The service and repair manual for the 2004 Subaru Forester — 2.5L H4 and 2.5L H4 engines, 3 trims. Matched to this exact model year, so the specifications and sequences are the ones Subaru published for your car, not figures carried over from a neighbouring year.
01 / FitmentWhat this manual covers
| Model year | 2004 |
|---|---|
| Engines | 2.5L H4 — 150 cu in, SOHC 2.5L H4 — 150 cu in, DOHC, turbocharged |
| Trims | X Sport Utility 4-Door · XS Sport Utility 4-Door · XT Sport Utility 4-Door |
| Federal record | 2 recalls · 270 complaints · 121 technical service bulletins (refreshed 2026-08-21) |
02 / InsideSample pages from the 2004 Forester manual
03 / ContentsSections in the manual
- Quick Lookups 158
- Engine Performance 1,608
- Accessories & Equipment 679
- General Information 1,468
- Body & Frame 400
- Heating, Ventilation & A/C (HVAC) 145
- Brakes 592
- Restraints 80
- Drivelines & Axles 60
- Steering 124
- Electrical 450
- Suspension 87
- Engine Mechanical 613
- Transmission 189
- C) and engine at 1,500
04 / Known issuesRecalls on federal record for the 2004 Forester
- Suspension — front › control arm › lower arm · 11V464000A broken control arm can result in the loss of control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a cras.
- Engine And Engine Cooling · 04V473000If leaking oil contacts components operating at high temperatures, a fire could result in the engine.
Owners have filed 270 complaints and Subaru has issued 121 technical service bulletins for the 2004 Forester. The manual carries the manufacturer's diagnostic and repair procedures behind these systems.
FAQQuestions about the 2004 Forester manual
Is this manual specific to the 2004 Forester?
Yes. It is the OEM manual matched to the 2004 model year, covering the 2.5L H4 and 2.5L H4 across the X Sport Utility 4-Door, XS Sport Utility 4-Door, XT Sport Utility 4-Door trims. Specifications and procedure sequences are the ones Subaru published for this year.
What 2004 Forester problems does it help with?
2 recalls are on federal record for the 2004 Forester, covering suspension, engine and engine cooling. The manual carries the manufacturer's diagnostic and repair procedures for those systems; the recall repairs themselves are done free by Subaru dealers.
Does it include 2004 Forester wiring diagrams?
Yes — the complete wiring diagrams for the 2004 build, alongside repair procedures, specifications and diagnostics.
Is it a subscription?
No. $29.99 once and the manual is yours. It is a digital manual — nothing ships; access details arrive by email after checkout and it works on any device.
RelatedOther Forester years and 2004 Subaru models
2010 Forester · 2009 Forester · 2008 Forester · 2007 Forester · 2006 Forester · 2005 Forester · 2003 Forester · 2002 Forester · 2001 Forester · 2000 Forester · 1999 Forester · 1998 Forester · all 28 years
2004 Subaru Baja · 2004 Subaru Impreza · 2004 Subaru Legacy · 2004 Subaru Outback · every 2004 model