270 of the 3,451 complaints filed about the Subaru Impreza are about the fuel system — 8% of everything owners reported. The worst model year for it is 2002.
270
Complaints
8%
Share of all complaints
5
Crashes
9
Fires
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
The fuel tank is leaking at molded seam making the vehicle undriveable and a fire safety hazard. Contacting dealer Monday morning.
NHTSA complaint #11730588 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
National Highway Traffic Safety Admin March 9, 2026 I am submitted a vehicle safety complaint regarding a 2011 Subaru that I recently purchased on [XXX]. I purchased a used 2011 Subaru Impreza from Clear Cut Auto {241 S Dupont Hghwy – New Castle, DE 1920 (302-322-2050) on [XXX] for $5,147.04. The dealership person name was Erika Fernandez which reported the car was recently dropped of by a female owner a few days ago. The dealership issued temporary tags on the vehicle with the registration. The vehicle was sold as “as is”. Within three (3) days of purchase the vehicle On Sunday [XXX] while my [XXX] son was driving on a major highway, the vehicle suddenly showed a engine light which blink on and immediately went out. Thereafter, the car started smoking and was engulfed in flames ie: caught on fire. I am grateful that my [XXX] son was able to exit the vehicle safely and quickly to avoid injury. The car was completely destroyed by the result of the fire internally and externally. This created a serious life-threatening safety situation for my [XXX] son, which had to exit the vehicle quickly to avoid injury. Multiple people on the highway witnessed the fire. I am concerned that the vehicle sold to me by Clean Cut Auto (owner Lonnie and dealer Erika Fernandez) may have had a serious pre-existing defect involving the engine, electrical system or fuel system that caused the fire while the vehicle was being driven. I am submitting this complaint so that the incident can be investigated as a potential safety defect involving this vehicle model. 2011 Subaru Impreza VIN# [XXX] Fire Date: [XXX] Registration: [XXX] Location: [XXX] – [XXX] from [XXX] 3.04 miles from New Castle Municipality Police Report [XXX] Cpl Diprima -Troop 2 State Police 302-834-2620 INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11723119 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
head on collision/hit the side of another car head, 2024 subaru impreza was smoking before vehicle stopped moving after impact (was slung in the opposite direction), not even five minutes after exiting vehicle it caught flames starting a the front of the engine that spread to the hood
NHTSA complaint #11666058 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
The contact owns a 2017 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated while driving 15 MPH, the vehicle began to hesitate without warning. The contact then stated that while at a stop light, the vehicle stalled upon the depression of the accelerator pedal with the traction control symbol flashing on the instrument panel. The vehicle failed to restart after several attempts. An attempt to jumpstart the vehicle also failed to start the vehicle. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer where it was initially diagnosed with defective spark plugs and contaminated fuel. The contact was later informed that the failure was caused by a defective fuel pump that needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired and remained in the possession of the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 68,500.
NHTSA complaint #11589288 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Fuel lines under intake manifold leaking during cold weather. Causing smell to be pungent in cabin and in engine bay. Inspection upon request is allowed. Adds safety risk for potential fire in engine bay. Has not be confirmed or inspected by nobody else at this moment for this car specifically, however it is a common issue for these model Subarus. There were no warning lamps or other symptoms prior to the failure. First appear when temperatures started to drop below 40 degrees F.
NHTSA complaint #11565345 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Low speed throttle application vehicle fails to respond. Does not happen all the time. A near collision almost happened while making a left hand turn with oncoming traffic. Has been happening repeatedly, usually within a parking lot.
NHTSA complaint #11541242 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Car does not accelerate from a full stop. Hesitates to react to gas pedal for a few seconds
NHTSA complaint #11522354 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM:THROTTLEBODY/MANIFOLD
The contact owns a 2004 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, the vehicle stalled, and the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with an unknown code for the throttle body. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 162,000.
