2004 Subaru Legacy Problems
- Complaints
- 49filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 85,000miles, 25 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 10campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 21 mpgcombined, 2.5L 4-cyl 4WD/AWD · 19 city / 25 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2004 Subaru Legacy (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 49 consumer complaints for the 2004 Subaru Legacy. The part named most often is air bags, with 26 complaints (53% of the total), followed by engine (5) and fuel system (5). 25 of the complaints include a mileage, and 36% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 85,000 miles. Of all complaints, 5 involved a crash, 3 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 10 recall campaigns and 196 technical service bulletins for this model year. Air bags complaints overlap with 8 recall campaigns covering the inflator module and 59 technical service bulletins filed under the same part. Engine complaints overlap with 13 technical service bulletins filed under the same part.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Air bags26 53%
- Engine5 10%
- Fuel system5 10%
- Brakes3 6.1%
- Engine cooling2 4.1%
- Electrical system1 2.0%
- Other or unknown1 2.0%
- Seat belts1 2.0%
Also reported: Body and structure (1), Suspension (1), Tires (1), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (1).
Example complaints
Air bags: “Takata recall: my car's been listed since last june. No contact whatsoever from Subaru even though that's what I was told to expect. This is unacceptable. Luckily no incident so far, but the fields in this complaint form require dates, etc. So I'll use today's date.”
NHTSA complaint #10969924, filed 2017-04, 120,000 milesEngine: “There is a fuel smell under the hood. A repairman said that the fuel clamps were loose, however, to get to them he had to take the fuel rail off the motor to e to the clamps. They could not be serviced without dis assembly. We were quoted $500 to make the repair. This problem is prevalent on web chat rooms for these cars.”
NHTSA complaint #10560926, filed 2014-01, 158,000 milesFuel system: “I was steering the car, just leaving the lot of a home improvement store. I made a right turn, drove the distance of, perhaps, a city block and moved into the left lane to make a left turn. I had to stop for a red light so I applied the brakes but the car did not want to stop. The engine began revving! The gas pedal was stuck! Feeling terrified, confused, not knowing what to do, I shoved the gear into park and turned the ignition switch to off. …”
NHTSA complaint #10313927, filed 2010-02, 34,000 milesVehicle speed control: “Sudden deceleration. Occurred at complete standstill, 25mph and 65mph, speed appears not to be a factor. Check engine light comes on and cruise control quits and cruise light blinks and engine defaults to 1500rpm, all happens simultaneously, ergo no warning. Complete loss of gas pedal control. Intermittent problem. Can happen a few times a day or nothing for a week. Tends to happen more from a cold engine start and within 3 miles of thee start. Very dangerous if on freeway, especially in fast lane and pulling out onto street, etc.”
NHTSA complaint #10486429, filed 2012-11, 149,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
36% of the 25 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 21,300 and 133,798 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2004 Subaru Legacy. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Legacy · sedan | not rated | 4 / 5 | — | — | 4 · 11.8% risk |
| Legacy · sedan | not rated | 4 / 5 | — | — | 4 · 10.7% risk |
Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2004 Subaru Legacy version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Legacy/Outback AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 19 | 25 | 21 | $3,200 |
| Legacy/Outback AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 19 | 25 | 21 | $3,200 |
| Legacy/Outback AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 18 | 25 | 21 | $3,200 |
| Legacy/Outback AWD | 3.0L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 17 | 23 | 19 | $4,350 |
| Legacy/Outback Wagon AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 19 | 25 | 21 | $3,200 |
| Legacy/Outback Wagon AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 19 | 25 | 21 | $3,200 |
| Legacy/Outback Wagon AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 18 | 24 | 20 | $3,350 |
| Legacy/Outback Wagon AWD | 3.0L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 17 | 23 | 19 | $4,350 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 20V001000Jan 2, 2020Air bags › Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator moduleCovers: Subaru Legacy 2003–2014, Outback 2003–2014, WRX 2004–2014 +4 more
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…
- 20V002000Jan 2, 2020Air bags › Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator moduleCovers: Subaru Legacy 2003–2014, Outback 2003–2014, WRX 2004–2014 +4 more
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…
- 20V003000Jan 2, 2020Air bags › Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator moduleCovers: Subaru Legacy 2003–2014, Outback 2003–2014, WRX 2004–2014 +4 more
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…
- 16V358000May 25, 2016Air bags › Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator moduleCovers: Subaru Legacy 2003–2004, 2009–2011, Impreza 2006–2011, Tribeca 2006–2011 +4 more
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…
- 16V359000May 25, 2016Air bags › Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator moduleCovers: Subaru Legacy 2003–2004, Baja 2003–2006, Impreza 2006–2008 +3 more
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…
- 16V361000May 25, 2016Air bags › Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator moduleCovers: Subaru Legacy 2003–2004, Outback 2003–2004, Baja 2003–2004
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…
See all 10 recalls for the 2004 Subaru Legacy → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 196 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11037943Oct 5, 2026Other or unknown, Electrical system. This announcement provides information on a new software update for the Midtronics Dss and DCA machines.
