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Fuel systemPart report

2004 Subaru Impreza Fuel system Problems

Complaints
37about this part
Share
39%of 96 total for the year
Median mileage
89,107miles
Trend
FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 37 complaints about the fuel system of the 2004 Subaru Impreza, 39% of the 96 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 89,107 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“Strong fuel smell when temperatures are below freezing that does not disipate. 2002-2003 models have been recalled for same design flaw in fuel line. Since I own a 2004, repair may cost upwards of $400 due to extensive labor involved. Found many others with same issue when researching situation online. I am concerned about potential fire hazard.”

NHTSA complaint #10820568, filed 2016-01, 120,000 miles

“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, filed 2019-08, 198,000 miles

“As with the previous years of this vehicle, I am experiencing the fuel leak under my intake manifold from the rubber fuel lines in cold weather. I have not experienced fire but the danger is present as the leak is near the turbo inlet and exhaust. The 2002-03 imprezas have been recalled.”

NHTSA complaint #10501900, filed 2013-03, 135,000 miles

“My 2004 Impreza wrx sti leaks gasoline out of a fuel line under the intake manifold every time the temperature drops below about 30 f. The rubber hose connecting the metal fuel lines isn't long enough and at that temperature the shrinkage is enough to make it visibly drip gasoline while the car is running. The hose location requires removing the intake manifold to gain access to fix the problem. I've researched this issue and there are many, many Subaru owners with the same problem. …”

NHTSA complaint #10683962, filed 2015-02, 95,000 miles

“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, filed 2017-12, 215,000 miles

Related service bulletins

Fuel system: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
202426%
201963%
201754%
201623%
201523%
201422%
201352%
201273%
2011610%
2010613%
200988%
200853%
200723%
2006713%
20051925%
20043739%
20032642%
20029934%
200119%
200037%
199929%
199615%
1995817%
1993515%

Other parts of the 2004 Subaru Impreza

Suspension
17 complaints
Air bags
14 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
9 complaints
Brakes
6 complaints
Engine cooling
5 complaints
Vehicle speed control
5 complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
4 complaints
Body and structure
3 complaints
Latches, locks and linkages
2 complaints
Electrical system
1 complaints
Equipment
1 complaints
Exterior lighting
1 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2004 Subaru Impreza

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology