- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- An incorrectly installed inflator may not properly inflate the passenger air bag, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
- The fix
- 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. Subaru's number for this recall is WRF-23.
Vehicle safety record
2004 Subaru Impreza Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 96 complaints about the 2004 Subaru Impreza with NHTSA, most often about the fuel system (37) and the suspension (17). Those complaints describe 7 crashes, 2 fires and 6 injuries. It is covered by 8 recalls, the latest in February 2023 for the inflator module. For comparison, the 2003 has 64 and the 2005 has 75.
NHTSA data checked
DMore problems than a typical Impreza year, for its age
#108 most complained-about 2004 vehicle
- Complaints
- 96
- Recalls
- 8
- Crashes
- 7
- Fires
- 2
- Injuries
- 6
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 2004 Subaru Impreza problems
Share of all 96 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
2004 Subaru Impreza recalls 8
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
- The problem
- Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (including STI), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2005-2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming or "Zone C." These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
- The risk
- An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- The fix
- 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. Saab owners may contact the Saab Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKC-20.
- The problem
- Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (including STI), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
- The risk
- An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- The fix
- 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. Saab owners may contact the Saab Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKB-20.
- The problem
- Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (STI included), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2005-2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
- The risk
- An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- The fix
- 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. Subaru Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Saab owners may contact the Saab Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKA-20.
- The problem
- Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2003-2004 Subaru Baja vehicles manufactured January 22, 2003, to July 21, 2004, 2004-2005 Impreza vehicles manufactured January 28, 2003, to May 31, 2005, 2003-2008 Subaru Legacy vehicles manufactured January 22, 2003, to May 2, 2008, 2003-2008 Subaru Outback vehicles manufactured February 18, 2003, to May 5, 2008, and 2005 Saab 9-2x vehicles manufactured February 11, 2004, to March 17, 2005. The affected vehicles are equipped with a passenger side frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture upon its deployment.
- The risk
- In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
- The fix
- 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. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. The Saab recall began on July 27, 2015. Owners of Saab vehicles may call 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is WQR-53. Note: The recall completely supersedes recall 14V-399 (WQL-48) and partially supersedes recall 14V-763 (WQP-51) in that model year 2004 through 2005 Subaru Impreza and model year 2005 Saab 9-2x vehicles are now only part of this campaign. Note: On December 18, 2015 Subaru informed NHTSA of an expansion of this recall to include certain model year 2003-2004 Subaru Baja, 2003-2008 Subaru Legacy and 2003-2008 Subaru Outback vehicles.
- The problem
- 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 originally sold, or currently registered in, massachusetts, maryland, michigan, new hampshire, new york, pennsylvania, vermont, wisconsin, connecticut, delaware, iowa, illinois, indiana, maine, minnesota, missouri, new jersey, ohio, rhode island, west virginia and the district of columbia. The front lower control arms may break at the hanger brackets due to corrosion if the hanger bracket is exposed to salty and humid environments such as roads containing snow melting agent.
- The risk
- A broken control arm can result in the loss of control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- The fix
- 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 will be performed free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during december 2011. Owners may contact subaru at 1-800-782-2783. Owners may contact saab at 1-800-955-9007.
- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- If leaking oil contacts components operating at high temperatures, a fire could result in the engine compartment.
- The fix
- 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.
- The problem
- 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 accelerator pedal is released. If this condition occurs, the throttle will not return to the idle position and will remain in an open position.
- The risk
- If this occurs during vehicle operation, the driver could lose control of the vehicle, which could result in a crash.
- The fix
- 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 notification began on april 12, 2004. Owners should contact subaru at 1-800-782-2783.
What owners say
Problems or none - your experience is exactly what the next buyer is looking for. Write it now
96 complaints about the 2004 Subaru Impreza
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 4.
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. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to the residence at 20 MPH. The contact then inspected the vehicle and confirmed that the front driver's side control arm had fractured. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 11V464000 (Suspension). The dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 235,000.
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. I have contacted the dealership numerous times, I have had Subaru of America representatives come out to my house to verify this airbag recall has been completed, yet I cannot get the recall status of my vehicle to be updated to show that the recall has been completed.
The contact owns a 2004 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, the vehicle stalled, and the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with an unknown code for the throttle body. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 162,000.
There is a recall for fuel lines for MY2002-2003 Imprezas and the issue was resolved or a fix was implemented on late MY2004 vehicles. Unfortunately this means early MY2004 vehicles are still impacted by the issue with no recall in place. During cold weather or during cold engine startup fuel lines are prone to leaking onto cylinder head. Raw fuel can be observed dripping, and can be smelled in the engine bay and inside of the vehicle. This poses a fire risk during vehicle operation and the MY2002-2003 recall should be extended to MY2004 vehicles built prior to August 2003.
