2004 Subaru Forester Subaru Forester 2004

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2004 Subaru Forester repairs by problem area

Engine (48%)

Transmission and Drivetrain (9%)

Brakes and Traction Control (5%)

Suspension and Steering (12%)

Electrical and Air Conditioning (20%)

Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim (4%)

Other (2%)

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Chart based on 213 repairs.
See TSBs and recalls for the 2004 Subaru Forester.

2004 Subaru Forester brake repair cost distribution

$2500+ (0%)

$1000 - $2499 (0%)

$500 - $999 (20%)

$100 - $499 (60%)

< $100 (20%)

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Chart based on 10 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.

2004 Subaru Forester 4dr SUV

turbocharged 210hp 2.5L I4 5-speed manual AWD

86000 mi

US $150
Rear brakes and rotors 

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2004 Subaru Forester 4dr SUV

turbocharged 210hp 2.5L I4 4-speed automatic AWD

168000 mi

US $389
Seized caliper and new pads all around. New rotors on the front axle 
156000 mi

US $9
rear left brake caliper piston stuck, removed caliper, cleaned piston and caliper rust, purchased caliper seal repair kit (had to order not stocked) replaced seals, caliper working good, lots of work, suggestion is 2buy reman caliper 

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2004 Subaru Forester 4dr SUV

165-horsepower 2.5L H4 5-speed manual AWD

115000 mi

US $311
Remove rust from rear rotor to prevent parking brake from grinding on rotor when making turns. 
195000 mi

US $270
leaking rear wheel brake cylinders 
128100 mi

C $700
Left front brake calliper seized. Replaces calliper plus rotors and pads. 80k since last serviced for front brakes. 
127100 mi

C $300
Left front brake caliper seized 

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2004 Subaru Forester 4dr SUV

165-horsepower 2.5L H4 4-speed automatic AWD

188000 mi

US $600
Replaced rear wheel cylinders (drum brakes) due to leaking and front rotors and pads (disc brakes). One of the rotors was damaged, but there was no damage to the caliper. 
68080 mi

C $75
These older Subarus have an issue with rattles in the exhaust system - specifically, the heat shields placed around the exhaust. I had to have the dealer fix a rattle in this area. 
110700 mi

US $225
Rear wheel cylinders leaking. Would not pass inspection. Replace cylinders, new shoes and cut drums. Replace pads up front and cut rotors. Flush brake fluid. Total was $500. Estimated $225 for wheel cylinders. 

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See TrueDelta's information for all SUVs
See TrueDelta's information for all Subaru models.

2004 Subaru Forester Brake Problems

See our lemon odds and nada odds page to see vehicles with no repairs or vehicles with more than three repairs. To see how frequently 2004 Subaru Forester problems occur, check out our car reliability stats.