2004 Subaru Impreza / WRX / Outback Sport Problems and Repair Histories
2004 Subaru Impreza / WRX / Outback Sport problems reported via the Car Repair History and Car Reliability Surveys
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Subaru Impreza / WRX / Outback Sport
2004 Subaru Impreza / WRX / Outback Sports for which no problems have been reported are not displayed. So the 2004 Subaru Impreza / WRX / Outback Sport problems and repair histories you see here should not be used to infer car problem frequency.
For 2004 Subaru Impreza / WRX / Outback Sport problem frequency, check the Car Reliability Survey result. For the problems behind the score, check the 2004 Subaru Impreza / WRX / Outback Sport problems and repair histories that follow it.
Subaru Impreza / WRX / Outback Sport Reliability through December 31, 2012
General NotesModels and statistics marked with an asterisk (*) have very low sample sizes. These results, visible only to logged-in members, provide only a rough estimate of car reliability.Any result under 20 repair trips per 100 cars is likely a result of the small sample size, and should be expected to increase to 20 or so in future updates.
New models often start out with high repair rates, and then improve as the manufacturer identifies and addresses common problems. MethodologyOnly successfully completed repairs are currently included in the analysis. Routine maintenance, most wear items, recalls, and problems fixed with just a reflash or warning light reset are not included.
| Year | Make/Model | Trips/Year/100 Cars | Compared to all models for the same year | |
| 2004 | Subaru Impreza / WRX / Outback Sport | 25 Impreza / WRX / Outback Sports, 10.4 months of data per Impreza / WRX / Outback Sport, average 103800 miles37 |
Fewest Trips
Most Trips
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Non-members can see only ten 2004 Subaru Impreza / WRX / Outback Sport problems and repair histories. Log in or join us to see them all.
Repair costs are in local units.
2004 Subaru WRX STI 4dr Sedan
turbocharged 300hp 2.5L H4 6-speed manual AWD
| Subaru WRX STI in California, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Mar | 2011 | 81000 | First odometer entry | |
| Apr | 2011 | 81000 | 4500 | Rear transmission bearing blew up. Metal particles found on tranny magnet indicate metal traveled throughout transmission. Rebuild cost prohibitive. New tranny $4.5k +1k labor on West Coast. Steering pump leaking. Dealer quote $700 for part + $200 labor. Air conditioning leaking coolant. Replaced old oring. |
| Subaru WRX STI in California, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Mar | 2004 | 800 | Stock rear strut went bad, replaced struts | |
| Oct | 2004 | 200 | rear endlinks bent, replaced endlinks | |
| Subaru WRX STI in Florida, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Feb | 2011 | 62000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jul | 2011 | 64000 | 300 | Radiator fan came into contact with upper radiator hose and wore a hole into the hose. Happens somewhat frequently based on reports on nasioc.com. Replaced hose. Also replaced radiator due to signs of leakage between core and end tanks. |
| Jan | 2013 | 73700 | 110 | Leaking valve cover gasket on driver's side. Replaced both valve cover gaskets. |
| Mar | 2013 | 75000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Subaru WRX STI in Texas, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Oct | 2009 | 82000 | First odometer entry | |
| Feb | 2010 | 84000 | 0 | Sold with clunking struts, known issue. |
| Subaru WRX STI in New Jersey, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Nov | 2010 | 108000 | First odometer entry | |
| Mar | 2011 | 111000 | 270 | Steering was shaky at low speed turns. Owner checked power steering fluid. Noticed it was low. Refilled. Low again the next day. Took to shop. Shop determined that power steering pump was faulty. Replaced w/OEM Subaru pump. |
| Sep | 2011 | 118000 | 200 | STI. Caliper bolts seized on front Brembos - common problems discussed on Internet. Shop had to use retap threads, install Helicoil and new caliper bolts. Shop stated they often do this for STI owners. |
| Mar | 2013 | 134000 | 450 | Both valve cover gaskets leaking badly. Check engine light code P0457. Evap system is faulty. Replaced charcoal vapor canister + gas cap, but check engine light still returned. |
| Subaru WRX STI in West Virginia, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jan | 2008 | 88000 | First odometer entry | |
| May | 2008 | 93000 | 50 | Rear wheel bearing replaced. |
| May | 2009 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Subaru WRX STI in California, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Dec | 2010 | 68000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jan | 2011 | 69000 | 100 | CEL P0011 P0021 - changed oil, removed pre-avcs filter screens, problem went away. |
| Subaru WRX STI in Michigan, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Aug | 2008 | 68000 | First odometer entry | |
