Air Bag Light On problems of the 2004 Subaru Forester

Eight problems related to air bag light on have been reported for the 2004 Subaru Forester. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2004 Subaru Forester based on all problems reported for the 2004 Forester.

1 Air Bag Light On problem

Failure Date: 06/15/2019

Hello, this is the second 04 Subaru Forester I have owned that has a faulty solder airbag connection causing the airbag light to be on and likely disabling some or all of the airbag system. That is very high likelihood that most of these 03-04 vehicles are affected. Why is there not a recall to address this safety failure? below is the documentation for the lack of response from Subaru of America. Attached is a pdf of the TSB for this issue. Hi austin, thank you for contacting Subaru of America. I appreciate the opportunity to be of assistance. I can confirm that I have documented the concerns you have related to your vehicle, including your request to have a recall issued concerning the problem described in TSB 17-07-04. Should you have any further questions or concerns, feel free to reach out to us by replying to this email or calling us at 1-800-782-2783. Sincerely, matthew wenzel Subaru of America, inc. Customer/retailer services department 1-800-subaru3 (1-800-782-2783) service request number: 1-44852420995.

2 Air Bag Light On problem

Failure Date: 08/01/2014

The airbag light stays illuminated for weeks at a time and then will randomly turn off. I have taken it to the dealer twice and they could not identify the problem. I have continuously had the problem off and on for the past year. I see several people have had the same problem with this model and year Subaru, this should be taken care of by Subaru- ts.

3 Air Bag Light On problem

Failure Date: 05/15/2014

The driver side front air bag light has lit up on the dashboard. It stays on every time I start the car and drive it. I have taken it to the local Subaru dealer in rochester, mn (clements). They say it will cost $3000 to install a brand new air bag system. I disagree. This is an inherent , serious safety flaw in the car. In my opinion, Subaru should fix it free of charge. I have not received any safety advisory from Subaru of America. Your guidance would be appreciated. Suresh kotagal.

4 Air Bag Light On problem

Failure Date: 03/01/2011

Airbag light comes on and goes off when the driver's seat is adjusted, ( this has been happening since the car was new, & sometimes staying on for weeks at a time). When ask about this problem at the dealers service department, they were aware of the problem and wanted over $170 to repair this safety issue as when the air bag light is on,the airbags are not working according to the dealers service department in auburn, wa. Since we still own this car, with less than 60,000 miles on it, we think that Subaru should be responsible for this safety problem.

5 Air Bag Light On problem

Failure Date: 07/15/2009

Since 2009 the driver side airbag light will stay on after I have started the car. It will stay on for days, whether it is hot summer time or cold winter days. It may stay on for a few days or for months. The last time was from July 19, 2014 to August 25, 2014. This is the first time that I have reviewed the list of vehicle safety complaints. Seeing the other complaints about the airbag light remaining on encourages me to submit my history also. When it has been on, I think I should take it to the dealer but then it goes off before I can take the car in to the dealer. Seeing all the complaints I also think Subaru should be responsive to this problem.

6 Air Bag Light On problem

Failure Date: 01/01/2007

The air bag light seems to intermittently come on when the driver's seat is moved forward. The light goes off on its own usually when the seat is moved back but we have not detected any patterns.

7 Air Bag Light On problem

Failure Date: 10/10/2006

Airbag light came on shortly before the warranty on the item ran out. Dealer checked connections and light went out. A few months later the light came again. Checked connection, light went out. Light started going on intermittently. Now was on steadily. Goggling 2004 Forester air bag light indicates this was a common problem. It was a poor design that exposed the connector to damage by feet or other objects under the driver's seat.

8 Air Bag Light On problem

Failure Date: 11/01/2004

Fuel door release button does not work. Airbag light came on possible electrical problems. 5 days after purchasing the vehicle, the fuel door release button fell off. Opening of the fuel door was and continued to be difficult. The consumer would like a full refund for the vehicle.


Other Air Bag related problems of the 2004 Subaru Forester



Safety Ratings of Forester Cars
Fuel Economy of Forester Vehicles
Forester Service Bulletins
Forester Safety Recalls
Forester Defect Investigations