Owners have filed 113 complaints
about the 2004 Subaru Impreza with NHTSA between 2004 and 2025.
The largest single group is the fuel & propulsion.
Across this model's run it ranks 10 of 31 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 51
Against the median year of the Subaru Impreza. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 87
16.8% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 70
41% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
11.2%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
1416.5%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
1315.3%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
910.6%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
1112.9%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
78.2%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
2124.7%
150,000+ miles
910.6%
NHTSA crash tests
The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own
photographs and star ratings.
These stars come from the pre-2011 crash test programme. NHTSA
rebuilt the programme for the 2011 model year and states that
ratings either side of that change are not comparable — so do
not read these against a 2011-or-newer car's stars.
Frontal crash test
Side barrier crash test
Photographs taken by NHTSA during its own New Car Assessment Program crash
tests of this model year. Public domain.
Configuration
Overall
Front
Side
Rollover
2004 Subaru Impreza Wagon 4-DR.
—
—
—
11.8% risk
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Jun 2004peak 9Apr 2025
NHTSA investigations into the 2004 Subaru Impreza
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
1
investigation is
still open.
EA15001Opened 24 Feb 2015Still openAIR BAGS:FRONTAL
Air Bag Inflator Rupture
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE14-016 in June 2014 based on six inflator rupture incidents involving consumer owned vehicles produced by five vehicle manufacturers.All six vehicles were operated in Florida or Puerto Rico at the time of the rupture and for the majority of their service life, and were equipped with inflators produced by Takata, a tier-one supplier of automotive air bag systems.During the course of PE14-016, ODI determined that five additional vehicle manufacturers used inflators of a similar design and vintage also supplied by Takata. No evidence of field fai...
PE14016Opened 11 Jun 2014Closed 2 Mar 2015AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
Air Bag Inflator Rupture
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE14-016 in June 2014 based on six inflator rupture incidents involving consumer owned vehicles produced by five vehicle manufacturers.All six vehicles were operated in Florida or Puerto Rico at the time of the rupture and for the majority of their service life, and were equipped with inflators produced by Takata, a tier-one supplier of automotive air bag systems.During the course of PE14-016, ODI determined that five additional vehicle manufacturers used inflators of a similar design and vintage also supplied by Takata. No evidence of field fai...
PE11011Opened 7 Apr 2011Closed 23 Sep 2011SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM
Front suspension control arm failure
On September 6, 2011, Fuji Heavy Industries USA, Inc, on behalf of Subaru of America, Inc notified the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) it would be conducting a safety recall of certain model year (MY) 2002 through 2007 Subaru Impreza, MY 2003 through 2008 Subaru Forester, and MY 2005 through 2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold or currently registered in one the salt belt states including the District of Columbia (DC). For the purpose of this investigation, salt belt states include Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mis...
PE09017Opened 10 Mar 2009Closed 2 Jul 2009FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:CARBURETOR SYSTEM
FUEL LINE LEAK
COMPLAINANTS REPORT FUEL LEAKAGE MOST FREQUENTLY IN WINTER DURING INITIAL COLD ENGINE STARTUP.OWNERS WILL EITHER NOTICE A FUEL ODOR INSIDE THE OCCUPANT COMPARTMENT OR FUEL ODOR/LEAKAGE AT THE FUEL LINES ON THE RIGHT SIDE ATOP THE ENGINE. ONCE THE ENGINE HAS WARMED, THE ODOR/LEAKAGE MAY CEASE.SUBARU REVISED THE FUEL PIPE/HOSE DESIGN FOR MODEL YEAR (MY) 2003-04 WRX VEHICLES PRODUCED AFTER AUGUST 2003.SUBARU ALSO INTRODUCED A MY 2004 IMPREZA STI VEHICLE WITH A DIFFERENT ENGINE AND FUEL PIPE/HOSE LAYOUT.OUT OF THE TOTAL OF 994 COMPLAINTS, 944 CONCERN MY 2002-03 WRX VEHICLES BUILT THROUGH AUGUST 20...
