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 PER YEAR
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 | 72 |
| 2008 | 50 |
| 2009 | 178 |
| 2010 | 262 |
| 2011 | 147 |
| 2012 | 105 |
| 2013 | 77 |
| 2014 | 403 |
| 2015 | 611 |
| 2016 | 405 |
| 2017 | 579 |
| 2018 | 487 |
| 2019 | 831 |
| 2020 | 592 |
| 2021 | 207 |
| 2022 | 93 |
| 2023 | 69 |
| 2024 | 28 |
| 2025 | 78 |
| 2026 | 11 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
23% of complaints: suspension — 93 distinct reports on file.
CRASH17% of complaints: engine — 69 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURY14% of complaints: air bags — 55 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURY10% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 41 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow 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, 20171204
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, 20140319
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, 20131101
10% of complaints: power train — 41 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
My wife, [XXX] , shifted into reverse to back up a steep driveway. It was difficult to put the transmission lever into reverse.
NHTSA ODI report, 20240108
SAFETY TIMELINE
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 re
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 notifi
Campaign 13V159000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 19V149000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2014 Subaru Forester — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for suspension issues (93 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (69 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (55 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 13V159000 (equipment) has been completed.
- Verify recall 19V149000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
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 23% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2014 Subaru Forester have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.