2005 Subaru WRX Fuel system Problems
- Complaints
- 12about this part
- Share
- 63%of 19 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 59,900miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 12 complaints about the fuel system of the 2005 Subaru WRX, 63% of the 19 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 59,900 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.
“When I started my car the other morning (~14 degrees f) I smelled a strong fuel odor in the cabin. I opened the hood of the car and also smelled it there as well. I drove the car about 2 miles and the smell went away. Once stopped and idling, the odor returned. It is a very strong raw gasoline smell. Upon further research, I found that many other Subaru owners are experiencing the same exact issue. It turns out to be a faulty clamp and/or hose, which results in leaking gasoline out of the fuel line. …”
NHTSA complaint #10559034, filed 2014-01, 140,000 miles“When started, temperatures under 20 degrees (f), vehicle will emit a strong gasoline odor under hood and will come in through heater vents. Dealer says they know of the problem, but no current recalls. The previous model years had a recall for the same exact problem. Subaru of america claims the model year I have has an update, but after researching this problem online and with Subaru dealers, there is still a known problem. There is a rubber fuel line under the intake manifold that is the culprit. My dealer claims they all do this when it's cold. …”
NHTSA complaint #10491511, filed 2013-01, 95,000 miles“2005 sti, 42,000 miles..... Cold mn weather caused my fuel system under the hood leak gas all over. Inside of car smelt of gas very very bad. Popped the hood, even stronger gas smell, located fuel leaks under the intake manifold drivers side. Towed it to nearest Subaru dealer do to fear of fire. Not covered under the 2 warranties I purchased when I bought the car or under Subaru recall of 2003-2004 WRX/sti's for the same problem.....charges will be $600+...... Bought the car from a Subaru dealer here in mn, second owner, expensive low miles used car, just plain stupid Subaru does not fix this. …”
NHTSA complaint #10672009, filed 2015-01, 42,000 miles“Fuel smell inside passenger compartment in outside temperatures <20 degrees f. This is apparently a known problem, and a TSB was issued for 2002 and 2003 Subaru WRX for a fuel leak, but not for the 2005. Have been told the owner is responsible for repair costs. Online search finds many identical complaints from other owners.”
NHTSA complaint #10640973, filed 2014-10, 48,000 miles“Fuel smell inside passenger compartment in outside temperatures <20 degrees f. This is apparently a known problem, and a TSB was issued for 2002 and 2003 Subaru WRX for a fuel leak, but not for the 2005. Have been told the owner is responsible for repair costs. Online search finds many identical complaints from other owners.”
NHTSA complaint #10384820, filed 2011-02, 33,000 milesFuel system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 1 | 4% |
| 2021 | 1 | 8% |
| 2020 | 1 | 6% |
| 2019 | 3 | 10% |
| 2018 | 7 | 16% |
| 2017 | 3 | 6% |
| 2016 | 2 | 6% |
| 2015 | 5 | 10% |
| 2009 | 1 | 2% |
| 2008 | 2 | 3% |
| 2006 | 4 | 29% |
| 2005 | 12 | 63% |
| 2004 | 35 | 83% |
| 2003 | 20 | 33% |
| 2002 | 295 | 69% |
Other parts of the 2005 Subaru WRX
4 complaintsEngine
2 complaintsEngine cooling
2 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2005 Subaru WRX
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