Consumer Complaints
| Fail date | miles | occurences | Purchase date |
|---|---|---|---|
| FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE | |||
| 01/14/2013 | 159400 | 1 | |
| After coming home and parking my car in the garage my wife came in from the garage and said it smelled like gas. i found the source to be my 2004 subaru. i drove it the dealer the next morning and they said that the fuel lines due to the cold, as it was below 20 degree's, pulled away from the fuel rail so raw gas was pooling on the manifold. they kept it for a week saying it was not safe to drive, and replaced all the fuel lines and clamps for $850. they said it was one of the worst leaks they have seen. i have now read numerous complaints on this issue and noticed the 2003 wrx, same engine, was recalled for this safety issue. i guess i am lucky as it could have caught me, my house or who knows what on fire if it has sparked. | |||
| 12/22/2011 | 55100 | ||
| Strong raw fuel smell in cabin of car during cold start/cold weather. it appears that the fuel lines shrink in cold weather and pull away from the metal fuel lines causing vapor leak as well as fuel leaks. the problem is that the fuel lines are located under the intake manifold and are impossible to tighten unless the manifold is removed. this is a huge safety hazard. | |||
| 10/08/2011 | 101000 | ||
| On the first genuine cold day of the year (below 40 degrees f) i noticed a strong fuel smell coming from my air vents while driving. as it's now mid november and averages below 40 degrees f i get a strong fuel smell at every cold start until the car warms up to top opperating temperature. after researching this symptom, i discovered that it's very common for the fuel clamps underneith the intake manifold on the passenger side to leak when cold on 2004 subaru forester xts. upon further investigation i discovered that this is happening with my car, and is pooling fuel on the engine until warm. average estimate from dealer is $500. | |||
| 10/25/2011 | 50000 | ||
| Gas lines leak on 2004 subaru forester xt when ambient temperatures fall below 30 degrees fahrenheit. significant amounts of fuel leak into the engine area, and strong fumes enter the passenger area. nhtsa has already issued a tsb on the subaru wxt regarding the same problem. concerned about fire hazard and inhalation of gasoline vapors. very strong odor. could not continue to drive. | |||
| 04/09/2011 | 137218 | ||
| Fuel odor noted in passenger compartment starting 4/9/11, (137218 mi) 55 degree ambient temperature, vehicle running for 10+ minutes and up to temperature. at stop light when odor began. children in the vehicle became nauseated and began retching. windows down to vent passenger compartment. odor identified in passenger compartment and engine bay only, no raw fuel odor in exhaust or surrounding the vehicle. 4/11/11, 52 degrees, 137463 mi 4/13/11, tightened accessible fuel line clamps in engine bay 4/27/11, 40 degrees, 138113 mi 4/28/11, 53 degrees, 138215 mi 4/30/11, isolated leak to area immediately below manifold, near air filter on left side (passenger side) of engine; able to visualize fuel leaking onto engine at rate of 5 drops/10 seconds. 5/1/11 45 degrees, 138511 mi concerns over safety of exposed fuel in engine bay (explosion hazard), as well as effect of fumes on adults/children (toxicity), and non-compliance with epa standards. to contact subaru of america to discuss options for repair/replacement of affected parts | |||
| 01/01/2011 | 70000 | ||
| In very cold temperatures (below freezing), the fuel line under the intake on the passenger side will occassionally leak at the connection between the rubber hose and steel line. it will drip fuel onto the engine block until it warms up. the smell of gasoline can be detected inside the vehicle and around the engine area. the fuel drips at a rate of about 1 drip per 1-3 seconds until the hose warms up and seals against the steel line. the dealer could not duplicate the problem, but they offered to tighten the fuel line fittings. the intake manifold had to be lifted and the cost was about $150, but they couldn't guarantee a fix. it will have to be rechecked in colder weather. this 2004 forester xt has 70,000 miles on it. | |||
| 11/26/2009 | 70000 | ||
| Gas lines leak on 2004 subaru forester xt when ambient temperatures fall below 20 degrees fahrenheit. significant amounts of fuel leak into the engine area, and strong fumes enter the passenger area. nhtsa has already issued a tsb on the subaru wxt regarding the same problem. concerned about fire hazard and inhalation of gasoline vapors. | |||
| 02/08/2011 | 109000 | ||
