2002 Subaru Impreza Engine cooling Problems

“I recently bought an 02 Subaru and it seems that every time I cold start the car when it gets below freezing outside there is a horrid gas smell in the cabin of the car. On further investigation it is visible that there is a pool of gas accumulating on the motor from underneath the intake manifold. I have just noticed this and called the dealer and they said they had never heard of this. Looking online it seems to be a regular issue and there is no recall or information on how dangerous it is to have raw fuel on a hot engine. I am at a loss and a little concerned for my safety.”

“I have a 2002 Subaru Impreza wrx, and I can smell fuel odor in my vehicle at cold temperatures. I purchased the car within 4 weeks of the north american release of the vehicle.”

“2002 Subaru Impreza wrx - I was taking my five yr. Old grandson home when we became aware of a heavy smell in the car. I thought it smelled like antifreeze, but he said 'gas' mamaw. I hurried to get him home, and before I got back home my throat was sore and my nose bothered me from the awful fumes. My husband took the car to the dealer today and they may call back when they get their loaner freed up but I don't think we are big on the priority list. They said antifreeze was leaking from the rear of the engine. It has 55,000 or so miles on it now.”

“Head gaskets on both sides of engine leaking oil and coolant at 20000 miles and 2.5 yrs old. Oil and coolant leak transfers on tires and exhaust. This can cause fire and loss of control. Subaru only acknowledges problem on other VIN on Impreza (my vehicle 2002 Impreza outback wagon) and forester. Even though forester uses the identical engine as Impreza.”

“Just learned that my 2002 Impreza sport has a leaking head gasket when the car only has 72,000 on it. The car has never gotten over 23 miles per gallon, even when it is highway driven. The car has had very very little mileage on it since it was purchased three years ago with 55,000 on it. No mention of any problems during its 60,000 mile maintenance. This came out of the blue.”