2004 Subaru Forester Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 2%of 219 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 48,750miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the electrical system of the 2004 Subaru Forester, 2% of the 219 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 48,750 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“While running the blower motor on high, the cabin began to fill with toxic smoke. The blower's hot wire connection had overheated, charred/melted the plastic housing around the terminal, charred/melted the wires insulation at this connection, and melted the copper until it fell loose. The blower resides exposed under the glove compartment. No easily combustible materials were located underneath the blower at that time.”
NHTSA complaint #10611113, filed 2014-07, 177,700 miles“When outside temperature falls below 10 degrees f., car will not start or starts only with greatest difficulty. Last year(2004), same sort of starting problem was attributed to a cracked ignition coil. This year dealers service department can not find a problem, also can't explain the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10146080, filed 2005-12, 29,500 miles“The air bag system will not function in the event of a collision due to an electrical connector malfunction. The connector is located under the driver's seat and is constantly stressed by seat movement or contact by the driver's feet. As a result, the air bag warning light is chronically but intermittently on. This has been a problem since first identified when this vehicle was approximately 1 year old. The repair of the connector was eventually ineffective. When the air bag warning light is on the air bags are inactive and will not deploy in the event of a collision.”
NHTSA complaint #10229725, filed 2008-06, 25,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11037943Oct 5, 2026This announcement provides information on a new software update for the Midtronics Dss and DCA machines.
- 11037929Sep 14, 2026This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure. This is an revised version of the…
- 11037927Sep 14, 2026This bulletin has been developed to outline the steps for gathering basic but essential information during diagnosis of Infotainment concerns. This is an revised version of the…
- 11036807Aug 20, 2026This Service Information Bulletin outlines a systematic procedure for diagnosing parasitic draw (dark/standby current) in vehicles experiencing battery drain when the ignition is…
- 11036796Aug 13, 2026This Bulletin has been developed to outline the steps for gathering basic but essential information during diagnosis of Infotainment concerns. (This is an revised version of the…
- 11036794Aug 5, 2026Techtips newsletter locator index.
- 11036789Aug 1, 2026This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure. This is an revised version of the…
- 11030560Mar 26, 2026This bulletin announces the new procedure and Warranty Fail Code for FirstTime air conditioning (A/C) performance concerns possibly resulting from an undetected A/C refrigerant…
- 11030567Mar 16, 2026This bulletin contains information to help when attempting to complete the STARLINK Telematics subscription process, an Error Code 202 and / or 204 may occur preventing the…
- 11030561Mar 4, 2026This announcement provides information on the use of aftermarket services or tools for programming immobilizer keys/fobs.
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 8 | 25% |
| 2025 | 9 | 9% |
| 2024 | 1 | 3% |
| 2023 | 8 | 11% |
| 2022 | 11 | 11% |
| 2021 | 34 | 16% |
| 2020 | 103 | 17% |
| 2019 | 134 | 16% |
| 2018 | 71 | 14% |
| 2017 | 106 | 18% |
| 2016 | 93 | 22% |
| 2015 | 82 | 13% |
| 2014 | 42 | 10% |
| 2013 | 3 | 4% |
| 2012 | 10 | 9% |
| 2011 | 11 | 7% |
| 2010 | 13 | 5% |
| 2009 | 22 | 12% |
| 2008 | 5 | 10% |
| 2007 | 5 | 7% |
| 2006 | 7 | 8% |
| 2005 | 3 | 3% |
| 2004 | 4 | 2% |
| 2003 | 4 | 2% |
| 2001 | 2 | 1% |
| 2000 | 1 | 1% |
| 1999 | 4 | 3% |
| 1998 | 6 | 6% |
Other parts of the 2004 Subaru Forester
124 complaintsSuspension
25 complaintsEngine
23 complaintsAir bags
21 complaintsEngine cooling
16 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
12 complaintsVehicle speed control
12 complaintsOther or unknown
9 complaintsBrakes
5 complaintsBody and structure
4 complaintsWheels
3 complaintsTires
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2004 Subaru Forester
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology