2004 SUBARU Outback Problems

VIN Decoder

Premium Report

Complaints Reported

Complaints by Component

AIR BAGS

23 complaints

I GET CARDS,I CALL,I GET LETTERS ,I CALL DOESN'T MATTER WHO SENDS THEM,YOU OR SUBARU DEALER ,TELLING ME I NEED TO HAVE AN AIRBAG SWAPPED OUT AS BEING DEFECTIVE,AND ME TELLING YOU I DO NOT HAVE THE CAR ANYMORE,IT WAS PICKED UP BY AN AUCTION HOUSE BUT IT NEEDED ALOT DONE TO IT SO THEY MAY HAVE SCRAPPED IT,I DON'T KNOW. WHAT I DO KNOW IS THIS IS THE LAST YOU WILL HEAR FROM ME ABOUT THIS CAR, AND YOU CAN WASTE AS MANY TREES SENDING ME NOTICES. FROM NOW ON THEY GO IN THE TRASH,NO MORE CALLS FROM ME,AND DON'T CALL ME ABOUT IT,THE CAR WAS JUNKED,PERIOD

Jul 26, 2019

NOTIFICATION OF AIRBAG PASSENGER FRONT RECALL.

May 09, 2018

2004 SUBURBAN OUTBACK. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO TAKATA PASSENGER SIDE FRONT AIRBAG. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME COMPLETING THE RECALL REPAIR. *JS

Mar 23, 2018

TAKATA RECALL. NOT ABLE TO GET ACCESS TO REPLACEMENT AIRBAG. ON WAITLISTS AT 2 LOCAL SUBARU DEALERS.

Oct 30, 2017

I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE ON PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG IN JULY 2016..I WAS TOLD I WOULD BE INFORMED BY MAIL WHEN PARTS WERE AVAILABLE FOR REPAIR BY MY LOCAL SUBARU DEALER. IT'S 14 MONTHS LATER AND I HAVE NOT RECEIVED ANY FURTHER NOTICE. I DO NOT BELIEVE THIS HAS BEEN HANDLED IN A TIMELY MANNER AND STILL CANNOT HAVE PASSENGERS IN FRONT SEAT.

Sep 30, 2017

+ 18 more complaints for this component

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

13 complaints

THE CAR WILL BE OPERATING PROPERLY AT SPEED ON LOCAL ROADS (30MPH OR SO) WHEN, WITHOUT WARNING, THE ENGINE WILL GO TO A FAST IDLE AND THE GAS PEDDLE LOSES ALL EFFECTIVENESS. STOPPING THE CAR AND RESTARTING IT HAS FIXED THE PROBLEM THE THREE TIMES IT HAS HAPPENED. THE DEALER REPLACED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL POSITION SWITCH BUT THE PROBLEM HAS REOCCURRED. THIS IS A POTENTIALLY VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION, ESPECIALLY IF IT WERE TO OCCUR PULLING ONTO A HIGHWAY OR BEING IN TRAFFIC ON A BUSY ROAD

Jun 23, 2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL FAILED. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL STUCK TO THE FLOORBOARD AND CAUSED THE SPEED TO INCREASE TO 70 MPH. THE CONTACT HAD TO CRASH INTO A TREE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 230,000.

Aug 22, 2016

Crash: 1

WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A STOP CAR LURCHES FORWARD. THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS SMOOTH ACCELERATION WITH THIS VEHICLE. AFTER READING ALL OF THE OTHER INCIDENCES OF THIS AND WORSE ON THIS MODEL CAR ON THIS SITE, I WILL FILE A COMPLAINT AND DUMP THE DARN CAR. THIS WAS MY FIRST SUBARU, PURCHASED USED, AND I WAS EXCITED TO HAVE PURCHASED IT. NOW IT SEEMS LIKE A CURSE. I BOUGHT IT BECAUSE CONSUMER REPORTS RATED IT AS ONE OF THE SAFEST FOR TEEN DRIVERS. CANCELED MY CONSUMER REPORTS SUBSCRIPTION. I BOUGHT IT FOR MY DAUGHTER - NOW I WILL NOT LET HER DRIVE IT. NO MORE SUBARUS FOR ME. *TR

Aug 28, 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH AND THE CRUISE CONTROL ENGAGED, THE VEHICLE ERRONEOUSLY ACCELERATED. THE CONTACT ALSO BEGAN TO HEAR AN ABNORMAL SOUND IN THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE AND DEACTIVATED THE CRUISE CONTROL. THE VEHICLE PERSISTED TO ACCELERATE INDEPENDENTLY AND THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CRUISE CONTROL CABLE WAS DISARRANGED CAUSING THE CRUISE CONTROL TO FAIL. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED HOWEVER, THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS DAMAGED DUE TO A ROD IN THE ENGINE FROM THE DAMAGE OF THE CRUISE CONTROL FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V128000(VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 250,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

Jul 22, 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN SHIFTING INTO PARK, THERE WAS AN INCREASE IN ENGINE RPMS. THE ENGINE RPMS CONTINUED TO INCREASE UNTIL THE VEHICLE WAS SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL AND SHUT OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO HAVE THE FAILURE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 91,640.

Nov 01, 2011

+ 8 more complaints for this component

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

10 complaints

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE WOULD OVERHEAT AND STALL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC ON THREE DIFFERENT OCCASIONS. THE TECHNICIAN REPLACED THE THERMOSTAT, WATER PUMP AND COOLANT HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE CERTIFIED MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT THE HEAD GASKETS HAD BLOWN. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE.

Oct 01, 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD EXHIBIT AN ABNORMAL TAPPING NOISE WHEN FIRST STARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO REPLACED THE PISTONS. THE NOISE RECURRED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ANOTHER DEALER WHO ADVISED THAT THEY WOULD NEED TO REPLACE THE ENGINE BLOCK WITH NEW PISTONS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED WHO OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 32,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 50,100.

