2004
Subaru Impreza
EPA MPG:
24 mpg
Owner Reported MPG:
EPA MPG:
24 mpg
Owner Reported MPG:
RECALL ALERT:
There are 8 recalls on this vehicle.
Learn More.
There are 8 recalls on this vehicle.
Learn More.
RECALL ALERT:
There are 8 recalls on this vehicle.
Learn More.
There are 8 recalls on this vehicle.
Learn More.
Reliability
Overall Reliability
We expect the 2025 Impreza will be much more reliable than the average new car. This prediction is based on data from the 2024 model and the Subaru brand score.
The 2004 Subaru Impreza has been recalled 8 times by NHTSA.
View Recalls
The 2004 Subaru Impreza has been recalled 8 times by NHTSA.
View Recalls
2004 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability
This Car
0
100
0 - 100
Subaru Impreza
Subaru Impreza
NA
vs. Similar Cars
Honda Civic
Honda Civic
Toyota Corolla
Toyota Corolla
Toyota Prius
Toyota Prius
Subaru vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability
Reliability History
*
Redesign year
Overall Reliability Verdict
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
Engine Major
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Engine Minor
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Engine Cooling
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Engine Electrical
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Transmission Major
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Transmission Minor
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Drive System
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Fuel System/Emissions
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Exhaust
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Suspension/Steering
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Brakes
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Climate System
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Electrical Accessories
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Body Hardware
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Paint/Trim
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Noises/Leaks
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
In-car Electronics
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Overall Reliability Verdict
Potential Trouble Spots
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002*
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007
NA
2008*
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011
NA
2012*
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017*
2018
2019
2020
2021
NA
2022
2023
2024*
Powertrain
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002*
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007
NA
2008*
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011
NA
2012*
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017*
2018
2019
2020
2021
NA
2022
2023
2024*
Engine Major
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002*
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007
NA
2008*
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011
NA
2012*
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017*
2018
2019
2020
2021
NA
2022
2023
2024*
Engine Minor
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002*
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007
NA
2008*
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011
NA
2012*
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017*
2018
2019
2020
2021
NA
2022
2023
2024*
Engine Cooling
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002*
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007
NA
2008*
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011
NA
2012*
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017*
2018
2019
2020
2021
NA
2022
2023
2024*
Engine Electrical
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002*
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007
NA
2008*
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011
NA
2012*
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017*
2018
2019
2020
2021
NA
2022
2023
2024*
Transmission Major
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002*
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007
NA
2008*
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011
NA
2012*
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017*
2018
2019
2020
2021
NA
2022
2023
2024*
Transmission Minor
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002*
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007
NA
2008*
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011
NA
2012*
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017*
2018
2019
2020
2021
NA
2022
2023
2024*
Drive System
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002*
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007
NA
2008*
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011
NA
2012*
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017*
2018
2019
2020
2021
NA
2022
2023
2024*
Fuel System/Emissions
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002*
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007
NA
2008*
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011
NA
2012*
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017*
2018
2019
2020
2021
NA
2022
2023
2024*
Exhaust
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002*
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007
NA
2008*
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011
NA
2012*
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017*
2018
2019
2020
2021
NA
2022
2023
2024*
Show all Powertrain Trouble Spots
Suspension/Steering
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002*
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007
NA
2008*
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011
NA
2012*
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017*
2018
2019
2020
2021
NA
2022
2023
2024*
Brakes
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002*
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007
NA
2008*
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011
NA
2012*
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017*
2018
2019
2020
2021
NA
2022
2023
2024*
Climate System
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002*
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007
NA
2008*
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011
NA
2012*
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017*
2018
2019
2020
2021
NA
2022
2023
2024*
Build Quality
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002*
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007
NA
2008*
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011
NA
2012*
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017*
2018
2019
2020
2021
NA
2022
2023
2024*
Electrical Accessories
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002*
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007
NA
2008*
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011
NA
2012*
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017*
2018
2019
2020
2021
NA
2022
2023
2024*
Body Hardware
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002*
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007
NA
2008*
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011
NA
2012*
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017*
2018
2019
2020
2021
NA
2022
2023
2024*
Paint/Trim
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002*
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007
NA
2008*
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011
NA
2012*
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017*
2018
2019
2020
2021
NA
2022
2023
2024*
Noises/Leaks
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002*
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007
NA
2008*
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011
NA
2012*
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017*
2018
2019
2020
2021
NA
2022
2023
2024*
Show all Build Quality Trouble Spots
In-car Electronics
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002*
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007
NA
2008*
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011
NA
2012*
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017*
2018
2019
2020
2021
NA
2022
2023
2024*
Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting
how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive
reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest
subscriber survey for over 300,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give
you a rundown on how 2000 through 2024 vehicles are holding up in 20
potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and
brakes to power equipment and the electrical accessories.
NA indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide
data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.
Recalls
PROVIDED BY

AIR BAGS
Feb 13, 2023
An incorrectly installed inflator may not properly inflate the passenger air bag, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Summary:
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2004-2005 Impreza and WRX vehicles that received replacement front passenger air bag inflators under a previous recall. The replacement air bag inflators may have been installed incorrectly.
