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.
Structure, Vehicle speed control, Aug 19, 2014, crash
JUST PULLED INTO A PARKING SPOT, FOOT ON BRAKE, CAR SURGED. *TR
Structure, Vehicle speed control, Aug 19, 2014, crash
IN PARKING SPOT, FOOT ON BRAKE, CAR SUDDENLY SURGED. *TR
Visibility/wiper, Aug 9, 2014
A LARGE NUT FELL FROM TREE (WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH) AND HIT DRIVERS SIDE WINDSHIELD WHICH SHATTERED. THIS VEHICLE COMES WITH SPECIALTY HEATED WINDSHIELDS, WHICH WAS ON AT THE TIME AS IT HAPPENED DURING WINTER. THE SECOND TIME, THE WINDSHIELD BROKE WITHOUT FULLY SHATTERING, BUT PRODUCED VERY UNUSUALLY LARGE "SPIDER" CRACKS, AFTER A TINY ROCK HIT THE WINDSHIELD WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH. THE HEATED WINDSHIELD WAS NOT ON DURING THE SECOND INCIDENT. BOTH WINDSHIELDS WERE SUBARU FACTORY NEW AND BOTH NEEDED TO BE FULLY REPLACED AFTER EACH INCIDENT. *TR
Service brakes, Aug 1, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE EXPERIENCED A FAILURE RELATED TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V311000 (SERVICE BRAKES). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED AND THAT HIS STATE WAS EXCLUDED FROM THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 7,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Service brakes, Engine, Jul 28, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED MULTIPLE TIMES AND THE BRAKES FAILED UPON MAKING A COMPLETE STOP. THE CONTACT HAD TO APPLY EXCESSIVE PRESSURE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES, BUT THE FAILURES COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 14,000.
Engine, Jul 25, 2014
I BOUGHT MY BRAND NEW SUBARU FORESTER 2014 IN AUGUST, 2013. AFTER MY FIRST OIL CHANGE I NOTICED THE ENGINE WAS OVERFILLED WITH 1 - 2 QUART OIL. I SPOKE WITH THE SERVICE AGENT AT THE SAME DEALERSHIP AND HE WAS TRYING TO CONVINCE ME THAT WAS THE APPROPRIATE AMOUNT. ON MY SECOND OIL CHANGE I CLEARLY ASKED THEM IF THERE IS ANY OIL CONSUMPTION PROBLEM WITH MY ENGINE AND IF THIS IS THE REASON FOR OVERFILL . THE ANSWER WAS NO PROBLEM WITH OIL CONSUMPTION. I MADE A COMPLAIN FOR THIS OIL CONSUMPTION TO SUBARU USA. THEIR ANSWER WAS THAT THIS IS A NORMAL OIL CONSUMPTION. ON MY THIRD OIL CHANGE I COULDN'T MAKE EVEN 3000MI.WITHOUT ADDING EXTRA QUARTER +THE EXTRA ONE I HAD FROM THE DEALER. TO BE FARE I DON'T SEE ANY SMOKE FROM THE EXHAUST, BUT I'M SURE THAT'S GOING TO COST ME EMISSION PROBLEMS IN THE FUTURE. ACCORDING TO THE 2014 SUBARU FORESTER MANUAL - 1 QUART FOR 1200 MILES IS CONSIDERED NORMAL OIL CONSUMPTION.. TODAY THE VEHICLE IS OVER 12 000MI. AND I'M CONSTANTLY ADDING OIL AND PAYING OUT OF MY POCKET AND WONDERING HOW THIS IS GOING TO END. AFTER SHORT RESEARCH I REALIZED I'M NOT ALONE. IF I KNEW FOR THIS PROBLEM EARLIER I'D NEVER BUY THIS EXPENSIVE SUBARU FORESTER. *TR
