VehicleVerdict

2004 Subaru Forester problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 270 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.7 times the median Forester year — the 2004 model ranks #10 of 29 Forester years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 11 injuries in total across these filings.

The trouble concentrates in one system: fuel system issues account for 46% of all reports (125 of 270), far ahead of engine at 40.

270

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

1

Investigations

19

Crash-involved

4

Fires reported

11

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2004 compare to other Forester years?

Forester NHTSA complaints by model year, 2004 highlighted1,084 complaints1998: 138 complaints1999: 156 complaints2000: 95 complaints2001: 169 complaints2002: 109 complaints2003: 238 complaints2004: 270 complaints2005: 105 complaints2006: 121 complaints2007: 89 complaints2008: 67 complaints2009: 228 complaints2010: 307 complaints2011: 195 complaints2012: 140 complaints2013: 94 complaints2014: 576 complaints2015: 891 complaints2016: 609 complaints2017: 787 complaints2018: 669 complaints2019: 1,084 complaints2020: 798 complaints2021: 281 complaints2022: 134 complaints2023: 102 complaints2024: 38 complaints2025: 103 complaints2026: 15 complaints
Forester NHTSA complaints by model year, 2004 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Forester years to avoid →

What are the most common 2004 Subaru Forester problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Fuel System12546%
Engine4015%
Suspension259%
Airbags239%
Transmission124%
Speed Control124%
Other104%
Brakes52%
Tires & Wheels52%
Electrical System41%
Body & Structure41%
Visibility & Wipers10%
Latches & Locks10%
Seat Belts10%
Seats10%
Steering10%

Does the 2004 Subaru Forester have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

11V464000SuspensionSeptember 6, 2011 · 318,215 units

Defect

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 ORIGINALLY SOLD, OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN, MASSACHUSETTS, MARYLAND, MICHIGAN, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW YORK, PENNSYLVANIA, VERMONT, WISCONSIN, CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, IOWA, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, MAINE, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW JERSEY, OHIO, RHODE ISLAND, WEST VIRGINIA AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. THE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARMS MAY BREAK AT THE HANGER BRACKETS DUE TO CORROSION IF THE HANGER BRACKET IS EXPOSED TO SALTY AND HUMID ENVIRONMENTS SUCH AS ROADS CONTAINING SNOW MELTING AGENT.

Consequence

A BROKEN CONTROL ARM CAN RESULT IN THE LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

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 WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING DECEMBER 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SUBARU AT 1-800-782-2783. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SAAB AT 1-800-955-9007.

04V473000EngineOctober 1, 2004 · 26 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

IF LEAKING OIL CONTACTS COMPONENTS OPERATING AT HIGH TEMPERATURES, A FIRE COULD RESULT IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“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 TO FULL THROTTLE AND…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · March 28, 2020 · crash

“CAR PRODUCING NOXIOUS ODOR INSIDE. WHEN PARKING CAR IN GARAGE, ACCIDENTALLY STEPPED ON ACCELERATOR RATHER THAN BRAKE. HIT AND DESTROYED BACK WALL. COSMETIC DAMAGE TO CAR. DEALER CLAIMS LEAVES WERE SUCKED INTO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT THROUGH TURBOCHARGE INTAKE. BUT, ODOR WAS OF BURNT RUBBER OR…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · December 17, 2004 · crash

“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 it obviously…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · March 23, 2022 · crash

“DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT 55MPH THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. ALTHOUGH SEATBELTS WERE WORN THE TWO OCCUPANTS SUSTAINED INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. AS A RESULT OF THE ACCIDENT THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · January 8, 2006 · crash

“THE TURBOCHARGER BROKE TWICE IN THE 2D QUARTER 2015. SHORTLY AFTER THE SECOND TIME IT WAS FIXED, THE CAR CAUGHT FIRE OVER THE TURBOCHARGER UNIT (WHILE BEING DRIVEN 9/18/15), UNDER THE HOOD. NEW SUBARUS HAVE BEEN RECALLED FOR THIS REASON, BUT I THINK THE REPLACEMENT TURBOCHARGER WAS DEFECTIVE. THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · September 18, 2015 · fire

2004 Subaru Forester — common questions

Is the 2004 Subaru Forester reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 270 complaints put the 2004 model at #10 of 29 Forester years. It is one of the Forester years to avoid.

What are the most common 2004 Forester problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are fuel system (125 complaints), engine (40 complaints), suspension (25 complaints).

Does the 2004 Subaru Forester have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2004 Subaru Forester. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2004 Subaru Forester under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Subaru Forester years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Forester years to avoid are 2019, 2015, 2020, 2017, 2018, 2016, 2014, 2010, 2021, 2004, 2003. The cleanest record among Forester years belongs to 2026.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.