repaired · 2024 Q4
Passenger side: inflator module
Risk. An incorrectly installed inflator may not properly inflate the passenger air bag, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
2004 Subaru ImprezaProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 96 owner complaints about the 2004 Subaru Impreza, most often about the fuel/propulsion system. It is covered by 8 safety recalls, and for recall 20V-003 the manufacturer reports only 69% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through April 3, 2025. Updated daily. Photo: Mr.choppers, CC BY-SA 3.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2004 Subaru Impreza has problems
96 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
24Fuel/propulsion system1 crash/fire/injury
17Suspension
14Air bags4 crash/fire/injury
13Fuel system, gasoline1 crash/fire/injury
9Power train1 crash/fire/injury
5Vehicle speed control
5Engine and engine cooling
4Visibility
3Service brakes, hydraulic
1411 other systems
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel/propulsion system | 24 | 1 |
| Suspension | 17 | 0 |
| Air bags | 14 | 4 |
| Fuel system, gasoline | 13 | 1 |
| Power train | 9 | 1 |
| Vehicle speed control | 5 | 1 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 5 | 1 |
| Visibility | 4 | 0 |
| Service brakes, hydraulic | 3 | 1 |
| 11 other systems | 14 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
8 recalls
2004 Subaru Impreza recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2023 Q2
Passenger side: inflator module
Risk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
repaired · 2023 Q2
Passenger side: inflator module
Risk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
repaired · 2023 Q2
Passenger side: inflator module
Risk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Show 4 more recalls
repaired · 2023 Q1
Passenger side: inflator module
Risk. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle…
no report yet
Control arm: lower arm
Risk. A BROKEN CONTROL ARM CAN RESULT IN THE LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
no report yet
Engine and engine cooling
Risk. IF LEAKING OIL CONTACTS COMPONENTS OPERATING AT HIGH TEMPERATURES, A FIRE COULD RESULT IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.
no report yet
Vehicle speed control: cables
Risk. IF THIS OCCURS DURING VEHICLE OPERATION, THE DRIVER COULD LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Subaru.
Best & worst years
2004 vs. every other Impreza year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Impreza median. How we score
'93'94'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2004 Subaru Impreza safety ratings
2004 Subaru Impreza Wagon 4-DR. in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
Frontal crashNot rated
Side barrierNot rated
- Rollover: 4 stars (11.8% risk)
- Stability control: No
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
4 investigations
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2004 Subaru Impreza, and the recalls they led to.
- Air Bag Inflator RuptureLed to recall 22V-945
- FUEL LINE LEAKNo recall
- Front suspension control arm failureLed to recall 11V-464
- Air Bag Inflator RuptureLed to recall 14V-787
In owners' words
What Impreza owners report
Recent fuel/propulsion system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
There is a recall for fuel lines for MY2002-2003 Imprezas and the issue was resolved or a fix was implemented on late MY2004 vehicles. Unfortunately this means early MY2004 vehicles are still impacted by the issue with no recall in place. During cold weather or during cold engine startup fuel lines…
Rubber fuel lines under the intake manifold leak fuel when the temperature falls below 40 degrees F. The smell permeates the cabin and fuel can be seen wetting nearby surfaces under the intake. An inspection can be performed. This represents a fire safety hazard that could occur while the vehicle…
THERE IS A STRONG FUEL/GASOLINE SMELL COMING THRU THE AIR VENTS FROM THE ENGINE WHEN THE TEMPERATURE GOES UNDER 30-25 DEGREES FARENHEIT. I'VE CHECKED UNDER THE HOOD AND THERE IS TWO FUEL HOSES THAT START LEAKING WHEN IT GETS COLD OUTSIDE. THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING EVERY WINTER SINCE I GOT MY CAR BACK…
Own a 2004 Impreza?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.