2005 Subaru Outback Gas smell from vents

Tiny
MUNSTER6
  • MEMBER
  • 2005 SUBARU OUTBACK
  • 4 CYL
  • AWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 51,600 MILES
I have a 2005 Outback and ever since last winter I have a really bad gas smell coming into the cabin when running the front window defroster or when I run the A/C with the recirculate Air feature turned off. Meaning letting fresh air in. I only get the smell when at idle or at a complete stop. This is not just a winter time issue, I get this smell constantly. It doesn't go away. I have had two seperate Subaru Dealers look at the car and they both say they don't smell it and that nothing is wrong, yet anybody I put in the car immediately smells it. This has been going on for a year now. Subaru won't won't acknowledge the problem and no dealer seems concerned enough to realy want to pursue this.
Does any body have any suggestions? I can't stand the smell anymore and am concered there could be a fire.
Friday, October 3rd, 2008 AT 2:32 PM

2 Replies

Tiny
SUBBY11
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
I have a similar problem with my 2000 Outback. After about a year, I think I've finally figured out where the smell is coming from. I got the same runaround from my dealership as well. They claim that they don't smell it, but everyone else does. On my car, when I open the hood, I can smell the gas on the passenger side of the engine. After running the car for several minutes, I can see an area that is wet with fuel right near one of the Fuel Injectors. I'm going to take my car in for repair in the next few days.
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Monday, November 3rd, 2008 AT 9:40 AM
Tiny
MUNSTER6
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Ok, I have now had SOA and my dealer really look into this issue after three weeks, Subaru has replaced the headgaskets, fuel lines, Fuel injectors and seals, Spark Splug Seals, A/C Service and just about anything else you could think of. No charge by the way. If you ask nicely and persistently Subaru will respond. They even had Corporate Techs from Cherry Hill come to inspect the car. They were the ones who ordered for the car to be repaired. They admitted to the gas smell and spent two plus weeks trying to resolve the problem. Even after replacing all the items mentioned, I still get the gas smell. Also, now that they messed with the AC, there is no heat coming out of the passenger side vents or front window defogger. Really strange. But, remeber, Subaru paid for everything and I was out of warranty as well. I have 62346 miles! They car runs alot smoother now and gets great gas milage but I still get that smell. Any other suggestions.
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Monday, November 3rd, 2008 AT 10:55 AM

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