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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 repair cost distribution

$2500+ (4%)

$1000 - $2499 (7%)

$500 - $999 (17%)

$100 - $499 (41%)

< $100 (31%)

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Chart based on 183 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.

See repairs for all Subaru Forester model years.

Subaru Forester in Ohio, United States Jun 2008 - Mar 2010
Jul 2008 75000 mi US $2000	Turbo went out. Air bag sensors in the front seats malfunctioned.

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Subaru Forester in New York, United States Sep 2011 - Apr 2012
Nov 2011 103000 mi	moonroof motor not working, roof wouldn't close all the way = leaking into interior

Subaru Forester in Arizona, United States Dec 2010 - Jun 2011
Jan 2011 105000 mi US $380	Radiator leaked and was replaced.
Jun 2011 107000 mi	High oil consumption, e.g. 2 quarts every fill up. The mechanics suspect engine cylinder problem or PCV valve problem.

Subaru Forester in Illinois, United States - Nov 2006
Nov 2006 90000 mi	Driver's side rear wheel bearing failed. Sourced entire replacement hub from local salvage and performed the repair myself. Dealer quoted $375 to replace the bearing.

Subaru Forester in Alaska, United States Feb 2011 - Jun 2017
Sep 2016 129000 mi US $1200	Clutch replacement

Subaru Forester in Illinois, United States Nov 2009 - Mar 2012
Dec 2009 81000 mi	Air Bag light lit. Contact cleaner on yellow wire connection under drivers seat. Problem went away.
Mar 2011 104000 mi US $600	Turbo died, made horrible noises, very little power. Replaced turbo with another used one (from a friends WRX)

Subaru Forester in Maryland, United States Aug 2011 - Sep 2014
Nov 2013 84600 mi US $300	Crack in plastic radiator cap leaked coolant. Replaced with fully welded alum radiator
Feb 2014 86300 mi US $350	Blown turbo was replaced with used unit
Jul 2014 87000 mi US $150	Front CV axles Ball joints and one tie rod replaced

Subaru Forester in Maryland, United States Dec 2007 - Jun 2018
Oct 2012 86000 mi US $150	Rear brakes and rotors
Aug 2014 97600 mi US $1980	blown turbo
Apr 2017 103000 mi US $150	Bad alternator and belt

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Subaru Forester in California, United States Oct 2009 - Nov 2012
Apr 2010 74000 mi	Rear windshield wiper motor is noisy. Dealer's estimated cost of repair is $300. Decided to wait until next service appointment for the repair because the dealer did not have the part (windshield wiper motor) in stock.
Jul 2011 88000 mi US $305	Rear windshield wiper motor noisy (noted on previous visit to this dealer). Replacement performed at Subaru dealer, noisy wiper motor replaced with new rear windshield wiper motor. Noise problem totally solved.
Nov 2011 91800 mi US $152	During preventive maintenance replacement of head light bulbs (still working but old) by Dealer, mechanic found melted l/f head light bulb socket. New wiring and l/f head light socket installed.

Subaru Forester in Washington, United States Dec 2007 - Aug 2016
May 2008 58000 mi US $210	Air bag warning light. Problem is in the passenger side impact air bag. There's a TSB on the problem. The recommended solution is to replace a connector in the air bag wiring Replaced connector as recommended in the TSB. Repair did not solve the problem
Nov 2011 100000 mi US $50	Slow coolant leak at the fitting at the base of the radiator
Apr 2014 120300 mi US $56	check engine light came on due to a piece of foam caught in camshaft angle sensor. Repair was accomplished by removing the foam.
Nov 2014 125000 mi US $525	Variable Valve timing solenoid had was stuck in the fully advanced position by a small piece of something.
Jun 2016 136000 mi US $500	AC condenser damaged by road debris. Replaced condenser. No other damage, no idea how long ago the damage occurred.

