2004 Subaru Legacy: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2004 Subaru Legacy? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 49 complaints, with Airbag Malfunctions as the top reported area.
2004 Subaru Legacy Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 8 2004 Subaru Legacy 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 Legacy Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2004 Subaru Legacy 4-DR. WagonOfficial 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 Legacy has 49 owner complaints, 5 crash-related complaints, and 11 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Airbag Malfunctions. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Subaru
- Model
- Legacy
- Model year
- 2004
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 49
- Crash-related complaints
- 5
- Safety recall campaigns
- 11
- Top reported component
- Airbag Malfunctions
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 21
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 19 / 25
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Optional
Most Common 2004 Subaru Legacy Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Airbag Malfunctions
Engine Problems
Unintended Acceleration
Complaint patterns center on Airbag Malfunctions, Engine Problems, Unintended Acceleration. 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 Legacy?
The 2004 Subaru Legacy 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 Legacy
Inspection Focus
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls, especially for airbag systems.
- Request service records for airbag, engine, and acceleration-related repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the airbag system and engine before purchase.
- Check for any prior unintended acceleration incidents or repairs.
Before You Close the Deal
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls, especially for airbag systems.
- Request service records for airbag, engine, and acceleration-related repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the airbag system and engine before purchase.
- Check for any prior unintended acceleration incidents or repairs.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2004 Subaru Legacy, 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
Based on 49 NHTSA complaints for the 2004 Subaru Legacy, the data suggests a concentration of issues related to airbag malfunctions, which account for the majority of reports. Engine problems and unintended acceleration are also noted, though with fewer complaints. With 11 recalls and a low confidence level, these patterns should be interpreted cautiously.
- Airbag malfunctions represent the most frequently reported component issue.
- Engine problems and unintended acceleration are the next most common complaint categories.
- Crash-related complaints account for 5 out of 49 total complaints.
- Airbag Malfunctions
- Engine Problems
- Unintended Acceleration
All 2004 Subaru Legacy Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2004 Subaru Legacy. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airbag Malfunctions | 26 | 2 | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 7 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 5 | 2 | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Brake System | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Other | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 1 | 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 Legacy. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
AT 26,469 miles the harmonic balancer separated into two pieces while driving causing sudden loss of power steering. I contacted Subaru for assistance with this know problem. They refused a free repair. I have been a Master ASE mechanic for over 25 years at a dealership and know …
A smell of gas was present in the passenger area. I took it to my mechanic. He said the Damper Fuel Assembly (Part # 42086AE040) was leaking. It is a high pressure gas hose. Subaru no longer makes the part, making the car valueless. We tried junkyards, etc, but that part seem…
SUBFRAME CORROSION
I KEEP RECEIVING SAFETY RECALL LETTERS ABOUT THE AIRBAG IN THIS VEHICLE. THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN SCRAPPED SINCE JULY 2017. I COULD NO LONGER GET IT TO PASS EMISSIONS. I HAVE SINCE THEN CALLED THE NUMBER ON THE LETTERS SEVERAL TIMES TO REMOVE ME FROM THE NOTICE LIST BUT I KEEP RECEI…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SUBARU LEGACY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HIS DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING AT 45 MPH, THE DRIVER ATTEMPTED TO DEPRESS THE BRAKE PADDLE WHICH WENT TO THE FLOOR WHILE THE BRAKE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE PARKING BRAKE TO COME TO A C…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SUBARU LEGACY. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V000000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART FOR THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR.…
TAKATA INFLATORS;THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT HAS BEEN FLASHING ON &OFF &NOW IT'S ON ALL THE TIME , THE BAG WAS SUPPOSED TO HAVE BEEN CHANGED BY THE DEALERSHIP ON JAN. 19 2017 @ NORTHPARK SUBARU HERE IN SAN ANTONIO TX.,HOW CAN I VERIFY THAT THE BAG WAS INDEED REPLACED & WHY DID THE…
TAKATA - PSAN INFLATOR, NEVER NOTIFIED.
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SUBARU LEGACY. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V359000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE …
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SUBARU LEGACY. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V361000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED FOR THE REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR…
TAKATA RECALL: MY CAR'S BEEN LISTED SINCE LAST JUNE. NO CONTACT WHATSOEVER FROM SUBARU EVEN THOUGH THAT'S WHAT I WAS TOLD TO EXPECT. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE. LUCKILY NO INCIDENT SO FAR, BUT THE FIELDS IN THIS COMPLAINT FORM REQUIRE DATES, ETC. SO I'LL USE TODAY'S DATE.
TAKATA RECALL: MY CAR HAS BEEN LISTED FOR THE RECALL SINCE JUNE 2016, BUT I HAVE NEVER BEEN ONCE CONTACTED BY SUBARU TO COME IN FOR REPLACEMENT. I HAVE NO INCIDENT, FORTUNATELY, BUT THE FIELD BELOW REQUIRES A DATE, SO I'LL ENTER TODAY'S.
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SUBARU LEGACY. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V359000 (AIR BAGS) AND STATED THAT THE PART NEEDED FOR THE REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TI…
HOOD LATCH FAILURE ON HIGHWAY. FLEW UP AND BROKE WINDSHIELD. SAME THING HAPPENED TO OUR 2007 SUBARU LEGACY EXACTLY A WEEK AFTER. WINDSHIELDS AND HOODS NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE LATCH IS LIKE A TOY, NOT STURDY AT ALL. CONTACT ME ASAP FOR PHOTOS [XXX] COULDN'T GET THE PHOTOS TO LOAD…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SUBARU LEGACY. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V361000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE…
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SUBARU LEGACY. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V359000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RE…
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SUBARU LEGACY. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V358000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE REC…
TAKATA RECALL. IT HAS BEEN 7 MONTHS SINCE THE RECALL DATE OF JUNE 10, 2016. THERE HAS BEEN NO INFORMATION OR CONTACT BY SUBARU SINCE THE ORIGINAL RECALL NOTICE. MY LOCAL SUBARU DEALERSHIP SAYS THEY DO NOT HAVE THE REPLACEMENT AIRBAGS AND HAVE NO INFORMATION AS TO WHEN THEY WIL…
IN COLD WEATHER, BELOW APPROX 35F, FUEL VALVES SHRINK, AS CONFIRMED VIA CONVERSATION WITH [XXX] TEAM SUBARU SERVICE MANAGER [XXX] ON A JANUARY 2, 2017 PHONE CALL. AS REPORTED TO SUBARU, CONDITION CAUSES THE FOLLOWING: 1. WHEN PARKED, NORMALLY IN GARAGE: GAS FUMES WILL FILL…
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SUBARU LEGACY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V359000 (AIR BAGS) WAS RECEIVED IN JUNE OF 2016. AFTER CONTACTING THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT …
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2004 Subaru Legacy.
2004 Subaru Legacy Recalls
11 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2004 Subaru Legacy. 11 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 Legacy Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2004 Subaru Legacy reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 49 owner complaints, 5 crash-related complaints, and 11 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2004 Subaru Legacy 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 Legacy?▾
#1: Airbag Malfunctions (26 complaints). #2: Engine Problems (7 complaints). #3: Unintended Acceleration (5 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2004 Subaru Legacy?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2004 Subaru Legacy?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2004 Subaru Legacy, NHTSA complaints include 5 crash-related reports and 0 fire reports out of 49 total complaints. 3 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2004 Subaru Legacy have any recalls?▾
Yes. 11 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2004 Subaru Legacy. A major recall area is AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE. 11 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 Legacy?▾
The 2004 Subaru Legacy 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 Airbag Malfunctions 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 Legacy reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2004 Subaru Legacy 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.