2014 Subaru Forester Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 69about this part
- Share
- 17%of 403 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 36,643miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 69 complaints about the engine of the 2014 Subaru Forester, 17% of the 403 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 36,643 miles. 4 of these say a crash was involved and 2 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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“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 miles“My 2014 Subaru Forester burns an excessive amount of oil. For a new engine, I shouldn't have to worry about checking the oil every few days to make sure it isn't a 1/2 quart or more low. I'm extremely worried that the oil is going to get too low between checks, and the engine will seize on lake tahoe's icy winter mountain roads just at the wrong time.”
NHTSA complaint #10924185, filed 2016-11, 38,000 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“While parking this vehicle on the street, in front of our apt., smoke came from under the hood, once parked and hood opened, engine caught on fire, fire dept. Was called. The car is totaled.(I do not want to upload pictures, due to identifiable info. In the pictures.)”
NHTSA complaint #11093272, filed 2018-05, 48,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11034269Jun 30, 2026This bulletin provides updated parts information and a service procedure to follow for removing accumulated carbon deposits from fuel injectors and internal engine components…
- 11033065May 13, 2026This bulletin provides updated parts information and a service procedure to follow for removing accumulated carbon deposits from fuel injectors and internal engine components…
- 11027982Jan 12, 2026This Bulletin provides the diagnostic procedure for the STARLINK® Remote Engine Start (RES).
- 11027090Dec 12, 2025This bulletin provides updated parts information and a service procedure to follow for removing accumulated carbon deposits from fuel injectors and internal engine components…
- 11027083Dec 8, 2025This Service Information Bulletin provides the Service Manual Correction to the diagnostic procedure for DTC B2A16 (Immobilizer Key Collation Diagnosis).
- 11023536Sep 30, 2025In the interest of customer satisfaction Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) is extending the New Car Limited Warranty coverage in the models listed. The extension will address…
- 11022313Aug 14, 2025This bulletin provides updated parts information and a service procedure to follow for removing accumulated carbon deposits from fuel injectors and internal engine components…
- 11022305Aug 11, 2025Subaru Service Technical Support Newsletter special edition.
- 11018914May 29, 2025This bulletin provides updated parts information and a service procedure to follow for removing accumulated carbon deposits from fuel injectors and internal engine components…
- 11017452Apr 22, 2025This Bulletin announces the diagnostic procedures to be followed when diagnosing engine oil leakage on FA and FB type engines.
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 3% |
| 2025 | 4 | 4% |
| 2024 | 1 | 3% |
| 2023 | 5 | 7% |
| 2022 | 11 | 11% |
| 2021 | 34 | 16% |
| 2020 | 81 | 13% |
| 2019 | 106 | 13% |
| 2018 | 32 | 6% |
| 2017 | 47 | 8% |
| 2016 | 60 | 14% |
| 2015 | 131 | 21% |
| 2014 | 69 | 17% |
| 2013 | 27 | 35% |
| 2012 | 27 | 25% |
| 2011 | 60 | 41% |
| 2010 | 34 | 13% |
| 2009 | 27 | 15% |
| 2008 | 7 | 14% |
| 2007 | 9 | 12% |
| 2006 | 11 | 13% |
| 2005 | 3 | 3% |
| 2004 | 23 | 11% |
| 2003 | 12 | 6% |
| 2002 | 1 | 1% |
| 2001 | 2 | 1% |
| 1999 | 3 | 2% |
| 1998 | 1 | 1% |
Other parts of the 2014 Subaru Forester
94 complaintsAir bags
57 complaintsOther or unknown
46 complaintsElectrical system
42 complaintsVehicle speed control
42 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
41 complaintsBrakes
31 complaintsBody and structure
27 complaintsFuel system
21 complaintsSteering
16 complaintsSeats
14 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
12 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2014 Subaru Forester
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.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology