2004 Subaru WRX
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 |
|---|---|
| 2002 | 427 |
| 2003 | 60 |
| 2004 | 42 |
| 2005 | 19 |
| 2006 | 14 |
| 2007 | 0 |
| 2008 | 65 |
| 2009 | 41 |
| 2010 | 1 |
| 2011 | 4 |
| 2012 | 2 |
| 2013 | 7 |
| 2014 | 6 |
| 2015 | 52 |
| 2016 | 31 |
| 2017 | 53 |
| 2018 | 42 |
| 2019 | 30 |
| 2020 | 17 |
| 2021 | 13 |
| 2022 | 24 |
| 2023 | 7 |
| 2024 | 13 |
| 2025 | 2 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
62% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 26 distinct reports on file.
INJURYShow complaint excerpts
WHEN IN FREEZING TEMPERATURES, MY CAR IS LEAKING GASOLINE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. GASOLINE FUMES ARE ENTERING THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT CAUSING NAUSEA,DIZZINESS AND COUGHING (HENCE I AM CLAIMING/CONSIDERING THIS AS PERSONAL INJURY).
NHTSA ODI report, 20140211
I OWN A 2004 SUBARU WRX WITH 42000 MILES. IT WAS RECENTLY BELOW 20 DEGREES IN TOWN AND I NOTICED A RAW GAS SMELL COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.
NHTSA ODI report, 20090114
19% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 8 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
HAVING RECENTLY MOVED TO A COLD WEATHER STATE, I DISCOVERED THAT WHEN THE TEMPERATURE IS BELOW FREEZING THERE IS A SMELL OF GASOLINE IN THE PASSENGER CABIN.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180413
DURING COLD WEATHER FUEL SMELL COMING FROM ENGINE AND IS LEAKING
NHTSA ODI report, 20171229
7% of complaints: air bags — 3 distinct reports on file.
CRASH DEATHShow complaint excerpts
AS A RESULT OF A MULTI-VEHICLE TRAFFIC ACCIDENT THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYED CAUSING THE FEMALE OCCUPANT TO HAVE A FRONTAL SKULL FRACTURE FROM SHRAPNEL LIKE PIECES AND NEURO TRAUMA.
NHTSA ODI report, 20141111
5% of complaints: suspension — 2 distinct reports on file.
5% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 2 distinct reports on file.
INJURYShow complaint excerpts
WHEN IN FREEZING TEMPERATURES, MY CAR IS LEAKING GASOLINE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. GASOLINE FUMES ARE ENTERING THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT CAUSING NAUSEA,DIZZINESS AND COUGHING (HENCE I AM CLAIMING/CONSIDERING THIS AS PERSONAL INJURY).
NHTSA ODI report, 20140211
SAFETY TIMELINE
CERTAIN AAI MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LIST PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE RE
Remedy: AAI MOTORSPORTS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AAI MOTORSPORTS AT 909-923-9188.
Campaign 06E060000 — check if this car was fixed
FUEL LINE LEAK
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 WRX — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for fuel system, gasoline issues (26 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel/propulsion system issues (8 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 06E060000 (exterior lighting) 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 WRX reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2004 Subaru WRX is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2004 Subaru WRX?
The most-reported component is fuel system, gasoline, accounting for 62% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2004 Subaru WRX have?
5 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.