NHTSA complaint #11512789 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
There is a recall for fuel lines for MY2002-2003 Imprezas and the issue was resolved or a fix was implemented on late MY2004 vehicles. Unfortunately this means early MY2004 vehicles are still impacted by the issue with no recall in place. During cold weather or during cold engine startup fuel lines are prone to leaking onto cylinder head. Raw fuel can be observed dripping, and can be smelled in the engine bay and inside of the vehicle. This poses a fire risk during vehicle operation and the MY2002-2003 recall should be extended to MY2004 vehicles built prior to August 2003.
NHTSA complaint #11490317 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I believe my car having some issues with fuel system, gasoline delivery, cooling down and exhaust system, electrical system:ignition. This vehicle only has 15,606 miles on it and should not be giving me this kind of problem.
NHTSA complaint #11472160 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
In November of 2018 and again January 31, 2022. In November 2018, I was backing up in small parking lot tap the gas pedal. and my car speed up going backwards, even when I was pushing the brake. What stopped the momentum was another car, my car crashed into caused extensive damage to that car( it was totaled) . The second time; I turned the wheels to back-in as I had a several times into my driveway. The car was to far over, but because I was not centered enough in the driveway, I moved forward to realign myself. The car seemed to hesitate as I moved forward, before putting it in reverse. I Put the car in reverse, lightly hit gas the car seem to take off as if it was a rocket backing up into driveway and went through the back wall of my garage ( because there was so much snow it came to a stop). My daughter was observed on the ring camera. I have been very sensitive to making sure since first time to be more aware. It is significant to note prior to this occurrence my car did this in smaller spurts ,( but did not think anything of it , I took my car in for all of the checks) but I was able to control it by putting foot on brake, It's like this time the engine revved up on its own. This time the car was totaled. ( The back window shattered. A lot of damage underneath the car. I will not be buying another Subaru. It was my dream car:(. I was very traumatized.)I was diligent with the maintenance of the car. I informed my insurance company.
NHTSA complaint #11450687 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
My 2003 Subaru Impreza WRX has a very strong fuel odor that is coming into the cabin when I start my car up on cold days. It's been unusually cold here in Washington state this winter with temperatures in Seattle dipping well below freezing. I see that there is a recall for this exact problem for my exact car (https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2009/RCONL-09V468-4248.pdf). But when I called the dealer (Michael's Bellevue Subaru), and then subsequently called Subaru (1-800-SUBARU3), they told me that they will not fix this issue, since this recall does not apply to my state (Washington). I think that's not right. It is the exact same problem of cold weather causing this fuel line to leak, and they should honor this recall.
NHTSA complaint #11448826 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Rubber fuel lines under the intake manifold leak fuel when the temperature falls below 40 degrees F. The smell permeates the cabin and fuel can be seen wetting nearby surfaces under the intake. An inspection can be performed. This represents a fire safety hazard that could occur while the vehicle is in motion, jeopardizing all surrounding traffic. The problem is widely noted on Subaru internet forums, but only a recall for 2002-2003 models has been reported. My car is a very early 2004, so it shares traits of the 2003 engines. There are no warning lamps or notifications, only the smell of raw gas when the car starts and is in motion in winter temperatures. This has happened repeatedly since the issue first occurred, so I avoid driving this vehicle if at all possible.
NHTSA complaint #11448310 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I bought a "Subaru Impreza" 2017, and in the span of 4 years, had numerous issues, including: -dead battery -car suddenly stopping on highway: no electroninc warning whatsoever -over 6 possibly lethal recalls (mainly pertaining to car electronics andbrakes), which might cause car to stop moving/responsing to steering/braking at any moment, which I send in for repair ASAP. Afterwards, I was assured all the electronics and brake components had been checked, and I would be safe to drive everyday for work. -This week, after all these "repaired" recalls, my car suddenly while I was driving on one of the busiest/most dangerous highways in our area: it took me several minutes to even manage to pull onto the shoulder. During that time, I was almost hit 5 times, and had to call CHP to come take me. I could have easily been killed. and the CHP operator clearly told me not to drive this car again. -The next day, I got to Subaru dealership which sold me this car, asking for a loaner, and free repair. Although Subaru provided the loaner, they also gave me a 1133.98$ to fix the electronic issue, which they assured me "is not my fault, but not on the recall list, so even though it malfunctioned, I have to pay, even though their negligence almost cost me my life. I'm curious to know how many other Subaru 2017 drivers had similar experience.
