Name: 2004 Subaru Forester
Brand: Subaru

Subaru Forester

EPA MPG: 23 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

EPA MPG: 23 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

RECALL ALERT: There are 2 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 2 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

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.

Climate System

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

What Owners Say

A/C compressor

"started 12 months ago,intermittent,has not been resolved due to cost."

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

Refrigerant leaks

"In the summer of 2023, I noticed that my AC was producing cool air only when the ambient temperature was below 85. That threshhold temp went steadily lower until the was no cool air at any ambient temp."

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

"Several years ago the A/C stopped working. Recharged with freon. Cost was $400 because freon is hard to get. A couple of years ago the A/C stopped working again. I assume it leaked again. Did not fix it."

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

Steering And Suspension

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

Shocks or struts

"Problem was resolved"

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

Wheel bearings

"While on a trip across the state alone in my Forester, there was a noise coming from the right rear. On the way back the noise got worse. I suspected a wheel bearing but was unsure. Upon arrival at an overnight stay, I called my mechanic who agreed it sounded like a wheel bearing. Since I wasnt experiencing any wobble, he felt I could continue my trip home and leave the car with him. It did take a couple of days for the repair as the shop was quite busy. The repair was completed and Ive had no problem since."

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

Exhaust

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

What Owners Say

Muffler

"basically it got rusted out so I had to replace it, which I did with a friend"

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

Pipes

"muffler was fine but the tailpipe rusted where it connected to the muffler, I was the 2nd system on the car and this installed by an independent auto shop. The replacement was purchased from an independently owned exhaust only shop. The replacement muffler is definitely louder than the previous one"

Anonymous, MD (2004 Subaru Forester XS 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

Exterior lights (other than headlights)

"My front running lights have been turning on intermittently over the last 5 years; the garage installed three new bulbs and a wiring harness."

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

Transmission Major

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

What Owners Say

Transmission rebuild or replacement

"The transmission was slipping when shifting between 2nd and 3rd gear. The car was still drivable when it was replaced... it probably could have waited another 20K miles or so"

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

Transmission Minor

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

What Owners Say

Other minor transmission & clutch problem

"Increased bearing noise"

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

Subaru Forester

Reliability

Owner Reported Trouble Spots

Climate System

What Owners Say

Steering And Suspension

What Owners Say

Exhaust

What Owners Say

Electrical Accessories

What Owners Say

Transmission Major

What Owners Say

Transmission Minor

What Owners Say

Engine Major

Brakes

Engine Electrical

Drive System

Paint And Trim

Noises And Leaks

Engine Cooling

Engine Minor

Body Hardware

In-car Electronics

Fuel System/Emissions

2004 SUVs Reliability

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