We purchased our 2004 subaru outback used from our local dealer. At the time of purchase the vehicle had 28,545 miles on it. Since purchase we have had the vehicle back it back to the dealership numerous times because we smell burning oil and engine coolant- we currently have 36,119 miles on it. The first time the car went in for repair, the dealership replaced the head gasket because there was a "pin sized hole" in it. After about three months the smell returned and we brought to the same dealership. This time the dealership put an additive in the vehicle that they said was recommended by subaru to eliminate the problem. We are waiting to take the gar back yet again for the same problem and are now being told that it is normal for the vehicle to smell this way during the winter months. One of the mechanics even told us that the smell would be especially bad during the winter when going up hills. This explanation seems like a bunch of nonsense and an attempt to get us to accept that this is the way that subaru vehicles are. All we want is a car that works and doesn't smell like coolant or burning oil.
2004 Subaru Outback engine complaints
Page 2 of 2: complaints 11 to 15 of 15, newest first, as owners wrote them.
We own two subaru outbacks, a 2003 wagon & 2004 sedan, both purchased new from, and serviced by, the same dealer, rafferty subaru, west chester, pa. When the defrost is turned on, the air recirculation is not available. When following vehicles in rain &/or snow when the defrost is needed, external exhaust fumes are sucked into the car... In slow or stopped traffic, this has made myself and other occupants feel ill. The only solution is to turn off the defrost, but this allows the windows to re-fog / -frost cutting visibility. I've inquired twice at my subaru dealer and they confirmed that the recirculation cut-off is by design, and have contacted subaru via the internet and received the same answer, with reference to pages in my owner's manual describing the circumstance and no resolution.
On two separate occasions the vehicle commences to surge and lurch forward while applying the brakes. Consumer was able to control the vehicle without any incidents. The vehicle has been to the dealer once and they were unable to duplicate the problem. *nm *tt
I want to express my concerns for subaru quality and reliability. As a family we have owned several subaru outback vehicles. Unfortunately, our 2002 had bad pistons that had to be replaced after only 11,000 miles of ownership. The vehicle still did not run correctly after the engine overhaul so we sold it and regrettably purchased yet another new 2004 subaru outback wagon, which is now at our local dealer having pistons replaced in the engine. This is the second time a 4 cylinder outback in our family has let us down. I now know what kind of quality they build into their vehicles. We are knowledgeable owners and we maintain our vehicles to a really high standard. We feel the federal safety agency should investigate engine piston quality in 2002-2004 (4 cylinder) outback wagons so that other owners do not find themselves in an unfortunate and precarious position. The engine is junk!
My subaru, forester xt has had numerous problems since it had 5000 miles. The engine performance is inconsistent. The car has an intermittent miss at idle, cruise control that disengages at will, is difficult to start intermittently; spitting and sputter for 30 seconds, acts as if it will stall occasionally while braking, and the clutch does not grip the flywheel properly. While passing on 2 lane roads, I have nearly had numerous head-on accidents; the car does not accelerate consistently. The cruise control defect has nearly caused many other accidents in distinct conditions: 1. While ascending hills, I have nearly been rear-ended by other cars when my car loses speed without warning 2. While descending hills, I have nearly lost control as the car accelerates while cruise control has disengaged I have problems with the car when I must take off hard, especially when crossing a busy street. When launching hard, the clutch will slip excessively. The car will not accelerate; it will only burn the clutch creating a large cloud of smoke. It does not matter which gear I switch too or how much throttle I apply; the clutch will not grip until it cools down. I have nearly been hit numerous times because of this. I am experiencing problems with the brake pedal. After braking to a stop, when the engine idles down, the brake pedal will sink an additional half an inch. I have brought my car to 2 different dealerships, and involved subaru's regional service manager. All efforts to repair my car have been unsuccessful or ignored. The dealerships have only adjusted switches and replaced an oxygen sensor. The manufacturer has now claimed that they will not issue a repair order, since the problems are intermittent, even though the lead tech has experienced the problem, and they can't replicate the problems. I am stuck with a defective vehicle that is going to cause a serious accident, as I drive 1500 miles per week throughout a 6 state region.
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