In cold weather we get a strong fuel smell. The smell enters the car and gives everyone a headache. Other Subaru owners we know have the same problem. Subaru knows of this problem but will not make a recall. Estimates for a fix run about $300.

- Piscataway, NJ, USA

The issue is in regard to my 2001 Subaru Forester, when the weather cools off to bellow 0, a strong smell of gasoline develops inside the passenger cabin. I have small kids and aside from a possibility of and engine fire am also worried about impact of breathing the strong gasoline fumes in the cabin. From other Subaru owners feedback (see bellow from Subaru blog), this appears to be widespread on the Forester models up to 2003 and even in other Subaru models, the Subaru dealer and other mechanics have indicated the possibility of fuel hose shrinkage during cold weather as the cause for some fuel leaks in the engine compartment and replacement can be expensive without guaranteeing it will correct the condition. Whatever the reason may be, this is not an isolated case which I think warrants a full investigation to determine the defect and find a correction to be paid by Subaru. I count on you for some help on this. Thank you.

- Queens Village, NY, USA

There are two organic tubes that carry fuel, above the engine. In cold weather, they leak where clamped to metal tubes and fittings. The fuel leaks onto the engine. The indication is a smell of gasoline in the passenger compartment.

- Hollis, NJ, USA