Electrical system, Engine, Jul 17, 2014
STARTING FROM A COLD OR WARM TEMPERATURE THE VEHICLE CRANKS EXCESSIVELY AND WILL NOT START UNTIL A SECOND OR THIRD ATTEMPT. THIS HAS HAPPENED AT RANDOM AND ABOUT A DOZEN TIMES IN THE PAST FIVE MONTHS. *TR
Air bags, Seat belts, Structure, Jul 2, 2014, crash
I WAS TURNING LEFT ON AN ARROW AND A CAR RAN THE RED LIGHT RESULTING IN A HEAD ON COLLISION WITH ME, I WAS DRIVING ABOUT 3MPH AND HE WAS DRIVING 45MPH. HIS CAR WAS TOTALLED, AIRBAGS DEPLOYED AND ON FIRE. I HAD FRONT END DAMAGE AND MY AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY NOR DID THE SEAT BELT LOCK UP. AS A RESULT I HIT THE STEERING WHEEL WITH MY KNEE AND MY ANKLE GOT LACERATED AND BLUNT TRAUMA FROM THE BRAKE/ACCELARTATION PEDAL. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Electrical system, Engine, Jul 1, 2014
AT COLD STARTING, APPROXIMATELY ONE TIME OUT OF 20, THE CAR IS VERY DIFFICULT TO START. IT CRANKS FOR UP TO 10 SECONDS BEFORE STARTING. I DON'T KNOW IF IT'S A FUEL DELIVERY OR AN IGNITION PROBLEM. IT HAS HAPPENED AT AMBIENT TEMPERATURES FROM 35 TO 65 DEGREES. IF I DIDN'T CONTINUE CRANKING THE ENGINE TO AN EXTENT THAT I THINK IS HARMFUL TO IT, IT WOULDN'T START. I CONSIDER THAT A SAFETY ISSUE, IF I NEEDED TO GET THE CAR GOING QUICKLY. *TR
Visibility, Structure, Jul 1, 2014
I PURCHASED MY 2014 FORESTER IN JULY 2013. I LOVE THE VEHICLE EXCEPT FOR THE DESIGN OF THE CLIMATE CONTROL DIALS WHICH I CONSIDER TO BE A SAFETY HAZARD BECAUSE IT IS SO DIFFICULT TO ASCERTAIN AT A GLANCE WHAT THE CURRENT SETTING IS FOR EACH FUNCTION (HEAT/AC TEMP, FAN SPEED, FAN DIRECTION.) STARING AT THE DIAL(S) OR REPEATED GLANCES TAKES THE DRIVER'S ATTENTION OFF THE ROAD FOR TOO LONG, AND THEREFORE IS ABSOLUTELY A SAFETY ISSUE: EACH ROUND DIAL HAS A RUBBER GRIP SURFACE THAT THE USER CONTACTS. ON THE FRONT FACE OF THE DIAL IS A SHINY CHROME BEZEL RING. THIS RING IS QUITE NARROW AND HAS 7 SMALL, EQUIDISTANT INDENTATIONS AROUND THE RADIUS. ONE OF THE INDENTATIONS IS YELLOW PLASTIC, WHICH INDICATES THE SETTING. AT A GLANCE, THE SMALL YELLOW PLASTIC INDICATOR IS VERY DIFFICULT TO LOCATE AMONG THE OTHER SIX INDENTATIONS. WHAT THE PURPOSE IS OF THE INDENTATIONS IS A MYSTERY (SOME MARKETER WANTED SPARKLE?) AND WHY SUBARU CHOSE PALE YELLOW AGAINST SHINY CHROME MAKES NO SENSE. I HAVE SUCCESSFULLY ALTERED MY DIALS BY PUTTING A TINY DROP OF WHITE FINGERNAIL POLISH ON THE BLACK RUBBER GRIP