2004 Subaru Forester Fuel/Propulsion System Problems
- 58
- Owner complaint records in our dataset
Records are owner complaints, not a measured failure rate.
Owner complaint recordsComplaint records reflect reports in our dataset and do not measure how frequently the problem occurs across all vehicles.
What owners report
- cold weather · 15 records
- fuel smell · 13 records
- strong smell · 12 records
- fuel line · 12 records
- intake manifold · 11 records
- engine compartment · 10 records
Mileage in stored records
| Band | Records |
|---|---|
| 100–150k mi | 29 |
| 60–100k mi | 11 |
| 150–400k mi | 8 |
| 30–60k mi | 4 |
Complaint records
Owner-submitted complaint content, presented as stored.
Fuel/Propulsion System
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 subaru forester. While attempting to start the vehicle in cold weather, the contact noticed an abnormal fuel odor under the front passenger side of the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer and the manufacturer were not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 160,000.
ODI 11151274
Fuel/Propulsion System
My forester has begun to smell like gas when it is turned on while it is cold outside. A fuel line is leaking on the right side fuel rail. The fuel is leaking right next to the exhaust manifold and the turbo (see, really hot parts, see also, dangerous). This is a well known issue with the car and is a serious safety hazard. I do not believe it is right to require owners to pay hundreds to thousands of dollars to…
ODI 11080085
Fuel/Propulsion System
Got up to and started my car to get it warmed up since it was 8 f outside. 20 minutes later when i got into the car there was a strong smell of gas. Upon inspection of the engine compartment i found that there was a fuel line on the drivers side dripping gasoline onto the engine block, where it was pooling. While searching online for info on this, i found that this is a common issue with early 2000's subarus, even…
ODI 11058587
Fuel/Propulsion System
GAS SMELL COLD WEATHER CAR IDOLING
ODI 11057668
Fuel/Propulsion System
Have gas smell which i cannot find that is ongoing. I did have a gas line repair on a gas pressure line that burst that was located behind the rear seat but still have an ongoing gas smell when i fill the gas tank. I see many complaint regarding gas smell for this year vehicle so i am also posting. I do not see a recall regarding gas smell but with all the coplaints there should be one. Its unknown as to what is the…
ODI 11206030
Fuel/Propulsion System
Just like 60 or so other 03-05 forester xt owners, i'm experiencing the fuel leak from the rubber fuel line where it clamps on to the metal line to the front drivers side injector. Just like everyone else, the issue only occurred when temperatures dropped below about 20f - uncoincidentally, in my opinion, this was the first new england winter this car had ever seen. Subaru has issued a recall for wrx with the same…
ODI 11054095
Fuel/Propulsion System
The rubber injector lines running below the intake manifold on the turbocharged (xt) model, including my vehicle, are well known to develop a dangerous leak. Either the rubber dries out or the factory clamps loosen up over time, leaking gasoline onto the engine block. This is a very dangerous design flaw that has been recognized as an issue on the impreza but you forgot about foerester owners, subaru! Shame on you.
ODI 11161910
Fuel/Propulsion System
Leaking fuel line under manifold, fuel smell very strong and leaks into engine bay.
ODI 11071717
Fuel/Propulsion System
There is a raw gas smell inside the car when parked, or stopped while the car is running in cold weather.
ODI 10966013
Fuel/Propulsion System
During cold weather, while at a stop and in motion, there is a strong fuel smell inside the cabin. The source was determined to be the fuels lines and specifically the fittings on the lines. During cold weather, either the fittings or the hoses contract, causing fuel to leak in the engine bay, near the hot headers and hot turbo.
ODI 11157009
Fuel/Propulsion System
There is a terrible gas smell during cold weather from some leak in the fuel line. Other subaru models have been recalled for this same problem, but not the forester. The smell is so bad that it has given me headaches and nausea. The smell is particularly awful when the heat is turned on, which is problematic since one wants the heat on when it's that cold out. Smell persists around the car even when it isn't…
ODI 10937987
Fuel/Propulsion System
Car leaks fuel profusely from fuel line near engine block when running during cold weather temperatures below 20 degrees fahrenheit.
