2004 Subaru Forester recalls and problems
The 2004 Subaru Forester has 2 safety recalls and 219 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Subaru dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2004 Subaru Forester vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2004 Subaru Forester recalls
Recall 11V-464: Suspension
Problem: 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.
Risk: A broken control arm can result in the loss of control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
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. Owners may contact subaru at 1-800-782-2783. Owners may contact saab at 1-800-955-9007.
Recall 04V-473: Engine and Engine Cooling
Problem: 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.
Risk: If leaking oil contacts components operating at high temperatures, a fire could result in the engine compartment.
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.
2004 Subaru Forester problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 63 | |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 62 | |
| Suspension | 25 | |
| Air Bags | 23 | |
| Engine | 23 | |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 17 | |
| Power Train | 12 | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 12 | |
| Unknown or Other | 9 | |
| Electrical System | 4 | |
| Structure | 4 | |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 3 |
Most reported parts
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 6
- Air Bags › Frontal — 3
- Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator Pedal — 2
- Suspension › Rear — 2
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline › Turbo/Supercharger — 2
- Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Arm — 2
- Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Gear Position Indication (Prndl) — 1
- Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage — 1
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 97,000 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2004 Subaru Forester complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other Subaru Forester years
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2004 Subaru Forester have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2004 Subaru Forester: 11V-464 (suspension), 04V-473 (engine and engine cooling). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2004 Subaru Forester?
Owners report fuel/propulsion system problems most often (63 reports), followed by fuel system, gasoline (62). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 97,000 miles.
Are Subaru recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Subaru dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.