2014 Subaru Forester
This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
- Complaints
- 403
- Recalls
- 2
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Suspension
Campaigns on file for 2014
None on file
24% of complaints
Complaints per year
2014: 403 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1998 | 101 |
| 1999 | 131 |
| 2000 | 75 |
| 2001 | 139 |
| 2002 | 88 |
| 2003 | 189 |
| 2004 | 219 |
| 2005 | 93 |
| 2006 | 88 |
| 2007 | 74 |
| 2008 | 50 |
| 2009 | 178 |
| 2010 | 262 |
| 2011 | 147 |
| 2012 | 105 |
| 2013 | 77 |
| 2014 | 403 |
| 2015 | 615 |
| 2016 | 413 |
| 2017 | 587 |
| 2018 | 497 |
| 2019 | 832 |
| 2020 | 601 |
| 2021 | 209 |
| 2022 | 98 |
| 2023 | 74 |
| 2024 | 29 |
| 2025 | 96 |
| 2026 | 25 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Suspension
24% · 95 reportsMost commonly citing coil springs and lower arm.
Engine
17% · 69 reportsAir bags
17% · 68 reportsMost commonly citing occupant classification and front passenger.
Vehicle speed control
10% · 42 reportsMost commonly citing accelerator pedal.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact owns a 2014 Subaru Forester. While exiting the car wash, the vehicle accelerated independently without warning and crashed into a pole. When the brake pedal was depressed, it failed to operate and the steering wheel seized.
NHTSA ODI report, 2017-12-04
Also filed under Service brakes and steering
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2014-03-19
Also filed under Fuel system, gasoline
Tl* the contact owns a 2014 Subaru Forester. The contact stated while entering a parking space at an unknown speed, the vehicle erroneously accelerated and crashed into the wall. There were no injuries.
NHTSA ODI report, 2013-11-01
Electrical system
10% · 42 reportsMost commonly citing wiring and speedometer/odometer.
Safety timeline
2 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2013-06-05Equipment13V159000 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…
Remedy: 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…
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2014Complaint volume 403 complaints filed for this model year.
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2019-04-15Exterior lighting19V149000 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.
Remedy: 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.
Buy-smart checklist
2014 Subaru Forester — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Suspension: 95 reports on file for this year.
- Engine: 69 reports on file for this year.
- Air bags: 68 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 13V159000 · Equipment
- Recall 19V149000 · Exterior lighting
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2014 Subaru Forester reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2014 Subaru Forester is rated "significantly worse".
- What are the most common problems with the 2014 Subaru Forester?
- The most-reported component is suspension, accounting for 24% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2014 Subaru Forester have?
- 2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.