2004 Subaru Outback Reliability ReportKeepScore 78/100 · top failure points · buy or avoid
Quick Facts · 2004 Subaru Outback
- Scores 4 points below the strongest nearby year — the 2005 Subaru Outback earns a 82.
- The system most likely to surface first: engine head gaskets (2.5l sohc) (major severity).
- Has 11 NHTSA recalls on record — the most notable involves the air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator module.
2004 Subaru Outback: Buy or Avoid?
The 2004 Subaru Outback, while offering legendary AWD capability and practical wagon utility, presents a moderate reliability risk primarily due to well-documented head gasket issues on the 2.5L engine. A diligent pre-purchase inspection and verification of service history for this specific repair are absolutely critical for anyone considering ownership, transforming it from a potential money pit into a robust, adventurous vehicle.
Biggest Strengths
- Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system
- Robust chassis and body structure
- Excellent utility and cargo space
2004 Subaru Outback — Known Trouble Spots
The systems that break first on the 2004 Subaru Outback. Mileage windows, repair costs, and fix-before-you-buy notes are in the full report.
Safety Recalls on the 2004 Subaru Outback
11 recalls on record from NHTSA. Check your VIN atnhtsa.gov to see if the repair was performed.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (STI included), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2005-2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (including STI), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
What breaks on the 2004 Subaru Outback?
Full reliability breakdown — engine, transmission, rust, electrical. With repair costs and mileage danger zones.
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Subaru Outback — Year-by-Year Comparison
Compare KeepScores across nearby years of the Subaru Outback. Click any year for its full report.
Competing 2004s Worth a Look
Similar class, similar year range — ranked by KeepScore.
Relevant Products for Your 2004 Subaru Outback
Parts and accessories matched to your 2004 Subaru Outback
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Frequently Asked Questions
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