2004 Subaru Forester fuel system, gasoline problems
61 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the fuel system, gasoline on the 2004 Subaru Forester — 28% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“Tl* the contact owns a 2004 subaru forester. Whether the vehicle was parked or being driven, a fuel odor was detected in and outside the vehicle. The fuel odor was most noticeable while operating the heater. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to mid-hudson subaru…”
filed Nov 24, 2017
“Basically I am experiencing the same raw fuel smell many others have described. The hose under the intercooler and several other hoses and parts visibly leaks and smells when temperatures are cold outside. I live in the pacific northwest...it's cold a lot here. I don't feel safe driving with my…”
filed Jan 9, 2015
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Fuel System, Gasoline problems in other Forester years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 Forester | 4 | 5% |
| 2022 Forester | 1 | 1% |
| 2018 Forester | 2 | 0% |
| 2015 Forester | 1 | 0% |
| 2014 Forester | 6 | 1% |
| 2012 Forester | 2 | 2% |
| 2011 Forester | 1 | 1% |
| 2010 Forester | 2 | 1% |
| 2009 Forester | 3 | 2% |
| 2008 Forester | 3 | 6% |
| 2007 Forester | 6 | 8% |
| 2006 Forester | 5 | 6% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2004 Subaru Forester
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.