2000 Subaru Outback Fuel system Problems
- Complaints
- 12about this part
- Share
- 6%of 207 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 120,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 12 complaints about the fuel system of the 2000 Subaru Outback, 6% of the 207 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 120,000 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I smelled gas in car in sepy 2013. A fuel pump was gasket was replace.10/2013 fuel pump replaced.11/2013 above fuel pump removed & replaced. Gas smell still present,not as strong.I want to know if this is an issue with Subaru's.if so or if not,what will correct the gas smell?”
NHTSA complaint #10575903, filed 2014-03, 76,590 miles“The 2000 Subaru Outback has a noxious smell from fuel in the cabin only in cold weather,that you must ride with the windows open until this dissipates. I called my local dealer to ask if they would have an idea of what is the problem and what would be an estimate for repair? I, just about got the question out of my mouth,when the service representative said it'll cost around $200 maybe a little more to replace two fuel lines and fittings(screw clamps) on the top right side of the engine. …”
NHTSA complaint #11060933, filed 2018-01, 150,000 miles“In cold weather (usually 25 f and below) there is a strong fuel smell. Worse the colder it gets. I am worried for my baby's health and also worried I was inhaling this leaking fuel throughout my pregnancy. It is obviously not something that should be happening and is unhealthy. I reported this to a mechanic shop and they rebuilt the engine because of other issues. They said this rebuilding would fix the fuel leak/smell also. It lessened it, but it is still there every time it is cold out. It dissipates after driving it for a while. …”
NHTSA complaint #10678184, filed 2015-01, 120,000 miles“Strong smell of gas in the cabin of the vehicle during cold weather - definitely smells of leaking gas - dealer advised and looked at car a number of times - could not resolve. I gave this car to my daughter and I fear an engine fire.”
NHTSA complaint #10252028, filed 2008-12, 30,000 miles“There is a fuel leak in the engine compartment of my Subaru Outback wagon on cold days and is a potential fire hazard. I have talked to several other people and they have the same problem. I would think there would be a recall since it is fuel related and a serious risk. The fuel leaks from a rubber hose on the left side of the engine that connects two hard gas lines. I tried tightening the clamps and it did not have much affect. The house has no holes or tears in it. Neither do the hard gas lines. So I don't know if it cant hold the pressure or what? …”
NHTSA complaint #10253514, filed 2009-01, 96,543 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10234829Jan 15, 2014Repair Procedure for High-Pitched Sound from Extension Housing Area Using Latest Generation Production Parts
Fuel system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 3 | 4% |
| 2024 | 2 | 2% |
| 2023 | 2 | 2% |
| 2022 | 6 | 1% |
| 2021 | 10 | 3% |
| 2020 | 15 | 2% |
| 2019 | 32 | 3% |
| 2018 | 46 | 6% |
| 2017 | 16 | 2% |
| 2016 | 13 | 2% |
| 2015 | 18 | 4% |
| 2014 | 13 | 6% |
| 2013 | 15 | 5% |
| 2012 | 4 | 1% |
| 2011 | 16 | 2% |
| 2010 | 5 | 1% |
| 2009 | 7 | 7% |
| 2008 | 3 | 1% |
| 2007 | 6 | 5% |
| 2006 | 40 | 14% |
| 2005 | 19 | 7% |
| 2004 | 6 | 7% |
| 2003 | 4 | 4% |
| 2002 | 32 | 22% |
| 2001 | 32 | 19% |
| 2000 | 12 | 6% |
| 1999 | 4 | 4% |
| 1998 | 4 | 3% |
| 1997 | 5 | 6% |
| 1996 | 2 | 4% |
Other parts of the 2000 Subaru Outback
42 complaintsEngine cooling
35 complaintsTires
30 complaintsSuspension
24 complaintsVehicle speed control
14 complaintsBody and structure
13 complaintsBrakes
12 complaintsElectrical system
8 complaintsSeat belts
8 complaintsOther or unknown
6 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
6 complaintsAir bags
5 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2000 Subaru Outback
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 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