Recalls on the 2004 Subaru Impreza
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
23V076000
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2004-2005 Impreza and WRX vehicles that received replacement front passenger air bag inflators under a previous recall. The replacement air bag inflators may have been installed incorrectly.
Risk: An incorrectly installed inflator may not properly inflate the passenger air bag, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
20V002000
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
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.
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
20V003000
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
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.
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
20V001000
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
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.
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
15V323000
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
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.
Risk: 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.
11V464000
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM
SUBARU IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2002-2007 IMPREZA, MODEL YEAR 2003-2008 FORESTER, AND MODEL YEAR 2005-2006 SAAB 9-2X VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 5, 2000 THROUGH NOVEMBER 26, 2007 ORIGINALLY SOLD, OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN, MASSACHUSETTS, MARYLAND, MICHIGAN, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW YORK, PENNSYLVANIA, VERMONT, WISCONSIN, CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, IOWA, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, MAINE, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW JERSEY, OHIO, RHODE ISLAND, WEST VIRGINIA AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. THE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARMS MAY BREAK AT THE HANGER BRACKETS DUE TO CORROSION IF THE HANGER BRACKET IS EXPOSED TO SALTY AND HUMID ENVIRONMENTS SUCH AS ROADS CONTAINING SNOW MELTING AGENT.
Risk: A BROKEN CONTROL ARM CAN RESULT IN THE LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
04V473000
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE COVER BOLTS FOR THE ENGINE OIL CONTROL VALVE MAY NOT BE SUFFICIENTLY TIGHTENED, ALLOWING OIL TO LEAK FROM AROUND THE COVER GASKET.
Risk: IF LEAKING OIL CONTACTS COMPONENTS OPERATING AT HIGH TEMPERATURES, A FIRE COULD RESULT IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.
04V128000
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CABLES
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.
Risk: IF THIS OCCURS DURING VEHICLE OPERATION, THE DRIVER COULD LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 202000123,159 units in Canada
Airbag
Issue: This recall is for certain vehicles that had an airbag inflator replaced as a part of an earlier recall campaign. This recall provides a final repair. Long-term exposure to high absolute humidity and temperature, combined with high temperature cycling, may eventually degrade the propellant contained in the passenger-front airbag. This could cause the airbag to deploy with more force than normal. If the airbag inflator ruptures, fragments could be propelled toward vehicle occupants or cause damage to the airbag assembly, preventing its proper function. Safety Risk: If the vehicle is involved in a crash requiring an airbag deployment, the airbag inflator could rupture and create a risk of injury. Corrective Actions: Owners will be notified by mail and instructed to take their vehicle to a dealer to inspect the passenger-front airbag inflator. The passenger-front airbag module or inflator will be replaced as necessary. Note: The Canadian climate results in the propellant degrading slowly. This recall is being conducted as a precaution to address future risk. It is expected that all airbag inflators will be replaced before their function would be affected.
Recall 201523412,400 units in Canada
Airbag
On certain vehicles, the passenger frontal airbag inflator could produce excessive internal pressure during airbag deployment. Increased pressure may cause the inflator to rupture, which could allow fragments to be propelled toward vehicle occupants, increasing the risk of injury. This could also damage the airbag module, which could prevent proper deployment. Failure of the passenger airbag to fully deploy during a crash (where deployment is warranted) could increase the risk of personal injury to the seat occupant. Correction: Dealers will replace airbag inflators.
Recall 20142851,112 units in Canada
Airbag
On certain vehicles, the passenger (frontal) airbag inflator could produce excessive internal pressure during airbag deployment. Increased pressure may cause the inflator to rupture, which could allow fragments to be propelled toward vehicle occupants, increasing the risk of injury. This could also damage the airbag module, which could prevent proper deployment. Failure of the airbag to fully deploy during a crash (where deployment is warranted) could increase the risk of personal injury to the seat occupant. Correction: Dealers will replace the passenger airbag inflator.
