Model year
2004 Subaru Forester
NHTSA lists 2 recalls and 219 complaints for the 2004 Subaru Forester (recall file dated Oct 23, 2026; complaint file dated Oct 23, 2026). The components listed on the most complaints are FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (63), FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE (58), ENGINE (23). NHTSA lists 1 investigation. NHTSA star ratings from before model year 2011 use an older method and are not shown here. EPA rates it 18–21 mpg combined depending on configuration (fuel economy file dated Sep 29, 2026). EPA's annual fuel-cost figures for these configurations are $3,200–$4,550, based on 15,000 miles and 55% city driving.
- 2000 75 complaints
- 2001 139 complaints
- 2002 88 complaints
- 2003 189 complaints
- 2004 219 complaints
- 2005 93 complaints
- 2006 88 complaints
- 2007 74 complaints
- 2008 50 complaints
- 2009 178 complaints
- 2010 262 complaints
- 2011 147 complaints
- 2012 105 complaints
- 2013 78 complaints
- 2014 403 complaints
- 2015 615 complaints
- 2016 415 complaints
- 2017 592 complaints
- 2018 498 complaints
- 2019 834 complaints
- 2020 603 complaints
- 2021 211 complaints
- 2022 100 complaints
- 2023 74 complaints
- 2024 31 complaints
- 2025 98 complaints
- 2026 29 complaints
Recalls
11V464000 · Sep 6, 2011
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM
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…
04V473000 · Oct 1, 2004
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
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.
Complaints
219 distinct complaints. Crash flag on 13, fire flag on 4, injury field 8, deaths field 0. A complaint can be counted under more than one component. The injury and death figures are the file's numbers (the highest value on each complaint, then added), not a separate verified count of people.
Investigations
| Action | Subject | Opened | Closed |
|---|---|---|---|
| PE11011 | Front suspension control arm failure · SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM; SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM; SUSPENSION:FRONT; SUSPENSION | Apr 7, 2011 | Sep 23, 2011 |
Safety ratings
NHTSA star ratings from before model year 2011 use an older method and are not shown here.
Fuel economy
| Configuration | Fuel | City | Hwy | Comb | kWh/100 mi | Range | Annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forester AWD · 2.5L · Automatic 4-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Premium Gasoline | 17 | 21 | 19 | — | — | $4,350 |
| Forester AWD · 2.5L · Automatic 4-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 19 | 25 | 21 | — | — | $3,200 |
| Forester AWD · 2.5L · Manual 5-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Premium Gasoline | 16 | 22 | 18 | — | — | $4,550 |
| Forester AWD · 2.5L · Manual 5-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 19 | 25 | 21 | — | — | $3,200 |
Open this model year in the fuel-cost calculator. The calculator starts with no fuel price filled in.
Check a vehicle
This page is not a VIN lookup. NHTSA's recall tool checks a specific vehicle: nhtsa.gov/recalls. NHTSA's page for this model year is 2004 Subaru Forester at NHTSA. Complaint narratives stay on NHTSA's site and are not copied here.