2004 Subaru Outback power train problems
10 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the power train on the 2004 Subaru Outback — 11% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“2004 subaru outback. Consumer writes in regards to universal joint failure. Consumer also seeks reimbursement of repairs. *smd the consumer stated the failure of the universal joint caused significant damage to the transmission housing, driveline, shifter and underside of the vehicle, an inspection…”
filed Feb 19, 2013
“Tl*the contact owns a 2004 suburu outback. The contact was driving 70 mph with the cruise control activated when the vehicle suddenly shifted from overdrive to first gear. The vehicle stalled. When the contact drove into the emergency lane, he noticed that the cv joint had broken. One week after…”
filed Mar 15, 2010
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related service bulletins
This announcement provides information on the remanufactured CVT transmission program.
SubaruNet Announcement (R · Other · issued May 4, 2026This bulletin announces the service manual correction regarding clutch master cylinder reservoir service procedures.
03-97-26 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Apr 24, 2026
Power Train problems in other Outback years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 Outback | 2 | 3% |
| 2024 Outback | 6 | 6% |
| 2023 Outback | 4 | 5% |
| 2022 Outback | 17 | 4% |
| 2021 Outback | 11 | 4% |
| 2020 Outback | 46 | 5% |
| 2019 Outback | 15 | 1% |
| 2018 Outback | 14 | 2% |
| 2017 Outback | 47 | 5% |
| 2016 Outback | 45 | 7% |
| 2015 Outback | 37 | 7% |
| 2014 Outback | 25 | 12% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2004 Subaru Outback
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.