DIRECTLY ABOVE EACH YELLOW PLASTIC INDICATOR. NOW, AT A QUICK GLANCE, I CAN EASILY SEE AT WHAT POSITION EACH FUNCTION DIAL IS SET. IT'S GREAT. I FEEL MUCH SAFER. I KNOW THIS SOUNDS LIKE A SMALL, UNIMPORTANT PROBLEM, BUT IT WAS A HUGE CONCERN TO ME. I HOPE NO FORESTER OWNER IS INVOLVED IN A CRASH BECAUSE HE/SHE TOOK HIS/HER EYES OFF THE ROAD FOR TOO LONG TRYING TO FIGURE OUT ONE OR MORE OF THE CLIMATE CONTROL SETTINGS. THE FORESTER MIGHT BE A "TOP SAFETY PICK" BUT NOT ON THIS. THANK YOU. *TR
Suspension, Jun 30, 2014
WHEN I PURCHASED MY NEW VEHICLE LAST JULY, I NOTICED DRIVING IT HOME THERE WAS A "CLUNK" SOUND COMING FROM THE FRONT END WHEN I WENT OVER RAILROAD TRACKS OR ANY BUMP. I TOOK IT BACK TO SUBARU AND THEY FOUND A BENT AND TWISTED PART ON THE RIGHT FRONT SUSPENSION. I NOW HAVE 19K ON MY CAR A YEAR LATER. I NOTICED MY RIGHT REAR TIRE BALD ONLY ON THE OUT SIDE. ALL OTHER TIRE TREAD IS PERFECT. SO I TAKE IT BACK TO SUBARU AND THEY HAD IT ALIGNED AND SAID THE RIGHT WHEEL HAD BEEN TIPPED OUT! I DRIVE MY CAR VERY EASY! I HAVE NEVER HIT ANYTHING THAT WOULD CAUSE THIS MALFUNCTION. THE TIRE CO. WILL NOT REPLACE MY WORN TIRE AND I AM FEELING A BIT SLIGHTED ON THIS AS I FEEL IT WAS LIKELY A PROBLEM FROM THE CAR HAULER OR SOMETHING. PERHAPS TOO AGGRESSIVELY CINCHING THE CAR ON THE TRAILER...OR SOMETHING! BOTH INCIDENTS WERE ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE CAR. I FEEL THAT I SHOULD HAVE AT THE LEAST A NEW SET OF TIRES! THIS HAS BEEN NO FAULT OF MINE IN ANY WAY! *TR
Power train, Structure, Jun 7, 2014, crash
I SLOWLY PULLED INTO A PARKING SPACE AT WALMART AND THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED VIOLENTLY AND JUMPED THE MEDIAN. THE CAR CRASHED INTO METAL RACKS WITH PLANTS ON THEM. THE CAR WAS SUSPENDED ON THE MEDIAN. WITNESSES SAW THAT THE CAR SURGED FORWARD WHILE MY BRAKES LIGHTS WERE ON AS I SLOWED TO ENTER THE PARKING SPACE. EARLIER ON THE DAY OF THE ACCIDENT AND THE DAY BEFORE I NOTICED THAT THE CAR HESITATED (CHUGGING WHILE I WAS DRIVING ABOUT 20 MPH), BUT THAT STOPPED WHEN I ENTERED THE HIGHWAY. I NOW THINK THIS IS SOMEHOW RELATED TO THE ACCELERATION SURGE. *TR
Structure, Vehicle speed control, Jun 5, 2014, crash
I WAS DRIVING UP MY DRIVEWAY. I WAS BRAKING WHEN THE CAR JERKED FORWARD AND HIT THE GARAGE DOOR. I WAS ABLE TO STOP THE CAR BY APPLYING THE BRAKES. THE GARAGE DOOR WAS DAMAGED AS WAS THE FRONT BUMPER AND GRILL OF THE CAR. *TR
Suspension, May 16, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE SWAYED ABNORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE LOWER CONTROL ARM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 18,000.
