2014 Subaru Forester Problems
Compared with other Subaru Forester years
Typical for this model
45/100 0.9× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 0.9× that of a typical Subaru Forester year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 80 of its 403 complaints were filed by the end of 2016.
- Most reported problem: Broken rear coil springs and sagging rear end (92 complaints, median 57,000 mi).
- 2 recall campaigns on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
Nearby years with fewer complaints than typical and no open NHTSA investigation: 2011, 2012, 2013
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 403filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 53,500miles, 298 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 2campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- 5 / 5stars overall
- EPA fuel economy
- 25 mpgcombined, 2.0L 4-cyl AWD · 23 city / 27 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2014 Subaru Forester (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of the 2014 Forester most often write about broken rear coil springs, excessive engine oil consumption with repeated low-oil warnings, and a passenger airbag sensor that keeps switching the front airbag off. The sampled complaints are spread across a wide mileage range, from under 15,000 to well past 150,000 miles, and many describe symptoms that appeared gradually before something failed outright.
- Air bags
Passenger airbag 'off' and SRS warnings (seat sensor)
- 64 complaints (16%)
- median 61,800 mi at 6.0 yrs old (41 state mileage)
- 17 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $1,053 (median of 16 quotes)
- filed 2014–2025
Complaints describe the passenger airbag off message and SRS light appearing with an adult seated, or the seat belt chime sounding with an empty seat. Owners say dealers found a stored occupant detection sensor code or quoted replacement of the seat sensor or entire seat assembly, sometimes over a thousand dollars, and that the light did not always reappear while the car was at the shop. Several owners note the symptom is intermittent and ask whether a related airbag campaign applies to their vehicle. Reported from about 50,000 miles up to 191,000 miles, often at startup or shortly after shifting into gear.
What to check: Sit in the passenger seat with the ignition on and confirm the airbag shows on, and ask for any scan tool records of occupant detection system codes.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“While my son was driving normally with a passenger in the right front passenger seat 2 days ago, the red airbag sensor light came on and passenger airbag sign went to off . I took it to the Subaru dealer in olympia, wa and they claimed this was caused by water damage (we had never spilled water in that seat) and they wanted $2100 to fix the problem by replacing the entire right passenger seat assembly. …”
NHTSA complaint #11311944, filed 2020-02, 160,000 miles“My airbag srs popped up when on a road trip and said the passenger airbag was off so I freaked out as my boyfriend was driving and then driving back it just turned off and the airbag light said it was on. Very weird called my Subaru and charged me for them to go on and look and said it would be over $1000 to fix but they really didn't know where the issue was coming from and I would be out of a car for a week.”
NHTSA complaint #11343171, filed 2020-08, 91,000 miles - Suspension
Broken rear coil springs and sagging rear end
- 92 complaints (23%)
- median 57,000 mi at 5.8 yrs old (82 state mileage)
- 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $780 (median of 7 quotes)
- filed 2014–2021
Complaints describe a loud clang, a sudden drop of the rear of the vehicle, and the car sitting noticeably low or nearly touching the rear tire. Several owners found a broken rear spring or a piece of rusted metal in the driveway, and say the dealer replaced one or both rear springs, often charging for parts, labor and an alignment. In some accounts the second spring broke months after the first was replaced, or a rattling and banging noise continued after the repair. Reported from roughly 39,000 to 79,000 miles in the sample, sometimes while parked or turning at low speed.
What to check: Look at the rear ride height from behind and have a mechanic inspect both rear springs for rust or breakage; ask whether either spring has already been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Vehicle stalled while driving, both the springs around the back shock absorbers are broken. This vehicle we drive very lightly, mostly for 6 miles (to and fro) work and don't carry any luggage or more than allowed passengers. Very strange to see this happening. Will never buy or recommend Subaru to anyone, I have owned toyota and never this type of serious failure occurred.”