Sep 16, 2011

DURING EARLY DECEMBER 2010 MY WIFE WAS DRIVING THE CAR AND HEARD A HUGE RATTLING NOISE. SHE PULLED OVER AND WE GOT THE CAR TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. WE WERE TOLD THAT THE VALVE ON THE ENGINE CYLINDER GOT DAMAGED AND AS A RESULT THE VALVE STEM HAS FALLEN INTO THE CYLINDER. AS THE PISTON WAS MOVING, IT GOT DAMAGED. SO WE NEEDED TO REPLACE TWO PISTONS. WHICH WE DID. THIS IS A DESIGN PROBLEM AS DIFFERENTIAL MATERIAL EXPANSION HAS CAUSED THE STEM TO FALL AND DAMAGE THE PISTON. IF THIS HAS HAPPENED ON A BUSY HIGHWAY COULD HAVE BEEN FATAL. THIS PROBLEM HAS CAUSED BY BAD DESIGN AND USING TWO DIFFERENT MATERIALS FOR ENGINE VALVE AND BLOCK. SUBARU NEEDS TO RECALL THE VEHICLES AND FIX THIS PROBLEM. THE CUSTOMERS SHOULD NOT BE PAYING. THE CAR IS VERY WELL MAINTAINED AND HAD ONLY 65,000 MILES. GOT IT REPAIRED. SUBARU WAS OF NO HELP. *TR

Mar 02, 2011

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE OVERHEATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT MOVED THE VEHICLE OFF OF THE ROAD AND ADDED COOLANT TO THE RADIATOR. THE COOLANT CONTINUED TO LEAK OUT OF THE RADIATOR; THEREFORE, THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE HEAD GASKET, WATER PUMP AND TIMING BELT WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. ONE YEAR LATER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER BUT STATED THAT THE HEAD GASKET WAS BLOWN. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE WARRANTY ON THE REPAIR WAS ONLY GOOD FOR A YEAR. THE CONTACT DID NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 67,380.

Mar 30, 2010

DIAGNOSTIC CODE P0420 (CATALYST SYS). VEHICLE WOULD NOT PASS EMISSIONS TEST DUE TO CODE. 85000 MILES ON VEHICLE. WAS TOLD THERE WAS A COMPUTER UPGRADE FOR THIS COMPLAINT PUT OUT BY SUBARU. DEALER PERFORMED UPGRADE THEN INFORMED ME HEADGASKET WAS LEAKING. DEALER REPLACED HEAD GASKET "GOODWILL". DAT AFTER REPAIR CODE 0420 CAME BACK AND NOW NEED CONVERTERS REPLACED TO THE TUNE OF $1800.00 TO $2200.00 DUE TO CONTAMINATED CONVERTERS. FUEL, OIL LEAKING INTO EXHAUST FROM FAILED HEAD GASKET.

Mar 24, 2010

+ 5 more complaints for this component

POWER TRAIN

6 complaints

2004 SUBARU OUTBACK. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO UNIVERSAL JOINT FAILURE. CONSUMER ALSO SEEKS REIMBURSEMENT OF REPAIRS. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE FAILURE OF THE UNIVERSAL JOINT CAUSED SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE TO THE TRANSMISSION HOUSING, DRIVELINE, SHIFTER AND UNDERSIDE OF THE VEHICLE, AN INSPECTION REVEALED THE UNIVERSAL JOINT FAILED DUE TO DRY NEEDLE BEARINGS, WHICH CAUSED IT TO SNAP AND BREAK AWAY FROM THE TRANSMISSION.*JB

Feb 19, 2013

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SUBURU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 70 MPH WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ACTIVATED WHEN THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY SHIFTED FROM OVERDRIVE TO FIRST GEAR. THE VEHICLE STALLED. WHEN THE CONTACT DROVE INTO THE EMERGENCY LANE, HE NOTICED THAT THE CV JOINT HAD BROKEN. ONE WEEK AFTER HAVING THE VEHICLE REPAIRED, THE FAILURE OCCURRED AGAIN. THE SECOND TIME THE FAILURE OCCURRED, IT SHEARED 1 INCH OFF OF THE DRIVE SHAFT. SUBURU CONFIRMED THAT THEY ARE FAMILIAR WITH THE FAILURE. SEVERAL MECHANICS HAVE STATED THAT 350 POUNDS OF PRESSURE ON THE DRIVE SHAFT WAS BEING HELD TOGETHER BY A SINGLE O-RING. THE CONTACT DID NOT HAVE THE VIN WHEN THE COMPLAINT WAS FILED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 120,000. UPDATED 04/28/10 UPDATED 05/13/10. *LJ UPDATED 02/17/12 *BF

Mar 15, 2010

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WITH THE ENGINE STILL ON, THE TRANSMISSION SLIPPED OUT OF GEAR. THE VEHICLE ROLLED FORWARD AND STRUCK A TREE. BECAUSE THE SEAT BELTS WERE NOT WORN, MINOR FACIAL INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED BY ONE OCCUPANT. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN INSPECTED BY A MECHANIC. THERE IS A NHTSA RECALL, # 02V282000, REGARDING THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION; HOWEVER, IT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN.

May 09, 2006

Crash: 1

Injuries: 1

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE SHIFTED ROUGHLY UPON BOTH ACCELERATION AND DECELERATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE SERVICE DEALER THREE TIMES WHO DETERMINED THE ROUGH SHIFTING WAS RELATED TO A BAD TORQUE CONVERTER; HOWEVER THE TORQUE CONVERTER WAS NOT REPLACED. NOW, WHILE STOPPED AT A LIGHT, WITH THE BRAKE PEDAL DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE LURCHES FORWARD BECAUSE THE TRANSMISSION ENGAGES. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN RETURNED TO THE DEALER CONCERNING THE FORWARD MOTION.

