2004 Subaru Forester: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2004 Subaru Forester? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 219 complaints, with Fuel/Propulsion System as the top reported area.
2004 Subaru Forester Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 4 2004 Subaru Forester trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 4 trims analysed.
2004 Subaru Forester Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not Rated16.4% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
16.4% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2004 Subaru Forester has 219 owner complaints, 13 crash-related complaints, and 2 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Fuel/Propulsion System. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Subaru
- Model
- Forester
- Model year
- 2004
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 219
- Crash-related complaints
- 13
- Safety recall campaigns
- 2
- Top reported component
- Fuel/Propulsion System
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 21
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 19 / 25
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- No
Most Common 2004 Subaru Forester Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Fuel/Propulsion System
Fuel System
Gasoline
Complaint patterns center on Fuel/Propulsion System, Fuel System, Gasoline. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2004 Subaru Forester?
The 2004 Subaru Forester shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2004 Subaru Forester
Inspection Focus
- Inspect the Fuel/Propulsion System for any known issues.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for fuel system and engine repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect the Fuel/Propulsion System for any known issues.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for fuel system and engine repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2004 Subaru Forester, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
The 2004 Subaru Forester has 219 NHTSA complaints, with the most common issues reported in the Fuel/Propulsion System and Fuel System. There are 2 recalls and 13 crash-related complaints. Due to low confidence, these patterns should be interpreted cautiously.
- Fuel/Propulsion System complaints total 63, the highest count.
- Fuel System and Gasoline complaints each number 61.
- Engine Problems account for 39 complaints.
- Fuel/Propulsion System
- Fuel System
- Engine Problems
All 2004 Subaru Forester Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2004 Subaru Forester. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 63 | 1 | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 61 | 1 | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 61 | 1 | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 39 | 2 | 3 | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 25 | 1 | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 21 | 4 | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 12 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 12 | 5 | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 9 | — | — | — | |
| Brake System | 5 | 2 | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 4 | 1 | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 3 | 1 | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Visibility | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2004 Subaru Forester. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
leaking fuel lines under turbo in engine compartment when in cold weather
The contact owns a 2004 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while driving an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed and extended to the floor, causing the braking distance to be extended. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who discovered that the brake hoses…
My vehicle had a recall on the lower control arms that would rust and and break. That is exactly what happened while I was driving with my family. Control arm broke causing other parts to get destroyed. The fender breaks and other parts. The recall was performed before hand but i…
Bracket to the sway bar bushing fell off
The contact owns a 2004 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while having a routine safety check performed on the vehicle, she learned that the lower control was completely rusted. The contact learned that the repair was covered under a special coverage. The contact stated th…
THERE IS A FUEL LEAK ON THE LOW AND HIGH PRESSURE FUEL RUBBER HOSES, AND THEY CAUSE FUEL ODOR TO ENTER THE CB VIA CLIMATE CONTROL. IT IS A VERY STRONG ODOR, THAT REQUIRES ME TO EITHER DRIVE WITH THE WINDOWS DOWN OR WAIT FOR THE CAR TO CLEAR OUT THE FUEL ODOR OUT OF THE CABIN. MOS…
NEOPREEN HOSE TO THE RIGHT SIDE FUEL RAIL STARTED LEAKING. THIS HOSE IS NEAR THE TOP OF THE ENGINE AND THE LEAK CAUSED FUEL TO RUN ALL OVER ENGINE, WHICH WAS THEN DRAWN INTO THE CABIN VIA THE CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEM. THIS OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING, AND RAW FUEL WAS DRIPPING FROM THE …
