2004 Subaru Forester Engine Problems

NHTSA component category: ENGINE · data through 07/12/2026

23Engine complaints

10.5%Of all 219 complaints

#3Most-reported category

Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.

How engine ranks on this vehicle

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM63 · 28.8%

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE58 · 26.5%

ENGINE23 · 10.5%

SUSPENSION20 · 9.1%

AIR BAGS19 · 8.7%

Share of the 219 complaints citing each category; one complaint can cite several. Full breakdown on the 2004 Subaru Forester overview page.

What owners report

“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED WHEN THE TEMPERATURE DROPPED, FUEL FUMES WERE EMITTED IN AND AROUND THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE…”NHTSA complaint 10561131 — filed 01/23/2014

“STRONG SMELL OF GASOLINE UPON STARTING THE CAR IN VERY COLD WEATHER. INSIDE AND OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE. ONLY HAPPENS WHEN IT IS COLD OUTSIDE. REALLY…”NHTSA complaint 10561032 — filed 01/22/2014

“DURING THE RECENT COLD SNAP HERE IN TENNESSEE I GOT A REPORT FROM A FRIEND THAT HIS 2004 FORESTER XT WAS LEAKING FUEL INTO HIS…”NHTSA complaint 10559009 — filed 01/08/2014

Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.

Engine complaints by year filed

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2004 Subaru Forester have engine problems?

Engine is the #3 most-reported problem area on the 2004 Subaru Forester: 23 of 219 complaints on file (10.5%). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects.

How many complaints does the 2004 Subaru Forester have in total?

219 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/12/2026. Across all categories, 13 involved a crash, 4 involved a fire, 8 reported injuries, and none reported deaths.

What does NHTSA's engine category include?

NHTSA assigns each complaint to standard component categories; this page reports the ENGINE category exactly as NHTSA defines and records it.

About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 07/12/2026.