Recall 201134459,432 units in Canada
Suspension
On certain vehicles, the front lower control arms could corrode due to exposure to humid environments and road de-icing chemicals. Over time, corrosion could progress causing thinning and perforation of the steel, which could allow the control arm to fracture near the forward pivot attachment to the chassis. Lower control arm failure could result in a loss of vehicle control and a crash causing property damage and/or personal injury. Correction: Dealers will inspect the front lower control arms and, depending on the degree of corrosion exhibited, will either rustproof or replace them.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 65,000 milesSaint Paul, MN1 injured
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
THERE IS A VERY STRONG SMELL OF UNBURNED FUEL IN THE CABIN ON COLD DAYS (BELOW 10F). THE FUEL SMELL DISSIPATES WHEN THE CAR WARMS-UP. THE SMELL HAS CAUSED PASSENGERS IN THE CAR TO BECOME SICK AND IS A SERIOUS DISTRACTION TO DRIVING. WHEN I CONTACTED TWO DIFFERENT SUBARU DEALERS, THEY ACTED LIKE IT WAS THE FIRST TIME THEY HAD HEARD OF THIS ISSUE AND BOTH WANTED TO TAKE THE ENGINE APART. HOWEVER, A QUICK SEARCH ON THE INTERNET REVEALS THIS IS A PREVALENT ISSUE FOR THE SUBARU IMPREZA IN COLD WEATHER.
NHTSA complaint #10671803 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesWilliamstown, MAFire
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
I WAS DRIVING MY 2004 SUBARU IMPREZA OUTBACK SPORT WHEN I HAD A FLAT TIRE (RIGHT REAR). I CHANGED THE TIRE, USING THE "DONUT" IN THE CAR. I DROVE ANOTHER 25 MILES NO FASTER THAN 40 MPH, AND US. SLOWER. THEN A DRIVER BEHIND ME FLASHED HER LIGHTS SIGNALING ME TO STOP. I STOPPED AND LEARNED MY CAR WAS BURNING UNDERNEATH, NEAR THE BACK. WHEN I HAD THE CAR LOOKED AT, I FOUND THAT THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL WAS BADLY DAMAGED. IN THE OWNER'S MANUAL, PERSONS WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS ARE INSTRUCTED TO USE A SWITCH TO TURN OFF THE AWD WHEN DRIVING ON THE "DONUT." OTHERWISE, DAMAGE TO THE DIFFERENTIAL IS LIKELY. HOWEVER, NO SUCH SWITCH EXISTS FOR CARS WITH MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS, WHICH I HAVE. I FOLLOWED THE INSTRUCTIONS, NOT GOING MORE THAN 50 MPH OR MORE THAN 50 MILES ON THE DONUT. BUT I DID EXTENSIVE DAMAGE ANYWAY, AND THE FIRE (WHICH WAS CAUSED BY THE HEAT OF THE DIFFERENTIAL SETTING THE UNDERCOATING ON FIRE) COULD HAVE BEEN DANGEROUS.
NHTSA complaint #10274168 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 3,285 milesGibsonia, PACrash1 injured
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CABLES
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SUBARU IMPREZA. WHEN THE CONSUMER SAT IN THE VEHICLE WITH THE EMERGENCY BRAKE ON, THE VEHICLE TOOK OFF ON ITS OWN. IN ADDITION, THE CRUISE CONTROL LIGHT ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL FOR THE CRUISE CONTROL. WHILE THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE BEGAN ACCELERATING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS DIFFICULT TO CONTROL AND CRASHED INTO THE TREES BEHIND HIS HOUSE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED MINOR CUTS AND BRUISES. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 32,000. UPDATED 12-15-08 *BF UPDATED 12/17/08.
