2004 Subaru Forester Fuel System, Gasoline Problems
NHTSA component category: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE · data through 07/12/2026
Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.
How fuel system, gasoline ranks on this vehicle
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
“ON VERY COLD DAYS WHILE CAR IS WARMING UP, A STRONG SMELL OF FUEL IS COMING FROM UNDER THE INTAKE MANIFOLD. A CLOSER INSPECTION REVEALS…”NHTSA complaint 10561865 — filed 01/28/2014
“THIS 2004 SUBARU FORESTER 2.5 XT AWD 4-SPD AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WITH MULTI-PURPOSE FUEL INJECTION TURBO (FEEDBACK FUEL SYSTEM) HAS BEEN PRODUCING A STRONG FUEL SMELL…”NHTSA complaint 10561154 — filed 01/23/2014
“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
Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.
Fuel System, Gasoline complaints by year filed
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2004 Subaru Forester have fuel system, gasoline problems?
Fuel System, Gasoline is the #2 most-reported problem area on the 2004 Subaru Forester: 58 of 219 complaints on file (26.5%). 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 fuel system, gasoline category include?
NHTSA assigns each complaint to standard component categories; this page reports the FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE category exactly as NHTSA defines and records it.