Vehicle speed control, May 15, 2014
AFTER A ROUTINE PERIODIC MAINTENANCE THAT WAS REPORTED TO INCLUDE A SOFTWARE UPDATE (UNRELATED?), INTERMITTENT EVENTS WITH UNEVEN AND BRIEFLY ABSENT ACCELERATION OCCURRED WHEN ATTEMPTING TO INCREASE VEHICLE SPEED FROM SLOW SPEEDS OR FROM A STOPPED CONDITION WHEN DEPRESSING THE THROTTLE. NO INDICATOR LIGHTS WERE PRESENT ON THE DASH OF AN ELECTRONIC CONTROL PROBLEM OR ANY UNSAFE CONDITION. AFTER INITIALLY DENYING THE PROBLEM THE DEALER WAS ABLE TO REPLICATE IT. ELECTRONIC DATA WAS REPORTED TO BE COLLECTED ON THE EVENT AND EXAMINED BY SUBARU. SUBARU AMERICA IS REPORTED TO HAVE SUGGESTED CHECKING THE KNOCK SENSOR CONNECTION. DEALER REPORTED "TIGHTENING" THE CONNECTION. NO PARTS LISTED AS REPLACED, NO REASON FOR "LOOSENING" GIVEN (AT 11500 MILES), NO REASON GIVEN FOR "INTERMITTENT" PERFORMANCE, NO REASON GIVEN FOR LACK OF INDICATION/DASH LIGHT FOR A PRESUMED UNCERTAIN STATE IN A SENSOR CONTROLLING ACCELERATION/FUEL IGNITION. I GUESS THE DEALER AND SUBARU AMERICA KNOW THEIR PRODUCT BEST - AND THIS ISSUE IS RESOLVED - BUT I AM SURPRISED THAT AN INTERMITTENT CONNECTION TO A SENSOR IMPACTING ACCELERATION WOULD NOT RESULT IN A DASH INDICATOR OR CODE. ALSO, SINCE NO REASON FOR THE "DISCONNECTION" WAS GIVEN - AND NO PARTS WERE REPLACED - I CAN ONLY ASSUME THAT A FACTORY ASSEMBLY DEFECT OCCURRED (MANIFEST JUST AFTER A SOFTWARE CHANGE?). IN ANY CASE, SUBARU AMERICA INDICATES THIS PROBLEM IS RESOLVED. NO ACCIDENT OCCURRED, BUT SINCE THE PERFORMANCE ISSUE WAS ASSOCIATED WITH ACCELERATION CONTROL, IT DESERVES TO BE NOTED. *TR
Electrical system, Seats, Other or unspecified, May 4, 2014
I WAS DRIVING MY 6 MONTH OLD 2014 SUBARU FORESTER AT ABOUT 50 MPH AT NIGHT AND MY DRIVER'S SEAT BEGAN RECLINING. I ALMOST LOST CONTROL OF THE CAR AND HAD AN ACCIDENT BECAUSE THE MECHANISM TO STOP IT WAS NOT WORKING. IT HAPPENED THREE MORE TIMES AFTER THAT OCCURRENCE. ALSO, THE POWER LIFT GATE WAS INOPERABLE. I HAD TO CRAWL INTO THE BACK CARGO AREA TO TRY TO OPEN THE REAR LIFT GATE. IT WOULD NOT OPEN, EVEN FROM THE INSIDE. IT WAS REINITIALIZED SEVERAL TIMES BY KINGERY RYE SUBARU IN RYE, NY AND THEY FAILED TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. EVENTUALLY THEY REPLACED THE PART BUT THE OPERATION OF LIFT GATE REMAINS UNPREDICTABLE. I NEED TO BE ABLE TO USE THE POWER LIFT GATE AT ALL TIMES TO PUT A WHEELCHAIR IN THE BACK. I WAS INFORMED BY SUBARU OF AMERICA (IN WRITING) THAT SOME OF THE ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS THAT ARE OCCURRING ARE BECAUSE KINGERY RYE SUBARU INSTALLED AN AFTER MARKET REMOTE STARTER INTO MY CAR WITHOUT MY KNOWLEDGE OR APPROVAL. I HAVE WRITTEN DOCUMENTATION FROM SUBARU OF AMERICA STATING THE DEALERS MUST INSTALL SUBARU PARTS. I PAID A LOT OF MONEY FOR A SUBARU REMOTE STARTER. RYE SUBARU PUT A CHEAP AFTER MARKET STARTER INTO MY CAR. THAT IS FRAUD. MY CAR IS STARTING RANDOMLY AND WITHOUT A KEY IN THE IGNITION. A CO-WORKER CAME INTO WORK AND TOLD ME MY CAR WAS LOCKED AND RUNNING IN THE PARKING LOT. RECENTLY I CLOSED THE LIFT GATE, USING THE BUTTON ON THE LIFT GATE AND THE CAR STARTED ITSELF AS I WAS WALKING AWAY FROM IT. THE CAR HAS STARTED ON ITS OWN MANY TIMES. THERE ARE MULTIPLE DANGEROUS ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS THAT ARE PUTTING MYSELF AND MY FAMILY'S LIVES AT RISK. THE SIDE DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S WINDOWS FOG UP WHEN THE HEAT IS TURNED ON. THE DE-FOGGER DOES NOT REMEDY THE PROBLEM AT ALL. I AM UNABLE TO SEE ANYTHING OUT THE SIDE WINDOWS WHICH POSES A BIG SAFETY ISSUE ESPECIALLY DURING THE WINTER. I BOUGHT THE CAR BECAUSE IT HAD A HIGH SAFETY RATING. THIS CAR IS NOT SAFE.
