2014 Subaru Forester
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Suspension is the leading concern among 403 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 7th highest complaint count among 26 Forester model years with reports.
Of the 2014 reports, 48 involved a crash and 3 involved a fire. 28 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Exterior lighting, brake lights, switchFeb 28, 2019
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Forester, 2008-2016 Impreza sedans, 2012-2016 Impreza station wagons, 2008-2014 WRX sedans (including STI), and 2013-2017 Crosstrek vehicles. Exposure to certain contaminants may cause the brake light switch to malfunction, preventing the brake lights from illuminating and also preventing keyless ignition vehicles from starting and CVT/automatic transmissions from being able to be shifted out of Park.
Brake lights that do not illuminate properly will not alert other drivers that the vehicle is slowing or stopping, increasing the risk of crash.
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake light switch, free of charge. The recall began April 15, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUE-90.
Campaign 19V149000 on NHTSA.gov
EquipmentApr 24, 2013
Subaru is recalling certain model year 2014 Forester vehicles manufactured from January 2013 through March 2013. The backing for the carpeted floor mats was not manufactured to specification. As a result, the floor mats may curl when exposed to heat.
Curling of the driver side floor mat could distract the driver and/or interfere with proper operation of one or a combination of, the vehicle's clutch, brake, and accelerator pedals. Brake or accelerator pedal interference may result in very high vehicle speeds and make it difficult to stop the vehicle, which could cause a crash.
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace each of the vehicle's four (4) carpeted floor mats with new ones. These services will be performed free of charge. Subaru issued an interim notification during April 2013. Notification that the remedy is now available was mailed to owners on June 5, 2013. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's recall campaign number is WQH-44.
Campaign 13V159000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
403 reports, newest first.
Suspension, Jun 26, 2019
I HAVE KEPT UP WITH MY CAR AND SERVICED IT WHEN SUGGESTED. I TOOK MY 2014 FORRESTER IN FOR A 67.5K MILE CHECK AND WAS TOLD THAT BOTH REAR SPRING COILS BROKE OFF WHILE ON THE LIFT. WHEN SHOWN THE BROKEN COIL, THE PLASTIC WAS DETERIORATED AND THE COIL RUSTED THROUGH. THIS IS MY 5TH SUBARU, THE 4 OLDER MODELS HAVE HAD WELL OVER 150K MILES - TWO ARE STILL ON THE ROAD, AND NONE HAVE HAD THIS ISSUE. I ALSO FIND IT STRANGE THAT THE DEALERSHIP QUICKLY OFFERED TO REPLACE THEM "UNDER WARRANTY" WHEN MY CAR IS ALREADY OUT OF WARRANTY. ALMOST LIKE THEY ARE TRYING TO COVER UP SOMETHING. I HAVE SEEN OTHER REPORTS OF THIS LISTED AND WANTED TO FURTHER VERIFY THIS ISSUE. THANK YOU.
Suspension, Jun 20, 2019
DRIVERS SIDE REAR DAMPER SPRING BROKEN APPROXIMATELY 1/2 COIL FROM THE BOTTOM OF THE DAMPER. THIS APPROXIMATELY 3 TO 4 INCH PIECE OF SPRING WAS RUSTED IN THE AREA OF THE BREAK, RESTING ON THE LOWER DAMPER "HAT". THE BREAK WAS COMPLETE. THIS SHARP PIECE WAS EASILY LIFTED OFF THE DAMPER. THE SPRING DISPLAYED PEELED PAINT AN RUST ON SEVERAL LOCATIONS. FOUND AT AROUND 46,000 MILES ONLY UPON INSPECTION WHILE REPLACING BRAKES. UNSURE OF ANY SPECIFIC TIME OF BREAKAGE. VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED AT 30,000 MILES. NO REMARKS ABOUT THE DAMPER SPRING. DEALER AND SUBARU CORPORATE REPLACED THE SPRING.
Steering, Jun 12, 2019
A GRINDING NOISE OCCURS WHEN THE CAR IS STEERED WHILE IN MOTION.
Steering, Jun 12, 2019
POWER STEERING APPARENTLY DEFECTIVE. A GRINDING NOISE WILL BE HEARD WHEN STEERING ON A FREQUENT BASIS WHEN MOVING.
