2004 Subaru Legacy Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 6%of 49 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 70,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the brakes of the 2004 Subaru Legacy, 6% of the 49 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 70,500 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Dt: 04/30/05 problem began. At low speeds, the brakes were not responding and caused extended stopping distance and the steering felt out of control. An accident occurred on 05/07/05. At 35 MPH coming around a curve on a rainy day, the consumer tried to slow down, but brakes locked, and the consumer slid with no steering ability. The consumer couldn't keep the car on the road. She went off the road and head on collision with a tree occurred. Total loss of vehicle. Slight injuries to driver, no other cars involved.”
NHTSA complaint #10120859, filed 2005-05, 11,000 miles“The contact owns a 2004 Subaru Legacy. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at 45 MPH, the driver attempted to depress the brake paddle which went to the floor while the brake warning light illuminated. The contact depressed the parking brake to come to a complete stop however, the brake fractured. The contact was able to drive the vehicle at low speed to the residence. The contact got out the vehicle and notice brake fuel leaking on the ground. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the brake line was severely corroded. …”
NHTSA complaint #11306174, filed 2020-01, 130,000 miles“2004 Subaru Legacy experiencing problems with anti-lock brake system. The consumer stated the ABS locked up the brakes/wheels and caused the vehicle to slide and the consumer was unable to steer the vehicle. The rear defroster was inoperative”
NHTSA complaint #10117352, filed 2005-03Related service bulletins
- 11002725Jun 25, 2024This bulletin provides diagnosis and procedure information to be applied when diagnosing potential fluid leaks on front and rear brake calipers. This information has been…
- 10163525Jul 11, 2019This Service Information bulletin announces instruction for application of additional lubrication between the brake caliper support and pad clips. This will prevent the pad from…
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 17% |
| 2024 | 1 | 6% |
| 2022 | 1 | 3% |
| 2021 | 2 | 6% |
| 2020 | 2 | 2% |
| 2019 | 2 | 2% |
| 2018 | 6 | 5% |
| 2017 | 5 | 4% |
| 2016 | 8 | 5% |
| 2015 | 13 | 8% |
| 2014 | 2 | 4% |
| 2013 | 4 | 6% |
| 2012 | 7 | 8% |
| 2011 | 18 | 11% |
| 2010 | 13 | 9% |
| 2009 | 9 | 14% |
| 2008 | 13 | 20% |
| 2007 | 3 | 9% |
| 2006 | 10 | 11% |
| 2005 | 31 | 17% |
| 2004 | 3 | 6% |
| 2003 | 4 | 7% |
| 2002 | 7 | 13% |
| 2001 | 7 | 9% |
| 2000 | 7 | 7% |
| 1999 | 12 | 13% |
| 1998 | 14 | 12% |
| 1997 | 27 | 19% |
| 1996 | 18 | 15% |
| 1995 | 29 | 16% |
| 1994 | 6 | 10% |
| 1993 | 7 | 9% |
| 1992 | 1 | 2% |
| 1991 | 10 | 13% |
| 1990 | 4 | 5% |
Other parts of the 2004 Subaru Legacy
26 complaintsEngine
5 complaintsFuel system
5 complaintsVehicle speed control
5 complaintsEngine cooling
2 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
2 complaintsElectrical system
1 complaintsOther or unknown
1 complaintsSeat belts
1 complaintsBody and structure
1 complaintsSuspension
1 complaintsTires
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2004 Subaru Legacy
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 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