Traction control system, Apr 28, 2014
THIS INCIDENT IS NEARLY IDENTICAL TO AN EARLIER COMPLAINT: NHTSA ID NUMBER 10574697. I WAS TRAVELLING ON A STRAIGHT PORTION OF INTERSTATE AT REDUCED HIGHWAY SPEED DUE TO COLD WEATHER AND LIGHT SNOW WHEN I BEGAN TO EXPERIENCE A WIGGLING SENSATION IN THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE. LIKE DESCRIBED IN THE EARLIER COMPLAINT IT FELT LIKE THE REAR END WANTED TO STEP OUT, FIRST ONE WAY AND THEN THE OTHER, REPEATING RAPIDLY. I COULD SEE FROM THE REACTIONS OF DRIVERS BEHIND ME THEY WERE GIVING ME A WIDE BERTH AND COULD TELL SOMETHING WAS VISIBLY HAPPENING WITH MY VEHICLE. THE FRONT END DID NOT APPEAR TO BE AFFECTED NOR WAS THE ABILITY TO STEER THE VEHICLE. ONCE I DECELERATED TO 45-50 THE WIGGLING ABATED. IT WAS SNOWING AT THE TIME BUT THERE WAS NO MORE THAN A TRACE ON THE ROADWAY. NO OTHER VEHICLES AROUND ME SEEMED TO BE HAVING ANY DIFFICULTIES WITH TRACTION AND MOST WERE TRAVELING AT FULL HIGHWAY SPEED (70). MY ABILITY TO STEER AND BRAKE, EVEN MODERATELY, WASN'T AFFECTED AS I COULD SLOW IMMEDIATELY AND CHANGE LANES AND THE FRONT END DID NOT SKID. I TRAVELLED AT NO FASTER THAN 50 MPH FOR ABOUT ANOTHER 5 MILES AT WHICH TIME I SLOWLY ACCELERATED AND WAITED FOR THE WIGGING TO RESUME BUT IT DID NOT. I WAS ABLE TO COMPLETE MY JOURNEY (ANOTHER 40 MILES) WITHOUT FURTHER INCIDENT. I'M VERY EXPERIENCED IN WINTER DRIVING BUT THIS IS MY FIRST TIME WITH AN AWD VEHICLE. I HAVE NEVER EXPERIENCED ANYTHING LIKE THIS IN MY LIFE AND IT WAS QUITE UNNERVING. I DON'T KNOW IF THE VEHICLE WAS INDEED STEPPING OUT DUE TO SLIPPERY ROAD CONDITIONS (ALTHOUGH NOBODY ELSE SEEMED TO BE HAVING ANY DIFFICULTY) AND THE AWD SYSTEM WAS CORRECTING (OR OVERCORRECTING?) AS DESIGNED AND THAT WAS THE WIGGLING I FELT. IT'S NOT OCCURRED AGAIN . . . BUT I'VE BEEN CAREFUL TO AVOID SIMILAR WEATHER CONDITIONS (DEFEATS THE PURPOSE OF OWNING A SUBARU) AND HAVE NOT EXPERIENCED IT IN DRY WEATHER. *JS
Steering, Suspension, Mar 25, 2014
SUBARU CORPORATE RECENTLY PURCHASED MY 2014 FORESTER BACK UNDER THE LEMON LAW. THIS WAS AFTER I HAD 4 DOCUMENTED INCIDENTS OF THE VEHICLE VEERING SPORADICALLY OUT OF CONTROL AROUND 55 MPH. IT WAS INCONSISTENT BUT THE MECHANIC WAS ABLE TO DETERMINE THAT SOMETHING WAS PULLING IT OUT OF ALIGNMENT/AFTER THIS HAPPENED IT WAS ALWAYS OUT OF SPEC. IT WAS QUITE DRAMATIC. AS IN THE ENTIRE BACK-END WOULD START TO PULL OUT OF CONTROL. THIS OFTEN HAPPENED WITHIN ICIER CONDITIONS. WHILE SUBARU CORPORATE WAS RESPONSIVE IN GETTING ME A NEW SUBARU, I DO NOT FEEL THEY AT ALL ACKNOWLEDGED OR TOOK MY COMPLAINT SERIOUS. THEY KEPT REFERENCING MY INCONVENIENCE