2004 Subaru Forester Fuel System, Gasoline Problems
- 58
- Owner complaint records in our dataset
Records are owner complaints, not a measured failure rate.
Owner complaint recordsComplaint records reflect reports in our dataset and do not measure how frequently the problem occurs across all vehicles.
Among these 58 stored complaint records:
- 1 indicate a crash
- 0 indicate injury
- 0 indicate fire
What owners report
- fuel smell · 20 records
- cold weather · 20 records
- strong smell · 13 records
- strong fuel · 13 records
- fuel line · 11 records
- fuel lines · 11 records
Mileage in stored records
| Band | Records |
|---|---|
| 100–150k mi | 18 |
| 60–100k mi | 17 |
| 30–60k mi | 12 |
| 150–400k mi | 6 |
| 1–30k mi | 1 |
Complaint records
Owner-submitted complaint content, presented as stored.
Engine And Engine Cooling · Fuel System, Gasoline
I am experiencing an extremely strong smell of gas. This began winter of 2013, which i had repaired at my expense of $700+, though my mechanic informed me subaru was recalling this and repairing for free on other models. I am absolutely disgusted that this problem is recurring now winter of 2014, in a vehicle which i drive my small children in. The gas smell is horrific, toxic, and dangerous. *tr
ODI 10564606
Engine · Fuel System, Gasoline
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 subaru forester. The contact stated when the temperature dropped, fuel fumes were emitted in and around the vehicle. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for inspection. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 117,000. The intake manifold was replaced. Updated 03/12/14 updated 3/12/14*cn the fuel lines,…
ODI 10561131
Fuel System, Gasoline
I first noticed a strong gas smell in the vehicle on the coldest day of the year, when the temperature was below 20 degrees. The gas smell enters the vehicle through the vents when the heater is turned on and the car is idling. While the vehicle is traveling at a speed of 10+ mph, the gas smell is not noticeable. When the heater is turned off, the gas smell does not enter the vehicle. When i exit the vehicle, i can…
ODI 10555451
Fuel System, Gasoline
Strong gas/fuel smell inside cabin and engine compartment during vehicle warm up in driveway when temp was in low 20's. Unable to locate leaking fuel but smell is noticeably stronger on passenger side of engine bay. Vehicle will be towed to dealer in the morning as vehicle is unsafe to drive. Gas vapors are extremely flammable/explosive. I have found many similar complaints posted on this website and others. This…
ODI 10447674
Fuel System, Gasoline
My 2004 forester xt (turbo) developed a slow gasoline leak, with gas seeping from hoses/clamps located underneath manifold. Gas fumes were entering the cab of vehicle, especailly when out-side temperatures below 40 degrees f. This is a safety and health hazard for drivers and passengers. This appears to be the same problem as outlined in recall of subaru impreza wrx turbo (recall #wvk-21), but to date there are no…
ODI 10448207
Fuel System, Gasoline
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. *tr
ODI 10441270
Fuel System, Gasoline · Unknown Or Other
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. *tt
ODI 10432955
Fuel System, Gasoline
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 operating temperature. After researching this symptom, i discovered that it's very common for the fuel clamps underneath the intake manifold on the…
ODI 10436756
Fuel System, Gasoline
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,…
ODI 10399059
Fuel System, Gasoline
1st issue with 2004 fxt 4at . Cold start emitting 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…
ODI 10381645
Fuel System, Gasoline
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? *ln
ODI 10379904
Fuel System, Gasoline
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. *ln
ODI 10378309
Fuel System, Gasoline
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…
ODI 10376582
Fuel System, Gasoline
In very cold temperatures (below freezing), the fuel line under the intake on the passenger side will occasionally 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…
ODI 10393980
Fuel System, Gasoline
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. *tr
ODI 10374866
Fuel System, Gasoline
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.
ODI 10372790
Fuel System, Gasoline · Vehicle Speed Control
We owned a 2004 subaru forester for 6 years. 2 years ago i experienced an incident where starting out the accelerator stuck at an advanced rate of speed. I was able to quickly gain 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 people and many cars but did collide with a wall and 1 car,…
Crash reported
ODI 10380015
Fuel System, Gasoline
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…
ODI 10369596
Fuel System, Gasoline
Tl*the contact owns a 2004 subaru forester. The contact stated that as the temperature started to drop he noticed fluid leaking from the engine. He inspected the vehicle and realized that the hard fuel line was loose. The manufacturer was contacted and offered no assistance. The vehicle had not been repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 104,000.
ODI 10370765
Fuel System, Gasoline
Tl*the contact owns a 2004 subaru forester xt. The contact stated that during cold weather he would smell gasoline fumes inside of the vehicle. The vehicle was inspected by a dealer who informed stated that he had a leak in his fuel line from the hose on the fuel rail. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 108,000. The vin was unavailable. Updated 02/02/11 *cn
ODI 10368557
Fuel System, Gasoline
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…
ODI 10315294
Fuel System, Gasoline
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…
ODI 10298765
Fuel System, Gasoline
2004 subaru forester fuel system leak in cold weather. *tr
ODI 10297967
Fuel System, Gasoline
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.
ODI 10304123
Fuel System, Gasoline
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
ODI 10314620