general problems of the 2004 Subaru Forester

Bracket to the sway bar bushing fell off.

Car was shifted from drive into neutral for operator to use a parking lot gate machine. The engine surged a little while in neutral but settled back down. When parking gate opened the operator shifted into drive and lightly pressed the gas pedal. The engine immediately surged to full throttle and rapidly accelerated across the driveway for a few seconds before being stopped by collision with a granite post. Operator could not brake hard enough to stop the vehicle in time. Driver injured in crash.

Fuel leak in lines above engine but below intake during colder weather. Fuel fumes pulled into vehicle by heating system.

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 (1715 u. S. 9, wappingers falls, NY 12590 (866) 678-2048) several times, but no leaks or failures were detected. The contact stated that the dealer finally detected a fuel odor and diagnosed the failure as a malfunction with tubing or piping within the engine. The parts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that they would contact the local dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

The smell of fuel became obvious after a 10-15 minute drive. Upon examination, there was fuel dripping from a fuel line. This occurred after the first freeze of the year, fitting other descriptions of this issue I found for this model.

2004 Subaru Forester xt had catastrophic engine and turbo failure while driving on highway. It is clear that my vehicle suffered from Subaru service center negligence and a design flaw of a banjo bolt that filters oil to the turbo but easily gets clogged, shutting off oil to the turbo, causing oil deprivation to the turbo, burning out the turbo, and causing fragments to get into the engine, blowing out the engine as well. While I was spared an accident and injury, it was a close call as while I was driving I suddenly had a failure to accelerate, and very nearly was plowed in from behind by a large tractor trailer truck. My car now requires a complete replacement of engine and turbo, costing in excess of $7,000. I have decided to sell the vehicle rather than bearing the huge expense required to repair. The issue with this banjo bolt and Subaru turbo / engines of this era are well documented on the internet automobile forums and in social media. Subaru should compensate owners for devaluing their cars, and should have a recall before more drivers are harmed or killed.

In very cold weather (less than 10 f) the rubber gas lines leak very significant amounts of gas onto the engine and verynear the hot turbocharger. Another Subaru just caught fire in the o'neill tunnel. . Read more...

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 engine bay. I went out to start my car the next day and mine is doing the same thing. The fuel is slowly leaking onto the engine block. This is an extremely dangerous situation. I did some researching and it seems that almost all Forester models from 2002-2006 have this exact same issue! some have been recalled, but the Forester xt hasn't. The engines are the same. . . I don't understand why this dangerous problem hasn't been resolved by Subaru.

Very strong fuel smell in the car with heater on so strong have to roll window down. Happens 2 to 3 times a week on cold days. Strongest when its a cold start.

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 gives me a headache and makes me nervous about igniting.

There was a very strong gasoline smell inside the car (2004 Subaru Forester xs) that happened in cold weather during January 2012. It happened again just recently in January 2013. It was so strong it made the driver and passenger have a headache and become nauseous. Many other owners have reported the very same thing and have not been successful in getting Subaru to at least investigate. Subaru has issued a recall for the wrx model, but not for the Forester. This is a health and safety risk that should be taken care of by Subaru.