2004 Subaru Outback
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Air bags is the leading concern among 90 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 23rd highest complaint count among 26 Outback model years with reports.
Of the 2004 reports, 9 involved a crash and 4 involved a fire. 4 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleJan 2, 2020
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (including STI), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2005-2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming or "Zone C." These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020. Subaru owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Saab owners may contact the Saab Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKC-20.
Campaign 20V003000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleJan 2, 2020
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (including STI), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020. Subaru owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Saab owners may contact the Saab Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKB-20.
Campaign 20V002000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleJan 2, 2020
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (STI included), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2005-2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators with alternate inflators, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020. Subaru Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Saab owners may contact the Saab Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKA-20.
Campaign 20V001000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleMay 25, 2016
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2003-2004 Legacy, Outback, and Baja vehicles originally sold or that have ever been registered in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming, or "Zone C.". These vehicles may be equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 24, 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-856-488-8500. Subaru's number for this recall is TKC-16. Note: This recall covers vehicles that were not previously covered in 16V-358 for Zone A or 16V-359 for Zone B.
Campaign 16V361000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleMay 25, 2016
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2003-2004 Legacy, Outback, 2006-2008 Impreza, Tribeca, 2006 Saab 9-2x, and 2003-2006 Baja vehicles originally sold or that have ever been registered in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." These vehicles may be equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 24, 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-856-488-8500. Subaru's number for this recall is TKB-16. Note: This notice is only for vehicles that were not covered by 16V-358 for Zone A.
Campaign 16V359000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleMay 25, 2016
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2003-2004 Legacy, Outback, 2009-2011 Legacy, Outback, Forester, 2006-2011 Impreza, Tribeca, 2003-2006 Baja, and 2006 Saab 9-2x vehicles originally sold or that have ever been registered in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." These vehicles may be equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 26, 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-856-488-8500. Saab owners may contact GM at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKA-16.
Campaign 16V358000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleMay 28, 2015
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2003-2004 Subaru Baja vehicles manufactured January 22, 2003, to July 21, 2004, 2004-2005 Impreza vehicles manufactured January 28, 2003, to May 31, 2005, 2003-2008 Subaru Legacy vehicles manufactured January 22, 2003, to May 2, 2008, 2003-2008 Subaru Outback vehicles manufactured February 18, 2003, to May 5, 2008, and 2005 Saab 9-2x vehicles manufactured February 11, 2004, to March 17, 2005. The affected vehicles are equipped with a passenger side frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture upon its deployment.
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
Subaru will notify their owners and General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The Subaru recall began on June 17, 2015. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. The Saab recall began on July 27, 2015. Owners of Saab vehicles may call 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is WQR-53. Note: The recall completely supersedes recall 14V-399 (WQL-48) and partially supersedes recall 14V-763 (WQP-51) in that model year 2004 through 2005 Subaru Impreza and model year 2005 Saab 9-2x vehicles are now only part of this campaign. Note: On December 18, 2015 Subaru informed NHTSA of an expansion of this recall to include certain model year 2003-2004 Subaru Baja, 2003-2008 Subaru Legacy and 2003-2008 Subaru Outback vehicles.
Campaign 15V323000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bagsDec 1, 2014
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2003-2004 Legacy and Outback vehicles, and 2003-2005 Baja vehicles sold, or ever registered, in geographic locations associated with high absolute humidity. Specifically, vehicles sold, or ever registered, in Puerto Rico, Hawaii, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, Saipan, American Samoa, Florida and adjacent counties in southern Georgia, as well as the coastal areas of Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. Upon deployment of the passenger side frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passengers frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
Subaru will notify their owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on January 15, 2015. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WQP-51. Note: This recall supersedes recall 14V-471. This recall has been partially superseded by 15V-323. All 2005 model year Subaru Legacy and Outback vehicles will now be repaired under recall 15V-323.
Campaign 14V763000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, delivery, fuel pumpNov 29, 2013
Airtex Products LP (Airtex) is recalling certain model E8598M, E8518M, E8600M, E8596M, and E8597M fuel pumps manufactured July 26, 2013, and July 29, 2013 and used as aftermarket replacements on Subaru Baja's, Outback's and Legacy's. The affected fuel pumps were sold or installed into the aftermarket applications on or after July 26, 2013, and may may leak fuel from the base of a fuel line connection when the gas tank is full.
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Airtex will notify owners, and will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. Recall is expected to begin on January 2, 2014. Customers may contact Airtex at 1-800-880-3056. The recall is expected to begin during January 2014. This recall is being conducted by Airtex, not by Subaru.
