Subaru Fuel Smell & A Quick Tip
I wanted to take a few minutes and get some information up about a potential fuel smell in your Subaru that only seems to occur when it is cold out side.
There are 2 very typical, minor but very strong smelling fuel leaks we see lots and often this time of year.
The first pertains to the 2002 to 2003 Subaru Impreza WRX, Subaru first had a TSB (Technical Service Bulletin) and updated fuel line components and then a full fledged recall to address the leak, but if you bought your WRX used you may be unaware of the Recall. In the event you feel you have an affected model you should contact an authorized Subaru repair Facility and find out if your vehicle falls under the recall.
The Recall is #WVK-21.
The Second Model is the 2000 to 2004 Legacy and Outback, there are a couple of problem areas, but the most common is the fuel line at the front of the engine on the passenger side, behind the bracket that the power steering lines attach to, there is a 3 to 4 inch rubber fuel line that as the temperature outside drops the rubber line contracts away from the stainless steel clamp and you now have a fuel leak until the hose warms up and expands back into the clamp, you can carefully access the clamp and tighten the clamp, but I do suggest replacing the fuel line as it is a better repair, we have learned the hard way that the lines that are re-clamped typically leak again, as it was a sign of a bigger problem with the fuel line starting to become compromised, and we are not talking about a big repair, but we are talking about a fuel leak.
Another quick point any time you buy a used Later model car, regardless of where or who you buy it from, YOU need to take the initiative to grab the VIN # and call your local dealership service department and have them run that VIN number to see if there are any open recalls. Sometimes the system is slow, by the time you receive a recall notice you may have paid for a repair at a general repair shop that doesn’t care if your Wheel bearings are under recall/warranty. Its ultimately your job to stay informed about your vehicle.
Thanks For Reading
Justin
Justin:
Great info. Just had a below 10 night here in Chicago and gas smell returned. Solved by tightening clamps as I have done before. Want to fix correctly this time. What should I tell my dealer to do (not always up to date like you are). Just replace rubber line, or is there more involved? Thanks
Hi
I just posted a response/scenario/question on the “head Gasket” thread (I guess will be #1037), but then I found this thread which may be more related. I have a 2000 Outback with very bad fuel smell during the winter.
Can you explain exactly what fuel lines to change (maybe a picture with arrows to the right hoses), and whether we should use aftermarket hoses or trust more Subaru ones? What kind of clamps should replace the existing ones, or can the existing ones be trusted with the new lines?
I want to know what to tell my mechanic as they have obviously had no idea what to do to permanently fix this issue for the past 6 years. Unfortunately, I can’t come to your shop, as I am in Quebec.
Thanks!
Sorry, just thought of follow-up questions:
What is wrong with the 2000 Outback fuel line that it needs to be changed? Is it the grade of the hose, or the length, or the clamps? How do we ensure that changing the hose is going to make a difference permanently?
Thanks!
Steven,
The fuel line is made from rubber and the clamps stainless steel they have different expansion and contraction rates. We often see that the hose has contracted away from the clamp and a few turns of the fastener stops the leak. But the line should be inspected for cracking and if cracked replaced.
The rubber fuel lines are in extreme conditions, subject to heat and fuel which depending on what type of fuel is used can affect how long the line lasts.
Fuel lines should be inspect4ed every year and replaced as needed, a 10 year old car is at the point where they may be needed.
Hope this helps
Justin
Justine,
Thanks for the great information. As requested by Steven too, would you please put a picture where the clamp is located, with some sort of identification, for novices like myself. I have a similar problem in my 2001 Outback.
Thanks much!
I am having this issue with my 2005 2.5XT Outback. You say it only affects 2000-2004? Do I have the same rubber fuel line fittings?
The 05 Subaru Outback Xt does in fact have a fuel line that needs to have the clamp tightened on the drivers side under the intake manifold.
The clamp is upside down meaning you cant put a tool ( Phillips) on it to tighten it.
What we have had to do was turn the screw with a pair of pliers( backwards) ..
I first discovered this about a month ago when the temps dropped here and I smelled gas in my own XT. It takes about 15 minutes to resolve once your are set up correctly with the right tools
Hope that helps
Justin
[...] Great mechanic in our area has a discussion post on this subject. Same as 5gear said, check fuel lines. My mech says (i'll link post) but basically, he's noting that some models have this leak at the fuel clamp location SPECIFICALLY in colder weather but the odor diminishes after warming up w/ driving. See if this sounds like yours: Subaru Fuel Smell & A Quick Tip – Seattle Subaru Repair [...]
2 Subaru places in Colorado want $300 to tighten the bands under the manifold. I have a 2005 xt that smells like gas at around 20 degrees. It is sad that Subaru won’t “man up” to this problem. There should be a class action suit.
It would be better to replace the small rubber fuel line under the manifold rather than just tighten the clamps.
Not enough cars are affected For Subaru to issue a recall, and same goes for class action.
I have A 2005 XT as well and have replaced the lines at 91k. I didnt think that was to bad for a Turbo model running higher fuel pressure.
Justin
Thanks!!
I missed the one up by the power steering pump.
Great info!!
Justin,
Thank you very much for the info! Our ’01 Legacy started leaking fuel couple days ago, and the culprit was the rubber line on the passenger side, behind that bracket. Exactly as you said.
I started the car, let it run for ~5 min, and the wet rubber hose was pretty easy to spot. I tightened the clamps for now, but will order new parts as soon as possible.
In case someone needs to see where the problem is, I posted couple photos here: http://legacygt.com/forums/showthread.php/gas-smell-inside-cabin-151908.html?p=4229774#post4229774
Very helpful info and advice. Thanks. One dealer tried to convince me to replace the metal fuel line rod on the firewall at the top of the engine compartment, to the tune of $1500. I said, no thanks.
Was seriously thinking about trading in my Legacy, so I hope this rubber fuel line replacement does the trick.
Thanks again.
James H.
Really helpful information, minus 20 nights and strong fuel smell in 2003 Outback, thanks for the tips, Erica T
I had the problem 2 years ago and it came back with the cold weather in the NE. Notes: Drive the car and check the fuel lines as soon as you return. Gas evaporates quickly. The factory clamps only get so-so tight. Polite way of saying they suck. I replaced mine with the Stainless Steel Hose Repair Clamp 1/4″ x 5/8″ (Home Depot_Plumbing aisle or check their website to see which ones). Tighten, but don’t crush the metal fuel line. The hose I found leaking,(about 4 inches long)was under the driver side intake manifold, below the spark plug wires. All others were dry. Wife is happy now and what is better than that….
Very helpful info. Had very strong gas smell in 2003 Forester last week in 15? temps. Mechanic suspected gas tank leak at top of tank, but smell has since gone and no trace of leaks visible on tank. Replacing tank would have been $1000+ and not fixed problem maybe. How many fuel line hoses are there and which should be replaced? Would leak only be at manifold or could it be at fuel pump? I am at 156k miles and don’t think fuel lines have ever been replaced.
Thanks much.
Tom