Apr 07, 2006

EXCESSIVE NOISE FROM THE TRANSFER DUTY SOLENOID AND CLUTCH DAMAGE AT 26K. *JB

Nov 03, 2005

+ 1 more complaint for this component

VISIBILITY

5 complaints

STARTED CAR TO DEFROST WINDOWS AND WARM UP BEFORE LEAVING HOME. CAR WARMED UP FOR ABOUT 10 MINUTES,WHEN I WENT OUTSIDE TO LEAVE THE INSIDE DOOR OF THE CAR WAS ON FIRE WHICH WAS SPREADING,I THREW MY COFFEE ON THE FLAMES SHUT OFF THE CAR OBTAINED WATER AND DOUSED OUT THE FIRE WHICH CONTINUED TO BURN AROUND THE WINDOW/DOOR SWITCH. THE VEHICLE WAS TRANSPORTED BY FLATBED TO THE ONEONTA,N.Y. SUBARU DEALERSHIP WHERE IT IS CURRENTLY UNDER REPAIR. I BELIEVE THAT USED PARTS ARE BEING OBTAINED FOR THE REPAIR WHERE POSSIBLE. THE COST CONTINUES TO MOUNT INCLUDING MILEAGE FOR A RENTAL/NOW LOANER CAR AND MY DEDUCTIBLE. MY CONFIDENCE IN THE CAR IS POOR AND MY CONCERN ABOUT THIS HAPPENING AGAIN IS HIGH. THIS CAR NEEDS TO BE SAFE. THE CAR IS UNDER EXTENDED WARRANTY. *TR

Nov 13, 2008

Fire: 1

CONSUMER STATES, "THE FRONT WINDSHIELD HAD A CRACK WHEN USING THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS DEICER". THE DEALER REPLACED THE FRONT WINDSHIELD AT NO CHARGE. WITHIN A YEAR OR MORE THE FRONT WINDSHIELD CRACKED AGAIN IN THE SAME PLACE. AFTER THE CONSUMER USED THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS DEICER AGAIN. *JB

Dec 28, 2004

I PURCHASED MY 2ND FORESTER, A 2004 IN OCT. 2003. I HAVE COMPLAINED FROM THE BEGINNING ABOUT THE DIALS ON THE DASH. THE BACKGROUND IS BLACK AND IT IS RECESSED INTO THE DASH. WHEN THE SUN IS LOW IN THE SKY LIKE MORNING OR EVENING IT IS ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO CHECK YOUR SPEED OR SET A CRUISE CONTROL. YOU HAVE TO REALLY STARE AT THE DIAL AND WAIT FOR IT TO COME INTO VIEW TO SEE IT WHICH IS VERY HAZZARDEST. IS THERE ANYTHING YOU CAN DO ABOUT THIS? *AK

Apr 27, 2004

CRACKED WINDSHIELD. *JB

Mar 20, 2004

ON A VERY COLD DAY THE WINDSHIELD CRACKED AFTER TURNING ON THE DEFROSTER. NO CRACKS WERE PREVIOUSLY OBSERVED ON THE WINDSHIELD. THE CAR IS ONLY 3 WEEKS OLD. *NLM

Dec 03, 2003

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

4 complaints

DRIVERS DOOR STARTED SMOKING AND FLAMING. I PULLED THE PART OF DOOR/ARMREST HOLDING THE WINDOW/MIRROR/LOCK CONTROLS AND WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER AND BLOW OUT FLAMES BEFORE FIRE SPREAD. *TR

Jun 12, 2013

Fire: 1

MY 2004 SUBARU OUTBACK SEDAN WOULD IDLE EXTREMELY HIGH. WHEN I PUT IT IN REVERSE IT WOULD LURCH BACK SUDDENLY. AS I WAS DRIVING, I WOULD TAKE MY FOOT OFF THE PEDAL AND IT WOULD REMAIN AT THE SPEED I WAS GOING. IT WAS LOOKED AT TWICE AND WAS NOT ABLE TO BE REPLICATED. THE SERVICE TECH STATED HE HAD SEEN THE PROBLEM BEFORE AND WOULD CLEAN OUT THE THROTTLE BOX. APPROXIMATELY 2-3 WEEKS LATER THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT GO OVER 40 MPH WITHOUT LURCHING BACK AND FORTH AND MAKING A VIOLENT BANGING NOISE, AT THIS POINT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. THEY REPLACED THE THROTTLE SENSOR SYSTEM WITH NEGATIVE RESULTS AND STATED THEY WERE NOT ABLE TO RECTIFY THE PROBLEM. CURRENTLY VEHICLE IS IN SHOP WAITING FOR TECH SUPPORT TO CALL.

Jul 27, 2005

I PURCHASED A NEW SUBARU LEGACY OUTBACK, ON 4/28/04. [XXX] ON MAY 26, I ENTERED THE CAR USING THE KEYLESS ENTRY, BUT I COULD NOT START THE CAR AS THE BATTERY POWER WAS LOW. SO I TRIED TO EXIT THE CAR BUT THE DOOR ON THE DRIVER SIDE WOULD NOT OPEN FROM THE INSIDE EVEN WHEN I TRIED TO MANUALLY UNLOCK THE DOOR. THE OTHER FRONT DOOR AND THE BACK DOORS COULD NOT BE OPENED EITHER. I WAS TRAPPED INSIDE THE CAR WITH NO AIR OR POWER. FORTUNATELY I WAS ABLE TO CALL A PASSERBY'S ATTENTION AFTER 15 MINUTES AND HE COULD OPEN THE CAR FROM THE OUTSIDE WITHOUT PROBLEMS. THIS COULD HAVE BEEN A POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS SITUATION AS ONE COULD ASPHYXIATE INSIDE THE CAR IF HELP IS NOT EASILY AVAILABLE. LATER THE CAR COULD BE STARTED BY JUMP STARTING IT SUGGESTING THAT THE BATTERY POWER WAS LOW. BUT WHAT WAS OF MAJOR CONCERN WAS THAT THE DOORS WOULD NOT OPEN FROM INSIDE MANUALLY IF THE BATTERY WAS NOT ACTIVE. I THINK THIS PROBLEM MAY BE UNIQUE TO MY CAR AS SUBARU SAYS THAT THEY SHOULD OPEN MANUALLY AS WELL. YET, CONSIDERING THE POTENTIAL DANGER OF THIS FLAW, IT IS WORTH TRACKING AND CHECKING WITH THE PUBLIC AT LARGE FOR SIMILAR PROBLEMS WITH SUBARU CARS. ALSO SURPRISINGLY, THE HATCH TOO DOES NOT HAVE ANY METHOD OF OPENING FROM INSIDE THE AUTO IN CASE ONE IS TRAPPED. I THINK THIS IS A MAJOR FLAW AS EVEN TRUNKS CAN NOW BE OPENED FROM THE INSIDE AND ALL HATCHBACKS SHOULD HAVE A INDEPENDENT WAY OF OPENING FROM THE INSIDE IN CASE ONE IS TRAPPED INSIDE THE CAR. *JB UPDATED 07/25/2012 *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Jun 03, 2004

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. *AK

Dec 17, 2003

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

3 complaints

PURCHASED THIS CAR LISTED IN IAA WEBSITE AS HAVING $68,000.00 MILES, THIS WEEK MY MECHANIC TOLD ME THAT THE CAR HAD $220,000.00 MILES. I JUST CHECKED CARFAX UNFORTUNATELY THAT IS A ODOMETER ROLLBACK.

