Fourth generation (SJ)
2014 Subaru Forester
The most reported problem on the 2014 Subaru Forester is suspension, with 90 complaints, usually around 56,000 miles.
- 364owner complaints
- 2recalls
- 39involved a crash
- 60,000median miles at failure
Newest report Jun 12, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
What is your Forester doing?
Each one opens a sheet built from the owner reports of that problem on the 2014 model year.
Is the 2014 Subaru Forester reliable?
The 2014 Subaru Forester has 364 owner complaints on file with NHTSA, close to the median of 366 for 2014 SUVs on this site. Of the 13 Forester model years since 2014, it has the 7th most complaints. Complaint counts rise with sales as well as faults, so read what owners report below before deciding.
At a glance
- Next to other model years
- Complaints filed before 2015 aren't in the files this site reads, so the 2014 count runs short and isn't compared with the model years next to it.
- Top problem
- Suspension leads with 90 of the 364 complaints (25%), ahead of airbag at 56. A quarter of the 79 owners who gave a mileage for suspension saw it by about 43,000 miles, and half by about 56,000.
- Crash, fire and injury reports
- 46 of the 364 complaints (13%) report a crash, a fire or an injury. The typical vehicle on this site sits at 6%, so this one runs well above it. Counted separately (one report can carry more than one), 39 reports mention a crash, 3 mention a fire and 26 people were hurt.
- Recalls behind the top problems
- No recall on file is on the same system as suspension, airbag and brake wear. For those, the complaints are all there is.
- When owners filed
- Filings peaked in 2019 at 110 (full calendar years only). In 2025 there were 13. So far in 2026, 3 more have come in. Filings on record start in 2015.
When each problem shows up
Each bar covers the middle half of the mileages owners reported for that problem. A quarter saw it earlier, a quarter later. The tick is the median. Most reported: suspension noise, struts or alignment, 90 complaints.
middle half of reports, median tick. The heavier grey bars have 75 or more reports.
Behind you
Around your mileage
Ahead of you
How this compares
364 complaints is 1.2 times the median 2014 model on this site and about the median for a 2014 SUV. Among the 12 Forester model years here it ranks 7th for complaints. Counts follow sales volume as much as reliability, so a truck that sells 700,000 a year draws more reports than a sedan that sells 200,000.
Service bulletins for the 2014 Subaru Forester
Subaru filed 632 bulletins and other notices with NHTSA that list the 2014 Subaru Forester. 47 of them deal with a problem owners have reported on this car. Newest first.
Federal rules make a manufacturer send NHTSA a copy of any notice about a defect that goes to more than one dealer or owner. Most of these are service bulletins, the repair instructions manufacturers send to dealers. NHTSA generally leaves safety recall bulletins out of this file, and recalls are listed separately.
Suspension noise, struts or alignment 4 bulletins · 90 complaints
Due to incomplete repair instructions previously provided in the WQK-47 recall bulletin, the WQQ-52 recall will involve applying additional anti-corrosion material to the four-way (2-2 way) joint connector area of the brake line system on Forester, Impreza, ...
This Bulletin provides guidance for diagnosing a leaking front or rear suspension strut.
2 more on this problem
This bulletin announces a design change made to the forward bushing used in the front lower control arm to address customer concerns of a rattle-type sound and / or a possible vibration felt in the steering wheel.
This bulletin announces a design change to the front strut mounts intended to address customer concerns of a popping-type sound which may be heard when making low speed turns.
Passenger airbag sensor problems 1 bulletin · 29 complaints
This Service Information bulletin provides a procedure for diagnosis of Occupant Detection System (ODS) DTC B1760- Sensor Mat Abnormal and/or B1650- Occupant Classification System Malfunction.
Brakes grind, pulse or wear early 4 bulletins · 27 complaints
This bulletin provides diagnosis and procedure information to be applied when diagnosing potential fluid leaks on front and rear brake calipers. This information has been developed to reduce unnecessary brake caliper replacement.
This Service Information bulletin announces availability of a new front brake pad shim kit to specifically address customer concerns of a squeaking or squealing sound on the models listed above.
2 more on this problem
This bulletin announces availability of a new front disc brake pad, shim, grease and clip kit designed to reduce customer concerns of excessive brake squeal.
This Service Information bulletin announces instruction for application of additional lubrication between the brake caliper support and pad clips.
Burns oil or oil level rises 5 bulletins · 21 complaints
As part of our dedication to customer satisfaction, Subaru of America, Inc. is initiating a program to extend the original New Car Powertrain Limited Warranty coverage for excessive engine oil consumption on applicable vehicles to 8 years / 100,000 miles from ...
Refer to bulletin for engine/transmission type. As part of our dedication to customer satisfaction, Subaru of America, Inc.
3 more on this problem
Revised TSB. As part of our dedication to customer satisfaction, Subaru of America, Inc. is initiating a program to extend the original New Car Powertrain Limited Warranty coverage for excessive engine oil consumption on applicable vehicles to 8 years / ...
PROPOSED ENGINE OIL CONSUMPTION CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT RECENTLY YOU MAY HAVE SEEN VARIOUS ONLINE AND OTHER MEDIA ARTICLES REGARDING SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
THIS BULLETIN ANNOUNCES INFORMATION REGARDING A MAJOR CHANGE TO THE REPAIR PROCEDURES PREVIOUSLY OUTLINED IN SERVICE BULLETINS 02-143-13R, 02-144-13R AND 02-145-13R.
