Hi, guys.  2002 Forester S, 140k miles.  I bought this a couple months ago.  I live in Maine so the days can be cold.  I've been getting potent gas or exhaust smell coming through the vents on days that are maybe 15 degrees or below.  My check engine light was on for the downstream O2 sensor, I replaced that hoping it would miraculously solve the issue.  It hasn't.  Check engine light is gone though.

 

I don't see a frank gasoline or exhaust leak anywhere.  And as I said, it only seems to happen on cold days.  I notice it more at stops, but I assume that's because while driving it gets blown off by the wind.

 

Any thoughts?

 

Thanks,

Brendan

It is most likely the short rubber fuel lines on each side of the engine going to your fuel injectors, the ethanol in the fuel deteriorates the hose and causes it to leak in the cold. If you are lucky you can try to tighten the clamps on the hoses to see if it stops. If not the hoses ar a pain to change. good luck.

Had the same problem with my 2001 Forester and 2002 Outback. Only on really cold days. It was the clamps as Steven suggested.

I'll look into it...  on a warm day.  Thanks!