2004 Subaru Outback Fuel system Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 7%of 90 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 92,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the fuel system of the 2004 Subaru Outback, 7% of the 90 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 92,000 miles. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
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.
“Unintended acceleration. Not driver error, not stuck floormat. Vehicle started accelerating above 7 on the tachometer. Pushed in clutch of course. Stopped with clutch in and vehicle just kept revving higher. Shut off car and restarted later. Terrifying.”
NHTSA complaint #10730632, filed 2015-06, 119,845 miles“2004 Subaru Outback: strong fuel odor inside vehicle when cold out. Research shows this is a common issue with Outback and impreza wrx. Subaru recalled the wrx, why not the outbacks! This defect poses an extreme risk for fire and a recall is needed.”
NHTSA complaint #10662661, filed 2014-12, 5 miles“2004 Subaru Outback, h6 (6-cylinder) with a faulty pulsation dumper/damper valve. Part of the fuel injection system, the valve assembly sits above the intake manifolds on both sides of the engine. The passenger side valve (metal construction) was literally weeping gasoline (strong smell inside cabin was the tip off). I removed the assembly and replaced the hoses first, but the valve was leaking through the top surface walls (not a seam). Awaiting replacement parts now. …”
NHTSA complaint #10317786, filed 2010-03, 92,000 miles“2004 Subaru Outback: strong fuel odor inside vehicle that, according to Subaru dealer, is caused by leakage of fuel under the hood. The dealer rep. Further explained the leak is caused by expansion/contraction of tubing during cold weather. They also stated this is a common occurrence (it has occurred twice in my vehicle) and on the day I had my vehicle repaired (december 2009) they had already seen about 6 vehicles for the same problem. This situation poses and extreme risk of fire and a health hazard for occupants of the vehicle. A recall is needed, now.”
NHTSA complaint #10295762, filed 2009-12Related recalls
- 03V303000Aug 20, 2003Certain passenger or sport utility vehicles may have a loose or out of position fuel filler hose clamp.Covers: Subaru Outback 2004, Legacy 2004
Related service bulletins
- 10234829Jan 15, 2014Repair Procedure for High-Pitched Sound from Extension Housing Area Using Latest Generation Production Parts
Fuel system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 3 | 4% |
| 2024 | 2 | 2% |
| 2023 | 2 | 2% |
| 2022 | 6 | 1% |
| 2021 | 10 | 3% |
| 2020 | 15 | 2% |
| 2019 | 32 | 3% |
| 2018 | 46 | 6% |
| 2017 | 16 | 2% |
| 2016 | 13 | 2% |
| 2015 | 18 | 4% |
| 2014 | 13 | 6% |
| 2013 | 15 | 5% |
| 2012 | 4 | 1% |
| 2011 | 16 | 2% |
| 2010 | 5 | 1% |
| 2009 | 7 | 7% |
| 2008 | 3 | 1% |
| 2007 | 6 | 5% |
| 2006 | 40 | 14% |
| 2005 | 19 | 7% |
| 2004 | 6 | 7% |
| 2003 | 4 | 4% |
| 2002 | 32 | 22% |
| 2001 | 32 | 19% |
| 2000 | 12 | 6% |
| 1999 | 4 | 4% |
| 1998 | 4 | 3% |
| 1997 | 5 | 6% |
| 1996 | 2 | 4% |
Other parts of the 2004 Subaru Outback
25 complaintsVehicle speed control
20 complaintsEngine cooling
13 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
10 complaintsElectrical system
8 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
5 complaintsSuspension
4 complaintsBrakes
3 complaintsOther or unknown
3 complaintsEngine
2 complaintsSteering
2 complaintsEquipment
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2004 Subaru Outback
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 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