I posted this topic on scoobynet.com and was told that there was a similar discussion held here:

I've been driving my new STi for about a month now and just over the past couple of days I've noticed a petrol/gasoline smell in the cabin. The smell seems to come after leaving the car idle for a few hours after reversing (it doesn't smell like burning!).

Has anyone got any information on this or have had the same experience ?

Cheers,
Si

 

Resolution:

Don't leave the car idling for a few hours after reversing!

 

Why would you let your car Idle for a few hours. I'd say your turbo timer needs to be replaced

 

no damn it...I mean when the engine is turned off!!...LOL

 

Leak somewhere maybe?
Is you check engine light on?
IIRC, fuel leak is considered to be part of emission, so if there is a leak, your CEL should come on.

 

the only thing that comes on is the beeping light to tell me to shift up to the next gear and the low gasoline light!

 

I knew what you were saying Uncle Si, I just couldn't resist. You left yourself wide open for that one...

It may be just the exhaust leaking through the trunk. New muffler smell maybe? I would not be concerned. If it's still aroud after say 50 hours of operation, I would let Subaru check it out.

 

The car has a "low fuel" warning light? Excellent My Mustang has nothing. You have to guess when you are low on fuel. I even ran out once.

 

on some new cars when the catalytic converter is new it can smell pretty bad actually...especially after a long days use...

 

What, Mustang's don't have gas gauges?

The light is a nice thing to have but not a necessity in my eyes. I would never let my tank get lower the 1/4.

 

They have gas gauges but not low fuel indicators. I like to drive on fumes withthe price of gas these days. And with the STi I certainly will continue to drive on fumes!

 

I checked out the owners manual... says if you live outside of california and the car smells try a different brand of fuel. If the fuel has too much sulfur then the car will stink.

 

Are you serious?
Does the OM really say that?!

- Janq