The contact owns a 2004 Subaru Impreza. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 15V323000 (Air Bags) and 11V464000 (Suspension) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The dealer informed the contact that NHTSA Campaign Number: 11V464000 (Suspension) could not be completed due to excessive corrosion. The approximate failure mileage was 191,000. Parts distributions disconnect.
I have already visited my local Subaru dealer to remedy this recall. I have a physical invoice as proof that my vehicle was inspected & already has the correct air bag installed. I have called the recall line (855-371-5406) MANY times & no matter who I speak to the recall does not clear despite me informing them I have already completed the repair. All representatives say the same thing claiming they will "take care of it or speak to a manager" & telling me to wait so it clears on its own over time. It has now been almost 2 years since my visit & I am still receiving an excessive amount of notices. The vehicle works as it should 100% with no issues.
Rubber fuel lines under the intake manifold leak fuel when the temperature falls below 40 degrees F. The smell permeates the cabin and fuel can be seen wetting nearby surfaces under the intake. An inspection can be performed. This represents a fire safety hazard that could occur while the vehicle is in motion, jeopardizing all surrounding traffic. The problem is widely noted on Subaru internet forums, but only a recall for 2002-2003 models has been reported. My car is a very early 2004, so it shares traits of...
Read the full complaint
the 2003 engines. There are no warning lamps or notifications, only the smell of raw gas when the car starts and is in motion in winter temperatures. This has happened repeatedly since the issue first occurred, so I avoid driving this vehicle if at all possible.
The passenger side lower control arm failed due to corrosion. There was a previous recall to address this issue with an anti corrosion coating, but it did not prevent the control arm from corroding and failing. I had this addressed at the dealer, and they mentioned the issue was addressed. Recall NHTSA Campaign Number: 11V464000
There is a strong fuel/gasoline smell coming thru the air vents from the engine when the temperature goes under 30-25 degrees farenheit. I've checked under the hood and there is two fuel hoses that start leaking when it gets cold outside. This has been happening every winter since I got my car back in 2016. I had the clamps on the hoses retightened by a subaru dealership but that didn't solve the problem. I'm writing this complaint because there is an open recall for this issue on the 2002 and 2003 wrx, but not on...
Read the full complaint
the later models. There's many people on the internet with the same issue and it seems to be happening to other years of wrx and even other models of subaru. It's really stressful and annoying having the strong smell of fuel coming in to your car. Also it's a fire hazard having gasoline pooling up on the engine block. This issue has been known to subaru of america but they only took care of the 2002 and 2003 wrx models. I'm hoping this can somehow help other subaru owners get this problem fixed as it can be something that could end up getting worst.
Similar to recall campaign #wqk-47 the hard brake line near my gas tank has corroded and leaked all of my brake fluid. Had I been on the highway this could have been catastrophic. The vehicle was in motion, I noticed the brake pedal was traveling farther than normal. When I got home, there was almost no braking ability left in the car, pedal went to the floor. Checked master cylinder, it was empty, added fluid, pressed on brakes, could hear the fluid leaking out. Checked around car to find fluid. This is a common problem on subaru's and there is a recall for newer wrx's for the same issue.
I arrived at a gas station where I filled up my subaru impreza rs 2.5L with 87 unleaded mid grade fuel and from that point on still till today my vehicle has has the check engine light on, when the air conditioner is turned on and I'm going 55 mph or higher gasoline can be smelled within the vehicle. When refueling the gas pump continously stops as if the fuel chamber is full. After refueling the vehicle fails to turn over or staggers weakly to start.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 subaru impreza. The contact stated that the check engine indicator illuminated. Also, when the contact filled up the fuel tank, there was a strong odor inside the vehicle. The contact also located fuel inside the vehicle on the rear driver's side. The vehicle was taken to paul miller subaru (3469 us-46, parsipanny, nj) where it was diagnosed that fuel was leaking from all the fuel lines under the vehicle. The manufacturer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 110,000.
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.
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.
During the past 8+ winters, there is a strong fuel smell. I've called subaru of america and they said that only the two previous models were recalled for this problem. According to my resarch, it sounds like this problem persists with many subaru models. I've been able to close the air vents to keep the smell out in previous years. Today, white smoke started to come out of my hood while driving and stationary. The temperature is in the single negative digits.I believe there is now enough fuel leakage onto the manifold that it is starting the smoke.
It recently been cold in colorado and now I have this raw fuel smell in cabin during cold weather. Fuel line leaking coming from the rubber hose connector located under the intake manifold, between two direct feed line to the injector.
Under cold conditions (40f or less) the rubber fuel rails will contract under the intake manifold and will slowly leak gasoline causing an overwhelming smell and possibility for a fire. This happens when the car is both stationary and under motion. This problem was acknowledged in the year 2009 for the 2002-2003 year models for the subaru impreza wrx and a recall was enacted. However, this recall did not include the 2004-2005 models even though the same engine with the same fuel rails were used. This problem has...
