Subaru WRX Fuel System, Gasoline Problems
Owners have filed 318 complaints with NHTSA about fuel system, gasoline problems on the Subaru WRX across 7 model years. The 2002 model year has the most (266). The words owners use most often: “fuel smell” (33% of reports).
- 318fuel system, gasoline complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 0mention a crash
- 4mention an injury
- 2related recalls
- $800typical repair cost reported by owners
- 6%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Fuel smell: mentioned in 106 of 318 complaints (33%)
- Cold weather: mentioned in 102 of 318 complaints (32%)
- Engine compartment: mentioned in 53 of 318 complaints (17%)
- Service bulletin: mentioned in 43 of 318 complaints (14%)
How much does it cost to fix?
Owners who wrote down what they paid or were quoted put the typical fuel system, gasoline repair on the Subaru WRX at $800, and half of them between $640 and $990.
Based on 40 NHTSA complaints about this problem alone that state a repair bill or quote (2004–2010), converted to 2026 dollars with the U.S. consumer price index. These are owners' own figures, not a quote: they include dealer quotes, and owners who file complaints often faced larger repairs, so they can run higher than typical shop prices. Prices vary by shop, region and warranty coverage. How we calculate this.
At what mileage do fuel system, gasoline problems happen?
Based on 256 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 318 complaints, 3 a fire, 4 an injury.
Subaru WRX fuel system, gasoline complaints by model year
When owners reported it
Related recalls (2)
Fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump
Model years: 2018, 2019
Problem: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ascent, 2018 Forester, 2018-2020 Impreza, Legacy, Outback, 2018-2019 BRZ, WRX, and Toyota 86 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Risk: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the low-pressure fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 24, 2021. Subaru and Toyota owners may call customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRG-21.
Fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump
Model years: 2002, 2003
Problem: Subaru is recalling certain model year 2002 and 2003 impreza wrx vehicles originally sold in or currently registered in the states of south dakota, nebraska, north dakota, minnesota, idaho, iowa, montana, colorado, wisconsin, new york, wyoming, michigan, alaska, new hampshire, vermont, and maine. During cold starts, typically under extremely cold temperatures, fuel leaks in the fuel delivery line could occur where the line connects with a rubber hose.
Risk: Fuel leaks, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.
Fix: Dealers will replace the fuel line free of charge. The recall began on december 31, 2009. Owners may contact subaru at 1-800-782-2783.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
Started car up. Check engine light is on, cruise control flashing. Fuel tank level is flashing. Has gas but the meter is says itâs empty. Took it to a mechanic and they told me it is the fuel pump thatâs bad. Called a Subaru dealership and they said thereâs no recall for this car. You guys…
The contact stated owns a 2019 SUBARU WRX. The contact stated that while her spouse was driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle started making an abnormal sound as if the engine was sputtering. The driver was concerned that fuel was not running through the engine correctly. The vehicle began to…
Strong smell of raw fuel coming into passenger compartment during very cold outside temperatures. *tr
In below-freezing temperatures, there is a fuel smell coming from the engine bay. It seems to start at approximately 20 degrees fahrenheit, and becomes increasingly strong at lower temperatures. On a recent morning when the temperature was 9 degrees fahrenheit, the smell was strong enough to cause…
In cold weather the fuel lines leak on the 2003 subaru impreza wrx! There was a limited recall in certain northern states, however it gets cold in many states where there was no recall. The car has become dangerous to drive b/c i can smell the gas which means there is the danger of ignition. Subaru…
Frequently asked questions
Do all Subaru WRXs have fuel system, gasoline problems?
No. NHTSA has 318 owner complaints about fuel system, gasoline for the Subaru WRX. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the Subaru WRX fuel system, gasoline?
Yes: 2 safety recalls list fuel system, gasoline. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
How much does it cost to fix fuel system, gasoline problems on the Subaru WRX?
Owners report a typical cost of $800 (half paid between $640 and $990), from 40 complaints that state a repair bill or quote, in 2026 dollars.
What do owners say about fuel system, gasoline problems on the Subaru WRX?
The most frequent phrase is “fuel smell”, in 106 of 318 complaints, followed by “cold weather” (102).
Other Subaru WRX problems
- Power Train problems (173)
- Engine problems (106)
See all Subaru WRX problems.