2004 Subaru Outback - Maintenance & Specs
The 2004 Subaru Outback belongs to a Subaru Outback lineup that Know Your Ride tracks across 20 model years, from 2000 to 2026. Engine options on record include the 2.5L, 3.0L, 2.0L. It is configured as 4-wheel or all-wheel drive with an automatic 4-spd. The 2004 sits mid-run, with both earlier (2000) and later (2026) Outback model years also documented.
It takes 5W-30 conventional oil, 4.4 qt with a new filter meeting API SN. Fluid specs on file include Super Long Life coolant, DOT 3 brake fluid, Subaru ATF HP transmission fluid. Know Your Ride lists 12 scheduled maintenance items for this vehicle, the earliest interval falling at 7,500 miles. Documented torque values include oil drain plug 33 ft-lb, lug nut 89 ft-lb, spark plug 18 ft-lb.
NHTSA complaints for this vehicle cluster around air bags (23), vehicle speed control (13), engine and engine cooling (10). A representative report reads: "AUTOZONE SOLD ME (VIA WARRANTY EXCHANGE) AFTERMARKET BRAKE PADS THAT SUPPOSEDLY WERE THE SAME PART #D929 AS THE BRAKE PADS AUTOZONE HAD PREVIOUSLY SOLD ME AND..." There are 11 safety recalls on record; one covers: ...29, 2013 and used as aftermarket replacements on Subaru Baja's, Outback's and Legacy's. The affected fuel pumps were sold or installed into the....
EPA fuel economy is rated at 19 city / 25 highway MPG, 21 MPG combined. Estimated annual fuel cost is about $2,100.
Quick Specs
| Oil viscosity | 5W-30 |
| Oil type | Conventional |
| Oil capacity (w/ filter) | 4.4 qt |
| OEM oil spec | API SN |
| Oil filter | Subaru 15208AA15A |
| EPA combined | 21 MPG |
| Tire size | 245/60R18 |
| Coolant | Super Long Life |
| Open recalls on record | 11 |
| Technical service bulletins | 27 |
Common Trouble Codes
- P0300 - Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire Detected
- P0420 - Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 1)
- P0171 - System too Lean (Bank 1)
- P0128 - Insufficient Coolant Temperature for Stable Operation
- P0442 - Evaporative Emission Control System Leak Detected (small leak)
- P0455 - Evaporative Emission Control System Leak Detected (gross leak)
- P0700 - Transmission Control System Malfunction
- P0301 - Cylinder 1 Misfire Detected
- U0100 - Lost Communication With ECM/PCM A
Related Vehicles
Part of the free Know Your Ride vehicle maintenance reference. Figures are sourced from EPA, NHTSA and manufacturer data and are for general reference - always confirm with your owner's manual.