2004 SUBARU LEGACY Problems
Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2004 Subaru Legacy. This model year has 49 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Airbag Malfunctions.
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This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about the specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls.
Worst 2004 Subaru Legacy Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
Airbag Malfunctions
Engine Problems
Unintended Acceleration
Considering a 2004 Subaru Legacy?
This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about this specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99 (vs. Carfax $44.99).
All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2004 Subaru Legacy. A single complaint may appear in multiple categories.
| 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.
Search Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2004 Subaru Legacy. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Showing 49 most recent complaints
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.
Recalls for 2004 Subaru Legacy
11 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2004 Subaru Legacy. Recalls are free to fix at any authorized dealer. Run a VIN check below to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.
2004 Subaru Legacy — FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 2004 Subaru Legacy reliable?▾
Severe Issues. The 2004 Subaru Legacy has 49 NHTSA owner complaints, 5 crash-related, and 11 recall campaigns. The most reported issue is Airbag Malfunctions (26 complaints). Source: NHTSA via VinSpector AI.
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?▾
The 2004 Subaru Legacy has 5 crash-related complaints and 0 fire reports out of 49 total NHTSA complaints. 3 injuries were reported. For NCAP lab crash test star ratings, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2004 Subaru Legacy have any recalls?▾
Yes — 11 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2004 Subaru Legacy. The largest issue: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.
Should I buy a 2004 Subaru Legacy?▾
The 2004 Subaru Legacy has severe issues — review the top problems before buying. Pay particular attention to Airbag Malfunctions issues. Always run a VIN check on the specific car you're considering to check for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.
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.
Check Your Specific 2004 Subaru Legacy
Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99.