This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.
So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.
2004 Subaru Outback, H6 (6-cylinder) with a faulty pulsation dumper/damper valve. Part of the fuel injection system, the valve assembly sits above the intake manifolds on both sides of the engine. The passenger side valve (metal construction) was literally weeping gasoline (strong smell inside cabin was the tip off). I removed the assembly and replaced the hoses first, but the valve was leaking through the top surface walls (not a seam). Awaiting replacement parts now. It appears that the foam cushioning material underneath the metal fuel rail protector was in direct contact with the valve over an extended period of time. Corrosion of the exterior valve wall is the most likely culprit. Subaru claims they've "never had to replace one" (3 dealers) and had no idea what the valve even does. Luckily, I observed and will have corrected the problem before a vehicle fire. This is an imminent threat for other H6 owners with this valve configuration. If corrosion of the valve is present at all, the valve should be replaced immediately. Subaru was uninterested in examining the issue or the parts involved. If the valve leaks more, the runner lines adjacent to it would quickly melt and the car would be destroyed.
2004 Subaru Outback: Strong fuel odor inside vehicle that, according to Subaru dealer, is caused by leakage of fuel under the hood. The dealer rep. Further explained the leak is caused by expansion/contraction of tubing during cold weather. They also stated this is a common occurrence (it has occurred twice in my vehicle) and on the day I had my vehicle repaired (December 2009) they had already seen about 6 vehicles for the same problem. This situation poses and extreme risk of fire and a health hazard for occupants of the vehicle. A recall is needed, now.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Bloomfield Hills, MI, USA