Subaru Forester in Ontario, Canada Jun 2007 - Mar 2014
Feb 2009 65100 mi	Catalytic converter replaced under orig warranty.
Jun 2009 73160 mi	clips holding front/rear fascia rotted out, replaced
Sep 2010 80600 mi C $400	breather fallen off cat converter trip cel
Aug 2011 93000 mi C $300	a/c interrmittant
Jul 2012 108500 mi	clutch problem, new compressor needed
Aug 2012 109500 mi C $1200	compressor dead. re and re
Mar 2013 114700 mi C $50	Clogged cam oiling valve caused check engine
Jul 2013 118300 mi C $500	drivers window motor replacement
Mar 2014 121520 mi C $165	blew the turbo after getting a p0011 code. filter in the banjo clogged, starved turbo and we lost it. sold the car as is to a kid to play with, as replacement turbo was too much for 10 years old

Subaru Forester in Illinois, United States Dec 2009 - Aug 2012
Jan 2011 93900 mi US $50	Airbag light on- wire got snagged under passenger seat
May 2011 92900 mi US $70	Car wouldn't start

Subaru Forester in Indiana, United States May 2012 - May 2016
Apr 2012 145000 mi US $850	A/C Compressor Replace, A/C evacuate and recharge
May 2012 146000 mi US $202	Engine Sludge caused CEL. Full engine flush and detergent cleaning followed by dealer oil change
Mar 2013 152000 mi US $1323	Turbo Rebuild and replacement. Replacement of gaskets and banjo joints. Antifreeze leak also fixed.
Apr 2013 152500 mi US $611	RH Oil Control Valve, Hoses, and Gaskets Replacement
May 2013 154000 mi US $413	All engine coil packs and spark plugs replaced due to dead cylinders.
Nov 2013 165000 mi US $15	Replaced both headlights for the first time since owning the car
Feb 2014 168000 mi US $389	Replaced idler pully Replacement of Fuel line under turbo and hoses and clamps associated with the line 1.5qts low on oil. triggered code P0021. Oil was changed and refilled. Seized caliper and new pads all around. New rotors on the front axle
Jan 2016	Camshaft position sensor had degraded over the life of the car, causing stalls during acceleration.
Apr 2016 195000 mi US $3500	Complete turbo rebuild and engine flush.

Subaru Forester in California, United States Jan 2015 - Apr 2015
Jan 2015 273000 mi US $500	Replaced front boots and axel.
Feb 2015 273800 mi US $1900	The turbo blew.
Apr 2015 278000 mi US $5600	Heads and block had cracks. Replaced valves, heads, all hoses, steering fluid pump. I turned it over to the technician to keep as his own per his request. He paid the bill for me.

Subaru Forester in Connecticut, United States Feb 2014 - Jun 2014
Feb 2014 112000 mi US $400	Turbo broke while normal driving at 65 mph. Turbo replaced, along with gaskets. New turbo worked perfectly for 950 miles, broke while normal driving at 65 mph.

Subaru Forester in Georgia, United States Jun 2013 - Jan 2015
Jul 2013 130800 mi US $3000	Timing belt skipped 7 teeth within 10,000 miles of being replaced. Had to replace timing belt pullies,and get top end rebuilt due to bent rods.
Jan 2015 155000 mi US $10	Mass Air Flow Sensor needed to be cleaned again. Every six months or so I get a code PO171. Cleaning the mas air flow sensor seems to fix it.

Subaru Forester in Virginia, United States Nov 2009 - Apr 2013
Apr 2013 70000 mi US $700	sunroof would not open

Subaru Forester in Georgia, United States Dec 2008 - Jun 2011
Feb 2009 56000 mi US $200	Front sway bar bushing was bad.
Jun 2009 59000 mi US $330	small ac coolant leak.

Subaru Forester in Ohio, United States Nov 2008 - Mar 2010
Dec 2008 121000 mi US $180	Worn suspension link.

