2004 Subaru Outback problems
Owners have filed 108 complaints about the 2004 Subaru Outback with NHTSA. Air bags account for 23.1% of them — narrowly the most common, ahead of vehicle speed control at 18.5%.
Complaints108
Crashes16
Fires6
Injuries5
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Air bags 23.1% · 25
Vehicle speed control 18.5% · 20
Engine and engine cooling 13.0% · 14
Electrical system 9.3% · 10
Power train 9.3% · 10
Visibility 4.6% · 5
Suspension 3.7% · 4
Unknown or other 2.8% · 3
Severity
Of those complaints, 16 describe a crash, 6 describe a fire and 5 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 28 model years of the Subaru Outback in this data, 2004 draws comparatively few complaints; 2019 is the outlier year.
Filings have fallen off, 6 in the last three years against 20 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 67,190 miles.
In owners' own words
Subaru has issued a recall on passenger airbags (nhtsa recall no. 16V-359). The parts are not available, there is no schedule of when they may be, and the vehicle owner is instructed to not allow passengers in the front seat. This is an unacceptable, unsafe solution. In addition, the website for information listed does not work. They are unable to remedy my vehicle in a reasonable amount of time. Air bags
Takata recall. The contact owns a 2004 Subaru Outback. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 16v361000 (air bags). The part to the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The vin was unknown. The contact had not experienced a failure. Air bags
"Takata recall" received a letter telling me the air bags are going to be replaced, "do not let passengers use the seat", no date for replacement, no parts in stock, does this absolve the company of any liability? Cant take any trips with more than 2 passengers that would have to sit in the rear seats? What options are left for me to use my vehicle for taking my family anywhere??? Air bags
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…