See all problems of the 2004 Subaru Impreza 🔎.

16 Fuel Hoses Lines/piping And Fittings problem of the 2004 Subaru Impreza

Failure Date: 01/29/2007

Fuel odor in vehicle cabin when starting in cool/cold temperatures.

17 Fuel Hoses Lines/piping And Fittings problem of the 2002 Subaru Impreza

Failure Date: 01/23/2007

2002 Subaru Impreza xrx gas fumes and smell when the weather is cold. It is common on 2002 Subaru's these cars should be recalled because of the danger of a fire and this has not happened to date. The cost for a repair is high because the fuel lines and under the manifold. I noticed this smell the first year I bought the car that is the date in the incident box.

18 Fuel Hoses Lines/piping And Fittings problem of the 2002 Subaru Impreza

Failure Date: 01/23/2007

2002 Subaru Impreza ts - fuel smell in cold weather. When starting my Impreza ts at temperatures below 32f there is a distinct and overpowering fuel smell in the cabin of the vehicle. There is a technical service bulletin released for the wrx model but not the ts. Please address the exclusion of the ts model as this issue is a significant health and safety concern.

19 Fuel Hoses Lines/piping And Fittings problem of the 2003 Subaru Impreza

Failure Date: 01/20/2007

- the contact owns a 2003 Subaru Impreza. While attempting to warm the vehicle, the contact smelled fuel in the passenger compartment. He immediately looked under the hood and saw a constant dripping of fuel onto the engine. He turned the vehicle off. The vehicle has not been driven since the failure on January 20, 2007. The vehicle was purchased in may 2006. However, the problem only occurred in the winter months. The vehicle hasd the same problem as stated NHTSA action number pe04002 which has been closed, and did not result in a recall.

20 Fuel Hoses Lines/piping And Fittings problem of the 2002 Subaru Impreza

Failure Date: 12/27/2006

In very cold temperatures (below 30f), the smell of raw fuel enters the cabin. Subaru has a TSB for this issue, but I think this should be a recall issue considering that fuel vapor is highly flammable and is also a known carcinogen.

21 Fuel Hoses Lines/piping And Fittings problem of the 2003 Subaru Impreza

Failure Date: 12/26/2006

See odi number 10179098 (cont). I do not know if Subaru will assuage my concerns, but I cannot in good conscience not report this issue. First I think you have underestimated the fire danger. True there have been no fires caused directly by this problem (I think), but the problem only occurs in the cold, there are relatively few wrxs (when compared to Ford explorers), and people who drive them normally are gearheads and take pretty good care of their cars--I. E. When they smell fuel they fix their car rapidly, or they have already modified their car with different fuel lines and no longer have the problem. I have to question how thoroughly you investigated this issue since your investigation only lasted 5 months. Were independent tests performed? from your statement you seem to be taking Subaru's word. The smell continues after the car is running, significant amounts of fuel are involved, and the fuel drips onto the engine block or turbo-very hot components. I don't know how this isn't a fire hazard. Secondly, the fumes are noxious. The first time this problem occurred I was transporting my newborn baby daughter home from the hospital. This is our only car. Please consider if you would like your child riding around in a vehicle with this problem. I think this is as much of a safety hazard as the fire danger. I would be happy to help with any investigation. I will provide an official statement, or allow you to come to my home do any diagnostics you would like to my car. I have to admit, I am somewhat disappointed at NHTSA's response to this issue. It seems that many have reported this issue, and the investigation has not been reopened. As a federal employee I know it is my responsibility to protect the public. I hope you feel the same way. I will be sending a copy of the note to my congresswoman, my senators, the senate committee on commerce; science; and transportation, and the house transportation and infrastructure committee. Thank you.

