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ProblemsByVinFile / 2014-SUBARU-FORESTERNHTSA data synced 4 days ago
Subaru
2014 Subaru Forester problems
The 2014 Subaru Forester has 403 NHTSA owner complaints and 1 active recall campaign on file. Here's the breakdown — what's serious, what's noise, and what a working mechanic would actually do about it.
The 2014 Subaru Forester has 403 NHTSA owner complaints and 1 recall on file (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). The most-reported system is suspension at 91 complaints, typically surfacing around 57,730 miles (~$900 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.
0
Critical
1
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2014 Forester?
Avoid — the powertrain
The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the powertrain was repaired or replaced.
Powertrain: 37 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 16,320–86,000 mi
Electrical system: 35 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 25,000–109,000 mi
Reliability score 7.0/10 — around the segment average
1 recall campaign on file
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model —
not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
NHTSA crash-test safety ratings
5 / 5 overall
Overall★★★★★5/5
Frontal crash★★★★★4/5
Side crash★★★★★5/5
Rollover★★★★★4/5
Driver-assist features on the tested model:
Electronic stability control: Standard · Forward collision warning: Optional · Lane departure warning: Optional
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program — tested configuration: 2014 Subaru Forester SUV AWD. Stars rate crash protection in NHTSA's tests, not overall reliability — see the owner-complaint data below for what actually goes wrong.
Buying a used 2014 Subaru Forester? Check these first
Here's what this model is known to do — so you can inspect for it, price it in, or
make the seller fix it before you sign.
What to inspect on this specific car
suspension — 91 owner reports
· tends to show around 57,730 mi · ~$900 to fix
airbags — 53 owner reports
· tends to show around 82,374 mi · ~$1,100 to fix
engine — 41 owner reports
· tends to show around 52,885 mi · ~$3,100 to fix
powertrain — 37 owner reports
· tends to show around 61,320 mi · ~$2,500 to fix
⚠ The one to take seriously: airbags is flagged
severe on this model
, showing up around 82,374 mi.
Inspect it closely on a test drive.
Recalls to confirm are done
Run the VIN from the listing — 1 active recall on this model. Recall repairs are always free.
Verdict for buyers: 7.0/10 model. The priciest documented failure is
engine (~$3,100) — get the
seller's service records for it or inspect closely. Otherwise an average-risk used buy at a fair price.
We tell you what this model is known for and what to inspect — a vehicle-history report
tells you what this exact car has been through. Smart buyers get both.
A noise, a warning light, a repair quote, "should I buy this?" — get an answer grounded in
this vehicle's actual NHTSA record, not generic advice.
Dash light, leak, worn part — snap it and we'll read it against this car's record.
Photo attached — type a question or just hit Ask.
Answers use this vehicle's NHTSA complaint & recall record — owner-reported and unverified, not a diagnosis. Verify anything safety-critical with a mechanic.
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When owners report each system failing, in actual miles — so you can see what's likely behind you,
what's due around now, and what to budget for next. Enter your mileage to mark where you are.
"Typical" = median owner-reported failure mileage from the NHTSA complaint record for this exact
year and model. Not a maintenance schedule — a heads-up on where this model's failures cluster.
What owners are saying
recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
2014 Forester· engine
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
Failure of the continuous variable transmission (CVT) is a known and dangerous defect for certain models of subarus. Subaru of america issued an extended warranty in 2018 which partially addressed CVT problems, but fell short of a recall, which is what customers deserve and are…
During an oil change this week. I was told that I was down 1.5 quarts. I called the dealer and requested an oil consumption test. They denied my appointment and told me that this"was the new normal". I do not accept that my 2014 Subaru should be using this much oil. I checked…
Had a problem with your 2014 Subaru Forester?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free and official — owner filings are what build the federal safety record behind this page.
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
Subaru is recalling certain model year 2014 Forester vehicles manufactured from January 2013 through March 2013
Curling of the driver side floor mat could distract the driver and/or interfere with proper operation of one or a combination of, the vehicle's clutch, brake, and accelerator pedals. Brake or accelerator pedal interference may result in very high vehicle speeds and make it difficult to stop the vehicle, which could cause a crash.
Fix: 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.
Common questions
Is the 2014 Subaru Forester reliable?
Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 7.0 out of 10 based on 403 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2014 Subaru Forester is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.
Should you avoid the 2014 Subaru Forester?
On the NHTSA data, the 2014 Subaru Forester is one to avoid unless a specific vehicle proves otherwise. The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the powertrain was repaired or replaced. The record behind that call: Powertrain: 37 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 16,320–86,000 mi; Electrical system: 35 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 25,000–109,000 mi; Reliability score 7.0/10 — around the segment average; 1 recall campaign on file. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What should I check before buying a used 2014 Subaru Forester?
Inspect the suspension first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 91 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 57,730 miles. Average repair cost runs about $900 at an independent shop. Also confirm any open recalls have been completed by running the VIN, and ask for service records covering the problem areas listed above.
Is the 2014 Subaru Forester a good used car to buy?
It scores 7.0 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 403 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is suspension. Typical failure occurs around 57,730 miles. Priced fairly and clean on inspection, it's a reasonable used buy. Our data covers what this model is known for — pair it with a vehicle-history report on the VIN to see what that specific car has been through.
What's the most common problem on the 2014 Subaru Forester?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is suspension, with 91 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 57,730 miles. Average repair cost runs about $900 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The suspension is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $900 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 57,730 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my Subaru Forester has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2014 Subaru Forester?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 403 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $900, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.
Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database, last synced 4 days ago. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2014/Subaru/Forester.
Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics.
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