NHTSA complaint #10248993 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 28,500 milesBoston, MACrashFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
I WAS DRIVING DOWN A MAIN ROAD IN BOSTON WHEN MY ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE. AS A RESULT I ENDED UP CRASHING INTO A SNOW BANK. WHEN I REPORTED THIS TO THE DEALERSHIP THEY SAID THAT THEY WOULD LOOK AT THE PROBLEM AND FIX IT. WHEN THE CAR WAS INSPECTED IT WAS FOUND TO HAVE AFTERMARKET PARTS THAT ARE NOT D.O.T. LEGAL AND NO C.A.R.B. ID'S. ALL OF THESE MODIFICATIONS WERE INSTALLED PRIOR OF ME BUYING THIS VEHICLE AND IT WAS SOLD TO ME WITH A WARRENTY. I HAD COMPLAINED ABOUT A SMELL OF GAS AND A HUGE LOSS OF OIL BEFORE THIS HAPPENED BUT WAS TOLD THAT IS HOW A SUBARU IMPREZA WRX STI RUNS. ALSO THE DEALERSHIP GOT A EMMISIONS STICKER FOR THIS CAR WHEN IT WILL NOT PASS EMISSIONS WITH ALL OF THE AFTERARKET PARTS. NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO FIX THIS PROBLEM AND THE DEALERSHIP REFUSES TO TAKE ANY RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS EVENT.
NHTSA complaint #10236612 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 28,500 milesBoston, MACrashFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM
I WAS DRIVING DOWN A MAIN ROAD IN BOSTON WHEN MY ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE. AS A RESULT I ENDED UP CRASHING INTO A SNOW BANK. WHEN I REPORTED THIS TO THE DEALERSHIP THEY SAID THAT THEY WOULD LOOK AT THE PROBLEM AND FIX IT. WHEN THE CAR WAS INSPECTED IT WAS FOUND TO HAVE AFTERMARKET PARTS THAT ARE NOT D.O.T. LEGAL AND NO C.A.R.B. ID'S. ALL OF THESE MODIFICATIONS WERE INSTALLED PRIOR OF ME BUYING THIS VEHICLE AND IT WAS SOLD TO ME WITH A WARRENTY. I HAD COMPLAINED ABOUT A SMELL OF GAS AND A HUGE LOSS OF OIL BEFORE THIS HAPPENED BUT WAS TOLD THAT IS HOW A SUBARU IMPREZA WRX STI RUNS. ALSO THE DEALERSHIP GOT A EMMISIONS STICKER FOR THIS CAR WHEN IT WILL NOT PASS EMISSIONS WITH ALL OF THE AFTERARKET PARTS. NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO FIX THIS PROBLEM AND THE DEALERSHIP REFUSES TO TAKE ANY RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS EVENT.
NHTSA complaint #10236612 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 28,500 milesBoston, MACrashFire
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
I WAS DRIVING DOWN A MAIN ROAD IN BOSTON WHEN MY ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE. AS A RESULT I ENDED UP CRASHING INTO A SNOW BANK. WHEN I REPORTED THIS TO THE DEALERSHIP THEY SAID THAT THEY WOULD LOOK AT THE PROBLEM AND FIX IT. WHEN THE CAR WAS INSPECTED IT WAS FOUND TO HAVE AFTERMARKET PARTS THAT ARE NOT D.O.T. LEGAL AND NO C.A.R.B. ID'S. ALL OF THESE MODIFICATIONS WERE INSTALLED PRIOR OF ME BUYING THIS VEHICLE AND IT WAS SOLD TO ME WITH A WARRENTY. I HAD COMPLAINED ABOUT A SMELL OF GAS AND A HUGE LOSS OF OIL BEFORE THIS HAPPENED BUT WAS TOLD THAT IS HOW A SUBARU IMPREZA WRX STI RUNS. ALSO THE DEALERSHIP GOT A EMMISIONS STICKER FOR THIS CAR WHEN IT WILL NOT PASS EMISSIONS WITH ALL OF THE AFTERARKET PARTS. NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO FIX THIS PROBLEM AND THE DEALERSHIP REFUSES TO TAKE ANY RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS EVENT.
NHTSA complaint #10236612 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 235,000 milesNew Hartford, NY
SUSPENSION
The contact owns a 2004 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH and hard braking, the vehicle started shuddering violently and the steering wheel was not operating as needed. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to the residence at 20 MPH. The contact then inspected the vehicle and confirmed that the front driver's side control arm had fractured. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 11V464000 (Suspension). The dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 235,000.
