I have noticed a fuel smell on my '02 wrx for the past few months. It has 78K miles on it and is long past warranty. Initially I thought I had just tracked gas on my shoes in the cabin but now I smell it quite often when the ventilation system is active. I went to the dealer (I know, mistake) to question them about this. They said they have had a few cars with similar situations where the fuel rails under the upper intake manifold leak at very cold temperatures. Appx repair cost is 1 grand. Any one out there hear of this problem?? Help please, I love the car, but this seems like Subaru dropped the ball on this one...

 

Check out this thread. It will answer all your questions.

https://www.i-club.com/forums/engine-power-ej20t-pre-2006-wrx-jdm-60/tsb-fuel-smell-cold-weather-2002-wrx-43929/

 

I have the cold weather fuel leak, but it has to be really cold (below freezing). Unfortunately, the dealer refused to do the work whilst my car was covered by warranty because they couldn't reproduce the problem. I guess I could pay for the fix, but it has only happened a few times so far. Hopefully, if enough similar problems arise, Subaru will have to do a recall.

Subypd: Does your car do this even in warm weather?

 

if it is indeed your fuel rail which is some what common - my buddy is a mechanic at the best subie dealership in colorado and has seen it a few times. in your case just get an after market fuel rail, fuel lines/ whatever is the cause of the problem. you'll be spending a lot less then 1,000 bucks too.
just never deal with the dealership since you have warranty if you can absolutely avoid it (i.e. replace bad/ broken parts with better aftermarket parts!).
good luck &
peace.

 

I was told it would be in the $600-700 ballpark. If Subaru don't consider it to be a hazard, I don't see why I should either. If the car catches fire, I'll roll the charred remains onto their forecourt for new buyers to see.

Seriously though, I was hoping that they might issue a recall. If they don't, I'll probably buy the parts and do it myself. I'm still pissed that they wouldn't fix such a hazard under warranty.