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A LEAK IN THE HEAD GASKET. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER HERB GORDON SUBARU (3161 AUTOMOBILE BLVD, SILVER SPRING, MD 20904, (866) 520-7894) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH THE HEAD COVER GASKET…
CONTROL ARMS ROTTEN OUT WITH FRONT CRASH BARS... SHOULD BE A RECALL ON THEM AS THE CONTROL ARMS ARE ABOUT 200 EACH PLUS LABOR... AND TO FIND SOMEONE WHO HAS THE FRONT CRASH BARS CAUSE THEY ROT OUT DO TO THE AC LEAKING ON THEM AND ROTTEN THEM OUT.... *TR
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. THE ENGINE IMMEDIATELY SURGED…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AT START UP, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL FUEL ODOR INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. AFTER EXITING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT BECAME AWARE OF A FUEL LEAK UNDER THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. SCHLOSSMANN SUBARU CITY OF MILWAUKEE LOCATED…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SUBARU FORESTER. WHILE REVERSING THE VEHICLE IN THE DRIVEWAY, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE AND NOTICED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE WAS TURNED OUTWARD. THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE STEERING WHEEL. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMIN…
HELLO, THIS IS THE SECOND 04 SUBARU FORESTER I HAVE OWNED THAT HAS A FAULTY SOLDER AIRBAG CONNECTION CAUSING THE AIRBAG LIGHT TO BE ON AND LIKELY DISABLING SOME OR ALL OF THE AIRBAG SYSTEM. THAT IS VERY HIGH LIKELIHOOD THAT MOST OF THESE 03-04 VEHICLES ARE AFFECTED. WHY IS THERE …
12-2017; DRIVING , STRAIGHT AT 40MPH, STATE HIGHWAY, RIGHT CONTROL ARM SNAPPED , ALMOST LOST CONTROL, RIGHT TIRE WAS BOUNCING BUT WAS ABLE TO STOP. TOWED CAR TO SUBARU DEALER , CARBONE, UTICA, NY. CONTACTED SUBARU OF AMERICA CASE # 1-28524133057. WAS DIRECTED TO HAVE DEALER IN…
HAVE GAS SMELL WHICH I CANNOT FIND THAT IS ONGOING. I DID HAVE A GAS LINE REPAIR ON A GAS PRESSURE LINE THAT BURST THAT WAS LOCATED BEHIND THE REAR SEAT BUT STILL HAVE AN ONGOING GAS SMELL WHEN I FILL THE GAS TANK. I SEE MANY COMPLAINT REGARDING GAS SMELL FOR THIS YEAR VEHICLE SO…
THE RUBBER INJECTOR LINES RUNNING BELOW THE INTAKE MANIFOLD ON THE TURBOCHARGED (XT) MODEL, INCLUDING MY VEHICLE, ARE WELL KNOWN TO DEVELOP A DANGEROUS LEAK. EITHER THE RUBBER DRIES OUT OR THE FACTORY CLAMPS LOOSEN UP OVER TIME, LEAKING GASOLINE ONTO THE ENGINE BLOCK. THIS IS A V…
DURING COLD WEATHER, WHILE AT A STOP AND IN MOTION, THERE IS A STRONG FUEL SMELL INSIDE THE CABIN. THE SOURCE WAS DETERMINED TO BE THE FUELS LINES AND SPECIFICALLY THE FITTINGS ON THE LINES. DURING COLD WEATHER, EITHER THE FITTINGS OR THE HOSES CONTRACT, CAUSING FUEL TO LEAK IN T…
MY DAUGHTER (DRIVER) AND A PASSENGER PULLED SLOWLY OUT OF OUR DRIVEWAY IN REVERSE, HEADING OFF TO COLLEGE (100 MILES AWAY) BUT JUST AFTER PULLING OUT IN THE STREET, THE RIGHT FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM OF HER 2004 SUBARU FORESTER BROKE IN HALF DUE TO RUST/CORROSION. I WAS ABLE TO…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SUBARU FORESTER. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE IN COLD WEATHER, THE CONTACT NOTICED AN ABNORMAL FUEL ODOR UNDER THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACT…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SUBARU FORESTER. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE LOWER CONTROL ARM FRACTURED AND BECAME JAMMED IN THE WHEEL BED. AS A RESULT, THE WHEEL SEIZED AND THE VEHICLE SLID TO A STOP ON THE SHOULDER AFTER CROSSING LANES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO …
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2004 Subaru Forester.
2004 Subaru Forester Recalls
2 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2004 Subaru Forester. 2 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2004 Subaru Forester Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2004 Subaru Forester reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 219 owner complaints, 13 crash-related complaints, and 2 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2004 Subaru Forester shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2004 Subaru Forester?▾
#1: Fuel/Propulsion System (63 complaints). #2: Fuel System (61 complaints). #3: Gasoline (61 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2004 Subaru Forester?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2004 Subaru Forester?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2004 Subaru Forester, NHTSA complaints include 13 crash-related reports and 4 fire reports out of 219 total complaints. 8 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2004 Subaru Forester have any recalls?▾
Yes. 2 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2004 Subaru Forester. A major recall area is SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM. 2 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2004 Subaru Forester?▾
The 2004 Subaru Forester shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Fuel/Propulsion System during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Subaru Forester reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2004 Subaru Forester based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.