At the shop, Subaru fuel-system issues have a recognizable signature. 109 documented complaints across 21 year-model entries from 2005 to 2025 is consistent with what we see come in. Complaint volume is spread across the lineup rather than parked on one bad year. That's the signature of a platform or supplier issue, not a single-year flub. 6 injury reports on the record — not a category to wave off. Average shop fix runs about $1,200 — not catastrophic, but it adds up over time. Check the fuel pump access cover for prior work. A vehicle on this list that already had a pump replacement is a vehicle to consider — the work is done.
ProblemsByVin SUBARU / FUEL SYSTEM
21 model-year entries · 2005–2025
Subaru fuel system problems
109 owner complaints filed with NHTSA against Subaru vehicles for fuel system issues. 1 active recall campaign. See fuel system across all makes →
Complaints
109
Recalls
1
Year-models
21
Avg fix
$1,200
3crashes
1fire
6injuries
Worst-affected Subaru model-years for fuel system Top 21 by complaint volume
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21
2006 Subaru Outback
11 complaints · ~$1,200 moderate
2005 Subaru Legacy
11 complaints · ~$1,200 severe
2005 Subaru Impreza
9 complaints · ~$1,200 severe
2019 Subaru Outback
8 complaints · ~$1,200 moderate
2005 Subaru Forester
8 complaints · ~$1,200 moderate
2007 Subaru Forester
6 complaints · ~$1,200 moderate
2005 Subaru Baja
6 complaints · ~$1,200 moderate
2012 Subaru Impreza
5 complaints · ~$1,200 moderate
2005 Subaru Outback
5 complaints · ~$1,200 moderate
2014 Subaru Forester
4 complaints · ~$1,200 severe
2011 Subaru Outback
4 complaints · ~$1,200 moderate
2006 Subaru Legacy
4 complaints · ~$1,200 moderate
2006 Subaru Forester
4 complaints · ~$1,200 moderate
2025 Subaru Forester
3 complaints · ~$1,200 moderate
2018 Subaru Outback
3 complaints · ~$1,200 severe
2017 Subaru Impreza
3 complaints · 1 recall · ~$1,200 moderate
2011 Subaru Legacy
3 complaints · ~$1,200 moderate
2010 Subaru Forester
3 complaints · ~$1,200 severe
2009 Subaru Forester
3 complaints · ~$1,200 moderate
2009 Subaru Impreza
3 complaints · ~$1,200 severe
2008 Subaru Forester
3 complaints · ~$1,200 severe
Active recalls — Subaru fuel system 5 on file
Airtex Products LP (Airtex) is recalling certain model E8598M, E8518M, E8600M, E8596M, and E8597M fuel pumps manufactured July 26, 2013, and July 29, 2013 and used as aftermarket replacements on Subaru Baja's, Outback's and Legacy's
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Fix: Airtex will notify owners, and will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. Recall is expected to begin on January 2, 2014. Customers may contact Airtex at 1-800-880-3056. The recall is expected to begin during January 2014. This recall is being conducted by Airtex, not by Subaru.
Subaru of America, Inc
Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the low-pressure fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 24, 2021. Subaru and Toyota owners may call customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRG-21.
Subaru of America, Inc
An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the engine control unit to turn the radiator cooling fan on at a lower temperature, free of charge. The recall began on April 20, 2017. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2738. Subaru's number for this recall is WTP-75.
Subaru is recalling 15,761 my 2005-2006 baja vehicles
Fuel can leak from the hose connection. A fuel leak, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.
Fix: Dealers will replace the fuel pump bracket including all nipples with a new and stronger design part. This service will be performed free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during september 2009. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783.
Subaru of America, Inc
If the low pressure fuel pump fails, the engine may stall without the ability to restart the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the low pressure fuel pump, free of charge. The recall began June 4, 2020. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRD-20.
Common questions
How many Subaru fuel system complaints are on file with NHTSA?
109 complaints across 21 model-year entries from 2005 to 2025. 1 active recall campaigns cover fuel system issues across the Subaru lineup.
Which Subaru model has the most fuel system complaints?
The 2006 Subaru Outback leads with 11 complaints in this category. Next: 2005 Legacy (11) and 2005 Impreza (9).
What does it cost to fix Subaru fuel system problems?
Independent shops average $1,200 for fuel system repairs across the Subaru lineup. Dealer pricing tends to run twenty to forty percent higher. Specific cost depends on the failure mode and parts availability.
Are there Subaru fuel system recalls?
Yes — 5 active recall campaigns cover fuel system on Subaru vehicles. Recall fixes are free regardless of mileage or warranty status. The list below shows current campaigns with their NHTSA numbers.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database.
Editorial commentary written by Shop Foreman, an independent contributor to ProblemsByVin
and not affiliated with Subaru.
Severity ratings derive from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities on the NHTSA complaint and recall record.
Repair cost averages reflect independent-shop pricing and may differ in your area.