SubaruImpreza2004Overview/subaru/impreza/2004/base/

2004 Subaru Impreza

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2004 Impreza.

Body PASSENGER CAR

The 2004 Subaru Impreza is a passenger car featuring an engine that requires 4.3 quarts of 5W-30 API oil. This model year is associated with eight recalls and 96 total owner complaints, with the fuel/propulsion system identified as the top complaint area. Within a model history spanning 1990 to 2026, these figures place the 2004 version between the peak of 300 complaints recorded in 2002 and the low of one complaint for 2026.

Model year202620252024202320222021202020192004

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity4.3 qtOEM · verified
Engine oil type5W-30 APIOEM · verified
Lug nut torque58-72 ft-lbsOEM · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 35 · 360 CCA battery. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI 35 · 360 CCAOEM · verified

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length173.6 in
Overall width68.1 in
Overall height57.9 in
Wheelbase99.6 in
Curb weight2976 lb
Track (front / rear)58.3 / 57.5 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)59/41

Performance & power Independent road tests

0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.

Independent road tests for the Impreza of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.

7.8–7.9 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 7.80 sec — 2002 2.5RS Sedan
YearTrim / engine0–60¼ mileHPDrivetrain
20022.5RS Sedan 2.5L F-47.80 sec16.10 sec165 hpAWD
20072.5i Sedan 2.5L F-47.90 sec16.00 sec173 hpAWD
20002.5RS Sedan 2.5L F-47.80 sec15.90 sec165 hpAWD

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 4.3 qt of 5W-30 API engine oil, 75W-90 · GL-5 in the differential, DOT 3 brake fluid. Torque lug nuts to 58-72 ft-lbs, the oil drain plug to 33.0 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-3-4-2. Note the cylinder-head bolts finish on a torque angle (torque-to-yield) — they stretch permanently and should be replaced, not reused, during any head service.

Lubricants & capacities

Automatic Transmission FluidATF
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity10
Brake FluidDOT 3
Differential Gear Oil75W-90 · GL-5
Differential Gear Oil Capacity1.7 Pints
Engine CoolantETHYLENE GLYCOL
Engine Oil5W-30 · API
Engine Oil Capacity4.3 qt

Engine torques

Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings33 ft-lbs
Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings33 ft-lbs
Engine Flywheel Bolts53 ft-lbs
Engine Flywheel Bolts53 ft-lbs
Engine Oil Pan Drain Plug33.0 ft-lbs
Oil Pump to Cylinder BLock Bolts/Studs5 ft-lbs
Oil Pump to Cylinder BLock Bolts/Studs5 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Lug Nuts58-72 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Drain Plug17.0-20.0 ft-lbs
Front Wheel Hub162 ft-lbs
Rear Wheel Hub140 ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order1-3-4-2
Curb Idle Speed (No Load)750 rpm
Curb Idle Speed Variance (No Load)100 rpm
Curb Idle Speed (No Load)TURBO: 700 rpm
Curb Idle Speed Variance (No Load)100 rpm
Ignition Coil Secondary Resistance10,880-14,720 ohms
Spark Plug ManufacturerNGK
Spark Plug Torque15.0 ft-lbs

Battery & A/C

RefrigerantR134a
Refrigerant Capacity0.99-1.50 lbs
Oil GroupPAG
Oil Capacity4.90 oz
Standard BCI Group Number35
Standard BCI Cranking Performance360 cca
Standard BCI Group Number35
Standard BCI Cranking Performance360 cca

Service checks

Injector Primary Resistance5-20 ohms
Injector Primary Resistance5-20 ohms
Engine Compression142-171 psi
Engine Compression156-185 psi
Engine Oil Pressure14 psi @ 600 rpm, 43 psi @ 5000

Brakes

Wheel Application14 inch WHEELS
Torque Caliper to Bracket38.3 ft-lbs
Wheel Application15
Torque Caliper to Bracket27.5 ft-lbs / 59 ft-lbs / 114.3 ft-lbs
Torque to Knuckle59 ft-lbs
Wheel Application17 inch WHEELS
Torque Caliper to Bracket47.9 ft-lbs
Minimum Pad ThicknessFront: 0.295; Rear: 0.256 specification

