If your 2019 Subaru Outback smells like gasoline, don’t ignore it. A fuel smell can signal anything from a minor cap issue to a serious leak. Gas fumes are flammable and harmful to breathe, so figuring out the source quickly is key. This guide breaks down common causes, risks, and how to fix gas odors specific to your Subaru Outback.
Common Reasons Your Subaru Outback Smells Like Gas
Fuel Leak (Most Dangerous Cause)
Symptoms: Strong gas odor near the vehicle or under the rear section.
Possible Causes:
- Cracked fuel lines or loose connections.
- Leaking fuel injectors or rails.
- Damage to the fuel tank.
What to Do:
- Check for visible leaks or wet spots under the car.
- Avoid driving—tow it to a repair shop if you suspect a leak.
- Get it inspected immediately by a certified Subaru mechanic.
Loose or Damaged Gas Cap
Symptoms: Faint gas smell after refueling.
Possible Causes:
- Gas cap not properly tightened.
- Cracked or worn gas cap seal.
What to Do:
- Tighten the gas cap until it clicks.
- Replace it if it looks worn or damaged (OEM replacement preferred).
Overfilled Gas Tank
Symptoms: Gas odor after filling up, especially on hot days.
Possible Causes:
- Topping off the tank after the pump clicks.
- Fuel expansion due to heat.
What to Do:
- Stop fueling when the pump clicks.
- Let the car sit in a well-ventilated area if you overfilled it.
EVAP System Leak or Fault
Symptoms: Gas smell near the rear or check engine light on.
Possible Causes:
- Damaged EVAP hoses or valves.
- Faulty charcoal canister.
What to Do:
- Scan the system for EVAP-related trouble codes (P0442, P0455, P0456).
- Replace leaking hoses or malfunctioning parts.
Fuel Injector Seal Leak
Symptoms: Gas smell in the engine bay, misfires, rough idle.
Possible Causes:
- Worn or cracked injector seals.
- Loose fuel injector connections.
What to Do:
- Visually inspect the fuel rail and injector seals.
- Replace faulty seals or injectors as needed.
Exhaust System Issues
Symptoms: Gas smell inside the cabin when driving or idling.
Possible Causes:
- Leaking exhaust manifold or header.
- Failing catalytic converter allowing unburned fuel vapors into the cabin.
What to Do:
- Have the exhaust system checked for cracks or loose connections.
- Replace the catalytic converter if it’s clogged or failing.
Cold Start Fuel Enrichment (Normal in Some Cases)
Symptoms: Brief gas smell after starting the car cold.
Possible Causes:
- Rich fuel mixture during cold starts (normal operation).
- More fuel vapor before the engine reaches operating temp.
What to Do:
- If the smell goes away after a few minutes, it’s likely normal.
- If persistent, check for injector leaks or O2 sensor issues.
Faulty Fuel Vapor Control Components
Symptoms: Gas smell without visible leaks.
Possible Causes:
- Malfunctioning purge valve or vent valve.
- Cracked vapor lines in the emission system.
What to Do:
- Inspect the vapor recovery system.
- Replace any defective valves or hoses.
Is a Gasoline Smell in Your Outback Dangerous?
Yes. A gas smell is a warning sign you shouldn’t ignore:
✔ Fire Hazard: Fuel leaks near hot engine parts are a serious risk.
✔ Health Risk: Inhaling fuel vapors can cause headaches, nausea, and dizziness.
✔ Emissions Impact: Leaks can trigger check engine lights and emissions failures.
✔ Engine Issues: Leaking fuel or air disruptions can cause misfires or poor performance.
How to Fix a Gas Smell in Your Subaru Outback
Start With the Gas Cap
- Make sure it’s sealed tightly.
- Replace it if damaged—use a Subaru OEM cap for best results.
Check for Fuel Leaks
- Look under the car and around the engine.
- If you see or smell strong gas fumes, get it towed to a shop.
Scan for Diagnostic Trouble Codes
- Use an OBD-II scanner to check for EVAP-related codes.
- Common Subaru codes include P0442, P0455, P0456.
Inspect Fuel Lines and Injectors
- Look for cracks, corrosion, or loose fittings.
- Replace any compromised lines or injector seals.
Inspect the Exhaust System
- Have a mechanic check for leaks in the manifold or exhaust pipe.
- Consider replacing a faulty catalytic converter.
Avoid Overfilling Your Tank
- Never “top off” after the gas pump clicks off.
- Allow excess vapors to dissipate before driving.
When to See a Mechanic
- You smell gas inside the cabin.
- You see fuel leaking under the car.
- Your check engine light is on.
- Your Outback is running rough or misfiring.
- Your fuel efficiency has dropped unexpectedly.
FAQs
Why does my Subaru Outback smell like gas on startup?
It could be normal cold start behavior, but if the smell lingers, check for leaks or a malfunctioning EVAP system.
Is it safe to drive if my Subaru smells like gas?
No. If the smell is persistent or strong, it’s a safety risk. Get it checked out immediately.
What EVAP codes are common in the 2019 Outback?
P0442 (small leak), P0455 (large leak), and P0456 (very small leak) are typical.
How much does it cost to fix a gas smell issue?
- Gas cap: $10–$30
- Fuel injector repair: $150–$400
- Fuel line replacement: $200–$500
- EVAP system repair: $150–$600
- Catalytic converter: $1,000+
Can the Subaru Outback’s AWD system cause fuel smells?
No. The all-wheel-drive system isn’t connected to the fuel or emissions systems.
If your 2019 Subaru Outback smells like gas, don’t wait. Start by checking the gas cap and looking for visible leaks. If the smell sticks around, it’s likely tied to the EVAP system, injectors, or exhaust. Ignoring it risks fire, health issues, and costly damage. When in doubt, take it to a trusted mechanic—better safe than sorry.