Suspension, Jun 5, 2019
REAR COIL SPRING BROKE WHILE CAR WAS PARKED IN THE GARAGE. PRIOR TO THIS EVENT, THE OTHER REAR COIL SPRING HAD TO BE REPLACED DUE TO RUST DAMAGE.
Suspension, Jun 5, 2019
LEFT REAR COIL SPRING BROKE WHILE CAR SAT IN DRIVEWAY.
Exterior lighting, May 28, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V149000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. BYERS SUBARU ALEXANDRIA (2301, 7416 RICHMOND HWY, ALEXANDRIA, VA 22306, (703) 768-5800) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT ABLE TO CONFIRM WHEN THE PARTS WERE TO BECOME AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Suspension, May 28, 2019
THE RIGHT REAR SPRING RUSTED OUT, BROKE AND ULTIMATELY DROPPED DOWN SO IT WAS HANGING BELOW THE SUSPENSION MOUNT. THE VEHICLE WAS HANGING LOW ON THE RIGHT REAR QUADRANT. A BODY SHOP TECHNICIAN NOTICED THIS PROBLEM. I DO NOT KNOW EXACTLY WHEN THE SPRING BROKE OR DROPPED DOWN. ONCE THIS WAS DETECTED, I TOOK IT DIRECTLY TO MY MECHANIC. I WAS TOLD IT WAS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE. I HAD THE REPAIR DONE IMMEDIATELY AT THE NON-SUBARU SHOP THAT I HAD TAKEN THE CAR TO. THE MECHANIC SAID THIS SUSPENSION SYSTEM WAS NEW TO THE 2014 FORESTER MODELS AND APPEARS TO BE FAULTY TO CAUSE THE SPRING TO RUST DUE TO THE DESIGN. HE INDICATED IT COULD HAVE BEEN MUCH WORSE IF IT HAD HAPPENED WHILE I WAS DRIVING, SO WE BELIEVE IT DROPPED WHEN THE CAR WAS STATIONARY. MY VEHICLE IS AT ONLY 72K MILES, AND IS 5 YEARS OLD. I HAVE POSSESSION OF THE RUSTED SPRING, BUT AM UNABLE TO UPLOAD PICTURES AT THIS TIME. I CAN EMAIL THEM IF YOU PROVIDE ME AN ADDRESS TO SEND TO.
Structure, May 22, 2019, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 SUBARU FORESTER XT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HER FRIEND WHO WAS DRIVING, PLACED THE VEHICLE IN PARK, EXITED THE VEHICLE, AND THE VEHICLE SHIFTED INTO REVERSE INDEPENDENTLY ROLLING OVER THE DRIVER'S FOOT. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A TREE AND DAMAGED THE HATCHBACK. UNKNOWN WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE DRIVER REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION FOR THEIR INJURY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO LAKE FOREST SUBARU (23663 ROCKFIELD BLVD, LAKE FOREST, CA 92630 (949) 837-3500) WHERE IT REMAINED THERE FOR 6 WEEKS AND THE RESULTS INDICATED THAT THERE WAS NO FAILURE WITH THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A SPECIALIST AND WAS ALSO UNABLE TO DETECT THE FAILURE AS WELL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 41,000. THE VIN WAS INVALID.
Suspension, May 21, 2019
GARAGE KEPT AUTOMOBILE WITH LESS THAN 18,000 MILES, NEVER TAKEN OFF ROAD. THE BOTTOM OF BOTH REAR STRUT SPRINGS UNEXPECTEDLY BROKE CAUSING VEHICLE TO DROP AFFECTING STEERING AND STABILITY. APPARENT CAUSE: DEFECTIVE PART FAILED DUE TO PREMATURE RUSTING CAUSING
Steering, Suspension, Power train, May 17, 2019
THE STEERING WHEEL "LEATHER" COATING HAS BEEN DISINTEGRATING FOR OVER A YEAR NOW. THE SUBARU SERVICE SAID IT IS A COMMON ISSUE WITH 2014 SUBARU FOREST. & SHOULD BE RECALLED. EVENTUALLY, THE UNDERCOAT FOAM MATERIAL WILL ALSO DISINTEGRATE, HE SAID. ALSO, BOTH FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARMS, BUSHINGS,BAND DRIVE, (SOMETHING LIKE A DRIVE SHAFT), STRUT & AXEL JOINT HAD TO BE REPLACED AT ONLY 69K MILES. MY CAR HAS NEVER BEEN IN ANY ACCIDENT OR HIT ANYTHING. SUBARU PAID FOR FAILED CONTROL ARM REPLACEMENT. THIS IS AN EXTREMELY UNSAFE CAR!
