2004 Subaru Legacy Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 10%of 49 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 89,650miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the engine of the 2004 Subaru Legacy, 10% of the 49 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 89,650 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.
“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 miles“When braking for a stop light or stop sign the engine continues to race and stopping forward movement requires applying hand brake and sometimes turning off engine. First reported in 2006 there have been two incidents in the past several weeks (june 20 to july 2, 2014) each involving a different driver. Floor mats had been removed following the earlier incidents in 2006. In each of the prior incidents rearing ending of the auto in front was narrowly avoided. Mileage on the vehicle is currently is 82,800. Updated 2/18/15”
NHTSA complaint #10608620, filed 2014-07, 21,300 miles“AT 26,469 miles the harmonic balancer separated into two pieces while driving causing sudden loss of power steering. I contacted Subaru for assistance with this know problem. They refused a free repair. I have been a Master ASE mechanic for over 25 years at a dealership and know repairs of this type are usually done in house under a goodwill policy, otherwise swept under the rug so there is no recall. I went to the local dealer here and the tech there said he use to do the repair almost everyday. the same thing happened to my housemates at some time and he doesn't remember the details. …”
NHTSA complaint #11524858, filed 2023-06“My mechanic said there were recalls on 2004 Subaru Legacy cars for this problem. I am not the original owner bought this car from a Subaru dealer -used. The VIN number does not bring up any recalls for the header gasket for this model. Was there a recall for header gaskets for a 2004 Subaru Legacy ? My mechanic stated it would cost around $1200.00 to fix. The car has 161k miles and is still in good condition. Can you advise if Subaru ever recalled this car due to faulty header gaskets ? Shouldn't the Subaru dealer fix this for free or at a lower cost ? …”
NHTSA complaint #10641254, filed 2014-10Related service bulletins
- 11027982Jan 12, 2026This Bulletin provides the diagnostic procedure for the STARLINK® Remote Engine Start (RES).
- 11027083Dec 8, 2025This Service Information Bulletin provides the Service Manual Correction to the diagnostic procedure for DTC B2A16 (Immobilizer Key Collation Diagnosis).
- 11022305Aug 11, 2025Subaru Service Technical Support Newsletter special edition.
- 11017452Apr 22, 2025This Bulletin announces the diagnostic procedures to be followed when diagnosing engine oil leakage on FA and FB type engines.
- 11016224Mar 24, 2025The purpose of this bulletin is to advise of SOA’s revised Catalytic Converter Recycling Program shipping procedure.
- 11008282Sep 27, 2024This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models.
- 11008281Sep 26, 2024This Service Information Bulletin announces the diagnostic procedures to be followed when diagnosing engine oil leakage on FA and FB type engines.
- 11008267Sep 17, 2024This bulletin announces availability of the NEW genuine Subaru engine oil filter.
- 11006934Aug 5, 2024The purpose of this bulletin is to provide replacement key and immobilizer information along with an overview of the Subaru Lock Information web-site.
- 11005608Jul 11, 2024This thermo control valve video contains information on the replacement of thermo control valve.
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 3 | 50% |
| 2024 | 1 | 6% |
| 2022 | 1 | 3% |
| 2021 | 2 | 6% |
| 2020 | 4 | 3% |
| 2019 | 6 | 5% |
| 2018 | 10 | 9% |
| 2017 | 5 | 4% |
| 2016 | 7 | 5% |
| 2015 | 23 | 14% |
| 2014 | 5 | 9% |
| 2013 | 18 | 27% |
| 2012 | 23 | 26% |
| 2011 | 22 | 13% |
| 2010 | 31 | 21% |
| 2009 | 7 | 11% |
| 2008 | 4 | 6% |
| 2007 | 7 | 21% |
| 2006 | 16 | 18% |
| 2005 | 4 | 2% |
| 2004 | 5 | 10% |
| 2003 | 4 | 7% |
| 2002 | 4 | 7% |
| 2001 | 3 | 4% |
| 2000 | 1 | 1% |
| 1999 | 2 | 2% |
| 1997 | 1 | 1% |
Other parts of the 2004 Subaru Legacy
26 complaintsFuel system
5 complaintsVehicle speed control
5 complaintsBrakes
3 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 27, 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