May 25, 2018

WHEN I BOUGHT THIS CAR I FOUND THE TOP OF THE SCISSORS JACK WAS BENT OVER, I REPLACED IT WITH A VERY GOOD JUNKYARD REPLACEMENT. LAST NIGHT I GOT A FLAT AND WHEN I JACKED UP THE CAR. THE TOP OF THE JACK BENT OVER JUST AS THE WHEEL WAS COMING OFF THE GROUND. IT BENT EXACTLY THE SAME WAY AS THE ORIGINAL. THESE ARE STAMPED STEEL JACKS OF A LIGHT STEEL AND NO BRACING ON THE TOP RISER AND IN MY OPINION, DANGEROUS.

Jun 16, 2016

2004 SUBARU OUTBACK LL BEAN 3.0L H6 HAS HISTORY OF INTERMITTENT UNINTENDED ACCELERATION, MISFIRE (SURGING) AT HIGHWAY SPEED, NOT SLOWING DOWN WITH FOOT VISIBLY NOT NEAR GAS PEDAL OR BRAKE PEDAL, ACCELERATION IN DRIVE OR REVERSE WITHOUT TOUCHING BRAKE OR GAS PEDAL, ERRATIC IDLE. DEALERS ATTRIBUTE TO BAD SENSOR (REPLACED PART NUMBER 22627AA130 SENSOR ASSY-PRESS), DIRTY THROTTLE BODY, GAS TREATMENT NEEDED IN GAS TANK, AND THEY HAD NEVER HEARD OF SUCH A PROBLEM EVER (DISBELIEF). ALSO, WHEN AT ITS WORST, SYMPTOMS INCLUDE EXTREME (BANGING) SHIFTS FROM 1ST TO 2ND GEARS. AFTER OWNER RESET ECM (DISCONNECT BATTERY, DRAINED ALL KNOWN ENERGY FROM ELECTRONICS, RECONNECTED BATTERY) "SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT SOON"T CAME ON, AUTOMOBILE OPERATED NORMALLY, AND "SERVICE ENGINE SOON" LIGHT WENT OUT WITHIN 50 MILES OF DRIVING. THIS IS AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS SITUATION DUE TO UNINTENDED THROTTLE INPUTS, SPEED NOT SLOWED WITH FOOT OFF THROTTLE, AND (OBVIOUSLY) IMPAIRED BRAKING DUE TO ENGINE SURGE PRIOR TO FULL-STOP. HOWEVER, FOLLOWING FULL-STOP, ENGINE WOULD SLOW DOWN TO NEAR "NORMAL" IDLE. FILE UNDER, AMAZING, BUT TRUE. *TR

May 19, 2011

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

3 complaints

2004 SUBARU OUTBACK, H6 (6-CYLINDER) WITH A FAULTY PULSATION DUMPER/DAMPER VALVE. PART OF THE FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM, THE VALVE ASSEMBLY SITS ABOVE THE INTAKE MANIFOLDS ON BOTH SIDES OF THE ENGINE. THE PASSENGER SIDE VALVE (METAL CONSTRUCTION) WAS LITERALLY WEEPING GASOLINE (STRONG SMELL INSIDE CABIN WAS THE TIP OFF). I REMOVED THE ASSEMBLY AND REPLACED THE HOSES FIRST, BUT THE VALVE WAS LEAKING THROUGH THE TOP SURFACE WALLS (NOT A SEAM). AWAITING REPLACEMENT PARTS NOW. IT APPEARS THAT THE FOAM CUSHIONING MATERIAL UNDERNEATH THE METAL FUEL RAIL PROTECTOR WAS IN DIRECT CONTACT WITH THE VALVE OVER AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME. CORROSION OF THE EXTERIOR VALVE WALL IS THE MOST LIKELY CULPRIT. SUBARU CLAIMS THEY'VE "NEVER HAD TO REPLACE ONE" (3 DEALERS) AND HAD NO IDEA WHAT THE VALVE EVEN DOES. LUCKILY, I OBSERVED AND WILL HAVE CORRECTED THE PROBLEM BEFORE A VEHICLE FIRE. THIS IS AN IMMINENT THREAT FOR OTHER H6 OWNERS WITH THIS VALVE CONFIGURATION. IF CORROSION OF THE VALVE IS PRESENT AT ALL, THE VALVE SHOULD BE REPLACED IMMEDIATELY. SUBARU WAS UNINTERESTED IN EXAMINING THE ISSUE OR THE PARTS INVOLVED. IF THE VALVE LEAKS MORE, THE RUNNER LINES ADJACENT TO IT WOULD QUICKLY MELT AND THE CAR WOULD BE DESTROYED. *TR

Mar 08, 2010

2004 SUBARU OUTBACK: STRONG FUEL ODOR INSIDE VEHICLE THAT, ACCORDING TO SUBARU DEALER, IS CAUSED BY LEAKAGE OF FUEL UNDER THE HOOD. THE DEALER REP. FURTHER EXPLAINED THE LEAK IS CAUSED BY EXPANSION/CONTRACTION OF TUBING DURING COLD WEATHER. THEY ALSO STATED THIS IS A COMMON OCCURRENCE (IT HAS OCCURRED TWICE IN MY VEHICLE) AND ON THE DAY I HAD MY VEHICLE REPAIRED (DECEMBER 2009) THEY HAD ALREADY SEEN ABOUT 6 VEHICLES FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. THIS SITUATION POSES AND EXTREME RISK OF FIRE AND A HEALTH HAZARD FOR OCCUPANTS OF THE VEHICLE. A RECALL IS NEEDED, NOW. *TR

Dec 15, 2009

GAS (FUEL) SMELL (FUMES) IN CABIN WHEN STARTING CAR IN COLD WEATHER. KNOWN PROBLEM: HTTP://TOWNHALL-TALK.EDMUNDS.COM/DIRECT/VIEW/.F117C3E HTTP://FORUMS.NASIOC.COM/FORUMS/SHOWTHREAD.PHP?T=131755&PAGE=47. *TR

Jan 17, 2009

SUSPENSION

2 complaints

EXCESSIVE UNDERBODY FRONT END RUST AS PER BODY SHOP BUMPER REPLACEMENT.