Engine, May 17, 2019
SUBARU ENGINES ARE USING EXCESSIVE AMOUNTS OF OIL EVEN WHEN NEW, UP TO 1 QUART PER 1500 MILES. A 2014 LAWSUIT REQUIRED THEM TO FIX THIS PROBLEM, WHICH THEY ARE ONLY BARELY DOING. HUNDREDS OF OTHERS WITH THIS PROBLEM ARE BEING REQUIRED TO SIMPLY ADD MORE OIL AT $9 - $12/QUART 3-4 TIMES EACH OIL CHANGE. AS THE CAR AGES, THE CONSUMPTION CAUSES THE CAR ENGINE TO SEIZE WHEN AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, CREATING THE POTENTIAL OF SERIOUS ACCIDENTS. AGAIN, SUBARU HAS OFFICIALLY ACTED TO NOT ADDRESS THIS ISSUE IN THEIR TSB 02-157-14R, TITLED SURFACE TREATMENT CHANGE TO OIL CONTROL PISTON RINGS. PRIOR TO THIS, DEALERSHIPS WERE INSTRUCTED TO CHANGE OUT THE PISTON RINGS. THIS TSB STATES: "CONCERNS RELATED TO A POSSIBLE OIL CONSUMPTION CONDITION ARE GENERALLY INITIATED WHEN THE CUSTOMER BELIEVES THE ENGINE OIL LEVEL ON THE DIPSTICK HAS DROPPED SINCE THE LAST TIME IT WAS CHECKED OR WHEN THE LOW OIL LAMP ILLUMINATES. THESE TYPES OF COMPLAINTS BY THEMSELVES DO NOT DIRECTLY INDICATE A CONCERN WITH THE VEHICLE EXISTS."
Suspension, May 15, 2019
ON MAY 13,2019 I PULLED THE CAR INTO MY DRIVEWAY AND PARKED THE CAR BEHIND THE HOUSE. AS I WAS GETTING OUT OF THE CAR THERE WAS A BANG ON THE RIGHT SIDE (PASSENGER SIDE) OF THE CAR. UPON INSPECTION ON THE GROUND WERE TWO PIECES OF THE COIL SPRING. THERE WAS A NOTICEABLE DIFFERENCE IN THE HEIGHT OF THE CAR. THE FOLLOWING DAY I TOOK THE CAR TO MY REPAIR SHOP. THEY ARE REPLACING BOTH REAR COIL SPRINGS.
Suspension, May 13, 2019
THE BOTTOM COIL OF THE REAR SPRING BROKE. THE METAL SNAPPED. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVING ON A DRIVEWAY AND WE HEARD A POP. WE STOPPED AND FOUND THE BROKEN COIL ON THE GROUND.
Engine, May 11, 2019
DRIVING ON INTERSTATE 70 MPH, CAR ENGINE STOPPED RUNNING, RPM'S WERE STILL UP AS IF CAR ON, COASTED OUT OF TRAFFIC, NO CHECK ENGINE, NO SPUTTERING, HAD GAS, BUT ACTED AS IF I HAD RUN OUT. TURNED IGNITION KEY TO OFF AND REMOVED IT, ATTEMPTED TO START THE CAR SEVERAL TIMES WITHIN AN HOURS TIME, IT ACTED AS IF IT WAS GOING TO START BUT DIDN'T. HAD IT TOWED TO MECHANIC, ON A FLAT BED TOW TRUCK. IT STARTED UP AND ALL SYSTEMS WERE CHECKED WITH NO EVIDENCE OF FAILURE. DIAGNOSTICS WERE RUN WITH NO ACTIVE CODES, ELECTRICAL WAS CHECKED, NO EVIDENCE OF FAILURE. THIS COULD HAVE BEEN A HUGE SAFETY EVENT, IF I HAD NOT BEEN IN AN OUTSIDE LANE AND WAS ABLE TO GET OUT OF TRAFFIC. I HAVE HAD THREE MECHANICS LOOK AT IT AND NO ISSUE FOUND, BUT IN FEAR OF DRIVING ON HIGHWAY. GUESSES HAVE BEEN FUEL PUMP FAULTY? CAM SHAFT SENSOR FAULTY? ELECTRICAL?