| Sep | 2008 | 70000 | 85 | Front Passenger Outer CV boot had a hole in it, which sprayed grease inside the wheel well. Replaced with a new half shaft. |
| Dec | 2012 | 94000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Subaru WRX STI in Washington, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Mar | 2008 | 28000 | First odometer entry | |
| Nov | 2008 | 33000 | 800 | Complete brake servicing (changed pads and resurfaced rotors on all 4 wheels), oil change. |
| Dec | 2008 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
2004 Subaru WRX 4dr Wagon
turbocharged 227hp 2.0L H4 5-speed manual AWD
| Subaru WRX in California, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Aug | 2009 | 103000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jun | 2010 | 110000 | 800 | Timing Belt First replacement timing belt was squealing and then snapped. Mechanic put new one on no charge and it has worked without problems. |
| Jun | 2011 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Subaru WRX in California, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Oct | 2007 | 54000 | First odometer entry | |
| Feb | 2010 | 88000 | 600 | Alternator died on me with little warning. |
| Jun | 2010 | 93000 | 200 | Power steering line leak. |
| Jul | 2010 | 93000 | 260 | Blown radiator. Car was perfect until 88k and then started falling apart so I sold it. Oh well. |
| Subaru WRX in British Columbia, Canada | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Aug | 2010 | 57040 | First odometer entry | |
| Jul | 2011 | 64480 | 600 | clunk in the rear suspension, replaced strut |
| Subaru WRX in Arkansas, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Dec | 2008 | 80000 | First odometer entry | |
| Aug | 2010 | 95000 | 50 | left front inner fender came loose and was torn from vehicle. |
| Jun | 2011 | 101000 | 0 | timing belt was replaced, along with other maintenance due at 105,000 miles |
| Dec | 2012 | 110000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Subaru WRX in New Hampshire, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Feb | 2011 | 112000 | First odometer entry | |
| Dec | 2011 | 138000 | 155 | Passenger side ball joint needed to be replaced. |
| Aug | 2012 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Subaru WRX in New Hampshire, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jun | 2004 | 0 | Replaced front axles due to excessive vibration. It helped a bit. | |
| Mar | 2009 | 59000 | 180 | CV boot was leaking grease due to tear so it was replaced. |
| Mar | 2010 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Subaru WRX in Missouri, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Feb | 2006 | 0 | Replace radiator | |
| Sep | 2011 | 90000 | 1 | A/C drive pulley locked up and ruined belt- replace belt and pulley |
| Sep | 2012 | 97000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Subaru WRX in California, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Feb | 2008 | 68000 | First odometer entry | |
| Dec | 2008 | 75000 | 650 | Reverse gear broke. I was warming it up and let out the clutch with the hand brake on and I heard a loud bang and the shifter was stuck in reverse. I freed the shifter, but it wouldn't back up after the incident. |
| Jun | 2009 | 80000 | 120 | Only replaced brake pads |
| Jun | 2012 | 115000 | 700 | Timing belt, tensioner, idlers, water pump, thermostat, lower radiator hose and water pump hoses |
| Dec | 2012 | 120000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Subaru WRX in Michigan, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Mar | 2008 | 37000 | First odometer entry | |
| Mar | 2010 | 55000 | 100 | Just had to have adjustment made so check engine light wouldn't come on |
| Jun | 2011 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Subaru WRX in California, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jan | 2005 | 500 | Radiator leaked at the plastic top seam. Replaced with a Koyo all aluminum radiator. | |
| Nov | 2012 | 95000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
2004 Subaru WRX 4dr Sedan
turbocharged 227hp 2.0L H4 5-speed manual AWD
| Subaru WRX in Massachusetts, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jul | 2008 | 6000 | hot day. accelerated up a slight hill. heard severe engine knock. Cam bearing failure. Engine toasted. Was told by friend who races cars that they had lost a few engines due to lightweight synthetic oil problems during very hot weather. | |
| Nov | 2011 | 156300 | 800 | misfire on cylinders 1,2,3,4. replaced coil packs. Still misfire on cylinder 2. Cylinder 2 compression down compared to 1,3,4. Most probable cause is a bad exhaust valve. Able to coax car to an emission test pass. Drives well. car stalled. alternator replaced. |
| Jul | 2012 | 170700 | 700 | oxygen sensors replaced repair of exhaust leaks |
| Dec | 2012 | 177000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Subaru WRX in Pennsylvania, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Sep | 2009 | 96000 | First odometer entry | |
| Oct | 2010 | 102000 | 1600 | 100k on OEM Struts, finally showed signs in need of repairs 2 months after having my struts replaced my second gear failed |
