One problem related to constant velocity joint has been reported for the 2004 Subaru Outback. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
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 having the vehicle repaired, the failure occurred again. The second time the failure occurred, it sheared 1 inch off of the drive shaft. Suburu confirmed that they are familiar with the failure. Several mechanics have stated that 350 pounds of pressure on the drive shaft was being held together by a single o-ring. The contact did not have the VIN when the complaint was filed. The failure mileage was 90,000 and the current mileage was 120,000. Updated 04/28/10 updated 05/13/10.