WITH AN ALIGNMENT ISSUE. IF IT WAS AS SIMPLE AS AN ALIGNMENT ISSUE, THEY COULD HAVE FIXED IT THE FIRST TIME. MY CONCERN IS THAT OTHERS ARE HAVING THIS SAME ISSUE BUT SINCE IT IS DIFFICULT TO REPLICATE AND EXTREMELY INCONSISTENT, IT'D BE EASY TO NOT ACKNOWLEDGE THE SERIOUSNESS OF THIS ISSUE. SINCE MENTIONING MY FRUSTRATION TO RANDOM ACQUAINTANCES, TWO INDIVIDUALS HAVE CONTACTED ME FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION BECAUSE THEY ARE HAVING A COMPARABLE PROBLEM WITH THEIR FORESTER AND/OR CROSS TREK. I SENT A LENGTHY DESCRIPTION ABOUT MY SAFETY CONCERNS TO SUBARU CORPORATE WHICH THEY IGNORED. PERHAPS THAT IS AN APPROPRIATE RESPONSE BUT I WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT SOMEBODY IS LOOKING INTO THIS/MAKING SURE IT IS NOT A MORE SERIOUS ISSUE. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Mar 24, 2014
THIS VEHICLE IS A FORESTER XT TURBO. I WAS OPERATING ON CRUISE CONTROL AT 78 MPH, APPROXIMATELY 900 MILES FROM HOME, WHEN A SUDDEN LOSS OF PROPULSION OCCURRED. DASHBOARD HAD MULTIPLE WARNING LIGHTS. ENGINE WAS STILL OPERATING, THOUGH AT VERY LOW RPM SO I WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN STEERING AND BRAKING CONTROL. AFTER MANEUVERING TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, I NOTICED THE TACHOMETER WAS FLUCTUATING BETWEEN 500-800 RPM. I TURNED OFF THE ENGINE AND WAS ABLE TO RESTART. THE FOLLOWING WARNING LIGHTS WERE STILL ILLUMINATED: CHECK ENGINE, HILL CONTROL, CRUISE CONTROL, AND OPERATING MODE. OPERATING MODE WAS STUCK IN "SPORT" MODE. I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE VEHICLE AT NORMAL SPEED TO NEAREST DEALER APPROXIMATELY 10 MILES AWAY. THE SERVICE TECHNICIAN STATED I HAD AN ERROR CODE OF P0606. THIS IS A VOLTAGE ISSUE ON THE ENGINE CONTROL MODULE, (ECM). THE CORRECTIVE ACTION IS TO RE-FLASH THE ECM COMPUTER CHIP. THIS IS A RESTRICTED ACTION, REQUIRING A FIELD SERVICE ENGINEER TO COME TO THE DEALER TO DO THE PROCEDURE. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THEY HAD ALREADY EXPERIENCED THIS WITH A VEHICLE THEY SOLD BUT THE PROBLEM WITH THE MODULE USUALLY OCCURS ON ENGINE START. THE TECHNICIAN CLEARED THE ERROR CODES AND I CONTINUED ON MY TRIP. UPON RETURNING TO MY HOME, I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO MY DEALER TO BE SERVICED. MY DEALER STATED THEY WERE ONE OF THE FIRST TO EXPERIENCE THIS ISSUE. I AM WONDERING WHY THERE HAS BEEN NO RECALL/NOTICE TO OWNERS OF THIS PROBLEM SINCE IT HAS BEEN KNOWN FOR A WHILE. IT IS FRIGHTENING TO LOSE POWER WHEN CRUISING AT HIGHWAY SPEED. *TR
Power train, Engine, Mar 22, 2014
