Model year guide

2004 Subaru forester

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2004 Subaru forester is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 20 on record.

2004 Subaru forester — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2004 Subaru forester at a glance

Safety recalls2
Owner complaints219
Combined20 mpg
Typical price$4,467

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

2004 Subaru forester recalls 2

Suspension:front:control Arm:lower Arm NHTSA Campaign #11V464000 · 06/09/2011

SUBARU IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2002-2007 IMPREZA, MODEL YEAR 2003-2008 FORESTER, AND MODEL YEAR 2005-2006 SAAB 9-2X VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 5, 2000 THROUGH NOVEMBER 26, 2007 ORIGINALLY SOLD, OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN, MASSACHUSETTS, MARYLAND, MICHIGAN, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW YORK, PENNSYLVANIA, VERMONT, WISCONSIN, CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, IOWA, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, MAINE, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW JER…

Fix: 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. OWN…

Engine And Engine Cooling NHTSA Campaign #04V473000 · 01/10/2004

ON 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 AROUND THE COVER GASKET.

Fix: 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.

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

2004 Subaru forester common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 219 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Fuel/propulsion System
Check for fuel or battery warnings, hard starts and stalling. On a hybrid/EV, confirm charging and range behave normally.
Suspension
Listen for clunks over bumps, check the car sits level, and look for uneven tire wear and worn shocks or struts.
Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Structure
Inspect for rust, fresh undercoating, mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps and any sign of prior collision or frame repair.
Hydraulic
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.

2004 Subaru forester MPG & running costs

Combined20 mpg
City18 mpg
Highway23 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$3,525

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

What's a 2004 Subaru forester worth?

Low
$2,300
Typical price
$4,467
High
$6,995

From 20 comparable 2004 Subaru forester listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2004 Subaru forester costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$17,625
Depreciation (5 yrs)$4,000
Total$21,625
Per mile$0.29

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. Depreciation compares today's typical asking price for this model year ($4,467) with the same model 3 model-years older ($1,843), from CarLogs listing data. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2004 Subaru forester trims & engines on record

Trims
2.5X · awd x · awd xs · awd xt · 2.5XS · 2.5XT · OUTBACK -CW
Engines
2.5L

2004 Subaru forester vehicles on record

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Other Subaru forester model years

2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998

2004 Subaru forester — frequently asked questions

Does the 2004 Subaru forester have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls for the 2004 Subaru forester. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 2004 Subaru forester?

Based on 219 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are fuel/propulsion system, suspension, engine.

What gas mileage does the 2004 Subaru forester get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2004 Subaru forester at about 20 mpg combined (18 city / 23 highway).

How much is a 2004 Subaru forester worth?

Comparable 2004 Subaru forester listings run roughly $2,300–$6,995, typically around $4,467 (from 20 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.