MYRModel Year Report

2004 Subaru Forester

◆ Worse than typical
2004 Subaru Forester
BUILT 2026-09-02

This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Subaru Forester Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2004 highlighted. 1998: 101 complaints 1998 1999: 131 complaints 2000: 75 complaints 2001: 139 complaints 2002: 88 complaints 2002 2003: 189 complaints 2004: 219 complaints 2004 2005: 93 complaints 2006: 88 complaints 2006 2007: 72 complaints 2008: 50 complaints 2009: 178 complaints 2010: 262 complaints 2010 2011: 147 complaints 2012: 105 complaints 2013: 77 complaints 2014: 403 complaints 2014 2015: 613 complaints 2016: 410 complaints 2017: 583 complaints 2018: 493 complaints 2018 2019: 831 complaints 2020: 597 complaints 2021: 207 complaints 2022: 97 complaints 2022 2023: 73 complaints 2024: 29 complaints 2025: 90 complaints 2026: 17 complaints 2026
2004: 219 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
1998101
1999131
200075
2001139
200288
2003189
2004219
200593
200688
200772
200850
2009178
2010262
2011147
2012105
201377
2014403
2015613
2016410
2017583
2018493
2019831
2020597
2021207
202297
202373
202429
202590
202617

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 29%

29% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 63 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

CAR WAS SHIFTED FROM DRIVE INTO NEUTRAL FOR OPERATOR TO USE A PARKING LOT GATE MACHINE. THE ENGINE SURGED A LITTLE WHILE IN NEUTRAL BUT SETTLED BACK DOWN. WHEN PARKING GATE OPENED THE OPERATOR SHIFTED INTO DRIVE AND LIGHTLY PRESSED THE GAS PEDAL.

NHTSA ODI report, 20200329

Also filed under ENGINE and POWER TRAIN

leaking fuel lines under turbo in engine compartment when in cold weather

NHTSA ODI report, 20240328

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE 28%

28% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 62 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing filler pipe and cap and storage.

CRASH
SUSPENSION 11%

11% of complaints: suspension — 25 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing rear and lower arm.

CRASH
ENGINE 11%

11% of complaints: engine — 23 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2004 SUBARU FORESTER. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE RPMS BEGAN TO INCREASE AND THE VEHICLE OVERHEATED. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND CAUGHT FIRE FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.

NHTSA ODI report, 20161014

AIR BAGS 11%

11% of complaints: air bags — 23 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing frontal and side/window.

CRASH INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

HAVING SEEN THE COMPLAINTS FROM OTHER USERS REGARDING THE RELIABILITY OF AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT IN THIS MODEL VEHICLE.

NHTSA ODI report, 20150210

Also filed under STRUCTURE

WHILE DRIVING AT 28 MPH A HEAD ON COLLISION OCCURRED. UPON IMPACT, AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. ONE PERSON WAS INJURED. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 20050131

SAFETY TIMELINE

▮ 2004 — complaint volume: 219
R 20041008 — engine and engine cooling

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE COVER BOLTS FOR THE ENGINE OIL CONTROL VALVE MAY NOT BE SUFFICIENTLY TIGHTENED, ALLOWING OIL TO LEAK FROM AROUND THE COVER GASKET.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND RETIGHTEN THE OIL-FLOW CONTROL VALVE COVER BOLTS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 8, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT SUBARU AT 1-800-782-2783.

Campaign 04V473000 — check if this car was fixed

I 20110407 — PE (closed 20110923)

Front suspension control arm failure

R 20111231 — suspension

SUBARU IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2002-2007 IMPREZA, MODEL YEAR 2003-2008 FORESTER, AND MODEL YEAR 2005-2006 SAAB 9-2X VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 5, 2000 THROUGH NOVEMBER 26, 2007 ORIGI

Remedy: SUBARU WILL HANDLE THEIR VEHICLES AND SAAB WILL HANDLE THEIRS. DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE DEGREE OF CORROSION OF THE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARMS, AND WILL EITHER RUSTPROOF OR REPLACE THEM. THIS SERVICE W

Campaign 11V464000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2004 Subaru Forester — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for fuel/propulsion system issues (63 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for fuel system, gasoline issues (62 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for suspension issues (25 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 04V473000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 11V464000 (suspension) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2008 ▲ 2007 ▲ 2023

WORST YEARS

■ 2019 ■ 2015 ■ 2020

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 2004 Subaru Forester reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2004 Subaru Forester is rated "worse than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2004 Subaru Forester?

The most-reported component is fuel/propulsion system, accounting for 29% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2004 Subaru Forester have?

2 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.