Subaru Forester 2004
The 2004 Subaru Forester came with 2 engines: 2.5 L 4-cylinder turbo, 2.5 L 4-cylinder. It gets 18 to 21 MPG combined depending on the engine, per the EPA. 2 recall campaigns and 40 owner complaints are on record.
Specs
| Cylinders | 4 |
|---|---|
| Transmission | Automatic · 4 speeds |
| Drivetrain | AWD |
| Dimensions (L × W × H) | 4,450 × 1,740 × 1,590 mm (175.2 × 68.5 × 62.6 in) |
| Wheelbase | 2,520 mm (99.2 in) |
| Curb weight | 1,435 kg (3,164 lb) |
| Body style | Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD |
Dimensions and weight: median of the 2 versions in Canada's official specifications (NHTSA vPIC). Each version differs slightly.
For sale in United States
Safety
Crash-test results across markets. They can vary by version and equipment.
Fuel economy (MPG)
🇺🇸 Local dataBy version
| Engine | Transmission | Drivetrain | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5 L 4-cylinder turbo | Automatic · 4 speeds | AWD | 17 MPG | 21 MPG | 19 MPG |
| 2.5 L 4-cylinder | Automatic · 4 speeds | AWD | 19 MPG | 25 MPG | 21 MPG |
| 2.5 L 4-cylinder turbo | Manual · 5 speeds | AWD | 16 MPG | 22 MPG | 18 MPG |
| 2.5 L 4-cylinder | Manual · 5 speeds | AWD | 19 MPG | 25 MPG | 21 MPG |
EPA figures for each version sold in the U.S.
Recalls
Consequence · Remedy
A BROKEN CONTROL ARM CAN RESULT IN THE LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
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.
Consequence · Remedy
IF LEAKING OIL CONTACTS COMPONENTS OPERATING AT HIGH TEMPERATURES, A FIRE COULD RESULT IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.
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.
It may not apply to vehicles sold in your country. Check with your VIN at the source.
Details
On certain vehicles, the front lower control arms could corrode due to exposure to humid environments and road de-icing chemicals. Over time, corrosion could progress causing thinning and perforation of the steel, which could allow the control arm to fracture near the forward pivot attachment to the chassis. Lower control arm failure could result in a loss of vehicle control and a crash causing property damage and/or personal injury. Correction: Dealers will inspect the front lower control arms and, depending on the degree of corrosion exhibited, will either rustproof or replace them.
On the road
Cars of this model first registered in 2004, from official registers. Each figure belongs to its country.
Common problems
40 reports🇺🇸 Local dataReported by owners to the source below. It is not a verdict on this car: it is what people wrote.
leaking fuel lines under turbo in engine compartment when in cold weather
The contact owns a 2004 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while driving an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed and extended to the floor, causing the braking distance to be extended. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who discovered that the brake hoses had failed due to rusting and corrosio…
My vehicle had a recall on the lower control arms that would rust and and break. That is exactly what happened while I was driving with my family. Control arm broke causing other parts to get destroyed. The fender breaks and other parts. The recall was performed before hand but it obviously wasn’t repaired correctly b…
Bracket to the sway bar bushing fell off
The contact owns a 2004 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while having a routine safety check performed on the vehicle, she learned that the lower control was completely rusted. The contact learned that the repair was covered under a special coverage. The contact stated that because the vehicle was not register…
THERE IS A FUEL LEAK ON THE LOW AND HIGH PRESSURE FUEL RUBBER HOSES, AND THEY CAUSE FUEL ODOR TO ENTER THE CB VIA CLIMATE CONTROL. IT IS A VERY STRONG ODOR, THAT REQUIRES ME TO EITHER DRIVE WITH THE WINDOWS DOWN OR WAIT FOR THE CAR TO CLEAR OUT THE FUEL ODOR OUT OF THE CABIN. MOSTLY OCCURS DURING COLD WEATHER DAYS. ON…
NEOPREEN HOSE TO THE RIGHT SIDE FUEL RAIL STARTED LEAKING. THIS HOSE IS NEAR THE TOP OF THE ENGINE AND THE LEAK CAUSED FUEL TO RUN ALL OVER ENGINE, WHICH WAS THEN DRAWN INTO THE CABIN VIA THE CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEM. THIS OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING, AND RAW FUEL WAS DRIPPING FROM THE HIGH PRESSURE HOSE ONCE STOPPED.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A LEAK IN THE HEAD GASKET. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER HERB GORDON SUBARU (3161 AUTOMOBILE BLVD, SILVER SPRING, MD 20904, (866) 520-7894) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH THE HEAD COVER GASKET WITH NEEDING TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHIC…
CONTROL ARMS ROTTEN OUT WITH FRONT CRASH BARS... SHOULD BE A RECALL ON THEM AS THE CONTROL ARMS ARE ABOUT 200 EACH PLUS LABOR... AND TO FIND SOMEONE WHO HAS THE FRONT CRASH BARS CAUSE THEY ROT OUT DO TO THE AC LEAKING ON THEM AND ROTTEN THEM OUT.... *TR
CAR WAS SHIFTED FROM DRIVE INTO NEUTRAL FOR OPERATOR TO USE A PARKING LOT GATE MACHINE. THE ENGINE SURGED A LITTLE WHILE IN NEUTRAL BUT SETTLED BACK DOWN. WHEN PARKING GATE OPENED THE OPERATOR SHIFTED INTO DRIVE AND LIGHTLY PRESSED THE GAS PEDAL. THE ENGINE IMMEDIATELY SURGED TO FULL THROTTLE AND RAPIDLY ACCELERAT…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AT START UP, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL FUEL ODOR INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. AFTER EXITING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT BECAME AWARE OF A FUEL LEAK UNDER THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. SCHLOSSMANN SUBARU CITY OF MILWAUKEE LOCATED AT 4640 S 27TH ST, MILWAUKEE, WI 53221…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SUBARU FORESTER. WHILE REVERSING THE VEHICLE IN THE DRIVEWAY, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE AND NOTICED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE WAS TURNED OUTWARD. THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE STEERING WHEEL. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO BE DRIV…
Questions
- What engine does the 2004 Subaru Forester have?
- The 2004 Subaru Forester came with 2 engines: 2.5 L 4-cylinder turbo, 2.5 L 4-cylinder.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2004 Subaru Forester?
- It gets 18 to 21 MPG combined depending on the engine, per the EPA.
- Does the 2004 Subaru Forester have recalls?
- 2 recall campaigns are on record. The latest concerns Suspension (2011-09-06).
- What are the common problems of the 2004 Subaru Forester?
- 40 owners have filed complaints, most often about Fuel/Propulsion System.
Other years
Other models by Subaru
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