Strong gasoline smell in passenger compartment, dealer can not locate problem, problem persists. Afraid car will catch on fire

- Bakersfiels, CA, USA

My vehicle has had several defects/problems. The engine valve leaked, check engine lights, auto transmission problems since first purchased inherent to vehicle. Vehicle burns engine oil and too hot.. I am afraid to drive car long distances I currently have 113,000 miles on auto.

- Canyon Country, CA, USA

My car began overheating, so I had my nephew (a mechanic) replace the thermostat - twice. My next step was to take it into the dealer, and have them check it over. They told me I needed a new water pump, and had droplets around my head gasket, but it was nothing to worry about (that was at 98,000 miles). I explained that I was taking my 91 year old mom, and 17 year old dog to L.a. from sacramento, and wanted to make sure it was safe. They sent me on my way with the assurance the car would be fine. I overheated going over the grapevine. Subsequently, I've had the water pump, radiator, timing belt replaced, and it's still overheating. In the last month or so, it started leaking so I looked up online any complaints and found multiple complaints regarding head-gaskets, and that Subaru had extended the warranty to 100,000 miles or 8 years. Too bad for me, huh? when I took it back into the dealer (at 104,000 miles) they told me the extension didn't apply to my car. Not only do I resent the fact that I feel ripped off, I resent them sending me out the door when it wasn't safe to be stuck on the freeway with an elderly parent, and elderly dog.

- Citrus Heights, CA, USA

During the afternoon of the December 21st ice storm in bozeman Montana, my 2005 Subaru Baja slid off the road and down a steep incline. Although I only sustained bumps and bruises, the car was totaled. The accident could have easily been fatal. The windshield was heavily damaged, the car axles were broken, there was severe damage to three sides of the vehicle. I wondered why the airbags had not deployed. When I researched the situation I found there was a recall on 2005 Subaru airbags. Supposedly a faulty release switch and potentially a release of metal shards upon deployment. Maybe I was lucky the airbags didn't go off. I contacted Subaru to see if in light of this situation, they would potentially consider assisting me with a replacement vehicle. After a 2 week delay, rob the csr told me that per page xxx of the owner?S manual the airbag would not deploy unless the vehicle was hit from the front or back. Also, although I read that my car was included in the recall, he said it was not. Apparently, the company feel no obligation what so ever to assist with the situation. Possibly they would have paid more attention if I was injured or dead. I am now an ex-Subaru customer. I will be seeking an attorney to see if others have had similar experiences.

- Big Sky, MT, USA

Timing belt and associated parts were changed by licensed Subaru mechanic. In the morning when the car was being warmed up, there was a strong smell of gas. Check engine light was on and cruise light was flashing.drove car to paint shop in san diego and left for five days for painting. Drove the car up to long beach to ship to Hawaii. Baja burned 3/4 tank of gas and died off and on.with strong smell of gas.filled costco gas premium in Hawaii and drove home with car dying off and onn with strong smell of gas. In the morning, started cat to warm car up and gas smell was extremely strong and white smoke also appeared off and on. In two days and driving only 54 miles the gas gauge was below 1/2 tank. In the process now with another mechanic to repair. Final step will be Subaru dealer. Note: Been googling the web and have found that this is a common problem with the 2005 Subaru engine where check engine light goes on and cruise control light flashes. I think this must be a design deficiency on the Subaru engine. I am not the first owner.

- Mililani, HI, USA