P0304 on SUBARU OUTBACK — Cylinder 4 Misfire Detected

Q: "What does P0304 mean on a SUBARU OUTBACK?"

"P0304 indicates: Cylinder 4 Misfire Detected. This is a ignition system code. 2 SUBARU OUTBACK owners have reported this to NHTSA."

Q: "What are the most common causes of P0304 on SUBARU OUTBACK?"

"Based on 2 NHTSA reports, the most commonly cited components are: Power Train,Engine, Engine And Engine Cooling,Electrical System,Air Bags. These percentages are based on the component field in owner complaints."

Q: "Is P0304 serious on my SUBARU OUTBACK?"

"Of 2 NHTSA reports for this code on SUBARU OUTBACK, none involved a crash or fire. However, any diagnostic code should be evaluated by a qualified mechanic."

Q: "What should I do if my SUBARU OUTBACK shows P0304?"

"1) Check for recalls on your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2) Get a professional diagnosis — a code alone doesn't identify the exact failed part. 3) Get 2-3 repair estimates to compare."

What P0304 Means on Your SUBARU OUTBACK

P0304 is a diagnostic trouble code indicating: Cylinder 4 Misfire Detected. This code relates to the ignition system system. The vehicle's computer detected a condition outside normal operating parameters and stored this code.

2 SUBARU OUTBACK owners have reported this issue to NHTSA across model years 2006-2012. Most reports come from the 2006, 2012 model years. The most commonly reported component is Power Train,Engine (50.0% of reports).

Real SUBARU OUTBACK Owner Reports

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database

"I have 2006 subaru out back sport wagon which is a basic subaru impreza wagon with dual paint. automatic transmission. while on road car begin to choke and check engine light and cruisecontrol light came on and start blinking."

— 2006 SUBARU OUTBACK owner · POWER TRAIN,ENGINE · Filed 05/20/2012

"The contact's girlfriend owns a 2012 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that the vehicle hesitated while starting. In addition, the contact attempted to jumpstart the vehicle; however, the vehicle failed to start. The check engine warning light was intermittently illuminated."

— 2012 SUBARU OUTBACK owner · ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS · Filed 06/15/2019

All reports filed by vehicle owners directly with the U.S. Department of Transportation.

📊 Complaint Trend by Model Year

1

'06

1

'12

Common Causes on SUBARU OUTBACK

Based on NHTSA complaint component analysis for this vehicle.

POWER TRAIN,ENGINE 50%

ENGINE and ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS 50%

What To Do Next

1
Check for recalls on YOUR VIN
Go to nhtsa.gov/recalls and enter your VIN. If your vehicle is covered, repairs are free.
2
Get a proper diagnosis
A code alone doesn't tell you the exact failed part. A diagnostic at a shop ($50–$150) pinpoints the root cause before you spend money on parts.
3
Compare repair quotes
Get 2–3 quotes. Dealer vs. independent shop prices often differ 30–50% for the same repair.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does P0304 mean on a SUBARU OUTBACK? ▾

P0304 indicates: Cylinder 4 Misfire Detected. This is a ignition system code. 2 SUBARU OUTBACK owners have reported this to NHTSA.

What are the most common causes of P0304 on SUBARU OUTBACK? ▾

Based on 2 NHTSA reports, the most commonly cited components are: Power Train,Engine, Engine And Engine Cooling,Electrical System,Air Bags. These percentages are based on the component field in owner complaints.

Is P0304 serious on my SUBARU OUTBACK? ▾

Of 2 NHTSA reports for this code on SUBARU OUTBACK, none involved a crash or fire. However, any diagnostic code should be evaluated by a qualified mechanic.

What should I do if my SUBARU OUTBACK shows P0304? ▾

1) Check for recalls on your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2) Get a professional diagnosis — a code alone doesn't identify the exact failed part. 3) Get 2-3 repair estimates to compare.