22 Fuel Hoses Lines/piping And Fittings problem of the 2003 Subaru Impreza

Failure Date: 12/26/2006

This is regarding a 2003 Subaru Impreza wrx. I am experiencing the fuel leak addressed in NHTSA action number : pe04002. I am located in albuquerque, new mexico. Recently I have had the car outside in temperatures as low as 30 f (nights are spent in a garage next to a furnace--probably 40 f). I am having the fuel leak that you and Subaru of America claim occurs at only "extremely low temperatures. " I have had it occur three times, and both times the fuel smell persisted after 15 minutes of driving, even with windows open. The fuel smell was bad enough that it gave me a headache and was detectable in my garage the next day by both my wife and I (and my wife did not know about the smell, I asked her to check the next morning if she smelled anything to confirm my nose). I brought it to the dealer to fix. They never mentioned the TSB, the NHTSA investigation, or how common the problem is. They did diagnose exactly the problem noted in the TSB. After being quoted north of $600 to fix the problem, I brought the car home because parts needed to be ordered. Researching on the internet I found multiple complaints on the web, including complaints on nasioc and clubwrx. Com. I contacted Subaru of America about the problem. I am still working with Subaru of America to fix the problem, but based on others comments, Subaru's response has been erratic, and I am not counting on anything. (continued).

23 Fuel Hoses Lines/piping And Fittings problem of the 2002 Subaru Impreza

Failure Date: 12/08/2006

Began smelling odor of raw fuel inside of my 2002 Subaru Impreza. After a short research I found it to be a common problem during cold weather. Contacted a dealer and was told that it is not covered under warranty or recall.

24 Fuel Hoses Lines/piping And Fittings problem of the 2002 Subaru Impreza

Failure Date: 12/07/2006

I just wanted to share with you a very recurring, and very unsafe problem regarding the Subaru wrx Impreza. I came home tonight to a strong smell of gasoline coming from the engine bay of my car. I proceeded to open my hood and investigate. What I found was actual fuel leaking from a part of my car! this fuel can ignite and even explode if it were to touch something hot (turbo charger, cat converter) well upon going online, I looked the problem up, and it seems a lot of wrx Impreza owners are having this exact same problem. This is a problem noted since 2002 and Subaru has done nothing about this! in the link I am about to provide to you, it will show many cases of people dealing with Subaru, in some cases with very poor customer service. . Read more...

25 Fuel Hoses Lines/piping And Fittings problem of the 2002 Subaru Impreza

Failure Date: 11/15/2006

When the weather is cold, my 2002 Subaru wrx develops a fuel leak in the engine compartment underneath the intake manifold on the passenger side. Leak rate is about 1 drop per second. Vehicle has 64,000 miles. I just recently moved to a colder climate area.

26 Fuel Hoses Lines/piping And Fittings problem of the 2002 Subaru Impreza

Failure Date: 11/05/2006

I drive a 2002 Subaru Impreza wrx sedan. When I start the car on cold mornings and turn on the heater with the air recirculation off, a distinct smell of gas comes through the air vents. Then, when I open the hood to look for the problem, the smell of gas is even stronger and more noticeable. Much like other wrx owners, I have been unable to trace this problem. Because of this, I have not made any attempts to fix it. Gasoline is widely known to be carcinogenic among many other unfortunate things, and the presence of gasoline in an engine compartment along with sparks and high heat seems extremely dangerous. This problem has been documented by many, many other people for over three years now.

27 Fuel Hoses Lines/piping And Fittings problem of the 2002 Subaru Impreza

Failure Date: 03/21/2006

Not a new as others have it too and Subaru knows of the trouble. Upon first starting the 2002 Subaru wrx there is a raw gas smell due to a defective part within the fuel system. Both the NHTSA and Subaru know of this but I have been told by dealers that the full cost of this manufacture defect must be paid by the car owner-I was told by a dealer that failure to do this would result in engine fires. I found this info within this site and cannot understand why Subaru is not working with the NHTSA to assist people driving potential fire hazards in fixing as fast as possible the defect.

28 Fuel Hoses Lines/piping And Fittings problem of the 2002 Subaru Impreza

Failure Date: 02/20/2006

Fuel leak near engine. Raw fuel smell in cabin.

