The Lemon Index2004 Subaru Outback.
The 2004 Subaru Outback is one of the most reliable years by owner complaints: 26 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 49, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about speed control, it has 11 recalls, and it gets 19 to 21 mpg combined. The best Subaru Outback year is 2012.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 90 owner complaints, owners reported:
Older model year: fewer owners filed complaints back then, so treat the score as rough.
Every Subaru Outback year. 2004 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 23K to 115K miles on the car (62 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- speed control complaints mostly came at 13K–101K miles
Recalls 11
- airbags 2020
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- airbags 2020
" These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior.
- airbags 2020
" These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall us.
Show all 11 recalls
- airbags 2016
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- airbags 2016
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- airbags 2016
" These vehicles may be equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used.
- airbags 2015
The affected vehicles are equipped with a passenger side frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, c.
- airbags 2014
Specifically, vehicles sold, or ever registered, in Puerto Rico, Hawaii, the U.S.
- fuel system, gasoline 2013
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
- speed control 2004
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.
- fuel system, gasoline 2003
CERTAIN PASSENGER OR SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES MAY HAVE A LOOSE OR OUT OF POSITION FUEL FILLER HOSE CLAMP.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Subaru told dealers about
Subaru sent dealers 194 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Transfer clutch binding
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- OpenAir bag inflator rupture2015
- ClosedAir bag inflator rupture2014–2015
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash stars (older test): front — · side ★★★★★ · rollover ★★★★☆
Fuel cost and engines
About $3050–4200 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.5L 4-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl.
In owners' words
While driving vehicle sputtered and stalled. Consumer couldn't shift the vehicle into drive, and couldn't remove the key from the ignition. Dealer has replaced the alternator and the battery, but the problem still occurs.
2004 Subaru Outback owner · NHTSA complaint 10051647
More owner reports
2002 l.l. Bean Outback accelerated uncontrollably, making the vehicle vibrate. Vehicle went up over parking barriers and shrubbery and rolled over.
NHTSA complaint 10162633
Quick answers
Is the 2004 Subaru Outback reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew 2× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 49; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Subaru Outback year by this measure is 2012.
What are the most common 2004 Subaru Outback problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are speed control (31%), electrical (27%) and transmission & drivetrain (23%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2004 Subaru Outback have?
11 safety recalls (latest: airbags). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2004 Subaru Outback get?
19 to 21 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
At what mileage do 2004 Subaru Outback problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 23,000 and 115,800 miles. The middle report was at 67,700 miles, from 62 complaints.
Does the 2004 Subaru Outback have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 23% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2004 Subaru Outback cost in fuel a year?
About $3050 to $4200 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2004 Subaru Outback have?
2.5L 4-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl.
What Subaru Outback year is better than the 2004?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2012, 2014 and 2013.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works