2014 Subaru Forester Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 27about this part
- Share
- 7%of 403 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 34,069miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 27 complaints about the body and structure of the 2014 Subaru Forester, 7% of the 403 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 34,069 miles. 10 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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“The top nut of the rear left lift gate piston ball snapped/rusted off causing the back hatch to drop violently as we were unloading the car. Hitting my daughter on the back and my husband on the head knocking them to the ground. The car was parked in our driveway on a flat surface. I took it to ruges Subaru in rhinebeck ny to have it fixed. I was charged for it and got home to find out they never fixed it, stating I declined replacement, which I did not, but was still charged for it.”
NHTSA complaint #11351030, filed 2020-08, 125,500 miles“I was turning left on an arrow and a car ran the red light resulting in a head on collision with me, I was driving about 3mph and he was driving 45mph. His car was totalled, airbags deployed and on fire. I had front end damage and my airbags did not deploy nor did the seat belt lock up. As a result I hit the steering wheel with my knee and my ankle got lacerated and blunt trauma from the brake/accelartation pedal.”
NHTSA complaint #10607764, filed 2014-07, 14,000 miles“I walked behind the vehicle that was parked on side of the street, and pressed the button that activates the powered tailgate and causes it to open. As the tailgate was opening, the left tailgate gas lift support broke off from the tailgate. When the tailgate reached its maximum height, it slammed down in an unrestrained manner. Now whenever I try to use the automatic tailgate, it opens to the maximum height, then abruptly and without warning slams down with great force, with a potential to injure someone. …”
NHTSA complaint #11233700, filed 2019-07, 109,000 miles“I was driving up my driveway. I was braking when the car jerked forward and hit the garage door. I was able to stop the car by applying the brakes. The garage door was damaged as was the front bumper and grill of the car.”
NHTSA complaint #10596294, filed 2014-06, 3,500 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11022304Aug 11, 2025This bulletin provides information on paint codes for vehicles in the 2026 line up.
- 10187313Feb 1, 2021This bulletin provides a procedure for replacement of the black foam rubber insulating cushions for the roof spoiler.
- 10182211Oct 9, 2020In the interest of customer satisfaction, Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) is extending the New Car Limited Warranty for the rear gate stays on the listed models and model years.
- 10182205Oct 9, 2020We recently informed retailers and customers of an extension to the New Vehicle Limited Warranty for 2014-2018 Forester Rear Gate Stays.
- 10179427Aug 31, 2020In the interest of customer satisfaction, Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) is extending the New Car Limited Warranty for the rear gate stays on the listed models and model years…
Body and structure: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 3 | 9% |
| 2025 | 1 | 1% |
| 2024 | 2 | 6% |
| 2023 | 3 | 4% |
| 2022 | 2 | 2% |
| 2021 | 4 | 2% |
| 2020 | 15 | 2% |
| 2019 | 25 | 3% |
| 2018 | 14 | 3% |
| 2017 | 15 | 3% |
| 2016 | 11 | 3% |
| 2015 | 20 | 3% |
| 2014 | 27 | 7% |
| 2013 | 4 | 5% |
| 2012 | 5 | 5% |
| 2011 | 8 | 5% |
| 2010 | 7 | 3% |
| 2009 | 2 | 1% |
| 2008 | 1 | 2% |
| 2007 | 1 | 1% |
| 2006 | 7 | 8% |
| 2005 | 4 | 4% |
| 2004 | 4 | 2% |
| 2003 | 19 | 10% |
| 2002 | 3 | 3% |
| 2001 | 4 | 3% |
| 1999 | 3 | 2% |
Other parts of the 2014 Subaru Forester
94 complaintsEngine
69 complaintsAir bags
57 complaintsOther or unknown
46 complaintsElectrical system
42 complaintsVehicle speed control
42 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
41 complaintsBrakes
31 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