Mar 01, 2018

FRONT AXLE FAILURE. *TR

Jul 14, 2012

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

2 complaints

2004 SUBARU OUTBACK: STRONG FUEL ODOR INSIDE VEHICLE WHEN COLD OUT. RESEARCH SHOWS THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE WITH OUTBACK AND IMPREZA WRX. SUBARU RECALLED THE WRX, WHY NOT THE OUTBACKS! THIS DEFECT POSES AN EXTREME RISK FOR FIRE AND A RECALL IS NEEDED. *TR

Dec 07, 2014

FUEL LEAK WHEN TEMPERATURE DROPPED TO SUDDEN COLD BETWEEN 0 AND 10F. SO BAD THAT YOU CANNOT DRIVE THE CAR AS THE HEATER DRAWS IN THE FUMES (AND AT 4F YOU NEED TO USE THE HEATER). UNSAFE TO DRIVE DUE TO POSSIBLE FIRE IN ENGINE. CAR IS NOW IN THE SHOP - APPARENTLY THIS IS VERY COMMON WITH SUBARU, WHICH IS WHY I AM FILING A COMPLAINT. IF SUBARU KNOWS OF THIS, IT'S TIME FOR THEM TO TAKE ACTION. OR WILL IT TAKE AN ENGINE FIRE AND POSSIBLE DEATH FOR SOMETHING TO BE DONE? I CERTAINLY HOPE NOT! *TR

Nov 13, 2014

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

2 complaints

UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE AND SHIFTING IN DRIVE OR REVERSE, THE VEHICLE WILL ACCELERATE ERRATICALLY WITH FORCE. THIS HAS ALSO OCCURRED WITH NORMAL DRIVING. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TO THE DEALER ON SEVERAL SEPARATE OCCASIONS, BUT THE PROBLEM RECURRED. ON EACH OCCASION THE FOLLOWING REPAIRS WERE MADE; ELECTRICAL GREASE WAS APPLIED ON THE TCS CONTACT. 3 DAYS LATER THE PROBLEM RECURRED. DEALER ADJUSTED THE ACCELERATOR THROTTLE, AND 3 DAYS LATER ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED WHILE DRIVING. DEALER REPLACED THE ECM CONTROL MODULE, AND THE NEXT DAY VEHICLE STALLED AGAIN WHILE COMING TO A STOP. DEALER WAS UNABLE TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM, WHICH HAS BEEN PASSED ON TO THE MANUFACTURER, AND NO RESPONSE WAS RECEIVED AT THIS TIME.*AK

Apr 13, 2005

ON JUNE 28, 2004, WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 25 TO 30 MPH, THE SPEED DROPPED TO 5 MPH. THE CONSUMER DEPRESSED THE GAS PEDAL AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT MOVE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, AND THE MECHANIC FOUND NOTHING WRONG. ON JULY 4, 2004, WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 45 TO 50 MPH SPEED DROPPED TO 5 MPH AND SUDDENLY THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED FROM 5 TO 70 MPH IN LESS THAN 10 SECONDS. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP, AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO FIX THE PROBLEM VEHICLE WAS STILL AT THE DEALERSHIP. *AK THE DEALER REPAIRED THE VEHICLE BY REPLACING THE ENTIRE COMPUTER SYSTEM. *SC *JB

Aug 31, 2004

SERVICE BRAKES

1 complaint

AUTOZONE SOLD ME (VIA WARRANTY EXCHANGE) AFTERMARKET BRAKE PADS THAT SUPPOSEDLY WERE THE SAME PART #D929 AS THE BRAKE PADS AUTOZONE HAD PREVIOUSLY SOLD ME AND WAS REPLACING UNDER WARRANTY. HOWEVER, THE BRAKE PADS THAT THEY PROVIDED TO ME TODAY AS WARRANTY REPLACEMENTS WERE TOO LARGE FOR THE BRAKE CALIPER AND WOULD BE UNSAFE IF INSTALLED AND FORCED TO FIT IN THE CALIPER. SPECIFICALLY, THE INNER SHOULDER DIMENSION ON THESE PADS IS TOO LARGE TO FIT PROPERLY IN THE CALIPER. I VERIFIED THE PROBLEM BY PURCHASING BRAKE PADS FROM A DIFFERENT AUTO SUPPLY STORE AND INSTALLING THEM WITH NO DIFFICULTY. THIS PROBLEM OCCURRED WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, BECAUSE IT HAPPENED DURING BRAKE PAD REPLACEMENT.

Oct 17, 2020

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

1 complaint

UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. NOT DRIVER ERROR, NOT STUCK FLOORMAT. VEHICLE STARTED ACCELERATING ABOVE 7 ON THE TACHOMETER. PUSHED IN CLUTCH OF COURSE. STOPPED WITH CLUTCH IN AND VEHICLE JUST KEPT REVVING HIGHER. SHUT OFF CAR AND RESTARTED LATER. TERRIFYING.