Subaru Forester in Alabama, United States Sep 2008 - Jun 2015
Mar 2008 46000 mi US $700	A/C belt pulley tensioner replaced recharged system done at dealer under extended warranty gold plan
Mar 2009 63800 mi	Front left wheel bearing, covered by extended warranty.
Dec 2009 85000 mi US $500	Very serious problem. In temps below 0 deg. F fuel lines start leaking. Smoke coming from under hood, initially thought it was water. Had to remove manifold and tighten fuel lines. Extended warranty denied coverage.
Dec 2011 123000 mi	ongoing clunk from either transmission or differential, diff fluid clean & fairly new as is trans fluid, clunk is sporadic and goes away, normally only happens once per every few weeks, will try changing fluids, probable long term issue
Oct 2013 143800 mi US $200	right front inner cv joint boot split, typical problem with this vehicles due to boot location near engine exhaust manifold. Not really bad I guess, it lasted 130k + miles. OEM new part as best replacement is expensive. inner front tires are wearing out faster than proper, likely worn out suspension part problem? need to investigate fully, will report situation investigation results next quarter, not bad for vehicle with 130k+ miles hood latch doesn't shut fully-push down aftr opening hood y it will not close fully-slamming hood no help, pushing down by sitting on hood edge worked 2x-removed/cleaned/reinstall, will probably last 10k, repeat issue from about 10k ago air conditioning air sometimes has moldy smell, known issue with many vehicles from 200-2007, ac condenser too small is general consensus, not bad this year, very dry year, previous repair by spraying borax infused water in2 vents kills mold
Jan 2014 148000 mi	inner right cv boot (the one near heat location near exhaust) totally failed on trip to cold weather state for holiday, not many tools as locations, had to use too big split boot type for temp repair, worked ok too awhile, good temp fix
May 2014 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
Dec 2014 161000 mi	replaced both front sway bar links, for ease of replacement buy units with wrench flats or use a thin vice grip wrench to hold shaft from turning while tightening the fastener nuts, steering felt tighter after replacement replaced front right cv axle, extreme wheel wobble felt thru steering wheel on uneven roads, inner cv joint had failed with 2 of 3 bearing races entirely worn out allowing axle to move in the race, up and down movement on axle right valve cover has slow leak of oil, drips onto exhaust and turbo exhaust piping causing smoke, just starting leaking enough for drips overnight, due to mileage and exhaust heat, expected repair after 150k miles, check "half moons" also
Feb 2015 162100 mi	right valve cover now leaking excessively, cannot drive vehicle with that much oil leak, car taken out of service until problem is fixed, might end up fixing both sides and half moons all at once if half moons rear seal pieces are accessible

Subaru Forester in California, United States Dec 2008 - Jul 2019
Sep 2009 134000 mi US $108	Cam position sensor failed and caused rough idle and stalling.
Apr 2010 144000 mi US $630	Rear wheel bearings started getting noisy around 141k miles. Both rear bearings were replaced.
Oct 2010 152000 mi US $260	Original radiator sprung a leak about a mile from home. Noticed steam coming from under the hood as I pulled into driveway. Top plastic end tank split where it meets the radiator core. Replacement Koyorad ordered and installed.
Jan 2014 191000 mi US $484	Left rear wheel bearing was beginning to make noise. Shop installed new wheel bearing, bearing seals, and axle nut.
Nov 2015 194600 mi US $393	Steering feel became loose and wobbly over time. Took vehicle to Subaru specialist for replacement of worn inner and outer tie rods, boots and ball joints.

Subaru Forester in Maryland, United States Nov 2010 - Mar 2011
Dec 2010 89000 mi US $270	2 of 4 cylinders suddenly misfired. Dealer diagnosed carbon-choked rods. Rebuilt engine. Did not fix problem. Replaced clogged oil control solenoid valve controlling cylinders 1, 3. Radiator leaking after return from dealer. Replaced radiator at 3rd party shop.

Subaru Forester in Wyoming, United States Jul 2010 - Jun 2011
Sep 2010 121000 mi	"clicking" in engine - repair shop could not locate source of "click" without dissasembling the engine block. Told me to take it to dealer for repair. Decided to purchase another car and accept trade-in loss.

Subaru Forester in Ohio, United States Dec 2013 - Apr 2014
Dec 2013 160000 mi US $200	Overheated and subsequently damaged turbo. Likely caused by neglected oil changes. Replaced turbo with used part from junkyard.

Subaru Forester in Texas, United States Dec 2007 - Jul 2013
Mar 2011 86000 mi US $100	Fuel lines leaked under the intake manifold. Gas smell was noticed inside the car when weather was very cold (30F or below). This only happened when A/C was turned on (with the Recirculate function turned Off).
Jun 2012 97000 mi US $400	Radiator leaking
Sep 2012 97000 mi US $370	Rear wheel bearing was noisy. Replaced wheel bearing.

