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2004 Subaru Forester: common problems and reliability
An average Forester year.
219 owner complaints, most about fuel/propulsion system. 2 recalls.
Should I buy a 2004 Forester?The 2004 Subaru Forester has 219 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are fuel/propulsion system and fuel system.
Safety record for the 2004 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2004 Subaru Forester vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other Forester years only. How we score it
Is 2004 a good year for the Forester?
Across the 29 Forester model years we track, complaint volume runs from 50 (2008) to 833 (2019). With 219 complaints, the 2004 Forester sits above the model's median of 141.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2004 Forester
suspension:front:control arm:lower arm
Campaign 11V464000SUBARU 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.
engine and engine cooling
Campaign 04V473000ON 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.
What owners say across generations
Overwhelmingly positive sentiment across multiple generations, with the Forester consistently praised for its practicality, safety, all-weather capability, and long-term reliability when properly maintained.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Forester. See the full Forester owner picture and every model year.
Typical used price
Used Forester listings typically run $15,000–$24,194.
Other Forester model years
Compare every Forester year side by side to see how 2004 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Forester against its rivals
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