2014 SUBARU FORESTER Problems
Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2014 Subaru Forester. This model year has 402 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Suspension Failures.
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This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about the specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls.
Worst 2014 Subaru Forester Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
Suspension Failures
Engine Problems
Airbag Malfunctions
Considering a 2014 Subaru Forester?
This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about this specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99 (vs. Carfax $44.99).
All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2014 Subaru Forester. A single complaint may appear in multiple categories.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suspension Failures | 94 | 1 | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 72 | 4 | 2 | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 57 | 9 | 1 | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 44 | 5 | 1 | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 42 | 4 | 1 | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 42 | 25 | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 41 | 7 | — | — | |
| Brake System | 31 | 11 | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 27 | 10 | 1 | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 15 | 3 | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 15 | 1 | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 14 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 11 | 1 | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 10 | 1 | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 9 | 1 | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 9 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 6 | 1 | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 6 | 1 | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Child Seat | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Lane Departure | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Traction Control System | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Search Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2014 Subaru Forester. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Showing 400 most recent complaints of 402 total. View all on NHTSA ↗
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2014 Subaru Forester on March 5, 2026. The contact stated that while attempting to register the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the mileage was 77,000…
Unintended acceleration while parking /braking in front of a Verizon store leading to crash into store
On 5/15/2024 and 5/21/2024 I had sudden uninteded acceleration. I had a auto shop try to solve the problem by replacing the air fuel ratio sensor and the mass air flow sensor. This seem to fix the issue until 11/27/2025 & 12/7/2025 when the sudden uninteded acceleration returned.
I was driving my 2014 Subaru Forester (about 148,000 miles) behind a minivan at a safe distance and speed. Without warning, my vehicle accelerated uncontrollably. Despite applying the brakes, shifting into low gear, and using the emergency brake, I was unable to slow it down. …
LOW CONTRL ARM BUSHINGS DISTROYED,LOUD NOISE AND VIBRATION UNDER THE CAR.
Liftgate arm (or support) broke while the liftgate was in the raised position, and the liftgate came crashing down to the closed position, while my sister-in-law was very close by. I believe a serious injury could have resulted if someone had been under the liftgate at the time.…
I was on the freeway when the check engine light came on with an alert I couldn't read in time before it disappeared. Then the gas pedal stopped working. I got to a safe place and shut off the car. My brother-in-law then drove the car the 5 miles back home on local roads - he vid…
The contact owns a 2014 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would independently accelerate without warning. Due to the failure, the contact stated that they had hit a building while attempting to park in a parking space. The air b…
I have a 2014 Subaru Forester that I purchase in 2023 from a dealership in Yonkers N.Y. I been noticing oil consumption at 1qt. a week at 300 miles. I investigated it on the internet and found out that there was a recalled for oil consumption to replace the short block on it. I e…
I just found out that there was a problem with oil consumption in a 2014 subaru forester.I purchase it two years ago.Is there anything they can do to fix it.
Airbag warning light came on 1/25, took to Subaru dealership for diagnostic service. Was told the Passenger Front Seat Occupant Detection Sensor Assembly needs to be replaced, airbag system is not functional. Item has been on backorder, unable to replace as needed and told this…
The contact owned a 2014 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, a vehicle coming from oncoming traffic was attempting to make a left, causing the contact to crash into that oncoming vehicle. The contact mentioned that during the impact, the front passen…
While I was driving to work, with Cruise control set at 65, I hit a deer head on. All airbags deployed and engine ceased and I was able to brake car to a stop on the shoulder of the road. Within minutes, the engine erupted in fire and thankfully I wasn't trapped inside and was ab…
When cruising about 25mph the car gave a jolt, stalled, and then would speed back up again. All lights then flashed on. I brought it to the dealer and they did a diagnostic check coming back for CVT transmission. They also confirmed it is a known problem and had extended the warr…
About a year ago the passenger airbag warning light came on. Took it to the dealer who stated the passenger seat occupant detection sensor was malfunctioning. I was also told this meant the passenger airbags would not deploy in an accident. The dealer stated the replacement part …
airbag inspection light comes on. Dealer verified vehicle has defective passenger harness and or seat cushion. Replaced harness under passenger seat in July 24, now Oct 24 airbag inspection light is back on. The 2014 has the same WUM 98 harness kit and seat sensor, so why is…
The key keeps getting stuck in the ignition.........
While driving the seatbelt above the driver side shoulder came disconnected and fell into the driver lap. There was no warning, no alarms nothing. The casing and everything came off with it. I was able to screw the bolt back in, but thought Subaru needed to take a look because I’…
The contact owns a 2014 Subaru Forester. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed a loud whining sound coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was in…
After running 86,000 miles (Plus or minus), we had to bring the car to Livermore Subaru because of the noise o the middle section of the car WITH OUT any warning lights. In turns out, after extensive diagnostics testing, “the noise is coming from the inside of the CVT transmissi…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2014 Subaru Forester.
Recalls for 2014 Subaru Forester
2 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2014 Subaru Forester. Recalls are free to fix at any authorized dealer. Run a VIN check below to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.
2014 Subaru Forester — FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 2014 Subaru Forester reliable?▾
Severe Issues. The 2014 Subaru Forester has 402 NHTSA owner complaints, 48 crash-related, and 2 recall campaigns. The most reported issue is Suspension Failures (94 complaints). Source: NHTSA via VinSpector AI.
What are the most common problems with the 2014 Subaru Forester?▾
#1: Suspension Failures (94 complaints). #2: Engine Problems (72 complaints). #3: Airbag Malfunctions (57 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2014 Subaru Forester?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2014 Subaru Forester?▾
The 2014 Subaru Forester has 48 crash-related complaints and 3 fire reports out of 402 total NHTSA complaints. 28 injuries were reported. For NCAP lab crash test star ratings, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2014 Subaru Forester have any recalls?▾
Yes — 2 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2014 Subaru Forester. The largest issue: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.
Should I buy a 2014 Subaru Forester?▾
The 2014 Subaru Forester has severe issues — review the top problems before buying. Pay particular attention to Suspension Failures issues. Always run a VIN check on the specific car you're considering to check for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Subaru Forester reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Check Your Specific 2014 Subaru Forester
Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99.