NHTSA complaint #11298270, filed 2020-01, 72,600 miles“The driver's side rear spring broke causing the car to sag. I noticed the sagging while the car was parked, I am not sure when the spring actually broke. The spring was replaced by the dealership. Approximately seven months later, the passenger side spring broke while making a left hand turn in traffic. This spring was also replaced by the dealership. Immediately after the replacement of the passenger side spring, the passenger side rear was making a rattling and banging noise. …”
NHTSA complaint #11306143, filed 2020-01, 56,000 miles - Engine
Excessive engine oil consumption, low-oil warnings
- 37 complaints (9%)
- median 50,557 mi at 3.6 yrs old (25 state mileage)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2013–2025
Owners report having to add a quart of oil frequently, sometimes every 1,000 to 1,500 miles, with the check oil light coming on while driving. Complaints mention oil consumption tests that were said to pass, repairs such as seals or a short block being recommended, and continued oil loss afterward. Some owners link the symptom to an engine oil consumption service bulletin and ask the dealer to confirm whether their vehicle is covered. Spread through the sample from about 50,000 to 121,000 miles, with several reports between 80,000 and 100,000.
What to check: Check the oil level and look for a fuel or oil smell, ask the seller how often oil is added between changes, and request any oil consumption test or repair records.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Started car all warning lights came on and started flashing oil, and,awd, emission control need to be checked, check engine light on, cruise control indicator stays on. Had been driving on a hot day stopped to get gas when I started the car all the check engine light came I checked gas cap it was tight, I started driving and all the lights started flashing”
NHTSA complaint #11341975, filed 2020-07, 121,425 miles“I have had ongoing issues with the oil consumption on this vehicle. I have had a couple of oil consumption tests run on this car and they claim that it passes, (even though I can barely make it 4k without having to add more oil to the car) today the car is back at service to fix the front engine cover seal. One has to wonder if this was the oil issue all along, however it will cost me almost a grand just to get this repair done.”
NHTSA complaint #11307009, filed 2020-02, 89,751 miles - Electrical system
Key will not come out of ignition
- 22 complaints (5%)
- median 62,500 mi at 5.6 yrs old (16 state mileage)
- 3 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2014–2024
Owners describe the key failing to turn past the accessory or on position so it can be removed, sometimes after many attempts, and cycling the shifter between park and drive or rolling the car slightly eventually frees it. Complaints say the problem is intermittent and tied to the ignition cylinder or shifter interlock rather than the key itself. Reported between roughly 60,000 and 130,000 miles in the sample.
What to check: Start and shut off the car several times during a test drive and confirm the key releases freely; ask if the ignition cylinder has been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I have 2014 Subaru Forester xt and past couple of months the key has been getting stuck in the ignition on a regular basis. I have to play around turning the car back on, putting it in drive and then back to park, sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't. Sometimes I have to move the car in reverse or drive forward a few inches and quickly put it in park and it releases the key. It takes a while for the key to come out after trying different things and/or all of them.”
NHTSA complaint #11321944, filed 2020-04, 60,000 miles“I have had ignition problems turning off the engine after stopping also I have to keep putting a quart of oil in when the oil light comes on while driving”
NHTSA complaint #11385642, filed 2020-12, 80,000 miles
Buying note. Have a pre-purchase inspection check the rear springs and confirm the passenger airbag sensor reads correctly, and ask for oil-consumption and transmission service records. Mileage and maintenance history matter here, since many of the reported symptoms showed up gradually rather than all at once.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 403 consumer complaints for the 2014 Subaru Forester. 298 of the complaints include a mileage, and 47% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 53,500 miles. Of all complaints, 48 involved a crash, 3 a fire, 28 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns and 637 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 15 Subaru Forester model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 45 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Suspension94 23%
- Engine69 17%
- Air bags57 14%
- Other or unknown46 11%
- Electrical system42 10%
- Vehicle speed control42 10%
- Brakes31 7.7%
- Body and structure27 6.7%
- Fuel system21 5.2%
Also reported: Steering (16), Seats (14), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (12), Wheels (11), Exterior lighting (10), Seat belts (9), Electronic stability control (5), Equipment (4), Engine cooling (3), Back-over prevention (rear camera) (2), Latches, locks and linkages (2), Tires (2), Lane departure (1).
