Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (fuel pump, injectors, fuel tank, hybrid and EV propulsion).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2004 Subaru Impreza owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2004 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, the vehicle stalled, and the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with an unknown code for the throttle body. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 162,000.
Rubber fuel lines under the intake manifold leak fuel when the temperature falls below 40 degrees F. The smell permeates the cabin and fuel can be seen wetting nearby surfaces under the intake. An inspection can be performed. This represents a fire safety hazard that could occur while the vehicle is in motion, jeopardizing all surrounding traffic. The problem is widely noted on Subaru internet forums, but only a recall for 2002-2003 models has been reported. My car is a very early 2004, so it shares traits of the 2003 engines. There are no warning lamps or notifications, only the smell of raw gas when the car starts and is in motion in winter temperatures. This has happened repeatedly since the issue first occurred, so I avoid driving this vehicle if at all possible.
There is a recall for fuel lines for MY2002-2003 Imprezas and the issue was resolved or a fix was implemented on late MY2004 vehicles. Unfortunately this means early MY2004 vehicles are still impacted by the issue with no recall in place. During cold weather or during cold engine startup fuel lines are prone to leaking onto cylinder head. Raw fuel can be observed dripping, and can be smelled in the engine bay and inside of the vehicle. This poses a fire risk during vehicle operation and the MY2002-2003 recall should be extended to MY2004 vehicles built prior to August 2003.
Please note that recalls have been done for the exact same problem on the 2002 & 2003 Subaru Impreza models, but not the 2004. When the vehicle is parked or being driven in colder temperatures (below 45 degrees), the fuel hose constricts causing fuel to spill out onto the intake manifold & the engine to heavily smoke. During warmer temperatures, the vehicle does not smoke but there is still a strong smell of gasoline in the passenger compartment. The fuel hoses are intact with no cracks or breaks of any kind. I have found hundreds of other 2004 model consumer's with the same issue. I have attached a copy of one of the forum's for your reference. I have called Subaru of America regarding this, but have been told my claim is not valid because the vehicle hasn't had this problem before. I explained that the vehicle hadn't lived in colder temperatures until we bought it. Still no help. …
Under cold conditions (40f or less) the rubber fuel rails will contract under the intake manifold and will slowly leak gasoline causing an overwhelming smell and possibility for a fire. This happens when the car is both stationary and under motion. This problem was acknowledged in the year 2009 for the 2002-2003 year models for the Subaru Impreza wrx and a recall was enacted. However, this recall did not include the 2004-2005 models even though the same engine with the same fuel rails were used. This problem has been consistent and predictable for the 3 winters that I have owned the car. I have also heard from others with the same year car that they are having similar problems. The pictures I included show the screw that clamps the rubber hoses. The gas leaks at this connecting point but it was hard to get a picture of the actual hoses. …
I was driving down a main road in boston when my engine caught on fire. As a result I ended up crashing into a snow bank. When I reported this to the dealership they said that they would look at the problem and fix it. When the car was inspected it was found to have aftermarket parts that are not d.o.t. Legal and no c.a.r.b. Id's. All of these modifications were installed prior of me buying this vehicle and it was sold to me with a warrenty. I had complained about a smell of gas and a huge loss of oil before this happened but was told that is how a Subaru Impreza wrx sti runs. Also the dealership got a emmisions sticker for this car when it will not pass emissions with all of the afterarket parts. Nothing has been done to fix this problem and the dealership refuses to take any responsibility for this event.
My 2004 Impreza wrx sti leaks gasoline out of a fuel line under the intake manifold every time the temperature drops below about 30 f. The rubber hose connecting the metal fuel lines isn't long enough and at that temperature the shrinkage is enough to make it visibly drip gasoline while the car is running. The hose location requires removing the intake manifold to gain access to fix the problem. I've researched this issue and there are many, many Subaru owners with the same problem. Subaru did a recall for 2000-2002 vehicles, but this problem affects many other years of Impreza with the exact same fuel rail setup.
During the past 8+ winters, there is a strong fuel smell. I've called Subaru of America and they said that only the two previous models were recalled for this problem. According to my resarch, it sounds like this problem persists with many Subaru models. I've been able to close the air vents to keep the smell out in previous years. Today, white smoke started to come out of my hood while driving and stationary. The temperature is in the single negative digits.I believe there is now enough fuel leakage onto the manifold that it is starting the smoke.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated that the check engine indicator illuminated. Also, when the contact filled up the fuel tank, there was a strong odor inside the vehicle. The contact also located fuel inside the vehicle on the rear driver's side. The vehicle was taken to paul miller Subaru (3469 us-46, parsipanny, nj) where it was diagnosed that fuel was leaking from all the fuel lines under the vehicle. The manufacturer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 110,000.
There is a very strong smell of unburned fuel in the cabin on cold days (below 10f). The fuel smell dissipates when the car warms-up. The smell has caused passengers in the car to become sick and is a serious distraction to driving. When I contacted two different Subaru dealers, they acted like it was the first time they had heard of this issue and both wanted to take the engine apart. However, a quick search on the internet reveals this is a prevalent issue for the Subaru Impreza in cold weather.
NHTSA investigations
Fuel line leak
Complainants report fuel leakage most frequently in winter during initial cold engine startup.owners will either notice a fuel odor inside the occupant compartment or fuel odor/leakage at the fuel lines on the right side atop the engine.
Fuel System complaints in other Impreza years
Frequently asked questions
How common are fuel system problems on the 2004 Subaru Impreza?
NHTSA has 37 complaints about the fuel & propulsion system of the 2004 Subaru Impreza, 39% of the model year's 96 complaints. The component named most often is delivery › hoses, lines/piping, and fittings (5 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2004 Subaru Impreza fuel system problems?
No. NHTSA lists no fuel & propulsion system recall for the 2004 Subaru Impreza, though it has 8 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2004 Subaru Impreza fuel system problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 89,000 miles, and 10% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 1 fire and 1 injury to fuel & propulsion system problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.