29 Fuel Hoses Lines/piping And Fittings problem of the 2002 Subaru Impreza

Failure Date: 02/18/2006

2002 subrau wrx. Long drive in sub-zero weather after which a extreme fuel smell was entering the car at stops. After arriving home I quickly looked under the hood where I could see and smell fuel vaporizing on the left (passenger) side of the engine compartment. The fuel vapor was originating from the hose mentioned in pe04002, Subaru TSB #09-36-03. This is contrary to the problem only existing during cold start conditions as my car was fully warmed up and after 2 hours driving. The fuel vapor filled up my garage to the extent that I was forced to open the garage door. According to Subaru this is not a recall and thus I need to pay to fix this issue-- however after my experience tonight I'm scared to drive my car in sub-zero weather. I urge NHTSA to re-examine action number pe04002 as the amount of fuel vapor coming from my car this evening could have very easily caused a fire had an ignition source been introduced anywhere around my car.

30 Fuel Hoses Lines/piping And Fittings problem of the 2002 Subaru Impreza

Failure Date: 02/18/2006

We have terrible gasoline fumes in my wife's car when it's cold outside. It's coming from the engine compartment and getting into the cabin. It's so overpowering that my wife and children can not be in the car with the windows closed. It even gave her a headache today after she drove it with the windows open. It's a 2002 Subaru Impreza ts wagon. I have done some research online and I have found that this is a common problem with this model, yet there has not been a recall. I have seen the investigation report pe04002. Our problem persists even when the car is fully warmed up. I drove it for 45 minutes, and it was just as bad at the end of the trip as it was at the beginning.

31 Fuel Hoses Lines/piping And Fittings problem of the 2002 Subaru Impreza

Failure Date: 01/14/2006

When the weather is under 20 degrees f, there are strong gasoline fumes inside the passenger compartment of the automobile. It makes me dizzy, causing the necessity to drive with the windows down in single digit temperatures. Subaru is aware of this problem and they have issued a service bulletin, but they will not fix many cars that are no longer under warranty. This is a health concern, an emissions concern, and a safety concern, as raw gasoline is leaking somewhere in the engine bay.

32 Fuel Hoses Lines/piping And Fittings problem of the 2002 Subaru Impreza

Failure Date: 12/19/2005

When the temperature gets below 20 degrees fahrenheit fuel lines leak on the engine of my 2002 Subaru Impreza rs. The leak can be clearly smelled from inside the car. This issue is known by Subaru and they won't designate this as a recall. They do consider this a technical service bulletin and only service this under warranty. Otherwise, it's up to the owner to spend upwards of $350 to have a Subaru dealer perform the repairs.

33 Fuel Hoses Lines/piping And Fittings problem of the 2002 Subaru Impreza

Failure Date: 12/18/2005

I purchased a used 2002 Subaru Impreza wrx and have been smelling gas. I have read a previous investigation, pe04002. I understand there is no immediate safety concern for fire, but when driving over long periods the smell does not go away and has caused light headedness for myself and passengers, to the point that I have had to pull over and get out of the car. I also am curious why a recall has not been issued for a known defect, found and acknowledged by the manufacturer. Leaking gas is dangerous to inhale and dangerous to the environment. I would urge you to investigate this issue further.

34 Fuel Hoses Lines/piping And Fittings problem of the 2002 Subaru Impreza

Failure Date: 12/13/2005

I purchased a new 2002 wrx three years ago and am inhaling gasoline fumes in my car when driving in cold weather. The Subaru dealer told me that they are aware of this problem with the "cold fuel smell". I think that inhaling gasoline fumes is very hazardous, especially when driving. I hope and beg that Subaru corporation will recall this common fault.

35 Fuel Hoses Lines/piping And Fittings problem of the 2004 Subaru Impreza

Failure Date: 12/07/2005

During cold weather my 2004 Subaru wrx smells of fuel both inside and outside of the vehicle. Using the heat causes the odor to increase and turning off the heat to dissipate the odor causes all of the windows to fog up and/or ice-over. The fumes have caused my eyes to water and have also given me headaches.


Other Common Gasoline Fuel System related problems of Subaru Impreza


Safety Ratings of Impreza Cars
Fuel Economy of Impreza Vehicles
Impreza Service Bulletins
Impreza Safety Recalls
Impreza Defect Investigations