- 11037940Sep 18, 2026Other or unknown. This bulletin provides paint code information for 2027 model year vehicles.
- 11037930Sep 15, 2026Other or unknown. This announcement provides an update to all 2027 model year Subaru warranty coverages for wear items and adjustments.
- 11037929Sep 14, 2026Other or unknown, Electrical system. This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure. This is an revised version of the original bulletin.
- 11037927Sep 14, 2026Electrical system. This bulletin has been developed to outline the steps for gathering basic but essential information during diagnosis of Infotainment concerns. This is an revised version of the original bulletin.
- 11036807Aug 20, 2026Electrical system. This Service Information Bulletin outlines a systematic procedure for diagnosing parasitic draw (dark/standby current) in vehicles experiencing battery drain when the ignition is off, leading to…
- 11036796Aug 13, 2026Electrical system. This Bulletin has been developed to outline the steps for gathering basic but essential information during diagnosis of Infotainment concerns. (This is an revised version of the original bulletin.)
- 11036794Aug 5, 2026Electrical system. Techtips newsletter locator index.
- 11036789Aug 1, 2026Electrical system. This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure. This is an revised version of the original bulletin
- 11034249Jun 12, 2026Other or unknown. This announcement is requesting retailer staff to retain the EyeSight protective hood covers from Generation 4 EyeSight cameras.
Other model years of the Subaru Legacy
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 6 | 1,500 | 0 | 5 | 30 | — | Too new |
| 2024 | 17 | — | 0 | 5 | 30 | — | Too new |
| 2023 | 10 | 1,025 | 2 | 5 | 30 | — | Too new |
| 2022 | 34 | 8,000 | 2 | 5 | 30 | 38 · Typical | Rising |
| 2021 | 31 | 5,150 | 3 | 5 | 30 | 26 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2020 | 121 | 5,900 | 6 | 5 | 30 | 100 · More | Falling |
| 2019 | 123 | 6,125 | 3 | 5 | 29 | 71 · More | Stable |
| 2018 | 117 | 20,450 | 3 | 5 | 29 | 65 · More | Stable |
| 2017 | 119 | 31,000 | 2 | 5 | 29 | 50 · Typical | Falling |
| 2016 | 147 | 35,000 | 3 | 5 | 29 | 69 · More | Falling |
| 2015 | 160 | 16,070 | 3 | 5 | 29 | 87 · More | Falling |
| 2014 | 53 | 30,284 | 10 | 5 | 24 | 34 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2013 | 66 | 30,000 | 12 | 5 | 24 | 44 · Typical | Falling |
| 2012 | 90 | 87,500 | 16 | — | 22 | 28 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2011 | 167 | 77,000 | 16 | 4 | 22 | 75 · More | Falling |
| 2010 | 150 | 70,000 | 18 | — | 22 | 79 · More | Falling |
| 2009 | 65 | 72,486 | 13 | — | 21 | 38 · Typical | Falling |
| 2008 | 65 | 78,256 | 9 | — | 21 | 20 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2007 | 33 | 65,392 | 9 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 87 | 98,000 | 7 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 184 | 74,000 | 9 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 49 | 85,000 | 10 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2003 | 60 | 79,800 | 14 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 54 | 66,750 | 4 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2001 | 77 | 62,540 | 7 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2000 | 94 | 94,815 | 3 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1999 | 94 | 101,000 | 3 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1998 | 114 | 108,048 | 4 | — | 24 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1997 | 139 | 92,000 | 5 | — | 24 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1996 | 123 | 90,000 | 3 | — | 24 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1995 | 182 | 166,116 | 2 | — | 24 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1994 | 60 | 125,000 | 0 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1993 | 77 | 114,385 | 1 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1992 | 55 | 124,900 | 2 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1991 | 78 | 149,630 | 3 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1990 | 81 | 72,000 | 4 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
All Subaru Legacy model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2004 Subaru Legacy have?
NHTSA recorded 49 consumer complaints for the 2004 Subaru Legacy as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2004 Subaru Legacy is reported most often?
Air bags is named most often, in 26 complaints (53% of the total), followed by engine with 5.
Has the 2004 Subaru Legacy been recalled?
NHTSA lists 10 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2004 Subaru Legacy get?
The EPA rates the 2004 Subaru Legacy (Legacy/Outback AWD, 2.5L 4-cyl) at 21 mpg combined, 19 city and 25 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,200 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2004 Subaru Legacy reported?
Among the 25 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 85,000 miles and the middle half falls between 21,300 and 133,798 miles; 36% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.