Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2005 Saab 9-2X owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
This vehicle, being made by Saab and Subaru of America, is exibiting the same exact issue as described by the 2002-2003 Subaru wrx fuel leak recall initiated by the NHTSA in 2003 (I believe). This issue is starting to appear, even in mild climates like mine in california, on vehicles well beyond the 02-03my. My vehicle is equivalent to the 2005 Subaru wrx wagon. It uses the same engine/fuel system. It doesn't get very cold here, but on a 50 degree f day this morning, I had a strong smell of fuel for the second time in a row. I anticipate this will happen every morning, from now on. This is an obvious fire and safety hazard, proven by the fact the NHTSA already had soa issue a recall previously for the same issue. The "fix" is not working long term, since my vehicle fell into manufacture years after the fact. …
When temperature is below freezing, there is a strong smell of fuel in the cabin until the engine reaches operating temperature. It is noted that the fuel lines are leaking near the clamps under the intake manifold on the passenger side. Approx. 1 drip every 2 seconds until the engine is warm and the rubber seals again. It appears this is a known issue with many Subaru models, however there has only been a partial TSB and the 2005my has not been included at the time of this posting. The smell is very strong when stopped, and goes away once in motion. Once the car warms up, there is no sign of any smell. Fuel leak location is also very near the turbocharger, which gets to very high temperature.
At below freezing temperatures, the fuel line leaks raw gasoline onto the engine, near the turbocharger, creating a fire risk. The evaporated gasoline is immediately pumped into the passenger cabin creating a health risk. This is a known issue for the Subaru wrx and a recall was issued. The 2005 Saab 9-2x is mechanically identical in this regard to the wrx, but no recall was issued. Details: https://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1893471 examples: http://www.carcomplaints.com/Saab/9-2x/2005/fuel_system/fuel_propulsion_system.shtml discussion: http://saab92x.com/viewtopic.php?id=17792&p=1
I notice a strong smell of gas if the temperature drops below 20 degrees. This seems to be a fire hazard and also a health hazard. The same problem existed on the Subaru wrx which is the same car and it was recalled. The same needs to be done for the Saab which was built by Subaru.
The smell of raw fuel in the cabin on cold weather starts. Further investigation revealed a fuel leak underneath the intake and fuel spraying and pooling on top of the engine block. So much fuel leaking that it ran down and made a puddle under the car.
Fuel smell in cold weather. This seems to happen in cold weather only. When I start the car, I get a smell of fuel in the cabin. The car is parked. When I have the air recirculation button pressed, the smell does not enter the cabin.
Every time vehicle is started in below freezing temperatures there is strong cabin smell raw gasoline fumes. It only goes away after several minutes of driving. Possible fire hazard. Please help.
When starting up and driving in cold conditions (temperature below 32f, not referring to engine bay temperature but ambient), a fuel line 'shrinks' or 'leaks' fuel vapor and liquid onto the engine block and causes a very noticeable and nauseous raw gasoline smell. This condition is know and is in a recall for my2002-2003 Subaru wrxs with the same engine as the 2005 Saab 92-x aero as well as other subarus and is know to exist by many, many Subaru and Saab owners. This is a safety concern since mine is leaving gasoline directly on top of the cylinder head and could potentially result in a fire which in many circumstances can lead to serious injuries to myself and/or other motorists. My car is completely stock with no modifications to the power-plant of any kind.
Fuel leak under intake manifold on 2005 Saab 9-2x occurs whenever there is cold weather. Strong smell of raw fuel fills passenger compartment on startup and continues until engine is warmed up presenting health and safety concerns. Saab 9-2x is identical vehicle to Subaru impreza sport wagon where this problem has been common and extensive since 2002. Subaru recall wvk-21 was issued with extended warranty to cover repairs under Subaru service bulletin 09-36-03. Replacement fuel lines and gasket required to repair problem (wvk-21 repair kit # 10130aa000). Saab will not recognize this recurring problem as a warranty repair. The potential for fire along with health risks exists and must be addressed.
When the temperature is below freezing or close to 45 degrees f, this car will leak gasoline from the fuel lines under the intake in the engine bay. This fuel pools onto the hot engine block and causes a fire hazard. It also creates a smell of gasoline inside the vehicle cabin that is so strong that the windows need to be lowered to breathe properly and for the health of the passengers. The maker of this car, fuji heavy industries (Subaru) and the seller (general motors), knows about this problem and have done nothing to prevent a fire that is waiting to happen or make any safety recalls for this car.
Fuel System complaints in other 9-2X years
Frequently asked questions
How common are fuel system problems on the 2005 Saab 9-2X?
NHTSA has 41 complaints about the fuel & propulsion system of the 2005 Saab 9-2X, 37% of the model year's 111 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2005 Saab 9-2X fuel system problems?
No. NHTSA lists no fuel & propulsion system recall for the 2005 Saab 9-2X, though it has 4 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2005 Saab 9-2X fuel system problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 100,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.