2004 Subaru Outback Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 6%of 90 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 45,348miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the visibility of the 2004 Subaru Outback, 6% of the 90 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 45,348 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
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.
“Started car to defrost windows and warm up before leaving home. Car warmed up for about 10 minutes,when I went outside to leave the inside door of the car was on fire which was spreading,I threw my coffee on the flames shut off the car obtained water and doused out the fire which continued to burn around the window/door switch. The vehicle was transported by flatbed to the oneonta,n.y. Subaru dealership where it is currently under repair. I believe that used parts are being obtained for the repair where possible. …”
NHTSA complaint #10248672, filed 2008-11, 86,695 miles“Consumer states, the front windshield had a crack when using the windshield wipers deicer . The dealer replaced the front windshield at no charge. Within a year or more the front windshield cracked again in the same place. After the consumer used the windshield wipers deicer again.”
NHTSA complaint #10105435, filed 2004-12, 378,000 miles“On a very cold day the windshield cracked after turning on the defroster. No cracks were previously observed on the windshield. The car is only 3 weeks old.”
NHTSA complaint #10049123, filed 2003-12, 2,000 miles“I purchased my 2nd forester, a 2004 in oct. 2003. I have complained from the beginning about the dials on the dash. The background is black and it is recessed into the dash. When the sun is low in the sky like morning or evening it is almost impossible to check your speed or set a cruise control. You have to really stare at the dial and wait for it to come into view to see it which is very hazzardest. Is there anything you can do about this?”
NHTSA complaint #10067896, filed 2004-04Related service bulletins
- 10020532Oct 3, 2006Loose door mirror screws.
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 6 | 7% |
| 2024 | 23 | 22% |
| 2023 | 19 | 21% |
| 2022 | 280 | 60% |
| 2021 | 107 | 36% |
| 2020 | 383 | 43% |
| 2019 | 387 | 37% |
| 2018 | 273 | 33% |
| 2017 | 233 | 25% |
| 2016 | 91 | 14% |
| 2015 | 143 | 28% |
| 2014 | 10 | 5% |
| 2013 | 14 | 5% |
| 2012 | 9 | 3% |
| 2011 | 23 | 4% |
| 2010 | 8 | 2% |
| 2009 | 9 | 8% |
| 2008 | 8 | 4% |
| 2007 | 2 | 2% |
| 2006 | 5 | 2% |
| 2005 | 8 | 3% |
| 2004 | 5 | 6% |
| 2003 | 3 | 3% |
| 2002 | 6 | 4% |
| 2001 | 3 | 2% |
| 2000 | 6 | 3% |
| 1999 | 4 | 4% |
| 1998 | 7 | 6% |
| 1997 | 7 | 9% |
| 1996 | 1 | 2% |
Other parts of the 2004 Subaru Outback
25 complaintsVehicle speed control
20 complaintsEngine cooling
13 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
10 complaintsElectrical system
8 complaintsFuel system
6 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 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