We own two Subaru Outbacks, a 2003 wagon & 2004 sedan, both purchased new from, and serviced by, the same dealer, rafferty Subaru, West chester, pa. When the defrost is turned on, the air recirculation is not available. When following vehicles in rain &/or snow when the defrost is needed, external exhaust fumes are sucked into the car... in slow or stopped traffic, this has made myself and other occupants feel ill. The only solution is to turn off the defrost, but this allows the windows to re-fog / -frost cutting visibility. I've inquired twice at my Subaru dealer and they confirmed that the recirculation cut-off is by design, and have contacted Subaru via the internet and received the same answer, with reference to pages in my owner's manual describing the circumstance and no resolution.

- Paoli, PA, USA