NHTSA complaint #11433154 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
My vehicle starts to shake and the engine acts like it is going to die when I hit around 50-60 mph. I cannot floor it and the vehicle will not let me go any faster then 60mph without it acting like there’s no fuel getting to the engine or something in that sense
NHTSA complaint #11428195 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
The component / system that fails is the fuel system / fuel pump. The 2016 subaru impreza has the same fuel pump that later motels have and they where recalled due to the fuel not being delivered correctly from the fuel tank to the engine. it is typically winter fuels that make the fuel pump fail. (there is a handful of information on other websites) The safety issue is that the car will shut off and is difficult to get started again. this happens when the car has about 2 gallons left in the tank or 50 ish miles to empty. this situation has happened to me three (3) times on the highway at about 70 miles an hour. this also happens most commonly in the winter due to the available fuel. this is also a safety issue because the car has NO heat and you could be stranded with a baby and this could become life threatening. This problem has been reported on other websites and reproduced in my car 3 times. When I got my car towed to a Kia dealer (closest one) they said it was a mechanical issue with the fuel system. The Kia dealer told me that the issue is due to winter fuel and low pressure in the fuel line. they recommended that I keep my car at or above 100 miles to empty. (so far they are correct) This issue doesn't trigger any warning lamps / lights, or set any codes off. The car will just shut off and you will have to get more pressure into the fuel system.
NHTSA complaint #11427705 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
2011 Subaru WRX STI would not start, the fuel pump connector power pin on the fuel pump melted also burned the connector. Gas now is entering the fuel pump connecter. This is a fire hazard.
NHTSA complaint #11426506 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
II BOUGHT THIS CAR NEW IN 2019. I HAVE HAD 8 TIMES WHICH I WOULD BE OUT SOMEWHERE AND THE CAR WOULD NOT START. I LIVED IN FORT WORTH AND AAA WOULD COME. AT NO TIME HAS SUBARU ADDRESSED THIS ISSUE OF WHY IT WILL NOT START. I HAD TO TAKE IT TO CLEO BAY IN KILLEN ON SATURDAY THE 10TH BECAUSE I WAS AT LUNCH IN BROWNWOOD AND WHEN I TRIED TO START IT IT WOULD NOT. I HAD TO GET IT JUMPED AND THEN THE SCREEN FOR THE MAPS AND RADIO ACTED LIKE IT WAS ON DRUGS. SO I DROVE AND LEFT IT WITH CLEO BAY SUBARU. THEY SAID THEY DID AN UPDATE TO MY RADIO BUT WON'T ADDRESS THE REAL ISSUE OF WHY THE CAR WOULD NOT START AND I HAD TO GET IT JUMPED.
NHTSA complaint #11408077 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I NOTICED FRESH SMELL OF GASOLINE EVERYTIME I START THE CAR. I LOOK AT THE FUEL LINE AND ITS SIPPING FUEL.
NHTSA complaint #11405009 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
DUE TO THE ECO FRIENDLY SOY BASE PARTS IN SUBARU VEHICLES, WE HAVE FALLEN VICTIM TO SQUIRRELS CHEWING ON THE WIRES UNDERNEATH THE HOOD CAUSING EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE. THIS HAS HAPPENED TWICE WITHIN 6 MONTHS. SUBARU STATED THIS WOULD NOT BE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY AND WE HAVE BEEN LEFT WITH THE BURDEN OF THE COST. THIS IS NOT THE FIRST TIME THAT SOMEONE HAS REPORTED SUCH A PROBLEM, AS A CLASS ACTION WAS FILED 11/2017 IN HAWAII REPORTING THE SAME ISSUES WITH RODENTS AND SUBARU'S SOY BASED PARTS.
NHTSA complaint #11403690 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.