NHTSA complaint #11652517 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Parker, CO
AIR BAGS
I have had this airbag recall repaired 8 years ago, yet the dealership (Autonation Subaru Arapahoe 9955 E Arapahoe Rd Centennial, CO 80112) REFUSES to submit the paperwork to complete the recall. I have contacted the dealership numerous times, I have had Subaru of America representatives come out to my house to verify this airbag recall has been completed, yet I cannot get the recall status of my vehicle to be updated to show that the recall has been completed.
NHTSA complaint #11622784 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2004 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, the vehicle stalled, and the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with an unknown code for the throttle body. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 162,000.
NHTSA complaint #11512789 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Severn, MD
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
There is a recall for fuel lines for MY2002-2003 Imprezas and the issue was resolved or a fix was implemented on late MY2004 vehicles. Unfortunately this means early MY2004 vehicles are still impacted by the issue with no recall in place. During cold weather or during cold engine startup fuel lines are prone to leaking onto cylinder head. Raw fuel can be observed dripping, and can be smelled in the engine bay and inside of the vehicle. This poses a fire risk during vehicle operation and the MY2002-2003 recall should be extended to MY2004 vehicles built prior to August 2003.
NHTSA complaint #11490317 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 191,000 milesTopeka, KS
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2004 Subaru Impreza. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 15V323000 (Air Bags) and 11V464000 (Suspension) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The dealer informed the contact that NHTSA Campaign Number: 11V464000 (Suspension) could not be completed due to excessive corrosion. The approximate failure mileage was 191,000. Parts distributions disconnect.
NHTSA complaint #11476389 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 191,000 milesTopeka, KS
SUSPENSION
The contact owns a 2004 Subaru Impreza. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 15V323000 (Air Bags) and 11V464000 (Suspension) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The dealer informed the contact that NHTSA Campaign Number: 11V464000 (Suspension) could not be completed due to excessive corrosion. The approximate failure mileage was 191,000. Parts distributions disconnect.
NHTSA complaint #11476389 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fullerton, CA
AIR BAGS
I have already visited my local Subaru dealer to remedy this recall. I have a physical invoice as proof that my vehicle was inspected & already has the correct air bag installed. I have called the recall line (855-371-5406) MANY times & no matter who I speak to the recall does not clear despite me informing them I have already completed the repair. All representatives say the same thing claiming they will "take care of it or speak to a manager" & telling me to wait so it clears on its own over time. It has now been almost 2 years since my visit & I am still receiving an excessive amount of notices. The vehicle works as it should 100% with no issues.
NHTSA complaint #11463274 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Newport News, VA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Rubber fuel lines under the intake manifold leak fuel when the temperature falls below 40 degrees F. The smell permeates the cabin and fuel can be seen wetting nearby surfaces under the intake. An inspection can be performed. This represents a fire safety hazard that could occur while the vehicle is in motion, jeopardizing all surrounding traffic. The problem is widely noted on Subaru internet forums, but only a recall for 2002-2003 models has been reported. My car is a very early 2004, so it shares traits of the 2003 engines. There are no warning lamps or notifications, only the smell of raw gas when the car starts and is in motion in winter temperatures. This has happened repeatedly since the issue first occurred, so I avoid driving this vehicle if at all possible.