Jun 26, 2015

STEERING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES

1 complaint

I WAS PULLING INTO MY DRIVEWAY WHEN I STEPPED ON THE BRAKES THE CAR LUNGED FORWARD AND STRUCK A BOAT ON A TRAILER IN MY DRIVEWAY SENDING IT INTO THE SIDE OF MY HOME THE MORE I STEPPED ON THE BRAKE THE FASTER THE ENGINE ACCELERATED I EVENTUALLY ENDED UP CRASHING INTO A TREE WHICH FINALLY STOPPED THE CAR. *TR

Jul 14, 2014

Crash: 1

ENGINE

1 complaint

MULTIPLE HEAD GASKET FAILURE AT 60,000 MILE INTERVALS SINCE THE CAR WAS NEW. IT SEEMS LIKE THE MANUFACTURER IS COVERING UP A VERY BAD ENGINE DESIGN AFTER LOOKING ONLINE OF VERY SAME REPORTS. I AM SURPRISED WITH ALL OF THE COMPLAINTS IT IS NOT BEEN RECALLED OR CORRECTED. UNFORTUNATELY, DUE TO COSTS OF REPAIR I AM FORCED TO SCRAP THE CAR AND FIND A DIFFERENT CAR COMPANY. *JB

Sep 05, 2013

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE

1 complaint

THE CAR BURST INTO FLAMES AT 2:30 IN THE MORNING IN MY DRIVEWAY. WE LAST DROVE THE CAR HOME AT 10:30 THE NIGHT BEFORE, SO THE CAR HAD BEEN SITTING FOR FOUR HOURS IN COLD WEATHER (AROUND 20 DEGREES). THE DOGS STARTED BARKING AND I WOKE UP TO FIND MY CAR BURNING IN THE DRIVEWAY. FIRETRUCK CAME AROUND 5 MINUTES LATER AND PUT OUT FIRE. FIRE WAS BURNING AROUND ENTIRE VEHICLE. FIREMAN SAID THAT FIRE APPEARED TO BE INTERNAL TO THE CAR AND NOT CAUSED BY HUMAN INTERVENTION. POLICE PUT THE FIRE DOWN AS A "ROUTINE" ENGINE FIRE. I AM VERY CONCERNED ABOUT THE SAFETY OF OLDER SUBARU VEHICLES. *TR

Feb 04, 2013

Fire: 1

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

1 complaint

OUR SON WAS DRIVING OUR 2004 SUBARU OUTBACK INTO A TARGET PARKING LOT. AS HE ENTERED HE NOTICED SMOKE AND HEAT COMING FROM DRIVER'S DOOR. HE STOPPED, SHUT THE ENGINE OFF AS FLAMES WERE NOW COMING FROM THE DOOR. HE CALLED THE DURHAM NORTH CAROLINA FIRE DEPARTMENT AND THEY PUT OUT THE FIRE. INTERIOR OF CAR IN DOOR, DASH, WINDSHIELD AREAS SEVERELY DAMAGED. APPEARS TO BE ELECTRIC PROBLEM ALTHOUGH NO WINDOWS OR ANYTHING IN THIS DOOR AREA WERE IN OPERATION. NO PRIOR PROBLEMS. CAR TOWED TO AAA AND WILL TAKE IT TO SUBARU DEALER NEXT WEEK. HE AVOIDED GETTING BURNT, BARELY. *TR

Oct 30, 2010

Fire: 1

SUSPENSION,EQUIPMENT

1 complaint

2004 SUBARU OUTBACK WHEEL BEARING FAILURE. *TR

Sep 20, 2010

POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

1 complaint

THE AUTOMATIC GEAR SHIFT HAD BEEN LOCKED IN PARK, WHICH NEVER HAPPENED PREVIOUSLY. IT EVENTUALLY WAS RELEASED BY PUTTING THE TIP OF A KEY INTO THE AREA OF THE PANEL. ADVISED FOR THIS PROBLEM IN THE DRIVERS MANUAL. AFTER DRIVING THE VEHICLE TWICE MORE , IT WAS PARKED AGAIN. WHEN THE KEY WAS PUT IN THE IGNITION, THERE WAS A WHIRRING SOUND AND WHEN IT STARTED, IT SURGED FORWARD VERY RAPIDLY AND COULD NOT BE STOPPED BY USING THE BRAKES.. THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF CONTROL. IT WAS OFF THE ROAD AND ROCKS PUNCTURED A TIRE. IT STOPPED. WHEN BROUGHT TO THE SUBARU REPAIR SHOP, THE INSURANCE ADJUSTOR DID NOT ADVISE REPAIR, BECAUSE OF HEAVY DAMAGE TO THE ENGINE, TRANSMISSION ETC. *TR

Dec 01, 2009

Crash: 1

STEERING

1 complaint

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE STEERING ABNORMALLY REVERTS TO THE RIGHT AS IF THE STEERING COLUMN IS LOCKED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, BUT THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE FAILURE AND PROVIDE A REMEDY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 99,500.

May 14, 2009

WHEELS

1 complaint

REAR WHEEL BEARING FAILURE ON 2004 SUBARU OUTBACK WITH 75,000 MILES. *TR

May 04, 2009

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,EQUIPMENT

1 complaint

BLOWN HEADGASKET AT ONLY 40K. CAR HAS BEEN MAINTAINED ON A REGULAR SCHEDULE WITH EXTRA CARE CAR WHEN NEEDED. TOOK TO DEALER AND COMPLAINED OF SMELL OF COOLANT IN THE INTERIOR OF CAR WHEN DRIVING AND AFTER SHUTTING VEHICLE DOWN OR AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT STOP. TOOK TO DEALER COMPLAINING OF A NOISE COMING FROM THE BOTTOM OF ENGINE. AFTER THE DEALER EXAMINED VEHICLE NOTHING WAS FOUND AS PER REPORT. I TOOK THE CAR FOR BRAKE REPAIR AND THE MECHANIC NOTED A COOLANT LEAK FROM THE LEFT BANK OF THE ENGINE BLOCK. HE STATED THAT HE CAR HAS A BLOWN HEADGASKET ON THE LEFT BANK OF THE CYLINDER BLOCK. THE WARRANTY ON THE POWERTRAIN IS ABOUT TO RUN OUT AND HE ADVISED TO RETURN THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR THE REPAIR. HE DID STATE THAT THE DEALER WILL ONLY REPAIR THE BANK THAT IS LEAKING AND THE OTHER WOULD NOT BE COVERED AND SHOULD BE DONE AT THE SAME TIME TO PREVENT THE OTHER BANK FROM BLOWING OUT DUE TO A CHANGE IN THE BALANCE OF PRESSURE ON THE BLOCK RESULTING FROM THE REPLACEMENT OF ONLY ONE HEADGASKET. *TR