Suspension, May 10, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS AT AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR A ROUTINE OIL CHANGE, THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE COIL SPRING FRACTURED AS THE VEHICLE WAS BEING HOISTED ON THE LIFT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MITCHELL SUBARU (71 ALBANY TURNPIKE, CANTON, CT 06019 (860) 693-7723) WHERE IT WAS AWAITING DIAGNOSIS AND REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 69,235.
Suspension, May 9, 2019
MY 2014 SUBARU FORESTER WITH 42,879 MILES WAS SITTING IN THE DRIVEWAY. I NOTICED THAT THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE LOOKED VERY LOW OVER THE TIRE. WHEN I LOOKED UNDER THE CAR, THERE WAS A SEMI-CIRCLE PIECE OF METAL ON THE GROUND UNDER THE VEHICLE. THE CAR HAD LAST BEEN DRIVEN ABOUT TWO DAYS BEFORE. I JUST HAD THE FORESTER IN MY LOCAL SUBARU DEALERSHIP SERVICE DEPARTMENT FOR A NYS INSPECTION AND TO REMEDY ONE RECALL REGARDING BRAKE LIGHTS ONE WEEK PRIOR. UPON A SIMPLE INTERNET SEARCH, I HAVE FOUND MANY, MANY OWNERS REPORTING THE EXACT SAME ISSUE ON 2014-2015 SUBARU FORESTERS. THE CAR IS PRIMARILY DRIVEN AROUND TOWN IN A SUBURBAN, PAVED AREA AND PARKED IN A PAVED DRIVEWAY.
Suspension, May 9, 2019
BOTH REAR COIL SPRINGS PREMATURELY FAIL IN THE 2014 AND 2015 MODELS. THE PART HAS BEEN REDESIGNED AND IS NOW IN A NATIONAL SHORTAGE. THIS SPRING CAN FAIL AT ANY TIME DURING OPERATION OF THE VEHICLE AND PUNCTURE A TIRE. MY INCIDENT OCCURRED WHILE IT WAS STATIONARY WITHOUT TIRE DAMAGE.
Air bags, May 7, 2019, crash
DRIVING AT 65 MPH ON A 2 LANE HIGHWAY DRY CONDITIONS IN THE EARLY MORNING WHEN I HIT A DEER IN THE FRONT, CAUSING MAJOR DAMAGE AND THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE.
Other or unspecified, May 6, 2019
I CANNOT GET THE VEHICLE IN GEAR I.E. FROM PARK TO REVERSE OR DRIVE
Suspension, May 6, 2019
BOTH REAR COIL SPRINGS ARE BROKEN . THE LOWEST COIL HAS SNAPPED OFF EACH SPRING AND THE LEFT REAR SPRING HAS FALLEN OUT OF THE LOWER PAD SO IT IS NOT FUNCTIONAL AT ALL ONE SPRING MAY HAVE FAILED EARLIER, BUT THE LEFT FAILURE MADE THE PROBLEM APPARENT.
Suspension, Apr 24, 2019
WENT IN FOR STATE INSPECTION AND MY 2014 SUBARU FORESTER WITH 28000 MILES WAS FOUND TO HAVE A BROKEN COIL SPRING. GOT IT FIXED, BUT I WAS VERY SURPRISED. MY CAR IS GARAGE KEPT AND I ONLY DRIVE CITY STREETS. GOGGLED THE TOPIC AND FOUND THAT OTHER SUBARU FORESTER OWNERS HAD SIMILAR ISSUES AND RELATED EARLY CORROSION. HOPING YOU CAN LOOK INTO THE ISSUE AS THIS COULD HAPPEN ON OTHER WHEELS. THANKS.