NHTSA complaint #11448310 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Westmont, IL
SUSPENSION
The passenger side lower control arm failed due to corrosion. There was a previous recall to address this issue with an anti corrosion coating, but it did not prevent the control arm from corroding and failing. I had this addressed at the dealer, and they mentioned the issue was addressed. Recall NHTSA Campaign Number: 11V464000
NHTSA complaint #11424929 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Loveland, CO
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
THERE IS A STRONG FUEL/GASOLINE SMELL COMING THRU THE AIR VENTS FROM THE ENGINE WHEN THE TEMPERATURE GOES UNDER 30-25 DEGREES FARENHEIT. I'VE CHECKED UNDER THE HOOD AND THERE IS TWO FUEL HOSES THAT START LEAKING WHEN IT GETS COLD OUTSIDE. THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING EVERY WINTER SINCE I GOT MY CAR BACK IN 2016. I HAD THE CLAMPS ON THE HOSES RETIGHTENED BY A SUBARU DEALERSHIP BUT THAT DIDN'T SOLVE THE PROBLEM. I'M WRITING THIS COMPLAINT BECAUSE THERE IS AN OPEN RECALL FOR THIS ISSUE ON THE 2002 AND 2003 WRX, BUT NOT ON THE LATER MODELS. THERE'S MANY PEOPLE ON THE INTERNET WITH THE SAME ISSUE AND IT SEEMS TO BE HAPPENING TO OTHER YEARS OF WRX AND EVEN OTHER MODELS OF SUBARU. IT'S REALLY STRESSFUL AND ANNOYING HAVING THE STRONG SMELL OF FUEL COMING IN TO YOUR CAR. ALSO IT'S A FIRE HAZARD HAVING GASOLINE POOLING UP ON THE ENGINE BLOCK. THIS ISSUE HAS BEEN KNOWN TO SUBARU OF AMERICA BUT THEY ONLY TOOK CARE OF THE 2002 AND 2003 WRX MODELS. I'M HOPING THIS CAN SOMEHOW HELP OTHER SUBARU OWNERS GET THIS PROBLEM FIXED AS IT CAN BE SOMETHING THAT COULD END UP GETTING WORST.
NHTSA complaint #11396362 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 165,000 milesPoint OF Rocks, MD
SERVICE BRAKES
SIMILAR TO RECALL CAMPAIGN #WQK-47 THE HARD BRAKE LINE NEAR MY GAS TANK HAS CORRODED AND LEAKED ALL OF MY BRAKE FLUID. HAD I BEEN ON THE HIGHWAY THIS COULD HAVE BEEN CATASTROPHIC. THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION, I NOTICED THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS TRAVELING FARTHER THAN NORMAL. WHEN I GOT HOME, THERE WAS ALMOST NO BRAKING ABILITY LEFT IN THE CAR, PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. CHECKED MASTER CYLINDER, IT WAS EMPTY, ADDED FLUID, PRESSED ON BRAKES, COULD HEAR THE FLUID LEAKING OUT. CHECKED AROUND CAR TO FIND FLUID. THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM ON SUBARU'S AND THERE IS A RECALL FOR NEWER WRX'S FOR THE SAME ISSUE.
NHTSA complaint #11322968 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 198,000 milesColorado Springs, CO
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I ARRIVED AT A GAS STATION WHERE I FILLED UP MY SUBARU IMPREZA RS 2.5L WITH 87 UNLEADED MID GRADE FUEL AND FROM THAT POINT ON STILL TILL TODAY MY VEHICLE HAS HAS THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON, WHEN THE AIR CONDITIONER IS TURNED ON AND I'M GOING 55 MPH OR HIGHER GASOLINE CAN BE SMELLED WITHIN THE VEHICLE. WHEN REFUELING THE GAS PUMP CONTINOUSLY STOPS AS IF THE FUEL CHAMBER IS FULL. AFTER REFUELING THE VEHICLE FAILS TO TURN OVER OR STAGGERS WEAKLY TO START.
NHTSA complaint #11242199 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 110,000 milesParshippany, NJ
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SUBARU IMPREZA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. ALSO, WHEN THE CONTACT FILLED UP THE FUEL TANK, THERE WAS A STRONG ODOR INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT ALSO LOCATED FUEL INSIDE THE VEHICLE ON THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO PAUL MILLER SUBARU (3469 US-46, PARSIPANNY, NJ) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT FUEL WAS LEAKING FROM ALL THE FUEL LINES UNDER THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000.
NHTSA complaint #11174865 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 79,000 milesLOS Angeles, CA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
DRIVER SIDE FUEL LINE THAT IS CONNECTED TO THE FUEL RAIL UNDERNEATH THE TURBO INLET HOSE LEAKS GAS. THE SMELL IS VERY NOTICEABLE AND I'M PRETTY SURE IT'S DANGEROUS SINCE IT COULD CAUSE AN ENGINE FIRE.
