NHTSA Complaint #10208052 — 2004 SUBARU IMPREZA

MY 2004 SUBARU WRX STI HAS A FUEL ODOR IN THE CABIN WHEN THE CAR IS STARTED IN MODERATELY COOL TEMPERATURES. THE PROBLEM IS DESCRIBED IN ODI RESUME PE 04-002. THE MANUFACTURER SAYS THE PROBLEM OCCURS IN VERY COLD TEMPERATURES AND STOPS QUICKLY. I HAVE FOUND THAT IT OCCURS IN MODERATE TEMPS. BELOW 50F AND LASTS FOR 20 TO THIRTY MINUTES. I TAKE THIS TO MEAN THAT THE PROBLEM IS WORSENING AND COULD RESULT IN IGNITION OF THE LEAKING FUEL. THIS PROBLEM OCCURS IN SEVERAL MODELS OF SUBARU ACCORDING TO MY INTERNET RESEARCH. THE MANUFACTURER HAS A SERVICE BULLETIN #09-36-03 THAT DESCRIBES HOW TO FIX THE PROBLEM BUT THE COST WOULD HAVE TO BE PAID BY ME. I BELIEVE THIS TO BE A SERIOUS DESIGN FLAW AND THAT THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO FIX IT UNDER A RECALL. *TR