| Jun | 2011 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Subaru WRX in Idaho, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Aug | 2010 | 100 | Head Gasket - covered under extended warranty | |
| Dec | 2010 | 250 | Transmission and drivetrain, except computers and sensors, repair | |
| Subaru WRX in Texas, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jul | 2008 | 31000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jul | 2010 | 57000 | 900 | Been hearing occasional squeak. While in for an oil change, mechanic identified it as one of the belts. Since timing belts were about due, got all the belts and tensioners changed. A radiator hose was also changed. While in for an oil change (and tire rotation), mechanic suggested replacing rear brake pads. Declined service by mechanic, but replaced the pads myself. |
| Jan | 2013 | 89000 | 600 | Crack in top tank of radiator. Replaced radiator, coolant hoses, thermostat. |
| Subaru WRX in Virginia, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jan | 2005 | 0 | New flywheel to fix "shuddering" problem. Known TSB. If outside 36k mile warranty it will not be covered under warranty. | |
| Oct | 2009 | 79000 | 1450 | Replaced A/C compressor, condenser, evaporator. AC would blow cold for 20 seconds then hot. Replaced rear Rotors/Brakes |
| Subaru WRX in Quebec, Canada | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jan | 2008 | 68200 | First odometer entry | |
| Jan | 2010 | 107500 | 400 | fuel lines leak during very cold weather, cause a smell of gasoline in the cabine |
| Apr | 2010 | 114700 | 380 | Gasket from the turbo to the downpipe replaced brake pads |
| Jun | 2011 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Subaru WRX in Michigan, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Apr | 2010 | 95000 | First odometer entry | |
| Sep | 2010 | 97000 | 250 | Plastic end tank on stock radiator cracked and leaking coolant. Replaced with new aftermarket radiator with aluminum end tanks (less expensive than new OEM plastic/aluminum radiator). Installed radiator and replaced coolant. |
| Aug | 2011 | 106500 | 1285 | Leaking turbo oil feed line. OEM hard line was cracked. Replaced timing belt (scheduled) and water pump (preventative). Also all associated pulleys and tensioners. |
| Apr | 2012 | 112000 | 100 | O2 sensor failed. Replaced. |
| Mar | 2013 | 120000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Subaru WRX in Texas, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Oct | 2009 | 35000 | First odometer entry | |
| May | 2010 | 45000 | 80 | Replaced all 4 disc brake pads. |
| Sep | 2010 | 50000 | 0 | Replaced fog lights. Took about 30-45 minutes. Bought replacement bulbs and took care of it myself. |
| Jun | 2011 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Subaru WRX in New Mexico, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Nov | 2007 | 59000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jan | 2008 | 61000 | 380 | Inner front DOJ boots were torn and spraying grease under car. |
| Apr | 2008 | 63000 | 110 | Refrigerant leaks sufficiently to activate low pressure switch in about 8-12 months. Has occurred twice over the last two years. Leak is too small to identify -- two shops have tried. |
| Mar | 2010 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Subaru WRX in Ohio, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Aug | 2007 | 54000 | First odometer entry | |
| Mar | 2010 | 80000 | 450 | O2 sensor failure |
| Jan | 2012 | 96300 | 500 | New starter needed, belts needed adjustment. |
| Mar | 2013 | 102000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
2004 Subaru Impreza 4dr Sedan
165-horsepower 2.5L H4 5-speed manual AWD
| Subaru Impreza in Quebec, Canada | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Sep | 2009 | 45880 | First odometer entry | |
| Jun | 2010 | 54560 | 100 | Heat shield had to be repaired was rattling. |
| Nov | 2010 | 57040 | 210 | Replace sway bar bushings |
| Jan | 2011 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Subaru Impreza in California, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Sep | 2009 | 2000 | Replaced transmission (purchased used for $1100) + clutch/flywheel, master, slave cylinders ($600) + labor ($300) | |
| Jun | 2011 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
2004 Subaru Impreza / WRX / Outback Sport 4dr Wagon
165-horsepower 2.5L H4 5-speed manual AWD
| Subaru Impreza / WRX / Outback Sport in Ontario, Canada | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Feb | 2007 | 0 | Top end rebuild to alleviate piston slap | |
| Subaru Impreza / WRX / Outback Sport in Ohio, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| May | 2011 | 134000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jul | 2011 | 135000 | 44 | blower only working on setting 4. defective blower resistor was the failed part. replaced resistor in 5 minutes. 2 screws left of blower motor disconnect & connect. problem fixed. |
| Sep | 2011 | 135000 | 55 | Heavy pulsation in brake pedal while applying. Replaced front and rear rotors. Normal wear of the rotors. |