Read the full complaint
been consistent and predictable for the 3 winters that I have owned the car. I have also heard from others with the same year car that they are having similar problems. The pictures I included show the screw that clamps the rubber hoses. The gas leaks at this connecting point but it was hard to get a picture of the actual hoses. I have contacted subaru of america and they directed me to bring this up with nhtsa. Thank you!
While driving at about 30 mph, the car began to shake uncontrollably. Upon inspection of the front end I saw that the lower suspension arm had cracked.
Dealer claims to have properly performed a recall repair, but the problem persists I own a 2004 subaru impreza. There is a recall on the front suspension for a severe corrosion issue. I brought my car in to haddad subaru for the recall service in 2011 I was recently informed by my mechanic (not dealer mechanic) that the suspension is dangerously corroded and it "does not look like the recall was performed on this car." I had this opinion confirmed a second mechanic. I raised this issue with haddad subaru. They...
Read the full complaint
confirm the suspension is dangerously corroded, but will not replace it without authorization from subaru I raised this issue with subaru america and they state the recall was performed previously by hadad subaru and they have no further responsibility to address the issue. I am dubious the recall repair was correctly performed by hadad subaru in 2011 and that is why there is a problem now. It is a safety issue, so I have fixed it myself for nearly $1,000
Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2004 subaru impreza. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 15v323000 (air bags); however, the part needed to repair the vehicle was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Lower control arm failed causing a complete loss of steering due to rust.Car was starting out just after traffic light turned green so a very slow speed.This would have been much worse if I was traveling at a faster speed. Car was previously recalled for this same issue and the repair was to inspect and spray rust proofing on lower control arms. This was not an acceptable repair as it failed anyway. I have a 2006 same make and model with the same recall and it was sprayed with rust proofing. I expect it will fail also if something more is not done like replacing them. So far dealer refuses to replace them.
Subaru recall campaign wqr-53 nhtsa recall no. 15V-323 called the dealer three times to have it replace. No called back what or where do I go from here.
Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2004 subaru impreza. The contact received a recall notification for nhtsa campaign number: 15v32300 (air bags) and stated that the part was not available within a reasonable time frame to schedule the recall repair. The dealer did not give a specific date for when the part would become available. The manufacturer could not provide an estimated date for when the contact's vehicle would receive the recall repair. The contact was not experiencing a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.
Takata recall - I received a recall letter dated july 2015. Having received no update I called the dealership, duteau subaru, in lincoln, ne this fall. They said they had no parts. On subaru's website today I read instructions to call the dealership and make an appointment for repair. Calling the dealership I was unable to make an appointment. They did offer to put my name on a waiting list should parts arrive.
Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2004 subaru impreza. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 15v323000 (air bags). The part was not available within a reasonable time frame to schedule the recall repair. The dealer did not give a specific date for when the part would become available. The manufacturer could not provide an estimated date for when the vehicle would receive the recall repair. The contact was not experiencing a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Subaru Impreza: every year compared
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 209 | 15 | F |
| 2007 | 68 | 9 | C |
| 2006 | 56 | 10 | C |
| 2005 | 75 | 6 | C |
| 2004 | 96 | 8 | D |
| 2003 | 64 | 6 | C |
| 2002 | 296 | 6 | F |
| 2001 | 11 | 3 | A |
| 2000 | 41 | 4 | B |
2004 Subaru Impreza vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 Subaru Impreza | 96 | 8 | D | |
| 2004 Toyota Prius | 610 | 6 | F | Compare |
| 2004 Toyota Corolla | 506 | 13 | F | Compare |
| 2004 Honda Civic | 350 | 15 | D | Compare |
| 2004 Volkswagen Jetta | 233 | 5 | D | Compare |
| 2004 Nissan Sentra | 197 | 5 | F | Compare |
| 2004 Hyundai Elantra | 182 | 5 | C | Compare |
| 2004 Mazda MAZDA3 | 170 | 3 | D | Compare |
| 2004 Volkswagen Golf | 28 | 6 | D | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 2004 Subaru Impreza
Does the 2004 Subaru Impreza have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 8 recalls for the 2004 Subaru Impreza: inflator module (February 2023); inflator module (January 2020); inflator module (January 2020); inflator module (January 2020) and more. Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
What are the most common problems with the 2004 Subaru Impreza?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the fuel system (37), suspension (17), airbags (14).
How many complaints has the 2004 Subaru Impreza had?
96 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on June 19, 2004 and the latest on April 3, 2025. Of these, 7 describe a crash and 2 a fire, and together they report 6 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 2004 Subaru Impreza a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 36 out of 100 (grade D: more problems than a typical Subaru Impreza year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
Which Subaru Impreza years have the most complaints?
2002 (296), 2013 (251), 2012 (243). See every Subaru Impreza year compared.
What should I do if my 2004 Subaru Impreza has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data