Campaign 13E065000 on NHTSA.gov
Vehicle speed control, cablesMar 16, 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. IF THIS CONDITION OCCURS, THE THROTTLE WILL NOT RETURN TO THE IDLE POSITION AND WILL REMAIN IN AN OPEN POSITION.
IF THIS OCCURS DURING VEHICLE OPERATION, THE DRIVER COULD LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
DEALERS WILL INSTALL A CRUISE CONTROL CABLE RETAINING CLIP TO THE CRUISE CONTROL LEVER TAB ON THE THROTTLE SHAFT IN ORDER TO PREVENT THE CRUISE CONTROL CABLE FROM COMING OUT OF ITS TRACK. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON APRIL 12, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT SUBARU AT 1-800-782-2783.
Campaign 04V128000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, storage, tank assembly, filler pipe and capAug 20, 2003
CERTAIN PASSENGER OR SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES MAY HAVE A LOOSE OR OUT OF POSITION FUEL FILLER HOSE CLAMP.
THIS COULD RESULT IN FUEL LEAKAGE. FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND TIGHTEN THE CLAMP ON THE FUEL FILLER HOSE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 27, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT SUBARU AT 1-800-782-2783.
Campaign 03V303000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
90 reports, newest first.
Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 7, 2014
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
Air bags, Nov 19, 2014
MY SUBARU HAS THE TAKATA AIR BAG AND THERE HAS BEEN NO RECALL. SUBARU HAS NOT RESPONDED TO MY REQUEST TO REPLACE THIS DANGEROUS, DEFECTIVE AIR BAG SYSTEM. *TR
Air bags, Nov 17, 2014
THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION WEB SITE REFLECTS MY VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER AS ONE LISTED IN THE AIR BAG RECALL ALERT. CHECKING WITH MY DEALER'S SERVICE MANAGER AT GOLDSTEIN SUBARU, IN ALBANY, N.Y. AND HE ASSURES ME MY VEHICLE IS NOT SUBJECT TO THE RECALL. LAST WEEK I SENT TWO E-MAILS TO SUBARU REQUESTING CLARIFICATION AND HAVE RECEIVED NO REPLY. PLEASE LET ME KNOW WHAT IN GOD'S NAME IS GOING ON. I HAVE HAD THIS CAR FOR 10 AND 1/2 YEARS AND IT IS IN VERY GOOD SHAPE. MY WIFE WILL NOT SIT IN THE FRONT PASSENGERS SEAT UNTIL THIS IS CLEARED UP. ' *TR
Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 13, 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
Air bags, Oct 31, 2014
SUBARU HAS NOT RESPONDED TO MY REQUEST FOR REPLACEMENT OF THE DEFECTIVE TAKATA AIR BAG IN MY CAR. *TR
Air bags, Oct 29, 2014
S10 APPROPRIATE HANDLING- LETTER TO THE SECRETARY FROM CONSTITUENT RE REQUESTING A NATIONAL RECALL ON ALL CARS THAT HAVE OR MAY HAVE DEFECTIVE TAKATA AIRBAGS. *SMD
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 1, 2014
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.
Vehicle speed control, Aug 28, 2014
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
Vehicle speed control, Jul 22, 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.
Steering, Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Jul 14, 2014, crash
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
Engine, Sep 5, 2013
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
Electrical system, Jun 12, 2013, fire
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
Power train, Feb 19, 2013
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
Electrical system, Engine, Feb 4, 2013, fire
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
Suspension, Jul 14, 2012
FRONT AXLE FAILURE. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Nov 1, 2011
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.
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 16, 2011
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.
Vehicle speed control, Jun 9, 2011, crash
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING INTO A PARKING SPACE THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED FORWARD WHILE THE CONTACT APPLIED THE BRAKES AND CRASHED INTO A BUILDING. THE CONTACTS FACE HIT THE STEERING WHEEL AND SHE ALSO INJURED HER ANKLE. THE VEHICLE WAS CURRENTLY IN THE DEALERS POSSESSION FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING TO DETERMINE WHAT MAY HAVE CAUSED THE SUDDEN ACCELERATION. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 67,000.
Other or unspecified, May 19, 2011
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
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 2, 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
Electrical system, Latches/locks/linkages, Oct 30, 2010, fire
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
Suspension, Equipment, Sep 20, 2010
2004 SUBARU OUTBACK WHEEL BEARING FAILURE. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Apr 1, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY BEGAN TO ACCELERATE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO APPLY THE BRAKE PEDAL AND SLOW THE VEHICLE DOWN; HOWEVER, WHEN HE RELEASED THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST BUT THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO OCCUR ON AN INTERMITTENT BASIS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 58,600. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 61,200.
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 30, 2010
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.
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 24, 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.