NHTSA complaint #11089793 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 151,598 milesPittsfield, MA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
DURING COLD WEATHER A STRONG SMELL OF FUEL CAN BE DETECTED COMING FROM THE ENGINE BAY WHILE BOTH MOVING AND STATIONARY. THIS PROBLEM ONLY OCCURS DURING COLDER WEATHER.
NHTSA complaint #11061357 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 215,000 milesChicago, IL
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
DURING THE PAST 8+ WINTERS, THERE IS A STRONG FUEL SMELL. I'VE CALLED SUBARU OF AMERICA AND THEY SAID THAT ONLY THE TWO PREVIOUS MODELS WERE RECALLED FOR THIS PROBLEM. ACCORDING TO MY RESARCH, IT SOUNDS LIKE THIS PROBLEM PERSISTS WITH MANY SUBARU MODELS. I'VE BEEN ABLE TO CLOSE THE AIR VENTS TO KEEP THE SMELL OUT IN PREVIOUS YEARS. TODAY, WHITE SMOKE STARTED TO COME OUT OF MY HOOD WHILE DRIVING AND STATIONARY. THE TEMPERATURE IS IN THE SINGLE NEGATIVE DIGITS.I BELIEVE THERE IS NOW ENOUGH FUEL LEAKAGE ONTO THE MANIFOLD THAT IT IS STARTING THE SMOKE.
NHTSA complaint #11056931 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Thornton, CO
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
IT RECENTLY BEEN COLD IN COLORADO AND NOW I HAVE THIS RAW FUEL SMELL IN CABIN DURING COLD WEATHER. FUEL LINE LEAKING COMING FROM THE RUBBER HOSE CONNECTOR LOCATED UNDER THE INTAKE MANIFOLD, BETWEEN TWO DIRECT FEED LINE TO THE INJECTOR.
NHTSA complaint #11031970 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesDryden, NY
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
UNDER COLD CONDITIONS (40F OR LESS) THE RUBBER FUEL RAILS WILL CONTRACT UNDER THE INTAKE MANIFOLD AND WILL SLOWLY LEAK GASOLINE CAUSING AN OVERWHELMING SMELL AND POSSIBILITY FOR A FIRE. THIS HAPPENS WHEN THE CAR IS BOTH STATIONARY AND UNDER MOTION. THIS PROBLEM WAS ACKNOWLEDGED IN THE YEAR 2009 FOR THE 2002-2003 YEAR MODELS FOR THE SUBARU IMPREZA WRX AND A RECALL WAS ENACTED. HOWEVER, THIS RECALL DID NOT INCLUDE THE 2004-2005 MODELS EVEN THOUGH THE SAME ENGINE WITH THE SAME FUEL RAILS WERE USED. THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN CONSISTENT AND PREDICTABLE FOR THE 3 WINTERS THAT I HAVE OWNED THE CAR. I HAVE ALSO HEARD FROM OTHERS WITH THE SAME YEAR CAR THAT THEY ARE HAVING SIMILAR PROBLEMS. THE PICTURES I INCLUDED SHOW THE SCREW THAT CLAMPS THE RUBBER HOSES. THE GAS LEAKS AT THIS CONNECTING POINT BUT IT WAS HARD TO GET A PICTURE OF THE ACTUAL HOSES. I HAVE CONTACTED SUBARU OF AMERICA AND THEY DIRECTED ME TO BRING THIS UP WITH NHTSA. THANK YOU!
NHTSA complaint #11016137 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 1 milesFranklinville, NY
SUSPENSION
WHILE DRIVING AT ABOUT 30 MPH, THE CAR BEGAN TO SHAKE UNCONTROLLABLY. UPON INSPECTION OF THE FRONT END I SAW THAT THE LOWER SUSPENSION ARM HAD CRACKED.