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Subaru Forester in California, United States Jul 2011 - Jun 2018
Nov 2015 70000 mi	Keep getting "Check Engine" light, it's a code 5301 which turns out to be the neutral switch on the Transmission. Resets itself eventually and light goes off so no fix for now. Belt squealing - had been replaced recently, shop believes it just needed adjusting and did so no charge.
Jan 2016 72300 mi US $12000	Clutch was slipping and was replaced
Feb 2016 74000 mi	Trim on passenger side door came off Wind noise bad on driver's side, moderate on passenger side. Check engine light comes on, generally after driving down a (steepish) hill. code reads 5301 Appears to be not uncommon and is the Neutral switch on the transmission. Doesn't seem to require a repair, engine light resets itself within a couple of trips.
Apr 2017 84000 mi US $100	Stuttering/hesitating when gas given, esp. going up hills. Spark plugs and cables replaced
May 2017 84000 mi US $250	Right rear bearing was noisy, normal repair

Subaru Forester in Wisconsin, United States Dec 2011 - Jun 2015
Dec 2014 99000 mi US $900	Wheel bearing wore out

Subaru Forester in Vermont, United States Sep 2011 - Jun 2018
Oct 2011 106000 mi US $830	One bad drive belt pulley.
Sep 2012 118000 mi US $850	One of the timing belt pulleys failed, so had to have the entire timing belt, pulleys, water pump replaced, with Subaru parts. Previous replacement of above mentioned parts (only 6,000 miles ago) was with non-Subaru parts, but "good" parts.
Dec 2012 122000 mi US $932	One of the pulleys in the timing belt assembly started to come appart after only 4,000 miles since timing bely , etc.replacement. Since I was on the road when this happened, I had the timing belt and all pulleys plus water pump replaced.
Jan 2015 151000 mi	rear strut, rear brake pad set, rear rotor, rear sway bar links, air filter, trans/dif. gear oil.
Jul 2017 168300 mi US $300	A/C repair
Aug 2017 169000 mi US $268	The alternator needed replacement.

Subaru Forester in California, United States Jun 2011 - Jul 2011
Jul 2011 73000 mi US $800	The rattling noise was in the back of the car. Mechanic cut off the heat shield, it did help but the problem did not go away.

Subaru Forester in Wisconsin, United States Jan 2012 - Feb 2013
Feb 2012 174400 mi	After purchasing car, I noticed a large crack in the windshield under the wipers. The dealership replaced this at no cost to me.
May 2012 177000 mi US $250	A/C Compressor clutch quit functioning properly. Replaced with used A/C compressor.
Feb 2013 184000 mi	Issues developing with the transmission/AWD system. Time to trade it in.

Subaru Forester in Minnesota, United States Oct 2014 - Oct 2014
Oct 2014 162000 mi US $500	Cracked head

Subaru Forester in Minnesota, United States Jan 2017 - Apr 2017
Feb 2017 157000 mi US $1500	Engine issues related to car losing power and stalling. Full clutch replacement.

Subaru Forester in Illinois, United States Nov 2014 - Nov 2014
Nov 2014 60000 mi US $3000	intake injector rails leaked gas, serpentine belt replaced, window howled due to poor seals, rotors replaced at only 40k

Subaru Forester in Texas, United States Aug 2008 - Feb 2010
Feb 2010 108000 mi	Needed a new head gasket within the next few months. Traded.

Subaru Forester in Colorado, United States Aug 2008 - Aug 2012
Sep 2008 87000 mi US $25	Engine temp was fluctuating. Dealer replaced radiator cap, No problem seen since.
Jul 2012 124000 mi US $1600	CEL lit, dealer replaced valves of evaporative emissions system. CEL lit again, so a second trip- dealer replaced charcoal canister, which had ruptured. CEL lit again, so a third visit. Dealer cleaned tank and replaced fuel pump.

Subaru Forester in Virginia, United States Dec 2007 - Jun 2018
Feb 2013 124000 mi US $1612	Center Differential replaced
Nov 2013 135200 mi US $80	Replaced cv axel because right front inner boot failed Replace rear wheel bearing
Apr 2015 158300 mi	Ball Joint replacement
Apr 2016 170800 mi US $340	Leaking Muffler
Jan 2017 180000 mi US $400	Replaced Head Gaskets Machine Ship 250 dollars Parts about 150
Mar 2017 183000 mi US $20	FOG LIGHT REPLACEMENT bulbs
Mar 2018 195000 mi US $270	leaking rear wheel brake cylinders

