2004 Subaru Forester
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.
- Complaints
- 219
- Recalls
- 2
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- Fuel/propulsion system
Campaigns on file for 2004
Opened by NHTSA
29% of complaints
Complaints per year
2004: 219 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1998 | 101 |
| 1999 | 131 |
| 2000 | 75 |
| 2001 | 139 |
| 2002 | 88 |
| 2003 | 189 |
| 2004 | 219 |
| 2005 | 93 |
| 2006 | 88 |
| 2007 | 74 |
| 2008 | 50 |
| 2009 | 178 |
| 2010 | 262 |
| 2011 | 147 |
| 2012 | 105 |
| 2013 | 77 |
| 2014 | 403 |
| 2015 | 615 |
| 2016 | 413 |
| 2017 | 587 |
| 2018 | 497 |
| 2019 | 832 |
| 2020 | 601 |
| 2021 | 209 |
| 2022 | 98 |
| 2023 | 74 |
| 2024 | 29 |
| 2025 | 96 |
| 2026 | 25 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Fuel/propulsion system
29% · 63 reportsShow 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, 2020-03-29
Also filed under Engine and power train
leaking fuel lines under turbo in engine compartment when in cold weather
NHTSA ODI report, 2024-03-28
Fuel system, gasoline
28% · 62 reportsMost commonly citing filler pipe and cap and storage.
Suspension
11% · 25 reportsMost commonly citing rear and lower arm.
Engine
11% · 23 reportsShow 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, 2016-10-14
Air bags
11% · 23 reportsMost commonly citing frontal and side/window.
Show complaint excerpts
Having seen the complaints from other users regarding the reliability of airbag deployment in this model vehicle.
NHTSA ODI report, 2015-02-10
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2005-01-31
Safety timeline
2 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2004Complaint volume 219 complaints filed for this model year.
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2004-10-08Engine and engine cooling04V473000 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.
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2011-04-07Preliminary evaluationClosed 2011-09-23 Front suspension control arm failure
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2011-12-31Suspension11V464000 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…
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…
Buy-smart checklist
2004 Subaru Forester — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Fuel/propulsion system: 63 reports on file for this year.
- Fuel system, gasoline: 62 reports on file for this year.
- Suspension: 25 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 04V473000 · Engine and engine cooling
- Recall 11V464000 · Suspension
Other years of this model
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 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.