Seat belt or seat problems 4 bulletins · 18 complaints
This bulletin provides a procedure to address customer concerns of a squeaking sound originating from where the front seat belt buckle assembly attaches to the seat frame.
This Service Information Bulletin provides a revised troubleshooting procedure and tips to follow when diagnosing a DTC B1650- ?Occupant Classification System Malfunction?.
2 more on this problem
This Service Information bulletin provides a procedure for diagnosis of Occupant Detection System (ODS) DTC B1760- Sensor Mat Abnormal and/or B1650- Occupant Classification System Malfunction.
This bulletin announces a design change made to the front seat outer hinge cover trim panels. In some cases, when exiting the vehicle, the trim panel may inadvertently get kicked and become dislodged from the seat cushion assembly.
Check engine light or misfire 23 bulletins · 12 complaints
This bulletin provides a new flow chart and additional diagnostic tools to assist technicians with troubleshooting DTC P0841- SECONDARY OIL PRESSURE SENSOR PERFORMANCE.
This bulletin provides a procedure for diagnosis and repair of DTC P0300 which may result from fluctuation of the alternator's current output outside of the specified limits.
21 more on this problem
This Bulletin provides information regarding DTC P0606 related specifically to the determination of this code on Forester Turbo and applicable WRX models.
This bulletin announces the availability of reprogramming files to optimize the ECM. These new files will address customer concerns of: ? Spark knock (ping) during high intake air temperature operation ? Surge on acceleration due to phantom knock detection ? ...
This Service Information bulletin announces availability of a new control valve assembly (valve body) designed to prevent false detection of DTC P0841 and / or illumination of the AT Temp light.
This Service Information Bulletin announces design changes to the engine?s knock sensor which will help improve vehicle assembly line efficiency and increase durability.
TURBO MODELS ONLY. This bulletin announces availability of new parts to address a limited number of reports involving an engine vibration felt when at idle after the engine is up to operating temperature.
On Forester Turbo and applicable WRX models, after re-connecting the battery, if the ignition switch is turned back ?ON? within one minute after the first time the ignition is turned ?OFF?, it becomes possible for the CEL to illuminate storing DTC P0606 in ...
2.0L Turbor Models only. This Service Information Bulletin announces design changes to the engine?s knock sensor which will help improve vehicle assembly line efficiency and increase durability.
2.5L MODELS ONLY. This bulletin provides a procedure for diagnosis and repair of DTC P0300 which may result from fluctuation of the alternator's current output outside of the specified limits.
Turbo models only. This bulletin announces the availability of reprogramming files to optimize the ECM. These new files will address customer concerns of: ? Spark knock (ping) during high intake air temperature operation ? Surge on acceleration due to phantom ...
New Alternator Assembly. This bulletin provides a procedure for diagnosis and repair of DTC P0300 which may result from fluctuation of the alternator?s current output outside of the specified limits.
Plus 11 older ones not listed here.
Windshield cracks or distorts 5 bulletins · 8 complaints
This bulletin provides a service procedure to address customer concerns of a rattling-type sound coming from the defroster vent grille area of the instrument panel (IP) near the base of the windshield.
This bulletin announces a design change made to the front door glass run channels. Water can enter the run channels and cause a stick-slip (judder) condition to occur as the door glass opens and closes.
3 more on this problem
This bulletin provides a repair procedure for replacing the foam cushion installed between the top front edge of the IP and the windshield glass.
This bulletin describes a design change to the center bracket component of the window regulator assembly. The change was made to address customer concerns of the front door glass shuddering while opening or closing.
THE PURPOSE OF THIS BULLETIN IS TO PROVIDE INFORMATION CONCERNING ACCEPTABLE WINDSHIELD REPAIR AREAS ON 2014MY FORESTER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE EYESIGHT SYSTEM.
ABS light on 1 bulletin · 8 complaints
THIS BULLETIN ANNOUNCES A DESIGN CHANGE TO THE STOP LIGHT SWITCH TO REDUCE THE POSSIBILITY OF IMPROPER ILLUMINATION OF THE ABS AND/OR VDC WARNING LAMP WITH RESULTING DTCS C1531 AND/OR C0054. DETAILS OF THE SWITCH CHANGES ARE SHOWN IN THE ILLUSTRATION BELOW.
Complaints filed by year
110 complaints came in 2019, 3.7 times the year before. Owners file in waves when a problem gets press or an investigation, so a spike measures attention as much as failures.
Recalls that include the 2014 Subaru Forester
Whether your car is included depends on its VIN. Check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
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.
Risk and remedy
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.
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.
Risk and remedy
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 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.
All 2 recalls on the 2014 Subaru Forester, with the owner complaints on each recalled system
Guide Buying one used? How to research one car’s history before you pay
Questions
What is the most common problem on the 2014 Subaru Forester?
Suspension, with 90 of the 364 complaints. Owners who gave a mileage for it put the median at about 56,000 miles.
At what mileage do 2014 Subaru Forester problems start?
Of the 272 complaints that give a mileage, a quarter came by about 38,000 miles and half by about 60,000.
How many 2014 Subaru Forester complaints involve a crash, fire or injury?
46 of them (13%). The typical vehicle on this site is at 6%.
Is there a recall for suspension on the 2014 Subaru Forester?
No recall on file for the 2014 Subaru Forester is on the same system as suspension. Another recall may still cover your car, so check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.