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