2004 Subaru Forester problems
Owners have filed 270 complaints about the 2004 Subaru Forester with NHTSA. Fuel/propulsion system accounts for 23.3% of them — narrowly the most common, ahead of fuel system, gasoline at 23%.
Complaints270
Crashes19
Fires4
Injuries11
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Fuel/propulsion system 23.3% · 63
Fuel system, gasoline 23.0% · 62
Suspension 9.3% · 25
Engine 8.5% · 23
Air bags 8.5% · 23
Engine and engine cooling 6.3% · 17
Power train 4.4% · 12
Vehicle speed control 4.4% · 12
Severity
Of those complaints, 19 describe a crash, 4 describe a fire and 11 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 23 model years of the Subaru Forester in this data, 2004 sits 10th by complaint volume. 2019 draws the most.
Filings have fallen off, 8 in the last three years against 13 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 96,500 miles.
In owners' own words
The rubber injector lines running below the intake manifold on the turbocharged (XT) model, including my vehicle, are well known to develop a dangerous leak. Either the rubber dries out or the factory clamps loosen up over time, leaking gasoline onto the engine block. This is a very dangerous design flaw that has been recognized as an issue on the impreza but you forgot about foerester owners, Subaru! Shame on you. Fuel/propulsion system · reported at 125,000 miles
The contact owns a 2004 Subaru Forester. The contact noticed an odor of fuel and a leak coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the fuel lines needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle had not been diagnosed by a dealer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 123,000. Fuel/propulsion system · reported at 123,000 miles
Upon start up in cold weather (below freezing), there is a strong smell of raw fuel in the cabin. At times it is unbearable necessitating rolling down the windows, even in sub-freezing temperatures. It looks like fuel is leaking from somewhere in the engine bay. It has happened repeatedly and I worry the fumes are dangerous for not only passengers' health, but also in case of an accident. Fuel/propulsion system · reported at 49,000 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…