2004 Subaru Forester Other or unknown Problems
- Complaints
- 9about this part
- Share
- 4%of 219 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 106,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the other or unknown of the 2004 Subaru Forester, 4% of the 219 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 106,000 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.
“Driving home from gym, I noticed the clutch pedal was not engaging the clutch making shifting difficult. Eventually returned home safely and upon inspection, I noticed a large firewall crack near the clutch master cylinder. The large firewall crack compromised the clutch pedal function. Also, fear of possibility of brake pedal failure and possible exposure to engine bay fumes. I spoke to a Subaru service advisor and suggested to bring-in for inspection. …”
NHTSA complaint #10990817, filed 2017-05, 160,000 miles“When temps drop there is a strong smell of gas in the cabin, doesn't go away and people get very sick. It doesn't matter if it's in motion, stopped, anywhere, and nothing causes it to go away until well into spring time or warmer weather.”
NHTSA complaint #11012786, filed 2017-08, 135,000 miles“Gas lines leak on 2004 Subaru Forester xt when ambient temperatures fall below 30 degrees fahrenheit. Significant amounts of fuel leak into the engine area, and strong fumes enter the passenger area. Nhtsa has already issued a TSB on the Subaru wxt regarding the same problem. Concerned about fire hazard and inhalation of gasoline vapors. Very strong odor. Could not continue to drive.”
NHTSA complaint #10432955, filed 2011-10, 50,000 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 miles“In very cold weather, there is a strong gasoline smell inside the car that remains as the car warms up. This only occurs when temperatures are well below freezing.”
NHTSA complaint #10936221, filed 2016-12, 90,000 milesRelated service bulletins
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Other or unknown: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 7 | 22% |
| 2025 | 21 | 21% |
| 2024 | 9 | 29% |
| 2023 | 20 | 27% |
| 2022 | 18 | 18% |
| 2021 | 43 | 20% |
| 2020 | 108 | 18% |
| 2019 | 145 | 17% |
| 2018 | 85 | 17% |
| 2017 | 97 | 16% |
| 2016 | 70 | 17% |
| 2015 | 74 | 12% |
| 2014 | 46 | 11% |
| 2013 | 7 | 9% |
| 2012 | 9 | 8% |
| 2011 | 13 | 9% |
| 2010 | 12 | 5% |
| 2009 | 11 | 6% |
| 2008 | 8 | 16% |
| 2007 | 2 | 3% |
| 2006 | 2 | 2% |
| 2005 | 3 | 3% |
| 2004 | 9 | 4% |
| 2003 | 6 | 3% |
| 2002 | 5 | 6% |
| 2001 | 2 | 1% |
| 2000 | 3 | 4% |
| 1999 | 1 | 1% |
| 1998 | 3 | 3% |
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 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 28, 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