Mar 10, 2009

AIR BAGS,EQUIPMENT

1 complaint

WITH YOUR APPROVAL, I HAD AN AOI ELECTRICAL AIR BAG SWITCH INSTALLED ON MY 2004 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE AIR BAG ERROR LIGHT WILL NOT RESET AND SUBARU HAS INFORMED THEM THAT ALL AIR BAGS MAY BE IMMOBILIZED AS WELL AS THE SEAT BELT TENSIONERS. I CANNOT SEEM TO GET AOIELECTRICAL TO ATTEND TO THE PROBLEM. *TR

Nov 25, 2008

SUSPENSION,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

1 complaint

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE DRIVING UPHILL AT 70 MPH WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ACTIVATED, THE RPM'S INCREASED TO 6,000. THE RPM'S THEN DECREASED AND THE TIRES CHURPED. THE CONTACT HEARD A BUMPING SOUND, WHICH WAS THE SOUND OF THE FRONT AXLES FAILING. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 94,000.

Apr 28, 2008

POWER TRAIN,EQUIPMENT

1 complaint

I PURCHASED A NEW 2004 SUBARU OUTBACK (MANUAL TRANSMISSION) IN MAY 2004. I HAVE BEEN VERY HAPPY WITH THE VEHICLE, HAVE MAINTAINED IT PER MANUFACTURERS INSTRUCTIONS AND HAVE HAD NO PROBLEMS WITH IT. ON JUNE 30, 2006 I TOOK THE CAR TO MY LOCAL DEALER IN RESPONSE TO A NOTICE STATING THERE WAS A RECALL ON 2004 OUTBACKS FOR AN "ENGINE CONTROL MODULE REPROGRAMMING (REFLASH). SINCE THAT REPROGRAMMING THE RPMS ARE SLUGGISH IN RETURNING TO NORMAL IN BETWEEN SHIFTS AND AT IDLE. IN-BETWEEN SHIFTS, THE RE-ENGAGEMENT OF THE CLUTCH IS WHAT FORCES THE ENGINE RPMS DOWN TO MATCH THE TRANSMISSION REVOLUTIONS (I DO HAVE CONCERNS THIS WILL EVENTUALLY CAUSE ABNORMAL WEAR ON THE CLUTCH PLATE. IT CAN TAKE ANYWHERE FROM 1.5-5 SECONDS FOR THE RPMS TO DROP FROM 3-4,000 RPMS TO 1,000 RPMS; AND LONGER AT HIGHER RPMS. THIS IS DANGEROUS WHEN A SUDDEN DECREASE IN SPEED IS ESSENTIAL FOR SAFETY (THE BRAKES ARE FIGHTING THE ENGINE REVVING EVEN THOUGHT THE ACCELERATOR HAS BEEN RELEASED). MY GAS MILEAGE HAS DECREASED DUE TO OVER-REVVING (I HAVE KEPT A MILEAGE LOG SINCE I PURCHASED THE CAR). ON ONE ROAD TRIP LAST AUGUST, THE RPMS NEVER DROPPED BELOW 1000 AND, IN FACT, FLUCTUATED BETWEEN 1,000 AND 2,000 RPMS AT IDLE! I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR BACK TO THE LOCAL DEALER NUMEROUS TIMES OVER THE LAST 5 MONTHS (AND 7,000+ MILES) TO TRY TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. A CASE # WAS OPENED WITH SUBARU OF AMERICA AND I HAVE BEEN IN TOUCH WITH THEM SEVERAL TIMES REGARDING THE ISSUE. A "FIELD REP" HAS COLLECTED DATA ON THE VEHICLE AND SENT IT OFF TO THE CORPORATE TECHS. THE LOCAL DEALER HAS DONE EVERYTHING THEY KNOW TO DO AT THIS POINT. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT THERE IS NOTHING "WRONG" WITH THE CAR. THIS IS NOT ACCEPTABLE TO ME; IT WAS A GREAT CAR UNTIL THE ECM RE-PROGRAMMING. I CANNOT DRIVE THIS CAR FOR THE REST OF IT'S LIFE IN THIS CONDITION; NOR WOULD I WANT TO SELL IT TO ANOTHER PERSON DUE TO SAFETY CONCERNS. IT IS NOT SAFE. *NM

Dec 08, 2006

AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

1 complaint

2002 L.L. BEAN OUTBACK ACCELERATED UNCONTROLLABLY, MAKING THE VEHICLE VIBRATE. VEHICLE WENT UP OVER PARKING BARRIERS AND SHRUBBERY AND ROLLED OVER. *KB THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY DURING THE ACCIDENT. THE CONSUMER COMPLAINED OF BODY PAIN, BUT REFUSED MEDICAL TREATMENT. THE POLICE OFFICER STATED IN HIS REPORT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS FOUND IN THE REVERSE POSITION. THE CONSUMER STATED SHE NEVER TOOK HER FOOT OFF THE BRAKE. THE CONSUMER AND HER HUSBAND HAD EXPERIENCED PROBLEMS PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT. THE CONSUMER EXPERIENCED A HESITATION IN SHIFTING AND VARIATION IN ENGINE SPEED. *JB

