My 2020 Subaru Ascent (premium, 15,000 miles) leaves a gas smell in the garage after driving the vehicle any distance. The smell lingers for over 24 hours, and has been this way since we purchased the car brand new. No puddles of gas/fluid on the ground. Additionally when driving the car there is occasionally a gas smell. Took it to the dealer once, and stated they couldn't find anything and blamed it on being a turbo engine. My Ascent was not part of the fuel pump recalls. Any advice? As I don't believe this is normal. Should I continue to bring it back to the dealer until they find something, or I was considering sending an oil sample out for an independent evaluation to see if gas and oil are mixing too much as I've heard this is an issue with these engines. Appreciate any help in advance.
Improperly installed or worn out gas cap?
could be several things
- leak in fuel supply system
- leak in EVAP system (search Scotty youtube)
- combustion mixture is too rich. Check fuel trims + O2 sensor data with diagnostic tool.
The dealer is lying (as usual), there should be no gas smell. The idea of the oil analysis is a good one,
The dealer should be checking all fuel lines and the evap system for leaks as well as checking for codes and performing bidirectional tests to locate the problem. If the vehicle was out of warranty they'd be doing all that and charging you $150/hour for the diagnosis. They don't make any money on warranty work though so they give you a song and dance instead.
Bear in mind that you do not have to take it to the dealer you bought it from. If there is another Subaru dealer in the area you can take it there for a 2nd opinion. You can also escalate the issue to Subaru corporate.
I'd go elsewhere & have it scanned (also have them use a sniffer around the vehicle if available), if dealers with a vested interest in NOT doing any work all give you the same answer go to an independent & if he finds something, you know who the bill goes to.