MY 2014 FORESTER HAS A PROBLEM WITH THE RPMS OF THE ENGINE. IN COLD WEATHER & AFTER THE ENGINE WARMS UP (DASH BLUE LIGHT TURNS OFF) & WHILE CITY DRIVING, THE ENGINE RPM GOES UP 300 TO 400 RPMS WHEN THE CLIMATE CONTROL (HEATER) IS TURNED ON. THEN IF I STOP FOR A TRAFFIC LIGHT OR A STOP SIGN OR ADJUST THE HEATER FAN SPEED, THE ENGINE RPMS WILL GO UP ANOTHER 500 TO 600 RPMS WITH THE CV TRANSMISSION GOING INTO A LOWER RANGE (TRANSMISSION WHINES QUITE LOUD AT THIS TIME). I AM NOW DRIVING WITH THE ENGINE RPM AT 1000+ OVER NORMAL RPMS (NORMAL RPMS IS CONSIDERED THE RPM WITH THE CLIMATE CONTROL OFF). THIS CONDITION WILL CONTINUE FOR CLOSE ABOUT 20 MINUTES OF CONTINUED DRIVING AND THEN STOP. IF I TURN OFF THE HEATER WHILE DRIVING THE RPMS REVERT TO NORMAL. IF I AGAIN TURN ON THE HEATER, THE RPMS AGAIN WILL GO UP 300 TO 400 RPMS AND NOT GO UP THE ADDITIONAL 500 TO 600 RPMS UNTIL I WOULD STOP AGAIN. THE 1000 RPM PLUS CONDITION APPEARS TO BE DANGEROUS ON SLIPPERY ROADS. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Vehicle speed control, Mar 19, 2014, crash
I WAS TURNING RIGHT TO PARK AT A STATE PARK. THE PARKING AREA IS SANDY AND FULL OF POT HOLES. I WAS ALMOST STOPPED WHEN THE CAR ACCELERATED VIOLENTLY. MY CAR MOUNTED A FLAT BOULDER, ONE OF MANY IN THE PARKING AREA. I STILL DON'T FEEL LIKE I COULD HAVE STEPPED OR STOMPED ON THE GAS PEDAL VS THE BRAKE PEDAL, BUT IT IS A POSSIBILITY. I AM A VERY CAUTIOUS DRIVER. COULD THIS BE A DEFECT IN THIS CAR? I FEEL THAT IT SHOULD BE REPORTED AND NOTED IN CASE OTHERS HAVE THE SAME EXPERIENCE. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Power train, Feb 22, 2014
WHILE DRIVING OUR 2014 FORESTER XT 2.0 UPHILL ON THE HIGHWAY AT ABOUT 50 MPH, THE CEL, HILL-ASSIST, EYESIGHT-DISABLED AND ANOTHER WARNING LIGHT ALL CAME ON. I PULLED OFF THE ROAD, STOPPED AND CALLED THE DEALER, WHO SAID THE CAR COULD BE SAFELY DRIVEN IN FOR INSPECTION AS THE CEL WAS NOT BLINKING. APPARENTLY THE CEL LIGHT SETS OFF A BUNCH MORE TO GET YOUR ATTENTION. THE OBD CODES THE DEALER PULLED SAID THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER HAD FAILED (NO FURTHER EXPLANATION WAS OFFERED). THEY SAID A NEW ONE WOULD BE ORDERED AND INSTALLED UNDER WARRANTY. SO THE DEALER PUT IN THE NEW CATALYTIC CONVERTER YESTERDAY, AND NOW THE ENGINE PERFORMS EXTREMELY POORLY COMPARED TO BEFORE SERVICE. THE ELECTRONIC TURBO BOOST GAUGE NOW SHOWS NEGATIVE BOOST (I.E., NO ACTIVATION) UNTIL OVER 20% THROTTLE POSITION IN I MODE (BEFORE, TURBO BOOST WAS OBTAINABLE AT 8% THROTTLE). THERE IS A HUMMING SOUND (RATHER LIKE THE ALTERNATOR BELT NOISE FORD VANS MAKE) THAT DROWNS OUT THE