What should you do:
Dealers will inspect the passenger inflator and if necessary, install a new inflator kit, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed April 14, 2023. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRF-23.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number:
23V076000
Potential Number of Units Affected:
130
AIR BAGS
Jan 02, 2020
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Summary:
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 should you do:
Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020. Subaru owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Saab owners may contact the Saab Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKB-20.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number:
20V002000
Potential Number of Units Affected:
127547
AIR BAGS
Jan 02, 2020
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Summary:
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 2005-2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming or "Zone C." 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 should you do:
Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020. Subaru owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Saab owners may contact the Saab Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKC-20.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number:
20V003000
Potential Number of Units Affected:
111562
AIR BAGS
Jan 02, 2020
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Summary:
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.
What should you do:
Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators with alternate inflators, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020. Subaru Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Saab owners may contact the Saab Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKA-20.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number:
20V001000
Potential Number of Units Affected:
258813
AIR BAGS
May 28, 2015
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 occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
Summary:
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2003-2004 Subaru Baja vehicles manufactured January 22, 2003, to July 21, 2004, 2004-2005 Impreza vehicles manufactured January 28, 2003, to May 31, 2005, 2003-2008 Subaru Legacy vehicles manufactured January 22, 2003, to May 2, 2008, 2003-2008 Subaru Outback vehicles manufactured February 18, 2003, to May 5, 2008, and 2005 Saab 9-2x vehicles manufactured February 11, 2004, to March 17, 2005. The affected vehicles are equipped with a passenger side frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture upon its deployment.
What should you do:
Subaru will notify their owners and General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The Subaru recall began on June 17, 2015. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. The Saab recall began on July 27, 2015. Owners of Saab vehicles may call 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is WQR-53. Note: The recall completely supersedes recall 14V-399 (WQL-48) and partially supersedes recall 14V-763 (WQP-51) in that model year 2004 through 2005 Subaru Impreza and model year 2005 Saab 9-2x vehicles are now only part of this campaign. Note: On December 18, 2015 Subaru informed NHTSA of an expansion of this recall to include certain model year 2003-2004 Subaru Baja, 2003-2008 Subaru Legacy and 2003-2008 Subaru Outback vehicles.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number:
15V323000
Potential Number of Units Affected:
432016
SUSPENSION
Sep 06, 2011
A BROKEN CONTROL ARM CAN RESULT IN THE LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Summary:
SUBARU IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2002-2007 IMPREZA, MODEL YEAR 2003-2008 FORESTER, AND MODEL YEAR 2005-2006 SAAB 9-2X VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 5, 2000 THROUGH NOVEMBER 26, 2007 ORIGINALLY SOLD, OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN, MASSACHUSETTS, MARYLAND, MICHIGAN, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW YORK, PENNSYLVANIA, VERMONT, WISCONSIN, CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, IOWA, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, MAINE, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW JERSEY, OHIO, RHODE ISLAND, WEST VIRGINIA AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. THE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARMS MAY BREAK AT THE HANGER BRACKETS DUE TO CORROSION IF THE HANGER BRACKET IS EXPOSED TO SALTY AND HUMID ENVIRONMENTS SUCH AS ROADS CONTAINING SNOW MELTING AGENT.
What should you do:
SUBARU WILL HANDLE THEIR VEHICLES AND SAAB WILL HANDLE THEIRS. DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE DEGREE OF CORROSION OF THE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARMS, AND WILL EITHER RUSTPROOF OR REPLACE THEM. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING DECEMBER 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SUBARU AT 1-800-782-2783. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SAAB AT 1-800-955-9007.
For more information:
THIS IS SUBARU'S SAFETY RECALL NUMBER WVX-34.OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number:
11V464000
Potential Number of Units Affected:
318215
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Oct 01, 2004
IF LEAKING OIL CONTACTS COMPONENTS OPERATING AT HIGH TEMPERATURES, A FIRE COULD RESULT IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.
Summary:
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE COVER BOLTS FOR THE ENGINE OIL CONTROL VALVE MAY NOT BE SUFFICIENTLY TIGHTENED, ALLOWING OIL TO LEAK FROM AROUND THE COVER GASKET.
What should you do:
DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND RETIGHTEN THE OIL-FLOW CONTROL VALVE COVER BOLTS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 8, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT SUBARU AT 1-800-782-2783.
For more information:
SUBARU RECALL NO. WWU-05.CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number:
04V473000
Potential Number of Units Affected:
26
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Mar 16, 2004
IF THIS OCCURS DURING VEHICLE OPERATION, THE DRIVER COULD LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
Summary:
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER SEDANS, WAGONS, AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE CRUISE CONTROL CABLE COULD COME OUT OF ITS TRACK ON THE CRUISE CONTROL LEVER AND LODGE ON THE CONTROL LEVER TAB WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL IS RELEASED. IF THIS CONDITION OCCURS, THE THROTTLE WILL NOT RETURN TO THE IDLE POSITION AND WILL REMAIN IN AN OPEN POSITION.
What should you do:
DEALERS WILL INSTALL A CRUISE CONTROL CABLE RETAINING CLIP TO THE CRUISE CONTROL LEVER TAB ON THE THROTTLE SHAFT IN ORDER TO PREVENT THE CRUISE CONTROL CABLE FROM COMING OUT OF ITS TRACK. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON APRIL 12, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT SUBARU AT 1-800-782-2783.
For more information:
SUBARU RECALL NO. WWQ-01.CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number:
04V128000
Potential Number of Units Affected:
127580
Check Vehicle for Unrepaired Recalls
Enter a valid 17-character VIN
Enter a valid 17-character VIN