2004 Subaru FORESTER problems and owner complaints
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
219 owner complaints analyzed
2 distinct recall campaigns
96,500 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2004 model year. Data snapshot: . 188 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Fuel/Propulsion System is the most frequently named component, appearing in 63 of 219 complaints (28.8%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel system concerns | 34 | 15.5% |
| Braking behavior | 15 | 6.8% |
| Transmission and shifting | 7 | 3.2% |
| Steering behavior | 6 | 2.7% |
| Electrical and battery issues | 4 | 1.8% |
| Engine operation | 3 | 1.4% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 63 |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 58 |
| Engine | 23 |
| Suspension | 20 |
| Air Bags | 19 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 10 |
| Power Train | 9 |
| Unknown Or Other | 9 |
Fuel/Propulsion System: 63; Fuel System, Gasoline: 58; Engine: 23; Suspension: 20; Air Bags: 19; Vehicle Speed Control: 10; Power Train: 9; Unknown Or Other: 9
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 8 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 18 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 38 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 32 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 62 |
| 150,000 and above | 30 |
Under 25,000: 8; 25,000 to 49,999: 18; 50,000 to 74,999: 38; 75,000 to 99,999: 32; 100,000 to 149,999: 62; 150,000 and above: 30
100,000 to 149,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (62). 31 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2004 | 5 |
| 2005 | 9 |
| 2006 | 2 |
| 2007 | 6 |
| 2008 | 5 |
| 2009 | 9 |
| 2010 | 24 |
| 2011 | 21 |
| 2012 | 11 |
| 2013 | 17 |
| 2014 | 40 |
| 2015 | 16 |
| 2016 | 16 |
| 2017 | 9 |
| 2018 | 14 |
| 2019 | 4 |
| 2020 | 3 |
| 2021 | 4 |
| 2022 | 2 |
| 2023 | 1 |
| 2024 | 1 |
2004: 5; 2005: 9; 2006: 2; 2007: 6; 2008: 5; 2009: 9; 2010: 24; 2011: 21; 2012: 11; 2013: 17; 2014: 40; 2015: 16; 2016: 16; 2017: 9; 2018: 14; 2019: 4; 2020: 3; 2021: 4; 2022: 2; 2023: 1; 2024: 1
Pattern summary
Fuel/Propulsion System leads the component reports. Fuel system concerns appears in 34 complaint narratives. Braking behavior appears in 15 complaint narratives. Transmission and shifting appears in 7 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Complaint evidence
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 10250895 · 2008-12-05 (December 5, 2008)
THIS PROBLEM HAPPENED WHEN TEMPERATURE DROPPED BELOW ABOUT 15 DEGREES F. THERE WAS A VERY STRONG GAS SMELL INSIDE CAR WITH HEATER ON. THERE WAS ALSO A STRONG GAS SMELL UNDER HOOD. I DROVE CAR THE NEXT DAY AT 35 DEG F AND NO SMELL. *TR
Owner-reported narrative. 66,363 miles reported. Look up ODI 10250895 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10296026 · 2009-12-16 (December 16, 2009)
IN COLD WEATHER (BELOW 0F) VEHICLE LEAKS FUEL IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. VEHICLE WAS PARKED OUTSIDE STARTING AT 6:30 AM, WITH AN OUTDOOR AIR TEMPERATURE OF APPROXIMATELY -11F AFTER A 6 MILE DRIVE. WHEN VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED AT 11:30AM, WITH AN OUTDOOR AIR TEMPERATURE OF APPROXIMATELY 3F, FUEL SMELL WAS NOTICED WITHIN ONE MILE. FUEL LEAK IS FROM HIGH PRESSURE HOSE ON PASSENGER SIDE OF VEHICLE, JUST FORWARD AND BELOW THE MANIFOLD. CAR WAS TOWED TO SHOP AND SHOP REPLACED HIGH PRESSURE FUEL HOSE AND CLAMPS. PHOTOS OF EXACT LOCATION OF LEAK, CO…