Subaru Forester in British Columbia, Canada Aug 2009 - Sep 2016
Sep 2009 63240 mi C $340	oxygen sensor
Dec 2009 75020 mi C $500	leaking coolant from head gasget
Mar 2010 77500 mi C $50	slight coolant leak from head gasket
Jun 2010 79980 mi	Air Bag light on
Jul 2010 80600 mi C $300	rear wheel bearing
Feb 2012 86160 mi C $450	Driver's power window motor was seized, therefore replaced
Apr 2012 88040 mi C $160	Air bag light on. Faulty wiring detected under driver's seat.
Jul 2013 104140 mi C $950	Replaced timing belt and water pump, cam and crank seals, re: minor oil leaks.
May 2014 116560 mi C $2120	Valve cover gasket and spark plug tube seals
Apr 2015 128100 mi C $700	Left front brake calliper seized. Replaces calliper plus rotors and pads. 80k since last serviced for front brakes.
Oct 2015 136060 mi C $100	Oil seepage
Jan 2016 138960 mi C $300	Left front brake caliper seized
Apr 2016 141740 mi C $430	Rear wheel bearing
Aug 2016 146940 mi C $20	Exhaust system, bolts to manifold came loose
Sep 2016 148800 mi C $400	Leaking oil, valve cover gadgets replaced

Subaru Forester in Maryland, United States Aug 2011 - Mar 2019
Nov 2011 83500 mi US $1120	Throwout bearing failed. Replace clutch and throwout bearing. Refill with synthetic fluid. Throwout bearing failed and buzzing loudly. Clutch shuddering. Replace clutch and throwout bearing. Refill with synthetic fluid.
Aug 2017 115000 mi US $311	Replace transmission neutral switch to correct severe shuddering while driving. Remove buzzing heat shield. Remove rust from rear rotor to prevent parking brake from grinding on rotor when making turns.
Nov 2017 118000 mi US $587	Engine surging/stumbling. Starved for fuel. Replaced faulty idle air control valve and, as precaution, evap canister purge valve.
Jun 2018 126000 mi US $160	Replaced clutch master cylinder, clutch slave cylinder, and hydraulic hose. Clutch master cylinder was leaking and not holding pressure.

Subaru Forester in British Columbia, Canada Nov 2008 - Mar 2010
Nov 2008 118420 mi C $550	Suspension bushing rear stabilizer Rear Right bearing Suspension end links

Subaru Forester in Michigan, United States Jun 2010 - Jan 2013
Jul 2010 100000 mi	threw code P0519 cleaned IACV
Nov 2010 107000 mi US $580	Timing Belt and idler assembly replaced. Tensioner was squealing like a pig and book says to do it at 105k. Also while I had things apart did the water pump, thermostat, cam/crank seals, and accessory belts. Rear Wheel Bearing replaced. was grinding pretty badly
Jan 2012 137000 mi US $50	Front ball joint replacement
Aug 2012 145300 mi US $150	Driveshaft u joints started to squeak, replaced driveshaft with one from junkyard with <100k on it for 150 bucks. Easy fix.
Jan 2013 135000 mi	Vapor canister clogged resulting in not being able to fill with gas, did not affect driveability. Took 10 min to repair.

Subaru Forester in Florida, United States Apr 2017 - Jan 2018
May 2017 148890 mi US $220	My car was skipping when I accelerated, and it got progressively worse over the course of 3 days. I took it in fearing the worst, headgasket, but they replaced the Plugs and Wires and it's running fine now. Not perfect, but good enough

Subaru Forester in Pennsylvania, United States Nov 2009 - Mar 2010
Dec 2009 51000 mi US $400	reported loss of power

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Subaru Forester in Quebec, Canada Apr 2013 - Jan 2016
Jan 2014 C $250	Changed starter and battery, car stoped to start when minus 30 celcius in quebec
Jan 2016 130200 mi C $200	Coil pack damaged, had to change Transmission was lazy, result of Fluid Leak, had to seal pipe. Wiper linkages where slack, had to change linkage

Subaru Forester in British Columbia, Canada Sep 2013 - Dec 2013
Oct 2013 89280 mi C $340	Muffler pipe had hole next to forward hanger & cracks on mid pipe next to hangar replaced with OEM style parts at 144000 km

Subaru Forester in Washington, United States Apr 2018 - Jun 2018
May 2018 160200 mi US $300	Replaced sway bar ends. Also, full pre-buy type inspection and a/c recharge.

Subaru Forester in California, United States Feb 2013 - Apr 2018
Apr 2018 83000 mi	Oxygen sensor

Subaru Forester in Kansas, United States Dec 2010 - Feb 2018
Jan 2011 54000 mi US $200	Both head gaskets started leaking! Discovered during routine oil/filter change at 54,000 miles. 5yr/60k factory warranty on my Forester was 2 yrs beyond time limit but 6k within miles so Subaru of America covered it, less a $200 deductible.
Nov 2016 105300 mi US $471	L-rear wheel bearing failing.