| Aug | 2012 | 143000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Subaru Impreza / WRX / Outback Sport in Ontario, Canada | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Aug | 2007 | 39060 | First odometer entry | |
| Apr | 2009 | 60760 | 0 | Piston and gasket head replaced in engine to correct engine knock. |
| Jun | 2011 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
2004 Subaru Impreza / WRX / Outback Sport 4dr Wagon
165-horsepower 2.5L H4 4-speed automatic AWD
| Subaru Impreza / WRX / Outback Sport in Alberta, Canada | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Feb | 2009 | 42160 | First odometer entry | |
| Dec | 2009 | 44640 | 316 | Car stalling during cold start |
| Mar | 2010 | 45880 | 0 | noise front end when hitting bumps...stabilizer bar bushings are worn...have not repaired yet |
| Dec | 2012 | 60760 | 90 | original battery replaced... driver side heated seat not functioning |
| Apr | 2013 | 60760 | 0 | smell of raw fuel within cabin when car started in cold weather. It goes away once car is warmed up. Apparently, a common problem according to the forums; due to crack injection lines under the manifold |
| Subaru Impreza / WRX / Outback Sport in Iowa, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Oct | 2009 | 113000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jan | 2010 | 119000 | 2500 | Replace leaking head gaskets. |
| Apr | 2010 | 126000 | 500 | Replace wheel bearing |
| Jun | 2010 | 128000 | 0 | Sticky transmission safety interlock ... cleaned and lubed. |
| Mar | 2013 | 191000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Subaru Impreza / WRX / Outback Sport in New York, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Nov | 2009 | 101000 | First odometer entry | |
| Apr | 2010 | 106000 | 533 | Fuel-filler lid did not always open--technician successfully repaired; Bearings in rear, driver-side wheel were deteriorating--technician ordered parts including new hub since this was third time in 14 months car suffered similar problem Original hub was scored so hub assembly, bearings, and seals were replaced. |
| Jun | 2011 | 126000 | 27 | Loose heat shield was spot welded together |
| Aug | 2011 | 129000 | 0 | Heat shield loosened again but in multiple places this time. Shop personnel spot welded heat shield and added a couple of retaining brackets for support. All work done at no cost. |
| Oct | 2011 | 132000 | 922 | The passenger-side rear strut was damaged severely, and I had both rear strut assemblies replaced. |
| Jan | 2012 | 135000 | 45 | Engine overheating was result of faulty thermostat. Thermostat was replaced. |
| Apr | 2012 | 137000 | 43 | I had ongoing problem with unwanted vibration because of loose heat shields. After failing to repair successfully, I had them removed. Left high beam is not properly leveled. It turns out the headlight assembly (a small piece of supporting plastic) is broken and requires complete replacement. |
| Dec | 2012 | 148000 | 505 | Check Engine light was on for over two weeks. Diagnostic test indicated oxygen sensor malfunction. Replacement of the sensor was necessary. |
| Jan | 2013 | 149000 | 845 | My exhaust pipe rusted completely through between the 2nd & 3rd catalytic converters. I needed to replace 2/3 of my exhaust system, and since the cost was about the same as for OEM parts, I replaced it with a Flowmaster cat-back system. |
| Mar | 2013 | 152000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Subaru Impreza / WRX / Outback Sport in Ontario, Canada | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Dec | 2011 | 60760 | First odometer entry | |
| Jan | 2012 | 61360 | 850 | 1) Standard brake maintenance 2) Electrical short causing passenger side headlight to prematurely burn out (still not fixed) 3) gas fumes during winter months when gas lines leak into the air vents (can only fix via recirculating int air) |
| Sep | 2012 | 68200 | 200 | Check engine light, and error codes pointed to the Emissions controls. Checked fuel cap, hoses. Reset the computer code, light went quiet for 1 week and is back on. |
| Dec | 2012 | 71300 | 5000 | Head gasket leak / replaced. EVAP repaired |
| Subaru Impreza / WRX / Outback Sport in New Jersey, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| May | 2008 | 25000 | First odometer entry | |
| Sep | 2012 | 95000 | 500 | Replaced head gaskets as preventative measure after they were found to be leaking oil. |
| Mar | 2013 | 98000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Subaru Impreza / WRX / Outback Sport in Virginia, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Aug | 2009 | 84000 | First odometer entry | |
| Dec | 2012 | 122000 | 200 | noticed a tear in the outer CV boot on the passenger side, decided to replace the whole axle, bought a re-manufactured axle assembly at a parts store and had my usual shop install it |
| Mar | 2013 | 125000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
Expert 2004 Subaru Impreza / WRX / Outback Sport Repair Advice
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