Owner-reported narrative. 43,802 miles reported. Look up ODI 10296026 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10104715 · 2004-12-29 (December 29, 2004)
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 PLASTIC, NOT LEAVES. AND, THE CAR IS ALWAYS PARKED IN THE GARAGE. FINALLY, MOST LEAVES WERE DOWN SEVERAL WEEKS EARLIER THIS YEAR, I.E., BY END OF NOVEMBER. *NM
Owner-reported narrative. 8,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10104715 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10118648 · 2005-04-28 (April 28, 2005)
PULLING INTO PARKING SPACE. HAD FOOT ON BRAKE. APPROXIMATE SPEED OF CAR 10 MPH. CAR ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN WITH MY FOOT ON BRAKE. LOOKED DOWN SAW THAT GAS PEDAL WAS TO FLOOR. CAR ACCELERATED INTO BRICK BUILDING. AS QUICKLY AS IT ACCELERATED IT STOPPED. WAS ABLE TO REVERSE CAR INTO PARKING SPACE. HOLE IN BUILDING DAMAGING ELECTRICITY FOR BUILDING. ENTIRE BUILDING WITHOUT ELECTRICITY FOR ENTIRE DAY. BUILDING HAS A 5' X 5' HOLE IN WALL AND CRACKS DOING UP AND DOWN AND AROUND CORNER OF BUILDING. CAR WAS TOWED TO REPAIR SHOP SINCE SUBAR…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10118648 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10095402 · 2004-09-04 (September 4, 2004)
THE VEHICLE'S TRANSMISSION MADE NOISE WHILE DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED AND IT WAS DETERMINED THAT HE VEHICLE WAS OPERATING AS DESIGNED. THE CONSUMER WOULD LIKE TO RETURN THE VEHICLE AND RECEIVE A REFUND FOR THE PURCHASE PRICE. *NM THE SUBARU DEALER OFFERED THE CONSUMER $1500.00 TO 2,000 DOLLARS TOWARD TRADING HIS VEHICLE IN FOR ANOTHER VEHICLE. OFFER EXPIRES OCT 31,2004 *TC
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10095402 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10095404 · 2004-09-28 (September 28, 2004)
THE VEHICLE'S TRANSMISSION MADE NOISE WHILE DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED AND IT WAS DETERMINED THAT HE VEHICLE WAS OPERATING AS DESIGNED. THE CONSUMER WOULD LIKE TO RETURN THE VEHICLE AND RECEIVE A REFUND FOR THE PURCHASE PRICE. *NM THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE ENGINE IS MAKING A HIGH PITCH WHINING NOISE. THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD THAT THE NOISE IS FROM THE REDUCTION GEAR TEETH TRANSMISSION AND WAS NORMAL. THE CONSUMER ALSO EXPERIENCED PROBLEMS WITH HER 1998 SUBARU FORRESTER THE CONSUMER EXPERIENCED OVERHEATING AND ENGINE DAMAGE. A FAU…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10095404 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10318150 · 2010-03-09 (March 9, 2010)
WHILE PARKING MY CAR IN A MUSEUM PARKING AREA ON A SLOPE, I SHIFTED THE AUTOMATIC GEAR SHIFT FROM REVERSE TO DRIVE AND THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND TOOK OFF DOWN A CROWDED PARKING LOT DRIVEWAY AT VERY HIGH SPEED. THE CAR WAS AT A STANDSTILL AT THE TIME OF THE GEAR SHIFTING. I COULD NOT SLOW OR STOP THE RAPIDLY ACCELERATING CAR BY BRAKING. I WAS FOCUSED ON NOT HITTING PEOPLE AND OTHER ENTERING CARS AND DIDN'T THINK TO TRY THE EMERGENCY BRAKE OR SHIFTING INTO NEUTRAL. THE CAR KEPT ACCELERATING, DESPITE MY FOOT BEING HEAVILY ON THE BRAKE,…