Subaru Forester in Colorado, United States Jan 2010 - May 2013
Jan 2010 90501 mi US $500	Replaced clock bulb ($6+labor). Replaced valve cover gasket for internal engine oil leak ($98 + labor). Replaced oil soaked ignition wires and coil pack due to coil burnt/rusted #1 cylinder (~$310 total).
Feb 2010 91000 mi US $48	Check engine light diagnostics report a "Vent Control System Malfunction." Shop thoroughly examined each component and was unable to find a problem.
Mar 2010 92000 mi	Return of check engine light with same diagnostic error code. Dealer service checked entire vent control system and could not find a problem. They have contacted Subaru for solution.

Subaru Forester in Colorado, United States Jan 2010 - Jun 2018
Feb 2015 52000 mi US $200	Replace 5-year old battery and corroded cables
Dec 2015 54000 mi	First reported slow cranking and failure to start in July; dealer svc dept. said all systems were up to spec after quick recharge. Failed to start again in late Dec. Initial test still showed no trouble, but next day found bad cell in batt.

Subaru Forester in New York, United States Oct 2009 - May 2018
Jun 2009 59936 mi US $300	Transmission pan leaking transmission fluid. Re-seal pan.
Oct 2009 65228 mi US $500	Front crank seal leaking oil. Replace seal. Charge is almost all labor. Had timing belt replaced at the same time but deducted $112 cost of belt from the $500 repair figure. Total cost for visit with timing belt and oil change was $640.52.
Dec 2009 67000 mi US $107	Heat shields vibrating under car. Still not right. Will return for re-repair at next oil change.
Apr 2010 70000 mi	Heat shields around catalytic converter refastened
Oct 2011 90000 mi US $400	Replace Valve Cover Gaskets and Tube Seals. Oil dripping on spark plugs.
Dec 2012 105000 mi	Tighten exhaust heat shields which were vibrating during acceleration.
Jan 2013 107000 mi US $387	Replaced bushings and end links on front sway bar to eliminate clunking over bumps. Tech noted on invoice that he recommends drivers side and passenger side head gaskets. Not happy. Keeping an eye on oil and anti-freeze levels.
May 2013 110700 mi US $225	Replace head gaskets. Replace timing belt, accessory belt and A/C belt. Subaru, to their credit, have offered me a goodwill check of $500 towards the repair, offsetting some of the $2066 cost. 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.
Jan 2014 107500 mi	replace lower radiator hose and thermostat to stop coolant leak. this is a follow-up to the June 2013 head gasket replacement. Due to coolant loss I thought there was an issue with that repair. It took 3 trips for the dealership to fix. N/C.
Mar 2015 136000 mi US $40	Replace oil cooler gasket to stop oil drip. Exhaust System heat shield vibrating. Found loose heat shield. Drilled hole and inserted screw to wedge against exhaust pipe. Fastened 3" clamp around heat shield. Noise fixed. $1.56.
Jun 2015 140000 mi US $360	Replaced evaporator core and expansion valve behind dashboard.Core had leak. Added compressor oil and dye. Ran vacuum pump for one hour. Waited one hour to be sure vacuum held. Recharged system. Price includes gauges, pump and tools.
Mar 2017 160000 mi US $30	Upper radiator hose ballooned. Was about to let go. Glad I caught it as it looked normal when the engine was cool. Bought Dayco cut-to-fit hose first. Bad fit at radiator due to excessive bend. Found Subaru OEM hose and clamps at dealer number 7. First 6 no go.Perfect fit of course.
Jan 2018 166000 mi US $136	Wire, plug and blower fan receptacle damaged due to overheating at one contact. Remove contact from plug, cleanup and use epoxy glue to hold in place along with new wire. Resolder wires to main harness wiring. Install new blower fan.

Subaru Forester in Missouri, United States Mar 2009 - Dec 2011
Jun 2010 60000 mi US $30	AWD system chattered when turning sharply at low speeds. Corrected by replacing transmission/transfer case lubricant.

