Why is there a electrical burning smell coming through the vents in my car??

Asked by Just Jan 07, 2021 at 03:49 PM about the 2007 Subaru Outback 2.5i Wagon AWD

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

Hello Subie family. I have a 2007 Subaru Outback 2.5L SOHC, my question is
about smells. For about a week now I have been experiencing a burning type
smell coming through vents of my car. This smell only occurs say after I've
been driving for a little and i happen to stop at a red light and/OR idling waiting
and that's when this smell starts.  My passenger says it smells electrical. I do
know a little about cars well at least my own car. But this burning smell has me
stumped. Does anyone in the Subie family have an idea on what this burning
smell is and if so PLEASE SHARE YOUR INSIGHT/INFO.  WHAT, WHERE and
HOW to fix.
PLEASE and THANK YOU
Tia S.,
Spokane Valley,  WA

2 Answers

40,180

It could be coolant or oil leaking and burning off the hot exhaust. Check for leaks under the hood.

Your engine is infamous for head gasket leaks. Oil or coolant on the exhaust is probable.

Your Answer:

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    Mark Weiner
    Reputation
    33,230
  • #2
    TheSubaruGuruBoston
    Reputation
    28,320
  • #3
    Keith Cahalan
    Reputation
    3,310
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Subaru Forester
35 Great Deals out of 1,310 listings starting at $3,995
Used Toyota RAV4
140 Great Deals out of 2,980 listings starting at $4,999
Used Honda CR-V
185 Great Deals out of 4,925 listings starting at $440
Used Toyota 4Runner
21 Great Deals out of 542 listings starting at $8,960
Used Toyota Tacoma
41 Great Deals out of 764 listings starting at $9,975
Used Subaru Legacy
17 Great Deals out of 208 listings starting at $3,200
Used Toyota Highlander
41 Great Deals out of 815 listings starting at $3,877
Used Subaru Impreza
36 Great Deals out of 635 listings starting at $3,999
Used Toyota Camry
50 Great Deals out of 1,122 listings starting at $2,500
Used Honda Pilot
33 Great Deals out of 979 listings starting at $3,800
Used Honda Accord
50 Great Deals out of 947 listings starting at $2,995
Used Ford F-150
315 Great Deals out of 13,484 listings starting at $4,888

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.