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 8 stages
122 ft. lbs.22 ft. lbs
251 ft. lbs.51 ft. lbs
3Loosen 180 degrees.180 degrees
4Loosen 180 degrees.180 degrees
529 ft. lbs.29 ft. lbs
680-90 degrees.80–90 degrees
740-45 degrees.40–45 degrees
840-45 degrees.40–45 degrees
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 8 stages
122 ft. lbs.22 ft. lbs
251 ft. lbs.51 ft. lbs
3Loosen 180 degrees.180 degrees
4Loosen 180 degrees.180 degrees
536 ft. lbs.36 ft. lbs
680-90 degrees..80–90 degrees
740-45 degrees.40–45 degrees
840-45 degrees.40–45 degrees

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the engine oil and filter at 3,000 mi; coolant every 30,000 mi. The big-interval services (every 30,000 mi for coolant, and the transmission fluid) are the ones owners most often skip — on a lower-mileage example, assume the original fluids are still in it and check them first.

At 3,000 miEngine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace)
Every 7,500 miCabin Air Filter (replace) · Engine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace) · Tire & Wheel Assembly (rotate)
Every 15,000 miAxle Shaft Oil Seal (inspect) · Brake Line (inspect) · Brake Linings (inspect) · Brake Rotor (inspect) · CV Joint Boot (inspect) · Clutch Assembly (inspect)
Every 30,000 miBrake Hydraulic System (drain, refill & bleed) · Differential (inspect fluid level) · Engine Air Filter Element (replace) · Engine Coolant System (leak inspection) · Fuel Filter (replace) · Fuel Line (inspect)
Every 60,000 miWheel Bearing (inspect)
At 105,000 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Drive Belt (replace) · Timing Belt (replace)

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

The 2004 model year sits in the middle of a notably troubled period for the Impreza generation, following a severe spike in 2002 (300 complaints, 4 investigations) and a brief improvement in 2003 (64 complaints). While 2004 shows a rise in complaints back to 96—higher than 2003 or the subsequent 2005–2007 years—it also recorded the highest recall count (8) and the highest TSB volume (199) in this five-year window, indicating the manufacturer was actively addressing widespread issues. The top complaint areas—Fuel/Propulsion System (23), Suspension (15), and Air Bags (13)—suggest systemic problems, though crash complaints (7) and fire complaints (2) remain modest. Compared to the years immediately before and after, 2004 represents a peak in manufacturer attention rather than a peak in consumer harm, but the elevated complaint level relative to surrounding years signals it was not a particularly smooth production year. A buyer should weigh the high service bulletin count as evidence of known issues that may have been addressed, but also recognize this year carries more complaints than its neighbors, making thorough pre-purchase inspection critical.

8
Open recalls
NHTSA campaigns
199
Service bulletins
Manufacturer communications
4
ODI investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
96
Owner complaints
7 involved a crash · 2 a fire
NHTSA crash-test rating federal NCAP · out of 5 stars
Rollover★★★★

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 96 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Fuel/Propulsion System23
Suspension15
Air Bags13
Fuel System, Gasoline11
Power Train7
Vehicle Speed Control3
Visibility3
Service Brakes, Hydraulic3

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 8 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

20V002000Air Bags:Frontal:Passenger Side:Inflator ModuleReported 02/01/2020

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… Remedy: 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…

20V003000Air Bags:Frontal:Passenger Side:Inflator ModuleReported 02/01/2020

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… Remedy: 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…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 199 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

BulletinDateComponentSummary
SubaruNet Annoucement (E2026-06-11Unknown Or OtherThis announcement is requesting retailer staff to retain the EyeSight protective hood…
01-167-08R2026-05-18Unknown Or OtherThis bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the…
SubaruNet Announcement (R2026-05-04Power TrainThis announcement provides information on the remanufactured CVT transmission program.
07-240-26R2026-04-30Unknown Or OtherThis Service Information Bulletin was developed to provide interim guidance for vehicles…
03-97-262026-04-24Power TrainThis bulletin announces the service manual correction regarding clutch master cylinder…

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420
Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1
P0300
Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected
P0171
System too lean — Bank 1
P0455
Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak
P0128
Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature
P0442
Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN
Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific Impreza. OEM
Build data
Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.
Recalls
Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 2004 Impreza take?

4.3 qt of 5W-30 API SM, per the factory manual.

Does the 2004 Impreza have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 8 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.