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 2004 Subaru WRX owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Having recently moved to a cold weather state, I discovered that when the temperature is below freezing there is a smell of gasoline in the passenger cabin. After doing some research, Subaru appears to be aware of this problem and in fact issued a recall on earlier model vehicles for the same issue. The fuel lines and clamps shrink in cold weather allowing fuel to leak at the fuel filter or more problematically onto the intake manifold near the turbo. This has been resolved in newer model vehicles, but for some reason Subaru decided not to issue a recall for the 2004-2005 vehicles having this problem. When the vehicle warms up, the heat of the engine reduces or eliminates the leaks. Although I was able to tighten the hose clamps, I suspect that next winter I will be facing the same issue and/or a $500-1000 repair bill from the dealer.
In below-freezing temperatures, there is a fuel smell coming from the engine bay. It seems to start at approximately 20 degrees fahrenheit, and becomes increasingly strong at lower temperatures. On a recent morning when the temperature was 9 degrees fahrenheit, the smell was strong enough to cause a light-headed sensation. This appears to be a known problem, with there already being a recall for similar vehicles. Many vehicles excluded from the recall, including my own, seem to experience the same problem. Even worse, some who have had the recall fix performed have stated that the fix prescribed by the recall does not always resolve the problem completely.
During vehicle operation in colder weather (32 deg f or colder), there is a strong fuel smell coming from the engine bay. Fuel lines are leaking in an area close to the air intake. This does not happen during warmer weather.
I own a 2004 Subaru WRX with 42000 miles. It was recently below 20 degrees in town and I noticed a raw gas smell coming from the engine compartment. Upon further investigation I pinpointed the smell was coming from under the air intake manifold on the passenger side. I have taken the car in for diagnosis from gallas and davis Subaru in albuquerque. They confirmed gas leak coming from fuel rail. Dealer has quoted 670.00 for repairs. I have seen Subaru released TSB 09-36-03 relating to this issue. I am waiting on response from Subaru of America to see if some or all of the repair cost will be covered. I was told by the dealer to close the vent and I would not smell the gas. I was also told by soa that the issue is only related to 02 models but have found evidence stating otherwise as all fuel rail lines are the same on 02-04 model. …
Fuel lines leak upon cold start up in the winter. Fuel leaks all over engine block, my fear that this can cause a fire. Subaru's answer is to bring it in, spend money to have the car looked at. All the while they will not provide me with a comp car and this is my only car. With work, school and trying to move at that time it was not possible to release the car to them and hope it leaked on that day for the tech or risk handing out cash every time I take it in for them to look at. They know they have an issue they don't want to fix any longer. This is a known issue for some WRX's and they say the problem was taken care of in 2004, obviously not. It appears my car was built in mid 2003...... And is possible in my opinion that my car could have been built with these faulty parts.
Started vehicle after sitting overnight in sub-30 degree weather and a very strong smell of raw fuel was evident in vehicle. This happened on many more occasions; in any situation where the vehicle was given time to sit in cold weather. After the clamps were tightened on the lines, the smell was decreased; but after fear of a fire the lines and clamps were then replaced by myself. As Subaru of America would not extend the recall to my 2004 vehicles and I could not afford to pay retail for the repair. This was very disappointing, as this is my first Subaru and it was evident that the design was faulty. After replacing the lines and clamps, it seems as though the problem has been resolved. However, I cannot rule out the possibility of required repair in the future.
Tl contact owns a 2004 Subaru wrxsti. The contact smelled gasoline in the passenger compartment of the vehicle. He noticed fuel vapors and a puddle of gasoline on top of the engine upon further inspection. The dealer stated that there were no recalls for this failure; therefore, the contact would have to pay $550 for the repairs. The manufacturer advised him to take the vehicle to the dealer. The contact was concerned with the possibility of a fire due to the fuel leakage. He wanted to submit documentation and video of the damages and failure. The failure mileage was 65,000.
I have a 2004 WRX and when the vehicle is left outside during very cold temperatures, at startup, there is a prominent fuel smell. This seems to occur if I leave the vehicle parked for an extended period of time (3+ hours) at 20 degree f or below. There have been numerous reports regarding this defect reported on the nasioc forums. In addition, there is a recall regarding this same defect for the 2002-2003 WRX's. I am greatly concerned about the risks associate with raw fuel being dispersed on the engine upon startup.
When in freezing temperatures, my car is leaking gasoline in the engine compartment. Gasoline fumes are entering the passenger compartment causing nausea,dizziness and coughing (hence I am claiming/considering this as personal injury). I cannot always close the external vent because of fogging. This happens almost every time the temperature drops below freezing. Worse, I am afraid of the engine catching fire. I will take my car to the dealer for repairs. I just want to report this.
On cold mornings less than 10 degrees a strong fuel smell enters the vehicle. This issue was subject to recall on 2002 and 2003 model cars yet 2004 models also experience this problem. This is a wide ranging problem that effects many cars all the up to the 2007 model year of the Subaru impreza. This problem has been well documented since 2002 on the largest Subaru impreza web forum. Http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=131755. It's about time Subaru fixes this problem.
NHTSA investigations
Fuel line leak
Complainants report fuel leakage most frequently in winter during initial cold engine startup.owners will either notice a fuel odor inside the occupant compartment or fuel odor/leakage at the fuel lines on the right side atop the engine.
Fuel System complaints in other WRX years
Frequently asked questions
How common are fuel system problems on the 2004 Subaru WRX?
NHTSA has 35 complaints about the fuel & propulsion system of the 2004 Subaru WRX, 83% of the model year's 42 complaints. The component named most often is delivery › hoses, lines/piping, and fittings (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2004 Subaru WRX fuel system problems?
No. NHTSA lists no fuel & propulsion system recall for the 2004 Subaru WRX, 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 2004 Subaru WRX fuel system problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 75,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 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.