Subaru Forester in Texas, United States Dec 2007 - Jul 2011
Oct 2010 93000 mi US $42	vent control solenoid malfunction. Reset CE light; tested solenoid, working ok
Feb 2011 98700 mi	Owner observed coolant leakage and burning smell. Leak not definitively located; thermostat housing may be leaking; recommend replacement of thermostat and all hoses; waiting until timing belt replacement. Did not recur.
Apr 2011 102000 mi US $10	oil leak observed front of engine, added oil stop leak

Subaru Forester in Alberta, Canada Feb 2009 - Oct 2021
Mar 2015 74400 mi	Replace door lock actuator. Replaced head light wiring harness. The drivers side headlight was burnt out. Upon inspection the wiring harness was melted. Replaced head light wiring harness
Nov 2015 85560 mi C $2500	Replaced head gaskets Replaced fuel pump
Nov 2017 88660 mi C $400	Rear hatch lock replaced

Subaru Forester in Illinois, United States Mar 2010 - Jun 2016
Mar 2014 96000 mi US $42	Had a CEL for emission system

Subaru Forester in Michigan, United States Dec 2011 - Feb 2015
Jan 2015 US $300	Starter failed, replaced within a day, required towing cost $300 since it was remote area ...
Feb 2015 258000 mi	Axle $600 to repair, estim.

Subaru Forester in North Carolina, United States Sep 2011 - Apr 2018
Jun 2011 132000 mi US $800	Replaced catalytic converter with bolt-on replacement in order to pass inspection (CEL on since purchase, but no driveability issues)
Jul 2011 138000 mi US $600	Front oxygen sensor replaced.
Aug 2012 142000 mi US $12	gap between a/c clutch and ac pulley out of spec. I removed the ac clutch and took out two spacers and re-installed.
Jun 2015 169000 mi US $110	Belt/pulley tensioner for the A/C belt broke and had to be replaced. Ran OK with broken tensioner, but couldn't adjust or replace the belt
Jan 2018 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.

Subaru Forester in Arizona, United States Oct 2012 - Nov 2012
Nov 2012 176000 mi US $230	idler pulley for A/C bearing failed. Replaced that, and the belts.

Subaru Forester in Connecticut, United States Feb 2012 - Mar 2012
Mar 2012 132000 mi US $585	main exhaust pipe cracked

Subaru Forester in Massachusetts, United States May 2008 - Jun 2011
Dec 2008 60000 mi	Head gasket replaced
Apr 2010 72000 mi	head gasket replaced second time by dealer
Jun 2011 95000 mi US $800	AC compressor replaced AC compressor replaced

Subaru Forester in Vermont, United States Oct 2010 - Feb 2012
Feb 2011 109000 mi US $102	Exhaust flange and gasket needed replacing. Part of exhaust pipe needed welding.
Feb 2012 120000 mi US $230	Rusted fuel neck filler pipe and corresponding components replaced

Subaru Forester in Ontario, Canada Dec 2011 - Aug 2019
Nov 2013 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.
Jan 2014 68920 mi C $500	Passenger side front sway bar link broken; sway bar links on both sides replaced. The steering had been feeling heavy, and I was told this was due to 'binding' of the transfer clutches. The transmission system was drained, flushed, refilled, and an additive used to prevent further binding. The airbag sensor under the front seats in these older Subarus has a history of failure due to moving the seat back and forth. I had been noticing the airbag light coming on occasionally. Both front seat sensor harnesses were replaced.
Jul 2014 70060 mi C $500	Part 1: The transmission shifter (automatic) was sticky/heavy to shift. This required a cleaning of the shifter area. Part 2: It was also difficult to get the transmission into Park in order to remove the key. This required a new bushing The infamous heat shield rattle. This dealership had attempted to fix it once before; I chose to have the shields removed.
Nov 2014 71300 mi C $100	This is a third trip back for the sticky transmission issue from earlier this year. This time, it was the seat heaters not working. During the previous repair, the harness for the seat heaters was not properly re-plugged.

Subaru Forester in Virginia, United States Dec 2012 - Jan 2022
May 2013 179000 mi US $95	exhaust resonator replaced, full piece from catalytic converter to muffler. $92 shipped and $3 back gasket.

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2004 Subaru Forester repairs by problem area

2004 Subaru Forester repair cost distribution

2004 Subaru Forester

2004 Subaru Forester 4dr SUV

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2004 Subaru Forester 4dr SUV

2004 Subaru Forester 4dr SUV

2004 Subaru Forester Repair Histories