The contact owns a 2004 Subaru Baja. When the temperatures grew colder, there was a very strong gas smell after starting the vehicle in the morning. The strong gas smell would persist for an hour or O after starting the vehicle. The fuel odor was so strong, the consumer has to roll down the window. Upon inspection, the consumer discovered that the fuel lines were leaking raw fuel into the engine compartment, so much that the raw gas was pooling on top of the engine. The dealer tightened the fuel lines and told the consumer that the problem was fixed. When the next cold temperature returned, the consumer smelled the raw gas again. Raw gas was pooling in the engine compartment. The consumer returned to the dealer and was informed the fuel lines were still leaking but in order to fix the problem the intake manifold would need to be removed at a cost of more than $300. The consumer took the vehicle to a private auto repair shop. The mechanic managed to fix the worst part of the leak, but several lines located underneath the intake manifold could not be reached. While much improved, the vehicle is still leaking gas into the engine compartment whenever the temperature drops below 20 degrees. The leak persists until the engine warms up. The dealer informed the consumer they would fix the problem due to a recent recall that had been issued for a similar problem with a different model, but they were waiting to receive the parts. Updated 01/22/10. Updated 01/22/10.

- Helena, MT, USA