2004 Subaru Impreza: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2004 Subaru Impreza? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 96 complaints, with Fuel/Propulsion System as the top reported area.
2004 Subaru Impreza Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 8 2004 Subaru Impreza trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 8 trims analysed.
2004 Subaru Impreza Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not Rated11.8% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
11.8% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2004 Subaru Impreza has 96 owner complaints, 7 crash-related complaints, and 8 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Fuel/Propulsion System. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Subaru
- Model
- Impreza
- Model year
- 2004
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 96
- Crash-related complaints
- 7
- Safety recall campaigns
- 8
- Top reported component
- Fuel/Propulsion System
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 20
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 18 / 25
- Fuel type
- Premium Gasoline
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- No
Most Common 2004 Subaru Impreza Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Fuel/Propulsion System
Suspension Failures
Airbag Malfunctions
Complaint patterns center on Fuel/Propulsion System, Suspension Failures, Airbag Malfunctions. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2004 Subaru Impreza?
The 2004 Subaru Impreza shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2004 Subaru Impreza
Inspection Focus
- Inspect the fuel/propulsion system for any signs of leaks or performance issues.
- Check for open recalls related to airbags and suspension at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records to see if fuel or suspension repairs were performed.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle's suspension and airbag system before purchase.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect the fuel/propulsion system for any signs of leaks or performance issues.
- Check for open recalls related to airbags and suspension at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records to see if fuel or suspension repairs were performed.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle's suspension and airbag system before purchase.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2004 Subaru Impreza, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Complaints for the 2004 Subaru Impreza are concentrated in the fuel/propulsion system and suspension, with a notable number of airbag-related reports. Crash-related complaints are relatively few, but the overall confidence in the data is low due to the limited sample size.
- Fuel/Propulsion System accounts for the highest number of complaints at 24.
- Suspension failures are the second most reported issue with 17 complaints.
- Airbag malfunctions total 14 complaints, indicating a potential concern.
- Fuel/Propulsion System issues are the most frequently reported.
- Suspension failures appear as a recurring theme.
- Airbag malfunctions are a notable concern.
All 2004 Subaru Impreza Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2004 Subaru Impreza. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 24 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 17 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 14 | 4 | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 13 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Gasoline | 13 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 9 | — | 1 | — | |
| Brake System | 6 | 1 | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 5 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 5 | 1 | — | — | |
| Visibility | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 3 | 1 | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Air | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Electric | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2004 Subaru Impreza. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
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 in…
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 represe…
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 v…
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 en…
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 am…
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 no…
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 occ…
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 wa…
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 SINC…
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 H…
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 B…
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 …
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 T…
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 I…
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 B…
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 TI…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2004 Subaru Impreza.
2004 Subaru Impreza Recalls
8 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2004 Subaru Impreza. 8 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2004 Subaru Impreza Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2004 Subaru Impreza reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 96 owner complaints, 7 crash-related complaints, and 8 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2004 Subaru Impreza shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2004 Subaru Impreza?▾
#1: Fuel/Propulsion System (24 complaints). #2: Suspension Failures (17 complaints). #3: Airbag Malfunctions (14 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2004 Subaru Impreza?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2004 Subaru Impreza?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2004 Subaru Impreza, NHTSA complaints include 7 crash-related reports and 2 fire reports out of 96 total complaints. 6 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2004 Subaru Impreza have any recalls?▾
Yes. 8 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2004 Subaru Impreza. A major recall area is AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE. 8 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2004 Subaru Impreza?▾
The 2004 Subaru Impreza shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Fuel/Propulsion System during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Subaru Impreza reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2004 Subaru Impreza based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.