| 1st issue with 2004 fxt 4at . cold start emmitting raw fuel smell both in and outside of car. local shop diagnosed as weak connections on fuel filter. filter needed replacement in 5,000 miles, so opted to swap out to a new oem filter. next day smell still present. temps below freezing for past 6 weeks (michigan), but problem only started 1 week ago. since problem persists, doing more research, and will contact soa and local sub dealer for assistance and plan. no other fuel complaints (knock, stall, rough idle, economy issues). current mileage 109,000. | |||
| 12/12/2010 | 48500 | ||
| We owned a 2004 subaru forester for 6 years. 2 years ago i experienced an incident where startuing out the accelerator stuck at an advanced rtate of speed. i was able to quicklygain control and brake the vehicle and thought it was an aberration. recently on starting out from a ferry boat the accelerator again stuck at an advanced rate of speed. i avoided peoplke and many cars but did collide with a wall and 1 car, finally stopping the subaru by driving up a hill, over a curb and into a fence. i had mechanics check the accelerator system. they said they coulkd find no defect in the system but that other factors could contribute to sticking such as faulty floor mats or placement od brake and/or accelerator pedals. i am not an expert but my examination indicates (1) there is approximately 2 inch gap between the front of the accelerator pedal and the floor (2)that t he brake and accelerator pedals are quite close together; and that a foot could become hung up or lodged because of either or both of these things. this possibility could be increased by larger feet, although i do not consider my size 11 width ee shoe size to be overly large. my non-expert opinion is that theser pedals should be re-engineered so that (1) there is no gap of the accelerator to the floor (2)there is a clear separation of the brake and accelerator pedals. | |||
| 02/01/2011 | 114000 | ||
| Strong smell of gas inside the car in cold weather. replaced and tightened fuel clamps, to no avail. a recall was issued for the same system on the wrx, why not the forester? | |||
| 12/12/2010 | 48500 | ||
| We owned a 2004 subaru forester for 6 years. 2 years ago i experienced an incident where startuing out the accelerator stuck at an advanced rtate of speed. i was able to quicklygain control and brake the vehicle and thought it was an aberration. recently on starting out from a ferry boat the accelerator again stuck at an advanced rate of speed. i avoided peoplke and many cars but did collide with a wall and 1 car, finally stopping the subaru by driving up a hill, over a curb and into a fence. i had mechanics check the accelerator system. they said they coulkd find no defect in the system but that other factors could contribute to sticking such as faulty floor mats or placement od brake and/or accelerator pedals. i am not an expert but my examination indicates (1) there is approximately 2 inch gap between the front of the accelerator pedal and the floor (2)that t he brake and accelerator pedals are quite close together; and that a foot could become hung up or lodged because of either or both of these things. this possibility could be increased by larger feet, although i do not consider my size 11 width ee shoe size to be overly large. my non-expert opinion is that theser pedals should be re-engineered so that (1) there is no gap of the accelerator to the floor (2)there is a clear separation of the brake and accelerator pedals. | |||
| 02/01/2011 | 114000 | ||
| Strong smell of gas inside the car in cold weather. replaced and tightened fuel clamps, to no avail. a recall was issued for the same system on the wrx, why not the forester? | |||
| 12/12/2010 | 48500 | ||
| We owned a 2004 subaru forester for 6 years. 2 years ago i experienced an incident where startuing out the accelerator stuck at an advanced rtate of speed. i was able to quicklygain control and brake the vehicle and thought it was an aberration. recently on starting out from a ferry boat the accelerator again stuck at an advanced rate of speed. i avoided peoplke and many cars but did collide with a wall and 1 car, finally stopping the subaru by driving up a hill, over a curb and into a fence. i had mechanics check the accelerator system. they said they coulkd find no defect in the system but that other factors could contribute to sticking such as faulty floor mats or placement od brake and/or accelerator pedals. i am not an expert but my examination indicates (1) there is approximately 2 inch gap between the front of the accelerator pedal and the floor (2)that t he brake and accelerator pedals are quite close together; and that a foot could become hung up or lodged because of either or both of these things. this possibility could be increased by larger feet, although i do not consider my size 11 width ee shoe size to be overly large. my non-expert opinion is that theser pedals should be re-engineered so that (1) there is no gap of the accelerator to the floor (2)there is a clear separation of the brake and accelerator pedals. | |||
