2002 Subaru Impreza Fuel system Problems
- Complaints
- 99about this part
- Share
- 34%of 292 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 60,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 99 complaints about the fuel system of the 2002 Subaru Impreza, 34% of the 292 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 60,000 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I was denied the fuel line recall due to I live in ohio and ohio is not on the list of cold states. I am forced to breath gasoline fumes and my engine smokes burning off those gasoline fumes. Just waiting for the car to blow up. Thank you, Subaru”
NHTSA complaint #10991039, filed 2017-05, 90,000 miles“During the past several years my 2002 Subaru Impreza wrx has had the strong smell of fuel. Its not consistent nor does it happen all the time but often enough that it concerns me. I have called Subaru's headquarters about this problem and they just keep telling me there is no re-call for this problem, so they won't fix it. I'm concerned this is a real safety problem that Subaru refuses to address nor fix.”
NHTSA complaint #10320241, filed 2010-03, 70,000 miles“My Subaru 2202 wrx has a strong smell of gas in the passenger compartment everytime it is cold out. They have a TSB to fix the issue but will not cover the repairs in all cases. The TSB is 09-36-03. I would think they would care about a manufacturer defect that involves fuel. This should have been recalled.”
NHTSA complaint #10252564, filed 2008-12, 60,000 miles“Odor of fuel in the interior of my 2002 Subaru wrx Impreza I contact Subaru and advised them of this via their 800 complaint number and referred to campaign 09v-468 and NHTSA action #ea09011. I was told I could take the vehicle into my local Subaru dealer at my own costs and get the vehicle repaired! I advised them that the campaign states my vehicle is covered for additional 12 years re: the problem and it fell on deaf ears. What can I do?”
NHTSA complaint #10380798, filed 2011-02, 110,243 miles“I purchased a new 2002 wrx three years ago and am inhaling gasoline fumes in my car when driving in cold weather. The Subaru dealer told me that they are aware of this problem with the cold fuel smell . I think that inhaling gasoline fumes is very hazardous, especially when driving. I hope and beg that Subaru corporation will recall this common fault.”
NHTSA complaint #10145752, filed 2005-12, 85,900 milesRelated recalls
- 09V468000Dec 4, 2009Subaru is recalling certain model year 2002 and 2003 impreza wrx vehicles originally sold in or currently registered in the states of south dakota, nebraska…Covers: Subaru Impreza 2002–2003, WRX 2002–2003
Related service bulletins
- 10234829Jan 15, 2014Repair Procedure for High-Pitched Sound from Extension Housing Area Using Latest Generation Production Parts
- 10232867Feb 19, 2013Fuel Smell in Cold Weather
- 10067850Feb 19, 2013Summary to be provided on a future date.
- 10032464Dec 15, 2009Subaru: wrx cold weather fuel line/hose seepage extended warranty. Vehicles may experience a temporary fuel seepage at a specific engine fuel delivery pipe/hose during cold…
Fuel system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2 | 6% |
| 2019 | 6 | 3% |
| 2017 | 5 | 4% |
| 2016 | 2 | 3% |
| 2015 | 2 | 3% |
| 2014 | 2 | 2% |
| 2013 | 5 | 2% |
| 2012 | 7 | 3% |
| 2011 | 6 | 10% |
| 2010 | 6 | 13% |
| 2009 | 8 | 8% |
| 2008 | 5 | 3% |
| 2007 | 2 | 3% |
| 2006 | 7 | 13% |
| 2005 | 19 | 25% |
| 2004 | 37 | 39% |
| 2003 | 26 | 42% |
| 2002 | 99 | 34% |
| 2001 | 1 | 9% |
| 2000 | 3 | 7% |
| 1999 | 2 | 9% |
| 1996 | 1 | 5% |
| 1995 | 8 | 17% |
| 1993 | 5 | 15% |
Other parts of the 2002 Subaru Impreza
60 complaintsSuspension
49 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
25 complaintsBody and structure
21 complaintsEngine cooling
19 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
17 complaintsSteering
8 complaintsElectrical system
6 complaintsVehicle speed control
6 complaintsOther or unknown
5 complaintsEngine
3 complaintsSeats
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2002 Subaru Impreza
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology