Gasoline Fuel System Problems of Subaru Outback - part 2

I own a 2001 Subaru Outback that when the weather gets cold, somewhere at and below 30 degrees, I get a gas smell in and outside the car. I have researched this on the internet and find this is a common problem with the car's gas lines and that Subaru is only acknowledging the issue on 2002 and newer models. Have you researched this issue before and can you tell me why no recall on 2001s was ever done? thank you.

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2004 Subaru Outback: strong fuel odor inside vehicle that, according to Subaru dealer, is caused by leakage of fuel under the hood. The dealer rep. Further explained the leak is caused by expansion/contraction of tubing during cold weather. They also stated this is a common occurrence (it has occurred twice in my vehicle) and on the day I had my vehicle repaired (December 2009) they had already seen about 6 vehicles for the same problem. This situation poses and extreme risk of fire and a health hazard for occupants of the vehicle. A recall is needed, now.

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Fuel filler tube corrosion causes leak of fuel and fuel vapor. Check engine light illuminates code p0440 (evap emissions malfunction). Fuel filler tube and valve assembly parts cost is $200. Labor $275. Common problem on Subarus that should be investigated and recalled due to fuel vapor leakage poses an environmental safety hazard.

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Underhood fuel hoses are allowing leakage at low temperatures.

In cold weather very strong fuel odor in passenger compartment. Smell is strong enough to make passengers feel ill. This happens all the time when outside temp goes below freezing.

Strong smell of gas in the cabin of the vehicle during cold weather - definitely smells of leaking gas - dealer advised and looked at car a number of times - could not resolve. I gave this car to my daughter and I fear an engine fire.

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The contact owns a 2006 Subaru Outback wagon. The contact smelled a strong gasoline odor inside the passenger compartment of the vehicle. An independent mechanic was unable to determine the exact source of the odor. When utilizing the heater or defrost system, the odor became overpowering. While traveling on the highway at various speeds, the odor was not as strong, yet still present. No repairs have been made. The failure mileage was 80,903 and current mileage was 90,198.

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Gas (fuel) smell (fumes) in cabin when starting car in cold weather. . Read more...

The contact owns a 2002 Subaru Outback. While the vehicle was idle she stated that there was a strong fuel smell in the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic who cleaned the exhaust system. The contact stated that the failure continued to occur. The vehicle was taken to another local mechanic who stated that the failure was caused by a loose latch in the hatch back. The mechanic repaired the loose latch. The failure continued after the latch was repaired. The vehicle was taken back to the mechanic and he was unable to determine what caused the failure to occur. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was purchased used in 2007 who stated that the failure had occurred for two to three years. The contact stated that the failure only happened during cold weather conditions. The failure mileage was 92,000. The current mileage was 108,000.

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Overwhelming odor of gasoline in passenger compartment.

I had my 2005 Subaru Outback sent to shop for tune-up. Now over the last year I have been having gas fumes entering the passenger cabin when ever you run the a/c or front window defogger with the recirculation air off. (meaning letting fresh air in). When ever I am at a stand still (ie-at traffic light or in traffic or when I am DE-icing or DE-fogging the front windshield when not in motion) the smell of gas comes through the vent and is making me sick and dizzy. I have attempted to have two different Subaru dealers correct the issue but to no luck. They cannot figure it out and it seems that this is an on going and persistent problem with Subaru vehicles. I am concerned for my health and safe operation of the vehicle. It seems that no one will attempt to really fix the problem. I have read on numerous forums that this is a common problem with Subaru's, yet nothing is ever done to correct a possibly fatal accident or asphyxiation from happening. Please investigate.

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The contact owns a 1998 Subaru Outback. Since October of 2007, the contact smelled fuel inside the passenger compartment. He took the vehicle to the dealer for a diagnosis and they stated that the failure was due to the fuel metal nose. The nose corroded and caused fuel to leak. The dealer will replace the nose metal at the cost of $278. The manufacturer stated that the vehicle was out of warranty; therefore, they would not assist with the repair. The failure mileage was 122,000 and current mileage was 124,000.

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The contact owns a 2002 Subaru Outback. The contact smelled a strong odor of gasoline in the passenger compartment. The dealer stated that the head gasket needed to be replaced. The vehicle has not been repaired. The contact filed a formal complaint with the manufacturer. The failure mileage was 96,000 and current mileage was 103,000.

The contact owns a 2006 Subaru Outback. After starting the vehicle in colder weather, he smells a strong odor of gasoline. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for inspection. No repairs were made. The failure mileage was 20,000. The current mileage was 30,000. Updated 02/17/10. Updated 02/18/10.

Fuel smell inside car when cold outside (approx. 25 deg f) occurs every winter at these temperatures for last 3 yrs (at least) dealers never found anything.

1) upon colder weather starting and during the first 30-40 minutes of operation our 2001 Subaru Outback gets fuel vapors in the passenger compartment. 2) fuel smells cause use to roll windows down to keep breathable air available. Fuel vapor is a carcinogen, of course. Occupants complained of nausea and headaches. 3) took car to paul bros. Subaru and they told us this was a common complaint but nothing to worry about. 4) subsequently, learned of hundreds of like complaints and a Subaru service bulletin regarding leaky hoses due to loose fuel clamps and pooling fuel on crevices on the engine block. Considered not a "engine/drivetrain issue in warranty and cost to replace hoses has been charged to owners at more than $600. Persons "injured" is hard to determine due to chronic exposure of fumes is an unclear connection to a singular injury. This situation should be addressed by a recall and replacement of hoses at Subaru's expense. The hoses performance in cold weather was known to Subaru before I purchased the car (in canada this is a far larger issue btw). I should expect hoses to perform over the published operating temperature of the vehicle or in what ever region Subarus are sold.

Strong smell of fuel in passenger compartment during extremely cold weather.

Dangerous hesitation in first and second gears especially. At stop light, upon attempting to accelerate, car bogged down, rpms dipped and nearly stalled before car finally accelerated with a violent jerk forward and back. Has happened on numerous occasions. Very dangerous-nearly been in three accidents already. So far the dealer has bled the clutch, adjusted the clutch, replaced the clutch, replaced knock sensor, replaced coolant temp sensor and replaced front oxygen sensor and problem still as bad as ever if not worse.

2002 Subaru Outback smells of gas every time it gets cold. A shop that works on just Subarus knows the problem well and tried a few things to fix it. After $175, it did not work. Last year, I had to drive with my windows down on cold nights the smell was so strong. One night it was -20 degrees! this year the smell has come back at just 39 degrees and stronger. My garage smells and I am afraid the call will blow up or I will get sick driving it. On-line and on the NHTSA I see many other Subaru owners having to put it with the same thing. Can you folks help?.

While driving vehicle kept pulling to the right, and front end was wobbling, caused by the carriage bolt that fell off. Dealer contacted. While the consumer was driving the bike rack dropped down. The check engine light came on and stayed on due to evaporation leak from system and loose gas cap. The driver's side window seal was damaged.