2004 Subaru Impreza
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1990 | 1 |
| 1993 | 33 |
| 1994 | 8 |
| 1995 | 46 |
| 1996 | 20 |
| 1997 | 30 |
| 1998 | 30 |
| 1999 | 22 |
| 2000 | 41 |
| 2001 | 11 |
| 2002 | 292 |
| 2003 | 62 |
| 2004 | 96 |
| 2005 | 75 |
| 2006 | 56 |
| 2007 | 68 |
| 2008 | 176 |
| 2009 | 103 |
| 2010 | 45 |
| 2011 | 57 |
| 2012 | 242 |
| 2013 | 248 |
| 2014 | 108 |
| 2015 | 77 |
| 2016 | 75 |
| 2017 | 125 |
| 2018 | 149 |
| 2019 | 191 |
| 2020 | 85 |
| 2021 | 14 |
| 2022 | 12 |
| 2023 | 4 |
| 2024 | 29 |
| 2025 | 4 |
| 2026 | 1 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
25% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 24 distinct reports on file.
INJURYShow complaint excerpts
THERE IS A VERY STRONG SMELL OF UNBURNED FUEL IN THE CABIN ON COLD DAYS (BELOW 10F). THE FUEL SMELL DISSIPATES WHEN THE CAR WARMS-UP. THE SMELL HAS CAUSED PASSENGERS IN THE CAR TO BECOME SICK AND IS A SERIOUS DISTRACTION TO DRIVING.
NHTSA ODI report, 20150112
DRIVER SIDE FUEL LINE THAT IS CONNECTED TO THE FUEL RAIL UNDERNEATH THE TURBO INLET HOSE LEAKS GAS. THE SMELL IS VERY NOTICEABLE AND I'M PRETTY SURE IT'S DANGEROUS SINCE IT COULD CAUSE AN ENGINE FIRE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180424
DURING COLD WEATHER A STRONG SMELL OF FUEL CAN BE DETECTED COMING FROM THE ENGINE BAY WHILE BOTH MOVING AND STATIONARY. THIS PROBLEM ONLY OCCURS DURING COLDER WEATHER.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180109
13% of complaints: air bags — 12 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
I have had this airbag recall repaired 8 years ago, yet the dealership (Autonation Subaru Arapahoe 9955 E Arapahoe Rd Centennial, CO 80112) REFUSES to submit the paperwork to complete the recall.
NHTSA ODI report, 20241030
10% of complaints: suspension — 10 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
The contact owns a 2004 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH and hard braking, the vehicle started shuddering violently and the steering wheel was not operating as needed.
NHTSA ODI report, 20250403
5% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 5 distinct reports on file.
5% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 5 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRESAFETY TIMELINE
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER SEDANS, WAGONS, AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE CRUISE CONTROL CABLE COULD COME OUT OF ITS TRACK ON THE CRUISE CONTROL LEVER AND LODGE ON THE CONTROL LEVER TAB WHEN THE ACCELERATO
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A CRUISE CONTROL CABLE RETAINING CLIP TO THE CRUISE CONTROL LEVER TAB ON THE THROTTLE SHAFT IN ORDER TO PREVENT THE CRUISE CONTROL CABLE FROM COMING OUT OF ITS TRACK. OWNER NOTIF
Campaign 04V128000 — check if this car was fixed
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE COVER BOLTS FOR THE ENGINE OIL CONTROL VALVE MAY NOT BE SUFFICIENTLY TIGHTENED, ALLOWING OIL TO LEAK FROM AROUND THE COVER GASKET.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND RETIGHTEN THE OIL-FLOW CONTROL VALVE COVER BOLTS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 8, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT SUBARU AT 1-800-782-2783.
Campaign 04V473000 — check if this car was fixed
FUEL LINE LEAK
Front suspension control arm failure
SUBARU IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2002-2007 IMPREZA, MODEL YEAR 2003-2008 FORESTER, AND MODEL YEAR 2005-2006 SAAB 9-2X VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 5, 2000 THROUGH NOVEMBER 26, 2007 ORIGI
Remedy: SUBARU WILL HANDLE THEIR VEHICLES AND SAAB WILL HANDLE THEIRS. DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE DEGREE OF CORROSION OF THE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARMS, AND WILL EITHER RUSTPROOF OR REPLACE THEM. THIS SERVICE W
Campaign 11V464000 — check if this car was fixed
Air Bag Inflator Rupture
Air Bag Inflator Rupture
Subaru of America, Inc.
Remedy: Subaru will notify their owners and General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The Subaru recall began on June 17, 2015.
Campaign 15V323000 — check if this car was fixed
Subaru of America, Inc.
Remedy: Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020. Subaru owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614.
Campaign 20V002000 — check if this car was fixed
Subaru of America, Inc.
Remedy: Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators with alternate inflators, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020.
Campaign 20V001000 — check if this car was fixed
Subaru of America, Inc.
Remedy: Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020. Subaru owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614.
Campaign 20V003000 — check if this car was fixed
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2004-2005 Impreza and WRX vehicles that received replacement front passenger air bag inflators under a previous recall. The replacement air bag inflators may have been installed incorrectly.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the passenger inflator and if necessary, install a new inflator kit, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed April 14, 2023. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614.
Campaign 23V076000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2004 Subaru Impreza — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for fuel/propulsion system issues (24 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (12 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for suspension issues (10 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 04V128000 (vehicle speed control) has been completed.
- Verify recall 04V473000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
- Verify recall 11V464000 (suspension) has been completed.
- Verify recall 15V323000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 20V002000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 20V001000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 20V003000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 23V076000 (air bags) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2004 Subaru Impreza reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2004 Subaru Impreza is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2004 Subaru Impreza?
The most-reported component is fuel/propulsion system, accounting for 25% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2004 Subaru Impreza have?
8 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.