Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (fuel pump, injectors, fuel tank, hybrid and EV propulsion).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2001 Subaru Outback owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
I was traveling a mcdonald's drive-in with vehicles close to bumper to bumper with my foot securely on the brake. My 2001 Subaru Outback suddenly accelerated wildly and, before I could shift into neutral and press harder on the brakes, careened into the car directly ahead. My auto actually pushed the auto ahead some 5-6 ft. Before I could get it under control.I reported the accident to the police and insurance co.it cost me a $500 deductibleto have my vehicle repaired. I brought my auto to a Subaru dealer for review. They claim to have found nothing awry. I have experienced similar instances of unintended acceleration on 4-5 occasions. Driving this auto is now quite frightening.
The flexible fuel hose connecting the #1 cylinder fuel line leaks. This is located approximately four inches from the #1 cylinder fuel injector. The hose clamp screws/nuts are not self-locking and have loosened over time causing fuel to leak onto the hot exhaust manifold which LED to a fire inside the engine compartment.
My wife had an accident in our 2001 Subaru Outback that was caused by the car accelerating at slow speed with foot off the gas pedal while pulling into a parking space. This is identical to odi id number : 742080. The car ran into a building, causing damage to the building and the car and injuring my wife.
During cold weather, there is a very strong smell of gasoline inside the car. It's coming from a fuel leak near the passenger side of the engine. I first noticed it about 4 years (60,000 miles) ago. The car currently has 150,000 miles on it. It hasn't been fixed yet. It hasn't caught fire yet either.
1) upon colder weather starting and during the first 30-40 minutes of operation our 2001 Subaru Outback gets fuel vapors in the passenger compartment. 2) fuel smells cause use to roll windows down to keep breathable air available. Fuel vapor is a carcinogen, of course. Occupants complained of nausea and headaches. 3) took car to paul bros. Subaru and they told us this was a common complaint but nothing to worry about. 4) subsequently, learned of hundreds of like complaints and a Subaru service bulletin regarding leaky hoses due to loose fuel clamps and pooling fuel on crevices on the engine block. Considered not a "engine/drivetrain issue in warranty and cost to replace hoses has been charged to owners at more than $600. Persons "injured" is hard to determine due to chronic exposure of fumes is an unclear connection to a singular injury. …
2001 Subaru legacy Outback. Fuel vapor smell in cabin when temperatures fall below freezing. This has been a persistent problem for the three winters we have owned the car. This fall I found several comments online which prompted me to tighten the hose clamps on fuel lines running to/from the engine compartment fuel filter. This seemed to help until the last 2-3 days when we experienced prolonged temperatures of 0 to -15f. Now the smell is back and the local Subaru dealer suggests the problem often involves fuel hoses beneath the intake manifold, which they estimate $370 to repair. Based on numerous complaints and comments I have found online, some dating back to 2003, I am shocked that Subaru has been aware of this problem for so long and failed to issue a recall. Gasoline vapor is a significant health hazard. …
I have a 2001 Subaru Outback station wagon. On very cold days, there is a strong smell of fuel that pervades the passenger cabin. We had to drive with windows open even when 20-degrees outside or expose my 3yr son to the gagging fumes. This problem is a known issue (there are literally 1000's of posts on Subaru owners web boards) but my local mechanic was initially not able to find the problem. Subaru of America has not issued a technical service bulletin to make owners aware of this common failure in Subaru fuel lines. Once we found explanatory material on the web, we had the local mechanic replace the fuel lines for about $300. Given how common the problem is and how potentially dangerous a fuel line leak in the engine compartment could be, the NHTSA should force Subaru to address this problem. …
When the weather gets very cold (below freezing) the car begins to get a fuel smell. It is extremely strong inside the vehicle, although you can smell it outside the car as well. The first time I noticed it happening was in 2006. Took it to dealer who checked it and found no leaks. Odor went away after a few days sitting outside dealership so they did not do anything (weather May have warmed up). It happened again in 2008 and this time they said there was a fuel leak so they replaced the fuel hose and clamp. It worked until the following year when it got cold again. Looking at various posts on the internet found many others with the same problem. I tightened the clamps around some of the hoses around the filter and it mostly worked. When the weather is warmer there is no problem. This is a temporary fix and sometimes does not work so well, ESP. When really cold out. …
There is frequently a strong smell of fuel within the vehicle compartment when the car is running, either standing still or otherwise being driven. There was a third party service bulletin issued (wxz-83-fuel hose explaining the problem which is that certain affected vehicles May have been produced with up to 3 improperly manufactured fuel hoses in the engine compartment. Over time and in cold weather the hoses could leak creating the potential for a fire in the engine compartment. I found out what the problem was on the internet. Subaru says there was a recall for this but that my vehicle was not one of the vehicles under the recall and that I would have to pay for any repairs - they said it could be the fuel rail assembly that is the problem. This does not seem fair or right. …
Car smells like fuel when idling on a cold day. Rubber fuel lines and fuel filter were loose and after tightening them fuel smell temporarily stopped. Smell has returned and after calling Subaru dealership they acknowledged the issue was related to rubber fuel lines that needed replacing. This is a common problem with Subaru's and needs to be addressed by Subaru. Dealership is asking over $300 to replace four rubber fuel lines located under the manifold and this is at least every year it has to be done that's sounds like a recall issue to me I tigthen the screws a few time and somehow when it's cold weather it tend to get loose and vapor comes out very dangerous I check this issue online using google search and notice this is a known issues and goes back many years there should be a recall just like the 2002 it is the same hose same area. …
Fuel System complaints in other Outback years
Frequently asked questions
How common are fuel system problems on the 2001 Subaru Outback?
NHTSA has 32 complaints about the fuel & propulsion system of the 2001 Subaru Outback, 19% of the model year's 171 complaints. The component named most often is delivery › hoses, lines/piping, and fittings (3 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2001 Subaru Outback fuel system problems?
No. NHTSA lists no fuel & propulsion system recall for the 2001 Subaru Outback, though it has 3 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 2001 Subaru Outback fuel system problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 83,000 miles, and 4% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 1 fire and 4 injuries 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.