Suspension, Apr 22, 2019
I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK ON FRIDAY APRIL 19, 2019 AROUND 7:00PM. I MADE A LEFT RUN AND HEARD A POP. THE CAR BECAME SQUIRRELLY. I PULLED OVER AT NAPA AND CALLED OUR MECHANIC AND DESCRIBED WHAT WAS GOING ON. HE ASKED ME IF THE CAR WAS LEANING TO ONE SIDE OR THE OTHER. I SAID YES. HE SAID IT WAS LIKELY A BAD SPRING OR STRUT. WHEN I GOT HOME, I JACKED UP THE CAR AND REMOVED THE TIRE. THE RIGHT SPRING WAS BROKEN AND FELL OFF OF THE STRUT. SATURDAY APRIL 20, 2019 I GOT 4 QUOTES FROM TOM WOOD SUBARU. ONE FOR SPRINGS ($120 X2). ONE FOR THE STRUTS ($191). ONE FOR ALL THE HARDWARE NEEDED ($770). LASTLY, WHAT TOM WOOD SUBARU WOULD CHARGE TO DO THE JOB (AROUND $1100). THE SAID THEY WERE BOOKED FOR AT LEAST 2 WEEKS WITH AIRBAG RECALLS. I WASN'T SURE IF I LOST ANY PARTS SO I LOOKED AT THE LEFT REAR SIDES A REFERENCE. TO MY SURPRISE, THAT SPRING WAS ALSO COMPLETELY BROKEN BUT HADN'T SNAPPED OFF THE STRUT YET. THIS SEEMS LIKE DEFECTIVE SPRINGS. THE CAR HAS 54,448 MILES AND HAS NOT CARRIED A LOT OF WEIGHT OR BEEN DRIVEN HARD. IN MY 30+ YEARS OF DRIVING, I HAVE NEVER HAD A CAR BREAK A SPRING, LET ALONE HAVE 2 BROKEN SPRINGS. I WAS REALLY GLAD I WASN'T IN AN ACCIDENT SINCE THE BACK END WAS VERY UNSTABLE. IT DRIFTED FROM SIDE TO SIDE ERRATICALLY. THIS DEFECT RISKED MY SAFETY AND THOSE AROUND ME. TO MAKE MATTERS WORSE, I DIDN'T HAVE A CAR AND HAD TO HAVE MY FATHER-IN-LAW HAD TO PICK ME UP TO GO TO EASTER SERVICE. THIS ORDEAL HAS BEEN VERY STRESSFUL.
Suspension, Apr 22, 2019
I WAS DRIVING AT A LOW RATE OF SPEED IN MY PAVED APARTMENT COMPLEX ROAD WHEN I HEARD A LOUD METALLIC PING. I THOUGHT I HAD JUST THROWN A ROCK OR SOMETHING. BUT THE NEXT DAY MY CAR WAS MAKING SQUEAKING NOISES WHEN GOING OVER ROUGH ROADS AND OVER SPEED BUMPS AND SEEMED MORE DIFFICULT TO HANDLE WHEN DRIVING. I TOOK THE CAR IN TO THE DEALER TO FIND THAT THE RIGHT REAR SPRING HAD SHEARED AND THAT BOTH BACK SPRING WERE BADLY RUSTED. I ONLY HAD JUST OVER 21,000 MILES AND DO NOT DRIVE OFF ROAD OR DO ANY TOWING. BOTH SPRINGS HAD TO BE REPLACED. THIS SEEMS TO HAVE HAPPENED FAR TOO SOON IN THE LIFE OF CAR -- I BELIEVE IT IS A MANUFACTURING DEFECT GIVEN HOW MANY OTHER PEOPLE I'VE HEARD HAVING THE EXACT SAME ISSUE. REPAIR BILL WAS ~$780. SUBARU DID REIMBURSE A GOOD PORTION AS A GOOD WILL GESTURE - ACKNOWLEDGING THAT THIS WAS A PREMATURE FAILURE.
Exterior lighting, Apr 22, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V149000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING). THE CONTACT CALLED AN UNKNOWN DEALER AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND WAS NOT ABLE TO CONFIRM WHEN THE PARTS WERE TO BECOME AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.