Owner-reported narrative. 52,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10318150 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10435388 · 2011-11-13 (November 13, 2011)
MY 2004 FORESTER 2.5XT SUSTAINED A SIGNIFICANT MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT ON 10/25/11 DAMAGING THE FRONT & REAR END AT A REPAIR COST APPROACHING 9K. MY SEAT BELT FAILED TO HOLD ME IN PLACE -- NO OTHER VEHICLE OCCUPANTS. SUBARU CORP IN NJ, USA WAS NOTIFIED. I BELIEVE THE 'EMERGENCY LOCKING RETRACTOR' (ELR) FAILED TO OPERATE AS INTENDED; MY CHEST SLAMMED AGAINST THE STEERING WHEEL TWICE WHEN I WAS HIT IN THE REAR AND WHEN I SUBSEQUENTLY HIT THE VEHICLE IN FRONT. THIS HAPPENED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT AND 10MPH WAS ESTIMATED WHEN TRAVELING FROM A STOPPED …
Owner-reported narrative. 76,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10435388 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10101059 · 2004-11-05 (November 5, 2004)
FUEL DOOR RELEASE BUTTON DOES NOT WORK. AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON POSSIBLE ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. *BF 5 DAYS AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE, THE FUEL DOOR RELEASE BUTTON FELL OFF. OPENING OF THE FUEL DOOR WAS AND CONTINUED TO BE DIFFICULT. THE CONSUMER WOULD LIKE A FULL REFUND FOR THE VEHICLE. *TC *JB
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10101059 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10229725 · 2008-06-03 (June 3, 2008)
THE AIR BAG SYSTEM WILL NOT FUNCTION IN THE EVENT OF A COLLISION DUE TO AN ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR MALFUNCTION. THE CONNECTOR IS LOCATED UNDER THE DRIVER'S SEAT AND IS CONSTANTLY STRESSED BY SEAT MOVEMENT OR CONTACT BY THE DRIVER'S FEET. AS A RESULT, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT IS CHRONICALLY BUT INTERMITTENTLY ON. THIS HAS BEEN A PROBLEM SINCE FIRST IDENTIFIED WHEN THIS VEHICLE WAS APPROXIMATELY 1 YEAR OLD. THE REPAIR OF THE CONNECTOR WAS EVENTUALLY INEFFECTIVE. WHEN THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT IS ON THE AIR BAGS ARE INACTIVE AND WILL NOT DEPLOY…
Owner-reported narrative. 25,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10229725 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10171175 · 2006-09-27 (September 27, 2006)
2004 FORESTER XT STALLED, HAD LOSS OF POWER DURING ACCELERATION AND JERKED VIOLENTLY. *TS THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER THREE TIMES BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE AND REPAIR THE PROBLEM. *NM
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10171175 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10284971 · 2009-09-23 (September 23, 2009)
OUR 2004 MODEL, MANUAL GEAR-BOX SUBARU FORESTER 2.5 X STALLS FAR TOO EASILY IN FIRST GEAR. RECENTLY, MY WIFE NARROWLY ESCAPED A HORRENDOUS ACCIDENT WHEN THE FORESTER'S ENGINE STALLED ON A BUSY HIGHWAY TRYING TO ACCELERATE ONTO THE HIGHWAY FROM THE SIDE ROAD WHICH SHE HAS TO USE TO ACCESS THE HIGHWAY FROM HER PLACE OF WORK. WE HAVE SPOKEN TO OTHER MANUAL GEAR-BOX SUBARU OWNERS, INCLUDING THE SUBARU WRX AND LIBERTY, WHO HAVE TOLD US THAT THEY EXPERIENCE THE SAME PROBLEM. WE BELIEVE THAT THIS MAY BE A FUNDAMENTAL DESIGN ISSUE AFFECTING …
Owner-reported narrative. 50,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10284971 at NHTSA ↗