ENGINE PURR WHEN GENTLY REVVING THE ENGINE IN PARK AND, WHEN DRIVING, THE CVT SHIFTS VERY IRREGULARLY AND AT MUCH HIGHER RPMS IN I MODE (E.G., STAYING IN ONE GEAR UNTIL TACH HITS 2000 BEFORE SHIFTING WHERE BEFORE THE TACH NEVER WENT ABOVE 1500 AT ANY SPEED UNLESS WE WERE IN S/I OR S# MODE AND SHIFTING MANUALLY WITH THE PADDLES). I HAVE NOTIFIED SUBARU OF AMERICA OF THE SITUATION AND THIS CAR IS GOING BACK TO THE SHOP FIRST THING MONDAY MORNING. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Equipment adaptive/mobility, Jan 14, 2014
THE ADAPTIVE CRUISE HAS NOT RECOGNIZED STOPPED VEHICLES, AND DID NOT SLOW THE VEHICLE DOWN THUS POTENTIALLY CONTRIBUTING TO A CRASH AND INJURY. THE CAR HAS BEEN EVALUATED MULTIPLE TIMES FOR THIS BY THE DEALER AND HAS NOT FOUND A PROBLEM. THE DYSFUNCTION CONTINUES; THERE WERE 4 INCIDENTS TODAY WHERE THERE WAS FAILURE OF THE ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL SYSTEM TO INITIATE ANY SAFETY MANEUVERS TO AVOID A CRASH. *TR
Power train, Engine, Jan 5, 2014
I STARTED THE VEHICLE, PUT IT IN REVERSE AND NOTHING!! IT DIDNT MOVE. STEPPED ON THE GAS, NOTHING! TRIED THIS 4 TIMES. AFTER ABOUT ONE HOUR IT STARTED AND WENT IN GEAR. TOOK IT TO THE DEALER, THEY TESTED IT , SAID NOTHING WRONG. SECOND TIME, WHICH WAS LATER THAT NIGHT, I HAD THE CAR OUT. STARTED UP, PUT IT IN REVERSE, NOTHING HAPPENED. CAR WAS ON A SLIGHT INCLINE, CAR THEN ROLLED FORWARD AND ALMOST HIT A CAR IN FRONT OF US. TRIED 3 TIMES BEFORE THE CAR WOULD BACK UP THIRD TIME, WHICH OCCURED ON DECEMBER 31ST, 2013. I WAS DRIVING TO WORK. STOPPED AT RED LIGHT. LIGHT TURNED, I STEPPED ON THE GAS AND THE CAR DIDNT MOVE, IT THEN JUMPED INTO THE INTERSECTION OF A MAJOR HIGHWAY! LUCKY I WASNT HIT FROM BEHIND OR HEAD ON! I COULD NOT GET THE CAR TO GO. CALLED THE DEALERSHIP. AFTER ABOUT 5 MINUTES I WAS ABLE TO GET THE CAR GOING. THE CAR IS AT THE DEALERSHIP NOW AND I HAVE A LOANER CAR. THEY CALLED AND SAID AGAIN THAT THEY COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG!!! I COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED!!! I DO NOT WANT THIS CAR BACK UNTIL IT IS FIXED OR I GET A NEW ONE TO REPLACE IT. I AM NOT VERY HAPPY WITH THE NEW 2014 FORESTER! *TR
Power train, Nov 21, 2013
WHILE TRAVELLING AT 50 MILES PER HOUR IN HEAVY TRAFFIC, MY CAR JUST STOPPED ON THE HIGHWAY. IT WAS DURING RUSH HOUR AND IT WOULDN'T MOVE AS I PRESSED THE GAS PEDAL. AFTER ABOUT ONE MINUTE THE CAR STARTED TO MOVE. TODAY, THE 21ST, MY WIFE EXPERIENCED THE SAME ISSUE WHILE BEING ON A HIGHWAY. THE CAR WON'T ROLL, IT JUST STOPS DEAD. YOU DON'T HAVE TO START AGAIN, IT WILL START ITSELF. *TR