2014 Subaru Forester: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2014 Subaru Forester? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 402 complaints, with Suspension Failures as the top reported area.
2014 Subaru Forester Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 3 2014 Subaru Forester trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 3 trims analysed.
2014 Subaru Forester Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
16.9% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
16.9% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2014 Subaru Forester has 402 owner complaints, 48 crash-related complaints, and 2 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Suspension Failures. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Subaru
- Model
- Forester
- Model year
- 2014
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 402
- Crash-related complaints
- 48
- Safety recall campaigns
- 2
- Top reported component
- Suspension Failures
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 25
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 23 / 27
- Fuel type
- Premium Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 4/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2014 Subaru Forester Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Suspension Failures
Engine Problems
Airbag Malfunctions
Complaint patterns center on Suspension Failures, Engine Problems, Airbag Malfunctions. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2014 Subaru Forester?
The 2014 Subaru Forester shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2014 Subaru Forester
Inspection Focus
- Inspect suspension components for signs of wear or failure.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for engine, airbag, and suspension repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect suspension components for signs of wear or failure.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for engine, airbag, and suspension repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2014 Subaru Forester, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Complaints for the 2014 Subaru Forester are concentrated in suspension failures, engine problems, and airbag malfunctions. Crash-related complaints account for a notable portion of total reports. The data suggests potential issues with these systems, but confidence is low due to the limited scope of analysis.
- Suspension failures are the most reported component with 94 complaints.
- Engine problems and airbag malfunctions are also frequently reported.
- Crash-related complaints represent 48 of the 402 total complaints.
- Suspension failures are the top concern with 94 complaints.
- Engine problems are the second most reported issue with 72 complaints.
- Airbag malfunctions are the third most reported issue with 57 complaints.
All 2014 Subaru Forester Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2014 Subaru Forester. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| 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.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2014 Subaru Forester. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
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.
2014 Subaru Forester Recalls
2 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2014 Subaru Forester. 2 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2014 Subaru Forester Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2014 Subaru Forester reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 402 owner complaints, 48 crash-related complaints, and 2 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2014 Subaru Forester shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
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?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2014 Subaru Forester, NHTSA complaints include 48 crash-related reports and 3 fire reports out of 402 total complaints. 28 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2014 Subaru Forester have any recalls?▾
Yes. 2 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2014 Subaru Forester. A major recall area is EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH. 2 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2014 Subaru Forester?▾
The 2014 Subaru Forester shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Suspension Failures during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
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.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2014 Subaru Forester based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.