2002 Subaru Outback Fuel System, Gasoline Problems
- 20
- Owner complaint records in our dataset
Records are owner complaints, not a measured failure rate.
Owner complaint recordsComplaint records reflect reports in our dataset and do not measure how frequently the problem occurs across all vehicles.
What owners report
- fuel line · 6 records
- fuel smell · 6 records
- cold weather · 6 records
- fuel lines · 5 records
- smell inside · 4 records
- strong fuel · 4 records
Mileage in stored records
| Band | Records |
|---|---|
| 60–100k mi | 12 |
| 100–150k mi | 2 |
| 30–60k mi | 1 |
Complaint records
Owner-submitted complaint content, presented as stored.
Fuel System, Gasoline · Vehicle Speed Control
Upper front fuel line and connection to throttle body? Is leaking raw gas and fuel is pooling on top of engine just outward of upper exhaust manifold area. *tr
ODI 10563982
Fuel System, Gasoline · Fuel/Propulsion System
Since the recent temperature drop where we live (maryland, dc metro region), we've noticed a strong gasoline smell inside the car's cabin. The smell is strong enough that we are uncomfortable driving long distances, for our own health and that of our children. The smell only appears when the car is running (though it doesn't seem to depend on speed). We've owned the car since march 2010, and this is the first time…
ODI 10561377
Fuel System, Gasoline
The smell of raw gas permeates the passenger cabin when the car is started in temperatures under 10 degrees fahrenheit. *tr
ODI 10561270
Engine And Engine Cooling · Fuel System, Gasoline
When weather turns cold, the smell of raw gas comes into the car, as well as in the garage after parking. So far the dealer has just tightened a clamp, but what happens if i'm on a hi-way and that happens? I can't drive the car with a gas leak in the engine and to far away from a fire station so do i call a towe truck or my lawyer. Because the car burnt up? Can't believe the subaru dealership is being so…
ODI 10443860
Fuel System, Gasoline
In cold weather, my 2002 subaru outback cabin gets filled with very strong raw fuel smell as the car warms up with the heater on. It has gotten so bad, that my daughter nearly throws up every morning on our way to school in cold weather. This is an issue that my local dealer explained away has a typical subaru thing in cold weather. This is unacceptable. This is a health hazard and subaru is getting away with it. I…
ODI 10442771
Fuel System, Gasoline
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 subaru outback. The contact stated that whenever the heat was activated, the contact would notice a gasoline odor coming through the vents. The vehicle was taken to the dealer on four occasions where the head gaskets were replaced each time. However, one year after the repair the contact noticed that the failure recurred. The vehicle had not been recently diagnosed. The current and…
ODI 10450552
Fuel System, Gasoline
There is a documented problem with older model subaru outbacks (early 2000s) leaking gas into the engine compartment in cold weather. Dealers and repair services cannot fully resolve the issue because it appears to be a design flaw with the fuel lines and clamps. Internet forums provide countless cases (here is just one http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/1794410.page). *tr
ODI 10379400
Fuel System, Gasoline
Prominent gas smell inside cabin when temperature is below 32 degrees f. It is a known safety issue on subaru's but nothing is being done by subaru to rectify this poor engineering safety issue on their behalf. I have talked to subaru of america via email and on phone and they say that there is no issue with this car even though there is thousands of people that are experiencing this issue. *tr
ODI 10436793
Fuel System, Gasoline
Fuel smell inside and outside of cabin when weather is cold (20' or below). Shop has examined the vehicle and cannot determine cause. Seen references to similar issue with the wrx model and fuel lines/clamp. *tr
ODI 10312712
Fuel System, Gasoline
Over last few winters, when temperatures drop to freezing there has been a bad fuel smell in cabin. Especially with heater blowing, though it still smells inside and outside the car even with the heat off. Once the weather warms up there is no noticeable smell. I have tried tightening 5 clamps as suggested in an online help page. Not sure if this helped or problem just went away with the cold weather. Local shop…
ODI 10561539
Fuel System, Gasoline
Both my 2001 and 2002 subaru outbacks had a strong smell of gasoline in the cabin when starting the cars. A check under the hood showed gasoline dripping from several of the rubber fuel lines where they joined metal fuel lines. The fuel was dripping onto the engine and running down to the ground. Upon tightening the fuel line clamps the problem stopped. When i used google to check on the problem there was several…
ODI 10256179
Fuel System, Gasoline
My 2002 subaru legacy outback wagon, 2.5 liter engine, leaked fuel from the fuel line. This was most pronounced on a cold day. There are many reports of the same problems. My subaru dealer told me that this problem is common. Though we smelled the strong fuel odor, fortunately, there wasn't a fire. The car is now being repaired and will be ready 01/21/09. The estimated cost of the repair is $485. Subaru knows about…
ODI 10255759
Fuel System, Gasoline
2002 subaru outback- dec. 08'- experiencing very strong fuel smell in cabin of vehicle during cold weather. Same scenario unfolded last yr. 07' when it got cold. Last year dealer charged for inspect and tightening of clamps along fuel lines. This is a known problem with the subaru outbacks..why no recall?..with fuel line leaks as common as they are with this model i am surprised there is no recall. Is there anything…
ODI 10252692
Fuel System, Gasoline
Tl*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…
ODI 10362512
Fuel System, Gasoline
Overwhelming odor of gasoline in passenger compartment. *tr
ODI 10218459
Fuel System, Gasoline
Tl*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.
ODI 10213105
Fuel System, Gasoline
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. *tr
ODI 10296415
Fuel System, Gasoline
Repeat fuel line leaks in 2002 subaru outback wgn. There are a total of seven flexible rubber hoses that connect the fuel line as it passes through the chassis. When weather is cold, hose clamps/rubber hoses leak. My local dealer seemed to be well aware of the problem, which has not be addressed, and said that subaru has no planes to fix the problem. Outside of car, passage cabin reek of raw fuel. *tr
ODI 10244369
Accelerator Pedal · Fuel System, Gasoline · Manual Transmission
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,…
ODI 10107604
Fuel System, Gasoline
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…
ODI 10363643