2004 Subaru Forester Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 16about this part
- Share
- 7%of 219 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 70,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 16 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2004 Subaru Forester, 7% of the 219 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 70,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 2 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I purchased a 2004 Subaru forrester xt in february of '09 with 93,008 miles on it. The dealership had all service records relating to the vehicles history, and all guidelines were followed according to the manufacturer's specifications. The current mileage on the vehicle is 102,323 and I was just informed that the turbocharger is coming apart and needs replaced or the vehicle will be non-operational. I contacted Subaru of north america and they informed me that there was nothing that they could do, which I understand. …”
NHTSA complaint #10299794, filed 2010-01, 102,323 miles“Engine compartment fire, resulting from oil leaking in engine compartment. There were no injuries and because of proximity of fire department fire was extinguished within 4-5 minutes. Subaru of america (soa) maintains that oil leaked from oil filter and that this is no fault of theirs. Given the history of recalls of this type of vehicle in japan for leaking oil and fires I am not sure that this point has been demonstrated. Soa refused to fix damage and told me to file an insurance claim... Which I have done. Damage is estimated to be $6-10k. …”
NHTSA complaint #10104220, filed 2004-12, 7,785 miles“In cold weather (below 20 degrees or so) the fuel lines in the engine compartment come loose and leak raw gasoline onto the hot engine. Obviously there is a good chance of an engine fire with possible loss of life. This has been reported in several forums, there is a TSB out on this for the wrx (same engine, same part numbers), and most dealers (in cold states) know of this problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10562155, filed 2014-01, 130,000 miles“This car has an oil leak coming from the top of the engine. It is exactly the same problem described in your recall number 04v-473 of september 27, 2004. Because this Forester, an xs model, is not listed in the recall 04v-473, the dealer refused to repair the oil leak. It is the same problem as noted in the recall for the xt model Forester.”
NHTSA complaint #10453684, filed 2012-04, 85,000 miles“Had timing belt replaced on 2004 Forester turbo as recommended on maintenance,schedule, next day on highway, loud screeching noise and lose of power. Stopped driving towed to mechanic. Said it was blown turbo. Never notified of banjo bolt issue, Subaru should recall or remedy situation at their cost.”
NHTSA complaint #10383171, filed 2011-02, 106,000 milesRelated recalls
- 04V473000Oct 1, 2004On 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…Covers: Subaru Forester 2004, Baja 2004, Impreza 2004
Related service bulletins
- 10198749Jun 7, 2021This bulletin is to advise of SOAâs revised catalytic converter recycling program shipping procedure.
- 10186364Jan 12, 2021This bulletin announces a design change to the clutch release bearing.
- 10179416Aug 26, 2020This service information bulletin announces a design change to the clutch release bearing used on the models listed.
- 10173117Mar 10, 2020This Bulletin provides information regarding DTC P0606 related specifically to the determination of this code on Forester Turbo and applicable WRX models.
- 10111069Dec 27, 2016This Service Information bulletin announces a design change to the internal contact portion of the oil pressure switch to increase durability
- 10233107Jan 25, 2016Launch of Remanufactured Turbochargers
- 10019343Feb 1, 2006Rubbing mark on timing belt. Subaru.
- 10017968Oct 6, 2005Active valve control system (avcs) union screw filter. If a rough idle and/or rpm does not increase smoothly there is the possibility that the union screw filter of the active…
- 10016869Sep 9, 20052.5l remanufactured sohc short block release.
- 10011775Nov 5, 2004Modification of timing belt tensioner bracket to prevent knocking noise.
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 | 1% |
| 2020 | 4 | 1% |
| 2019 | 5 | 1% |
| 2017 | 1 | 0% |
| 2015 | 5 | 1% |
| 2014 | 3 | 1% |
| 2012 | 2 | 2% |
| 2011 | 7 | 5% |
| 2010 | 6 | 2% |
| 2009 | 12 | 7% |
| 2008 | 2 | 4% |
| 2007 | 6 | 8% |
| 2006 | 11 | 13% |
| 2005 | 7 | 8% |
| 2004 | 16 | 7% |
| 2003 | 19 | 10% |
| 2002 | 14 | 16% |
| 2001 | 16 | 12% |
| 2000 | 12 | 16% |
| 1999 | 25 | 19% |
| 1998 | 14 | 14% |
Other parts of the 2004 Subaru Forester
124 complaintsSuspension
25 complaintsEngine
23 complaintsAir bags
21 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
12 complaintsVehicle speed control
12 complaintsOther or unknown
9 complaintsBrakes
5 complaintsElectrical system
4 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