Jul 10, 2006

Crash: 1

Injuries: 1

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

1 complaint

MY SUBARU, FORESTER XT HAS HAD NUMEROUS PROBLEMS SINCE IT HAD 5000 MILES. THE ENGINE PERFORMANCE IS INCONSISTENT. THE CAR HAS AN INTERMITTENT MISS AT IDLE, CRUISE CONTROL THAT DISENGAGES AT WILL, IS DIFFICULT TO START INTERMITTENTLY; SPITTING AND SPUTTER FOR 30 SECONDS, ACTS AS IF IT WILL STALL OCCASIONALLY WHILE BRAKING, AND THE CLUTCH DOES NOT GRIP THE FLYWHEEL PROPERLY. WHILE PASSING ON 2 LANE ROADS, I HAVE NEARLY HAD NUMEROUS HEAD-ON ACCIDENTS; THE CAR DOES NOT ACCELERATE CONSISTENTLY. THE CRUISE CONTROL DEFECT HAS NEARLY CAUSED MANY OTHER ACCIDENTS IN DISTINCT CONDITIONS: 1. WHILE ASCENDING HILLS, I HAVE NEARLY BEEN REAR-ENDED BY OTHER CARS WHEN MY CAR LOSES SPEED WITHOUT WARNING 2. WHILE DESCENDING HILLS, I HAVE NEARLY LOST CONTROL AS THE CAR ACCELERATES WHILE CRUISE CONTROL HAS DISENGAGED I HAVE PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR WHEN I MUST TAKE OFF HARD, ESPECIALLY WHEN CROSSING A BUSY STREET. WHEN LAUNCHING HARD, THE CLUTCH WILL SLIP EXCESSIVELY. THE CAR WILL NOT ACCELERATE; IT WILL ONLY BURN THE CLUTCH CREATING A LARGE CLOUD OF SMOKE. IT DOES NOT MATTER WHICH GEAR I SWITCH TOO OR HOW MUCH THROTTLE I APPLY; THE CLUTCH WILL NOT GRIP UNTIL IT COOLS DOWN. I HAVE NEARLY BEEN HIT NUMEROUS TIMES BECAUSE OF THIS. I AM EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH THE BRAKE PEDAL. AFTER BRAKING TO A STOP, WHEN THE ENGINE IDLES DOWN, THE BRAKE PEDAL WILL SINK AN ADDITIONAL HALF AN INCH. I HAVE BROUGHT MY CAR TO 2 DIFFERENT DEALERSHIPS, AND INVOLVED SUBARU'S REGIONAL SERVICE MANAGER. ALL EFFORTS TO REPAIR MY CAR HAVE BEEN UNSUCCESSFUL OR IGNORED. THE DEALERSHIPS HAVE ONLY ADJUSTED SWITCHES AND REPLACED AN OXYGEN SENSOR. THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOW CLAIMED THAT THEY WILL NOT ISSUE A REPAIR ORDER, SINCE THE PROBLEMS ARE INTERMITTENT, EVEN THOUGH THE LEAD TECH HAS EXPERIENCED THE PROBLEM, AND THEY CAN'T REPLICATE THE PROBLEMS. I AM STUCK WITH A DEFECTIVE VEHICLE THAT IS GOING TO CAUSE A SERIOUS ACCIDENT, AS I DRIVE 1500 MILES PER WEEK THROUGHOUT A 6 STATE REGION.*AK

Aug 31, 2004

Crash: 1

SEATS

1 complaint

VEHICLE HAS 6 WAY POWER SEATS AND A LEVER WHICH ADJUSTS THE SEAT BACK TO A STRAIGHT POSITION. WHEN LEANING AGAINST THE BACK OF THE SEAT IT CAUSES THE BACK TO COLLAPSE BACKWARDS. THE SEAT BACK FAILS TO STAY LOCKED IN THE UPRIGHT POSITION. MANUFACTURER IS GIVING THE CONSUMER $500.00 TOWARDS MODIFICATION OF THE SEAT. TO CORRECT THE FAILURE THE SEAT HAS TO BE ERGONOMICALLY SOUND IN AN UPRIGHT POSITION. BUT IF THIS IS DONE THE CONSUMER'S HEAD WILL BE HITTING THE ROOF, PER THE MODIFICATION REPAIR SHOP. *AK

May 24, 2004

4.3/5.0

46 reviews

SUBARU Outback VIN Decoder — Free VIN Check Video Guide

Watch our quick SUBARU Outback VIN decoder walkthrough. Learn how to decode any SUBARU Outback VIN number to get full vehicle history, recall alerts, specifications, fuel economy (MPG), safety ratings, and known problems — completely free on ForCar.org.

Where to Find VIN for Problems Check

To check for problems and complaints on your 2004 SUBARU Outback, you'll need the VIN number. Find your VIN in one of these 4 common locations.

Where to Find VIN Number on 2004 SUBARU Outback for Problems Lookup - Dashboard, Door Jamb, Engine Bay, Documents

Understanding VIN Structure for Problem Reports

Each character in your 2004 SUBARU Outback 17-digit VIN helps identify specific complaints and problems affecting your vehicle model.

2004 SUBARU Outback VIN Structure for Complaint Verification - WMI, VDS, Check Digit, Model Year, Plant Code

How to Check 2004 SUBARU Outback Problems in 3 Steps

Locate Your VIN

Find the 17-character VIN on your 2004 SUBARU Outback dashboard (visible through windshield), door jamb, engine bay, or vehicle documents.

Review by Component

Browse owner-reported complaints organized by vehicle component (engine, transmission, brakes, electrical) to identify common issues and problem patterns for this model year.

Check Safety Issues

Review crash and fire incidents for each component to assess safety concerns. Contact your SUBARU dealer or report problems to NHTSA at SaferCar.gov.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many problems does the 2004 SUBARU Outback have?

The 2004 SUBARU Outback currently has 90 owner-reported complaints according to NHTSA database. These complaints are organized by component to help identify common issues.

What are the most common problems with 2004 SUBARU Outback?

The most common problems reported for the 2004 SUBARU Outback are organized by component above. Each component section shows owner-reported issues, crash reports, and fire incidents to help identify patterns and problem areas.

Where does this 2004 SUBARU Outback problem data come from?

All problem and complaint data for the 2004 SUBARU Outback comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.

How do I report problems with my 2004 SUBARU Outback?

You can report safety problems with your 2004 SUBARU Outback directly to NHTSA at SaferCar.gov or call 1-888-327-4236. Your complaint helps identify patterns and may lead to recalls or investigations.

Where can I find my VIN to check problems?

Your 2004 SUBARU Outback VIN is located in 4 places: (1) Dashboard near windshield on driver's side, (2) Driver's door jamb sticker, (3) Engine bay, (4) Vehicle registration and insurance documents.

Is the 2004 SUBARU Outback reliable?

Reliability can be assessed by reviewing the number and severity of owner complaints for the 2004 SUBARU Outback. Check complaints by component, crash reports, and fire incidents above to evaluate potential issues and problem patterns.