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2004
New 2026
Used 2025 2024 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000

Subaru Forester

EPA MPG: 23 mpg
RECALL ALERT:
There are 2 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.
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Reliability

Overall Reliability

The 2004 Forester has about average reliability compared to other cars from the same model year.

The 2004 Subaru Forester has been recalled 2 times by NHTSA. View Recalls
Most Common Trouble Spots
Common Trouble Spot
Common Trouble Spot
See all 2004 Potential Trouble Spots

Owner Reported Trouble Spots

The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2004 Subaru Forester owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

Exhaust

Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.

What Owners Say

Other exhaust system problem

"An upstream oxygen sensor needed replacing."

Anonymous A., OR (2004 Subaru Forester XS 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
Other/unsure

"Driver's seat airbag harness disconnected"

Anonymous A., CA (2004 Subaru Forester X 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

""Air conditioner stop working over a year ago, replaced compressor and condenser.""

Anonymous, WA (2004 Subaru Forester XT 2.5-L 4 Cyl turbo)

"We had issues with the radiator getting cracked by a rock and trying to use a 'run-stop' product. Not recommended. Do not put any kind of 'run/stop' into your coolant system. Pieces would break off and clog the system causing it to overheat."

Anonymous, VA (2004 Subaru Forester XT 2.5-L 4 Cyl turbo)
Load more

Suspension/Steering

Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

What Owners Say

Power steering

""I had to have the pump replaced. It was worse in cold weather. Repairman found metal in the power steering fluid, so replaced the pump, reservoir and suction line. In the course of the repair, he also found a leak at the top of the radiator & had to repair that. which was also sort of expensive. (expensive for my budget, that is.)""

Anonymous, AL (2004 Subaru Forester X 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
Steering linkage (includes rack and pinion)

"Problems with a constant rattle underneath the car. Turns out it was a common issue with this model related to suspension bushings"

Anonymous A., OR (2004 Subaru Forester XS 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Transmission Major

Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.

What Owners Say

Clutch replacement

"Clutch no longer allowed shifting of the gears - it's a manual. After 300 000 it deserved a new one. It's cost will likely enable another 3 years of service. We felt it better to repair than get a newer vehicle. We aren't car proud it still works well and fits our needs."

Anonymous, BC (2004 Subaru Forester XS 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Drive System

Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.

What Owners Say

Driveshaft or axle

""Had to have front axles replaced. The part was called CV Axle, so I think it included CV joint. It was causing a shaking that appeared between 60-70 mph. I put up with it for a few months, but it was constant & got worse and worse over the course of a couple of months & required replacement. Also, I've had 3 of the 4 wheel bearings replaced, but not all at the same time. They are sealed bearings, so expensive to replace.""

Anonymous, AL (2004 Subaru Forester X 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Electrical Accessories

Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, wireless charging pad.

What Owners Say

Other electrical system problem

"passenger door electric locking failed. Often trip odometer will not reset unless car is warmed up."

Anonymous, (2004 Subaru Forester XS 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Fuel System/Emissions

Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.

What Owners Say

Emission control devices (includes EGR)

"Hard to start after adding fuel. Turned out to be the gas vapor recovery system. Fixed myself by replacing a solenoid/valve and blowing out a long hose."

Anonymous A., MT (2004 Subaru Forester XS 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Engine Major

Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.

What Owners Say

Head gasket

"I had a leak in the head gasket, which is apparently common for old Subarus. I got it fixed, and it hasn't been a problem since."

Anonymous, CO (2004 Subaru Forester X 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Brakes

Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.

Climate System

AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.

Engine Electrical

Alternator, starter, hybrid battery replacement, hybrid battery related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, spark plugs and wires failure, auto stop/start.

Transmission Minor

Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.

Noises/Leaks

Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.

Paint/Trim

Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.

Engine Cooling

Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.

In-car Electronics

Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.

Body Hardware

Windows, locks and latches, doors or sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defect.

Engine Minor

Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.

2004 SUVs Reliability

This Car
vs. Similar Cars

Subaru vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability

See How Other Brands Stack up
Reliability History
* Redesign year
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04
05
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09*
10
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15
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Overall Reliability Verdict
POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
Powertrain
Engine Major
Engine Minor
Engine Cooling
Engine Electrical
Transmission Major
Transmission Minor
Drive System
Fuel System/Emissions
Exhaust
Suspension/Steering
Brakes
Climate System
Build Quality
Electrical Accessories
Body Hardware
Paint/Trim
Noises/Leaks
In-car Electronics
Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for about 380,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2025 vehicles are holding up in 20 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and brakes, to power equipment and the electrical accessories.

Learn more about car Reliability.

Recalls
PROVIDED BY
SUSPENSION
Sep 06, 2011
A BROKEN CONTROL ARM CAN RESULT IN THE LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Read Recall Details
Summary:
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.
What should you do:
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.
For more information:
THIS IS SUBARU'S SAFETY RECALL NUMBER WVX-34.OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 11V464000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 318215
Hide Recall Details
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Oct 01, 2004
IF LEAKING OIL CONTACTS COMPONENTS OPERATING AT HIGH TEMPERATURES, A FIRE COULD RESULT IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.
Read Recall Details
Summary:
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.
What should you do:
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.
For more information:
SUBARU RECALL NO. WWU-05.CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 04V473000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 26
Hide Recall Details
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