| 02/01/2011 | 114000 | ||
| Strong smell of gas inside the car in cold weather. replaced and tightened fuel clamps, to no avail. a recall was issued for the same system on the wrx, why not the forester? | |||
| 01/20/2011 | 55038 | ||
| Strong odor of raw gasoline in cabin during cold weather when vehicle is stopped. seems to be the fuel leak in the engine compartment that many other subaru forester xt owners are experiencing. | |||
| 01/12/2011 | 58113 | ||
| 2004 subaru forester leaks fuel directly onto manifold in conditions of cold ambient temperature. research reveals the problem is endemic to virtually all subarus model years 2002 - 2004. in 2009, subaru issued a recall for 2002 impreza wrx models sold in certain states, but the engine is the same design for the other models. strong odor of fuel in passenger compartment is symptomatic. strong risk of fire. odor abates when engine and/or ambient temperatures rise. | |||
| 12/23/2010 | 100000 | ||
| 1. noticed strong gas odor after driving car. upon inspection, noticed gas pooled on engine top, passenger side, under intake manifold. 2. appears that fuel line is leaking. unable to ascertain exactly where, because leak is behind intake manifold. occurs during very cold weather. 3. repairs forthcoming. | |||
| 12/01/2009 | 41129 | ||
| Strong gas odor when car is started in cold temperatures | |||
| 12/22/2010 | 85000 | ||
| Raw fuel smell in cabin during cold start. took to mechanic and he sees fuel leaking from the fuel line under passenger intake manifold. to resolve issue he will have to pull the intake, replace fuel lines and use better clamps. the clamps and hose used by subaru is faulty as i see a ton of complaints online about the same issue. they even did a recall on the wrx which has the same motor as the forester. | |||
| 12/05/2010 | 104000 | ||
| Tl-the contact owns a 2004 subaru forrester. the contact stated that as the temperature started to drop he noticed a fluid leaking from the engine. he inspected the vehicle and realized that it was the hard fuel line has loosened. the manufacturer was contacted and offered no assistance. the vehicle has not been repaired. the failure mileage was approximately 104,000. tb | |||
| 12/07/2010 | 110325 | ||
| I own and daily drive a 2004 forester xt. it has recently developed what i consider to be a severe safety related issue. last night, after driving approximately 30 minutes, there was an overwhelming smell of raw fuel in the cabin. this situation happened again this morning while sitting in traffic, at a red light. the smell of gasoline was so strong, i felt light headed and had to roll down the windows when the temperature outside was 24 fahrenheit. i found that subaru of america (soa) issued a recall for the same problem on wrx models which produced this symptom. upon inspection of my engine, i can both see and smell raw fuel seeping from one or more of the fuel lines. i continued my research and found that there are many reports of this issue covering many year models of the forester and the legacy models. due to the volatility of gasoline and the inherent dangers to humans in vapor form, i feel this is a critical safety issue. i have read many reports and noticed the apparent large population of affected vehicles. this is very disconcerting. i am contacting soa to report this problem and to request they cover the failure under goodwill. | |||
| 01/08/2010 | 105000 | 1 | |
| During the beginning of the year, a very strong fuel smell filled the cabin of the car. it would sometimes go away after a half hour of driving. it seemed to coincide with the outside temperature being below freezing. brought car in for service. they tightened fuel clamps and replaced a small fuel line. a few weeks later the smell returned even more intense. it was scary to drive, especially with my toddler in the car! took car in for service again. they replaced all fuel injectors/orings/seals and intake and exhaust gaskets. repairs totaled over $1,000. problem first occurred at 105,000 miles. (one month earlier the turbo had to be replaced...a repair total of $3,300. for over a year there's also been a problem with the car constantly needing oil, but there's no leak.) i've read complaint after complaint for the fuel smell problem on many subaru forums. why hasn't there been a recall for this safety hazard?? *tr | |||
| 12/20/2009 | 40000 | 1 | |
