Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2005 Subaru Legacy owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
While pressing the accelerator there was no response. The car continued at it's normal idle, but pressing on the gas gave no response. I was able to coast to a stop off the road and turn the car off and back on, which fixed the problem the first time. This has happened again two times as of today and it took several times turning the car off and back on to get use of the accelerator again. This seems like a safety issued, and of course a problem that could easily leave me and my kids stranded or injured in an accident if I were traveling at higher speeds when the problem occurs. I've read online that it seems to be a common problem with Subaru. The code that I received was p2138 (throttle position sensor).
Plastic fuel pump basket/assembly flange that mounts on top of fuel tank structurally deteriorates resulting in multiple cracks that allow fuel to leak out of tank below the rear passenger seat. We own two different 2005 Subaru Legacy models (one sedan, one station wagon) and upon inspection discovered that the fuel pump basket flange on both cars showed exactly the same structural defect. The fuel basket assembly is only available directly from Subaru of America and the repair involves substantial labor to change all parts over. This is clearly a structural or design issue and not a question of maintenance or random quality control.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Subaru Legacy. The contact stated that the odor of fuel was present inside and outside of the vehicle. While inspecting the vehicle, the contact discovered that the fuel flange bracket assembly chamber (part number: 42052ag87a) had cracked and caused fuel to leak from the vehicle. The contact ordered the part from the manufacturer and replaced the failed part. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred approximately 15,000 miles later. The local dealer (haddad Subaru, 652 e. St., pittsfield, ma) and the manufacturer were notified of the failures. The failure mileage was 25,000.
As we were driving down the highway, we heard what sounded like a airplane propeller whirling. The car then stopped. The mechanic at the Subaru dealership said we blew a cylinder. The car is now in need of a new engine or will be scrapped. We kept the car service religiously and was in great shape. How does this happen? I thought we had a reliable car.
Driving vehicle eastbound on hwy-14 in vancouver, wa, approx 60 MPH. Vehicle lost power and would not restart. After we got vehicle home, inspection found high pressure fuel line had blown-off at the fuel pump connection, causing large amount of fuel to leak under the vehicle.
Fuel leaking from top of gas tank. No collison. Gas smell began as check engine light lit and cruise control light started slow blink. Smell has gradually grown stronger. Smell strongest on the passenger side. Smell sometimes enters car interior.
The last few mornings I've smelled a strong odor of fuel as my car warms up. A very, very strong odor of raw fuel is inside the car, and it seems to be coming out of the dashboard vents, and strangely enough, only on very cold morning/starts. The smell eventually goes away after 15 to 20 minutes of highway driving. I searched 3 times now for a fuel leak, and as far as I can see, there are no visible fuel leaks anywhere. I looked as good as I can, injectors & hard lines, the rubber fuel lines in the engine compartment, the quick connections near the brake master cylinder. There is no fuel on the floor near the clutch pedal, and I didn't see any leaks back at the fuel filler pipe, but I honestly didn't look too closely back there as the smell is certainly up front. …
After my dad filled his Legacy with fuel we could smell fumes from the fuel. We took it to the Subaru dealership we bought it from for them to overlook the fuel system to see where the leak was coming from. After it was looked over by the mechanic, we were told that the gas tank itself is leaking and will need to be replaced. We are not made of money, so we contacted Subaru of America and asked for them to help us with the cost. They contacted our service advisor and the next day told my dad they could not help. To us this is a serious safety issue and can not figure out why Subaru wouldn't want to help when it concerns customer safety. I know that Ford is recalling their fuel tanks for this issue, and cannot see why Subaru isn't doing the same. Between the leaking fuel tank and waiting over a month for the air bag recall, we do not feel safe driving this car. …
Second time car has been in for this issue. Issue is common, and many forums topics have been started documenting the commonality of this issue. I can provide links. Issue: leaking/raw gas smell outside of car, inside of car, and inside of engine bay in cold weather upon start up (engine warm or cold). Leaking/dripping gas can been seen in engine bay. First repair: tightened fuel line clamps. Issue fixed. Next winter came along, issue returned. This time dealership (north shore Subaru, highland park, il) wants $700 to fix the issue. First repair cost $51.33 at liberty auto city/Subaru in libertyville, il. Called Subaru of America and reported repeat of issue. They have not offered to repair it and deny that the issue is common. I believe this is an environmental, health, and safety concern. …
Dt*: the contact stated the odor of gasoline was noticed intermittently upon starting the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a local dealership where the problem could not be duplicated. The vehicle continued to smell of gasoline and the vehicle was taken back to the service dealer where it was discovered fluid was leaking from the steering area. The leak was repaired, but the odor of gasoline continued. The odor is strongest after the vehicle has been sitting for a period of two hours or more. The odor disappears after driving a hundred yards or more. The amount of fuel in the tank does not have any impact on the odor. The vehicle was returned to the dealer again, it was determined the vehicle was operating normally and the dealer only suggested making an adjustment to the brand of gasoline being used. Updated 03/03/06.
Fuel System complaints in other Legacy years
Frequently asked questions
How common are fuel system problems on the 2005 Subaru Legacy?
NHTSA has 27 complaints about the fuel & propulsion system of the 2005 Subaru Legacy, 15% of the model year's 184 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2005 Subaru Legacy fuel system problems?
No. NHTSA lists no fuel & propulsion system recall for the 2005 Subaru Legacy, though it has 9 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 Subaru Legacy fuel system problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 82,000 miles, and 12% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 1 injury to fuel & propulsion system problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.