2004 Subaru Forester Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 2%of 219 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 45,102miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the body and structure of the 2004 Subaru Forester, 2% of the 219 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 45,102 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
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.
“The rear hatch door does not latch and door can swing open. Problem started around 45k and all the dealer would do is spray the mechanism with wd-40. The problem kept getting worse and I am fed up. As a result of this I would not buy another Subaru. This problem has been on going for at least 2 years ,it happens everytime the hatch is open...it never latches when closed.”
NHTSA complaint #10302028, filed 2010-01, 75,000 miles“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 corrosion of the brake lines. The contact was also informed that the entire subframe had sustained extensive rust and corrosion damage. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 28,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11504474, filed 2023-01, 28,000 miles“The contact owns a 2004 Subaru Forester. The contact received notification of a manufacturers recall pertaining to the sun-roof replacement in october, 2010. The dealer was contacted and advised that the recall could not be performed because the part was not yet available. The dealer was unable to confirm when the part would become available. The contact feels the recall exceeded a reasonable time for repairs. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 45,102.”
NHTSA complaint #10369364, filed 2010-12, 45,102 miles“Having seen the complaints from other users regarding the reliability of airbag deployment in this model vehicle. Relevant to let the proper authorities know of a rollover accident in which no airbags (nor front nor side) deployed with a resulting fatality.”
NHTSA complaint #10682532, filed 2015-02Related service bulletins
- 11022304Aug 11, 2025This bulletin provides information on paint codes for vehicles in the 2026 line up.
- 10130277Jan 11, 2018( 2017-2018MY Impreza - 5 Dr Only)
- 10015202Jan 19, 2005The damping structure for the rear gate stay has been changed from a single to a dual type damper style.
- 10016480Sep 1, 2003Creaking noise from door checker.
Body and structure: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 3 | 9% |
| 2025 | 1 | 1% |
| 2024 | 2 | 6% |
| 2023 | 3 | 4% |
| 2022 | 2 | 2% |
| 2021 | 4 | 2% |
| 2020 | 15 | 2% |
| 2019 | 25 | 3% |
| 2018 | 14 | 3% |
| 2017 | 15 | 3% |
| 2016 | 11 | 3% |
| 2015 | 20 | 3% |
| 2014 | 27 | 7% |
| 2013 | 4 | 5% |
| 2012 | 5 | 5% |
| 2011 | 8 | 5% |
| 2010 | 7 | 3% |
| 2009 | 2 | 1% |
| 2008 | 1 | 2% |
| 2007 | 1 | 1% |
| 2006 | 7 | 8% |
| 2005 | 4 | 4% |
| 2004 | 4 | 2% |
| 2003 | 19 | 10% |
| 2002 | 3 | 3% |
| 2001 | 4 | 3% |
| 1999 | 3 | 2% |
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 complaintsElectrical system
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