| Every time the temperature drops below freezing a strong fuel smell fills the interior. sometimes the smell goes away when the engine warms up, sometimes it doesn't. nothing has been done to fix the problem. *tr | |||
| 12/21/2009 | 55000 | ||
| Tl* the contact owns a 2004 subaru foreseter. when the contact started the ignition there was a strong odor of fuel inside and outside of the vehicle. the failure occur consistently. the engine exhibited an excessive amount of fuel leakage. the vehicle had not been repaired for the malfunctions. the failure mileage was 55,000. | |||
| 12/10/2008 | 40000 | 1 | |
| Vehicle compartment has a strong smell of gasoline. i first noticed this a year ago (vehicle mileage was around 40,000) and the temperature was 20 degrees and lower when this would occur. the smell of gas continued again this winter. i had my mechanic look at it and contacted the subaru dealership. they could not diagnose the problem, but did state that they have had other customers complain of this extremely strong gas smell as well. it has been so bad that i have had to keep a window open. *tr | |||
| 01/07/2010 | 95000 | ||
| Tl*the contact owns a 2004 subaru forester. the contact stated that there was a fuel leak in the engine compartment. he could smell gasoline in the cabin as it was being leaked on the motor. he stated that the failure seemed to happen in above freezing weather. he called the dealer and was told that it was a common problem. the vehicle had not been inspected by the dealer and the manufacturer was not notified. the vehicle had not been repaired at the time of the complaint. the current and failure mileages were approximately 95,000. | |||
| 01/03/2010 | 65120 | 1 | |
| 2004 subaru forester fuel system leak in cold weather. *tr | |||
| 12/09/2009 | 43802 | 1 | |
| In cold weather (below 0 | |||
| 12/11/2009 | 1 | ||
| Extremely strong fuel odor in the interior of an 04 subaru forester. *tr | |||
| 01/27/2009 | 43930 | 1 | |
| Smelled fuel in passenger compartment. stopped vehicle and strong odor of fuel under hood. the evening temperatures were below zero and even though vehicle is garaged, temperatures were below freezing. no signs of fuel on floor of garage and could not find leak by observation of running engine. i did research and many subaru vehicles are having problems with fuel leaks at low temperatures. this is a safety hazard. dealer says it may take repairs in excess of $500.00 to resolve faulty clamps and hoses. i am trying to get subaru of america to work with me. why has this not been a recall? are we waiting for fires or asphyxiation? *tr | |||
| 12/07/2008 | 61500 | 1 | |
| Model is a 2004 subaru forester xt. upon startup in cold weather, there is an extreme smell of raw fuel (gasoline) both inside the vehicle and outside as well. i am afraid to drive this car in cold weather. *tr | |||
| 12/05/2008 | 66363 | 1 | |
| This problem happened when temperature dropped below about 15 degrees f. there was a very strong gas smell inside car with heater on. there was also a strong gas smell under hood. i drove car the next day at 35 deg f and no smell. *tr | |||
| FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE - DELIVERY - HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS | |||
| 01/14/2013 | 159400 | 1 | |
| After coming home and parking my car in the garage my wife came in from the garage and said it smelled like gas. i found the source to be my 2004 subaru. i drove it the dealer the next morning and they said that the fuel lines due to the cold, as it was below 20 degree's, pulled away from the fuel rail so raw gas was pooling on the manifold. they kept it for a week saying it was not safe to drive, and replaced all the fuel lines and clamps for $850. they said it was one of the worst leaks they have seen. i have now read numerous complaints on this issue and noticed the 2003 wrx, same engine, was recalled for this safety issue. i guess i am lucky as it could have caught me, my house or who knows what on fire if it has sparked. | |||
| FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE - STORAGE | |||
| 11/01/2004 | 4 | 02/02/2004 | |
| Fuel door release button does not work. airbag light came on possible electrical problems. *bf 5 days after purchasing the vehicle, the fuel door release button fell off. opening of the fuel door was and continued to be difficult. the consumer would like a full refund for the vehicle. *tc *jb | |||
| FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE - STORAGE - TANK ASSEMBLY - FILLER PIPE AND CAP | |||
| 09/21/2007 | 39000 | 1 | 09/11/2007 |
| During gas fill-ups, unable to fill tank without continuous start/stops (~20 times for full tank). have tried different pumps and different stations (approximately 13 fill-ups now). *tr | |||