2002 Subaru WRX Fuel System, Gasoline Problems
NHTSA component category: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE · data through 07/12/2026
Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.
How fuel system, gasoline ranks on this vehicle
Share of the 427 complaints citing each category; one complaint can cite several. Full breakdown on the 2002 Subaru WRX overview page.
What owners report
“STRONG SMELL OF RAW GAS DURING ENGINE START-UP WHEN COLD OUTSIDE.”NHTSA complaint 10054849 — filed 01/25/2004
“OVERPOWERING RAW FUEL SMELL IN INTERIOR CABIN IN COLD WEATHER, SUSPECT LEAK IN ENGINE BAY THAT HAS RECENTLY BEEN BROUGHT UP AS A TSB BY…”NHTSA complaint 10054799 — filed 01/24/2004
“2002 SUBARU WRX WAGON - STRONG GASOLINE ODOR IN CAR WHEN COLD. DEALER ADVISED PURGE VALVE WAS REPLACED, FOUND SUBARU TSB 09-36-03 WHICH DESCRIBES MY…”NHTSA complaint 10054768 — filed 01/23/2004
Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.
Fuel System, Gasoline complaints by year filed
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2002 Subaru WRX have fuel system, gasoline problems?
Fuel System, Gasoline is the #2 most-reported problem area on the 2002 Subaru WRX: 85 of 427 complaints on file (19.9%). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects.
How many complaints does the 2002 Subaru WRX have in total?
427 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/12/2026. Across all categories, 17 involved a crash, 2 involved a fire, 13 reported injuries, and none reported deaths.
What does NHTSA's fuel system, gasoline category include?
NHTSA assigns each complaint to standard component categories; this page reports the FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE category exactly as NHTSA defines and records it.