ODI 10936225
Fuel/Propulsion System · Unknown Or Other
In very cold weather, there is a strong gasoline smell inside the car that remains as the car warms up. This only occurs when temperatures are well below freezing.
ODI 10936221
Fuel/Propulsion System
Foresters have a common problem of a very common problem of the fuel line leaking. The cold causes shrink to the fuel lines causing a leak into the engine and fuel vapors to enter the cabin. This issue occurs whether it's stationary or in motion as well as all other conceivable states that the vehicle can be in. A recall was issued for the wrx, the same should occur with the forester. This issue occurs every winter…
ODI 10935600
Engine · Fuel/Propulsion System
Fuel leak in lines above engine but below intake during colder weather. Fuel fumes pulled into vehicle by heating system.
ODI 10949258
Fuel/Propulsion System
Strong fuel odor has been entering the cabin during startup on cold mornings. This is caused by a fuel line leaking onto the engine. The leak can be seen but is inaccessible without removing the intake manifold. Once the vehicle heats up and the line expands the leak stops. I am very concerned about the potential for a vehicle fire and the danger of inhaling gasoline flames. *tr
ODI 10933813
Engine · Fuel/Propulsion System
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 subaru forester. When the vehicle was started, a very strong fuel odor emerged from the engine compartment. The fuel tank leaked fuel onto the manifold. The failure was diagnosed by an independent mechanic as a fuel tank leak. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 149,966.
ODI 10933713
Fuel/Propulsion System
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 subaru forester. The contact noticed an odor of fuel and a leak coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the fuel lines needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle had not been diagnosed by a dealer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 123,000.
ODI 11091135
Fuel/Propulsion System
Fuel lines seep fuel onto the top of engine block and near turbo inlet area when temperatures are below ~20 degrees fahrenheit. The seepage occurs at the clamps between the metal and gas lines below the intake manifold. These clamps are not accessible without removal of many parts by a professional mechanic. Gas fumes fill the cabin when this occurs as well. Fumes are not bad when moving but if stopped at a stop…
ODI 10821242
Fuel/Propulsion System
Leaking gas under the intake manifold when it is cold out, 90k miles on the car.
ODI 10819637
Fuel/Propulsion System
In cold weather there is a fuel smell in the cabin. I'm told this is a common subaru problem that results from the metal fuel line joining with a rubber/plastic hose in the engine compartment. The metal and rubber expand/contract at different rates as the temperature changes resulting in a fuel leak. It is most noticeable when stationary idling during cold weather.
ODI 10818015
Fuel/Propulsion System
Approx. 90000 miles - strong smell of gasoline inside passenger cabin. Leaking seal as described by 1000's of other subaru owners. Why no recall or advisory on what owner's should look for. Between gm fires, etc, not exactly sure what you all need to issue recall order/notifications. Sad.
ODI 10817609
Fuel/Propulsion System
Car has a strong gas odor in the cab when temperature drops to 20 degrees and below. Occuring on cold start and continuing in motion on local and highway driving. After a few unsuccessful fixes by authorized subaru service problem still exists for three years soa needs to recognise this gas leak for this model and year as a recall and perminent fix please help
ODI 11025492
Fuel/Propulsion System
Dangerous!! I am the recent proud owner of a 2004 subaru forester xt. A couple of days ago we got our first freeze. I walk out to start my car and it's not turning over and a strong fuel smell is filling the cabin. I keep trying thinking that it may turn over. With no luck, and fearing something is wrong (or may possibly blow up), i stop and get out. Taking a closer look having parked it some dirt, i see that it is…
ODI 10808643
Fuel/Propulsion System
During winter months 2004 forester xt emits noxious fuel smell into cabin. Source is from engine compartment in area of turbo/exhaust manifold as discover from puddle on garage floor during warm up
ODI 10806384