Example complaints
Suspension: “Passenger side rear coil spring broke. This didn't seem to happen while I was driving, at least not in a what that was noticeable. I walked out of work and noticed that the rear passenger side of the car was sitting a couple inches lower than it should. I took it to the shop and they found that one of the coils of the spring had snapped, causing the sagging.”
NHTSA complaint #11230554, filed 2019-07, 60,000 milesEngine: “Oil is constantly having to be checked because this vehicle goes through lots of oil. I've put a newer engine in the car due to the first one doing this. Also the front right cv joint is about to need replacement and is loud. Both of these issues have happened as soon as I bought the car april 2020.also, cruise control works on and off literally back windows won't come down, horn won't honk and bluetooth is horrible.”
NHTSA complaint #11366615, filed 2020-10, 75,000 milesAir bags: “My steering wheel air bag spontaneously deployed as I was slowly driving in the lot of a sheetz gas station after just getting off the interstate (estimate my speed at 5 MPH in the gas station lot) there was no inciting incident. I was wearing my seat belt so only injury was a burn and bruise to my left hand. The vehicle remained on and otherwise functional.”
NHTSA complaint #11361601, filed 2020-09, 122,000 milesOther or unknown: “My backup camera only works periodically. When I put the car in reverse the dashboard screen sometimes just shows a black screen with the distance lines displayed. Other times it works fine. Doesnt seem to be a pattern. Many people seem to have the same problem in posted message boards and it seems like certain other subarus were recalled for this issue.”
NHTSA complaint #11374869, filed 2020-11, 25,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
47% of the 298 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 27,183 and 78,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2014 Subaru Forester. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forester · SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | 5 / 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 16.9% risk |
Driver aids listed by NHTSA for the 2014 model year: forward collision warning optional, lane departure warning optional, automatic emergency braking not available.
Neighbouring years: 2013: 4 stars overall; 2015: same overall rating. A redesign between years can change both the car and the test.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2014 Subaru Forester version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forester AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | CVT | 23 | 27 | 25 | $3,300 |
| Forester AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | CVT | 24 | 31 | 27 | $2,500 |
| Forester AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | 6-speed manual | 22 | 28 | 24 | $2,800 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 19V149000Feb 28, 2019Exterior lighting › Brake lights › SwitchCovers: Subaru Forester 2014–2016, Impreza 2008–2016, WRX 2008–2014 +1 more
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…
- 13V159000Apr 24, 2013EquipmentCovers: Subaru Forester 2014
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.
Recall details for the 2014 Subaru Forester → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 637 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11037943Oct 5, 2026Other or unknown, Electrical system. This announcement provides information on a new software update for the Midtronics Dss and DCA machines.
- 11037940Sep 18, 2026Other or unknown. This bulletin provides paint code information for 2027 model year vehicles.
- 11037930Sep 15, 2026Other or unknown. This announcement provides an update to all 2027 model year Subaru warranty coverages for wear items and adjustments.
- 11037929Sep 14, 2026Other or unknown, Electrical system. This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure. This is an revised version of the original bulletin.
- 11037927Sep 14, 2026Electrical system. This bulletin has been developed to outline the steps for gathering basic but essential information during diagnosis of Infotainment concerns. This is an revised version of the original bulletin.
