2004 Subaru Forester: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2004 Subaru Forester: 2 recalls, 219 owner complaints and up to 21 mpg combined.
_ca_2007_provenance_Aude.jpg){kind=link}
Recalls
2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Engine & cooling Vehicle recall #04V473000 · 2004 · 26 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: If leaking oil contacts components operating at high temperatures, a fire could result in the engine compartment.
The fix: 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.
Suspension Vehicle recall #11V464000 · 2011 · 318,215 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: A broken control arm can result in the loss of control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: 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.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 4 mention a fire, 8 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Fuel & propulsion (63): the most common themes are leaks (36), fire / smoke (8).
- Fuel system (61): the most common themes are leaks (33), fire / smoke (11), warning light on (2).
- Suspension (25): the most common themes are rust / corrosion (12), noise or vibration (6), steering problems (4).
- Engine (23): the most common themes are leaks (12), fire / smoke (3), warning light on (2).
The 2004 Subaru Forester has 219 owner complaints, ranking #9 of 29 Forester model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 224). Complaints peaked in 2014 (40 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 9 years old, at a median of 96,500 miles. Neighboring years: 2003 (189 complaints, 3 recalls), 2005 (93 complaints, 1 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5 L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 19 | 25 | 21 | Regular |
| 2.5 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 19 | 25 | 21 | Regular |
| 2.5 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 17 | 21 | 19 | Premium |
| 2.5 L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 16 | 22 | 18 | Premium |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2004 Subaru Forester.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/moHeads up: we may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Prices checked 2026-10 and can change. We never host or link to pirated manuals. Disclosure
FAQ
Does the 2004 Subaru Forester have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 2004 Subaru Forester. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2004 Subaru Forester problems?
Owners have filed 219 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are fuel & propulsion (63), fuel system (61), suspension (25).
What gas mileage does the 2004 Subaru Forester get?
EPA ratings run up to 21 mpg combined (2.5 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 4 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2004 Subaru Forester repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.