2004 Subaru Forester X review from North America

Numerous rattles, squeaks, and creaks coming from radio area on dash, door for the CD storage, console near transmission shifter, glove box, and front passenger door. I asked two dealers three times to fix these annoying rattles which could be heard at parking lot speeds on smooth roads. Not a single rattle was ever eliminated.

Grinding and rattling noise coming from front of car when pulling into parking spaces. The dealers claim they never hear the noise which happens every time I drive it.

Leaking wheel bearing grease visible on front wheel lug nuts. This started as soon as the vehicle was purchased. The dealer claims this is normal. I have never owned a car that has done this.

Abrupt shifting automatic transmission during light throttle use. Also, hunts constantly between 3rd and 4th gear in city driving. Dealer claims this is normal.

This 2004 Forester is a rattle trap with bad front wheel bearings and the dealer is, in my opinion, trying to put off the repairs until after the warranty expires. My 95 Legacy also had a bad front wheel bearing and the dealer tried every excuse not to replace it claiming the noises were normal, etc. One time I was in the service department and I overheard that three Foresters were all getting their wheel bearings replaced. This car is not as reliable as Consumer Reports claims and I will never purchase another Subaru. The warranty is useless since Subaru appears to not want to honor it or repair problems with the car. Note that they only repair wheel bearings out to 3 years/36K miles and not the 5 years/60K miles of the power-train warranty. Buyer Beware.