- 11036810Aug 20, 2026Transmission and drivetrain. This bulletin announces a design change made to the CVT Control Valve Body. The updated valve body incorporates an enhanced valve sleeve to improve durability. This is an revised version of the…
- 11036807Aug 20, 2026Electrical system. This Service Information Bulletin outlines a systematic procedure for diagnosing parasitic draw (dark/standby current) in vehicles experiencing battery drain when the ignition is off, leading to…
- 11036796Aug 13, 2026Electrical system. This Bulletin has been developed to outline the steps for gathering basic but essential information during diagnosis of Infotainment concerns. (This is an revised version of the original bulletin.)
- 11036794Aug 5, 2026Electrical system. Techtips newsletter locator index.
- 11036789Aug 1, 2026Electrical system. This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure. This is an revised version of the original bulletin
Other model years of the Subaru Forester
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 32 | 3,500 | 4 | 5 | 28 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2025 | 99 | 2,800 | 4 | 5 | 28 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2024 | 31 | 5,000 | 2 | 5 | 29 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2023 | 74 | 6,750 | 1 | 5 | 29 | 21 · Fewer | Too new |
| 2022 | 100 | 5,500 | 1 | 5 | 29 | 27 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2021 | 212 | 8,000 | 0 | 5 | 29 | 48 · Typical | Stable |
| 2020 | 603 | 5,800 | 0 | 5 | 29 | 94 · More | Falling |
| 2019 | 834 | 8,575 | 3 | 5 | 29 | 100 · More | Falling |
| 2018 | 498 | 16,000 | 3 | 5 | 25 | 85 · More | Falling |
| 2017 | 592 | 30,000 | 1 | 5 | 25 | 69 · More | Falling |
| 2016 | 416 | 39,000 | 3 | 5 | 25 | 59 · Typical | Falling |
| 2015 | 615 | 43,919 | 3 | 5 | 25 | 74 · More | Falling |
| 2014 | 403 | 53,500 | 2 | 5 | 25 | 45 · Typical | Falling |
| 2013 | 78 | 50,000 | 12 | 4 | 23 | 8 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2012 | 106 | 45,702 | 15 | 4 | 23 | 28 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2011 | 147 | 60,000 | 16 | 4 | 23 | 30 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2010 | 262 | 65,000 | 17 | — | 22 | 55 · Typical | Falling |
| 2009 | 178 | 57,000 | 17 | — | 22 | 52 · Typical | Falling |
| 2008 | 50 | 88,900 | 1 | — | 22 | 0 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2007 | 74 | 56,750 | 1 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2006 | 88 | 51,000 | 2 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 93 | 80,000 | 1 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 219 | 96,500 | 2 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2003 | 189 | 90,000 | 3 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 88 | 87,365 | 1 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2001 | 139 | 57,000 | 0 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2000 | 75 | 78,000 | 0 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1999 | 131 | 73,000 | 1 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1998 | 101 | 93,998 | 1 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
All Subaru Forester model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2014 Subaru Forester?
Owners of the 2014 Forester most often write about broken rear coil springs, excessive engine oil consumption with repeated low-oil warnings, and a passenger airbag sensor that keeps switching the front airbag off. The issues reported most often: Passenger airbag 'off' and SRS warnings (seat sensor); Broken rear coil springs and sagging rear end; Excessive engine oil consumption, low-oil warnings.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2014 Subaru Forester have?
NHTSA recorded 403 consumer complaints for the 2014 Subaru Forester as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2014 Subaru Forester is reported most often?
Suspension is named most often, in 94 complaints (23% of the total), followed by engine with 69.
Has the 2014 Subaru Forester been recalled?
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2014 Subaru Forester do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2014 Subaru Forester 5 out of 5 stars overall. Ratings from different model years are only comparable when the vehicle was not redesigned in between.
What gas mileage does the 2014 Subaru Forester get?
The EPA rates the 2014 Subaru Forester (Forester AWD, 2.0L 4-cyl) at 25 mpg combined, 23 city and 27 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,300 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2014 Subaru Forester reported?
Among the 298 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 53,500 miles and the middle half falls between 27,183 and 78,000 miles; 47% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.