NHTSA complaint #10981318 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 145,000 milesLenox, MA
SUSPENSION
DEALER CLAIMS TO HAVE PROPERLY PERFORMED A RECALL REPAIR, BUT THE PROBLEM PERSISTS I OWN A 2004 SUBARU IMPREZA. THERE IS A RECALL ON THE FRONT SUSPENSION FOR A SEVERE CORROSION ISSUE. I BROUGHT MY CAR IN TO HADDAD SUBARU FOR THE RECALL SERVICE IN 2011 I WAS RECENTLY INFORMED BY MY MECHANIC (NOT DEALER MECHANIC) THAT THE SUSPENSION IS DANGEROUSLY CORRODED AND IT "DOES NOT LOOK LIKE THE RECALL WAS PERFORMED ON THIS CAR." I HAD THIS OPINION CONFIRMED A SECOND MECHANIC. I RAISED THIS ISSUE WITH HADDAD SUBARU. THEY CONFIRM THE SUSPENSION IS DANGEROUSLY CORRODED, BUT WILL NOT REPLACE IT WITHOUT AUTHORIZATION FROM SUBARU I RAISED THIS ISSUE WITH SUBARU AMERICA AND THEY STATE THE RECALL WAS PERFORMED PREVIOUSLY BY HADAD SUBARU AND THEY HAVE NO FURTHER RESPONSIBILITY TO ADDRESS THE ISSUE. I AM DUBIOUS THE RECALL REPAIR WAS CORRECTLY PERFORMED BY HADAD SUBARU IN 2011 AND THAT IS WHY THERE IS A PROBLEM NOW. IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE, SO I HAVE FIXED IT MYSELF FOR NEARLY $1,000
NHTSA complaint #10949831 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chino Valley, AZ
AIR BAGS
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SUBARU IMPREZA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V323000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
NHTSA complaint #10916577 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 127,842 milesEllington, CT
SUSPENSION
LOWER CONTROL ARM FAILED CAUSING A COMPLETE LOSS OF STEERING DUE TO RUST.CAR WAS STARTING OUT JUST AFTER TRAFFIC LIGHT TURNED GREEN SO A VERY SLOW SPEED.THIS WOULD HAVE BEEN MUCH WORSE IF I WAS TRAVELING AT A FASTER SPEED. CAR WAS PREVIOUSLY RECALLED FOR THIS SAME ISSUE AND THE REPAIR WAS TO INSPECT AND SPRAY RUST PROOFING ON LOWER CONTROL ARMS. THIS WAS NOT AN ACCEPTABLE REPAIR AS IT FAILED ANYWAY. I HAVE A 2006 SAME MAKE AND MODEL WITH THE SAME RECALL AND IT WAS SPRAYED WITH RUST PROOFING. I EXPECT IT WILL FAIL ALSO IF SOMETHING MORE IS NOT DONE LIKE REPLACING THEM. SO FAR DEALER REFUSES TO REPLACE THEM.
NHTSA complaint #10903274 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 148,000 milesMonterey, CA
AIR BAGS
SUBARU RECALL CAMPAIGN WQR-53 NHTSA RECALL NO. 15V-323 CALLED THE DEALER THREE TIMES TO HAVE IT REPLACE. NO CALLED BACK WHAT OR WHERE DO I GO FROM HERE.
NHTSA complaint #10887970 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 182,000 milesPeoria, IL
AIR BAGS
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SUBARU IMPREZA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V32300 (AIR BAGS) AND STATED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME FRAME TO SCHEDULE THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALER DID NOT GIVE A SPECIFIC DATE FOR WHEN THE PART WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER COULD NOT PROVIDE AN ESTIMATED DATE FOR WHEN THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WOULD RECEIVE THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT WAS NOT EXPERIENCING A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10863934 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 65,000 milesGrand Island, NE
AIR BAGS
TAKATA RECALL - I RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER DATED JULY 2015. HAVING RECEIVED NO UPDATE I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP, DUTEAU SUBARU, IN LINCOLN, NE THIS FALL. THEY SAID THEY HAD NO PARTS. ON SUBARU'S WEBSITE TODAY I READ INSTRUCTIONS TO CALL THE DEALERSHIP AND MAKE AN APPOINTMENT FOR REPAIR. CALLING THE DEALERSHIP I WAS UNABLE TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT. THEY DID OFFER TO PUT MY NAME ON A WAITING LIST SHOULD PARTS ARRIVE.
NHTSA complaint #10840316 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
