This bulletin announces a design change made to the CVT Control Valve Body which incorporates an enhanced valve sleeve to improve durability.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2014 Subaru Forester electrical problems
severe 35 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $850 · see electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
35
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
2crashes
1fire
When does it fail?
Of the 35 electrical complaints filed for the 2014 Subaru Forester, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 35 electrical complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
No new NHTSA electrical complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 6 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering electrical on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
This bulletin announces the new procedure and Warranty Fail Code for FirstTime air conditioning (A/C) performance concerns possibly resulting from an undetected A/C refrigerant leak.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin contains information to help when attempting to complete the STARLINK Telematics subscription process, an Error Code 202 and / or 204 may occur preventing the process from completing successfully
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This Service Information Bulletin was developed to provide interim guidance for 2026 model year vehicles exhibiting DTC B2A20 with gen 4 Telematics.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin announces the new procedure and Warranty Fail Code for FirstTime air conditioning (A/C) performance concerns possibly resulting from an undetected A/C refrigerant leak.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2014 Forester electrical failures range from safety-critical to expensive recurring issues. Power seats recline unexpectedly while driving, power liftgates operate unpredictably (a hardship for one owner needing wheelchair access), and unintended acceleration occurs despite brakes applied—some owners have had the brake pedal assembly replaced multiple times without resolution. Engines start on their own when parked, a problem one owner traced to a dealer-installed aftermarket remote starter Subaru later confirmed unauthorized.
EyeSight adaptive cruise and pre-collision systems fail to detect stopped vehicles in bright sunlight, requiring owners to brake hard manually. Drivers report push-button start failure with locked brakes, ignition keys stuck requiring multiple shifting attempts to release, and horns that only work when the steering wheel is turned—all point to electrical/sensor issues dealers cannot diagnose.
Unresolved check-engine and cam-timing problems have cost thousands of dollars across multiple dealers and component replacements (timing chain, cam phasers, ECM, oil filters) with the problem recurring. One owner spent 8 months in a cycle of repairs with Subaru and dealers blaming each other. Passenger seat occupancy sensors fail, leaving airbags disabled. Backup cameras display black screens intermittently; windows fog when heat is on; fuel gauges read false.
Same Subaru Forester electrical reports on nearby years: 2015 · 2016 · 2017
Failure modes owners describe
Power seat reclining uncontrollably
Driver's seat mechanism fails and reclines without driver input while vehicle is in motion, creating a safety hazard. Recurs intermittently.
When: 6 months old, multiple occurrences
Symptoms owners cite: Seat reclines unexpectedly while driving; Driver loses control concern; Mechanism unable to stop reclining
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer reinitialized system multiple times without success; part was eventually replaced but operation remains unpredictable
Power liftgate inoperative and unpredictable
Power liftgate fails to operate reliably. Owner unable to use the lift for wheelchair accessibility—the stated necessity for purchase. Dash button works inconsistently; fob triggers reliably. Part replacement did not resolve issue.
When: Early ownership; one complaint notes 5+ years of recurring failure
Symptoms owners cite: Liftgate will not open from inside or outside; Unpredictable operation after repair; Liftgate button on dash fails to open; fob opens 100% of the time
Repairs/costs cited: Reinitialized multiple times by dealer; part replaced but problem persists; multiple dealer attempts without permanent fix
Unexpected vehicle self-starting
Engine starts on its own without key in ignition or driver input. Occurs after aftermarket remote starter installation by dealer, which Subaru identified as the root cause. Owner was charged for factory remote starter instead.
When: After aftermarket remote starter installed
Symptoms owners cite: Car starts when parked unattended; Starts when closing liftgate; Multiple unintended starts; No key in ignition
Repairs/costs cited: Aftermarket remote starter identified as cause by Subaru of America; dealer installed unauthorized part despite owner paying for factory unit
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Subaru of America advised that dealer installed aftermarket remote starter without authorization; stated Subaru parts only must be installed
Side window fogging when heat on
Driver and passenger side windows fog up when heat is activated. Defogger does not clear the fog, creating a visibility and safety hazard.
When: Intermittent issue
Symptoms owners cite: Windows fog when heat turned on; Defogger ineffective; Unable to see out side windows in winter
EyeSight and adaptive cruise control failure
EyeSight system, adaptive cruise control, and pre-collision braking do not detect stopped vehicles, requiring hard braking to avoid collision. When functioning, systems cause sudden dangerous braking rather than gradual deceleration. Fails in bright sunlight without warning.
When: Ongoing issue
Symptoms owners cite: System fails to recognize stopped vehicles; Sudden dangerous braking when functioning; Failure in bright sunlight; No warning before failure; Hard braking required by driver to stop safely
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer found nothing wrong; manual states system never a substitute for active driver involvement
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Subaru corporate stated no software upgrade or fix available for 2014 Forester; 2015 models have upgraded system not available for 2014
Cold-start hard cranking and no-start conditions
Vehicle cranks excessively and will not start on first attempt, requiring second or third attempt. Occurs randomly in cold or warm conditions. Dealer diagnostics find nothing wrong.
When: Random occurrences, about a dozen times in five months
Symptoms owners cite: Excessive cranking; Failure to start on first attempt; Requires multiple start attempts
High idle and rough idle with loss of power
Engine idles high (4000 RPM), rough idle, loss of propulsion, stalling on hills, and loss of brakes reported. Multiple warning lights appear: check engine, speed control, incline alert, sport mode, check emissions. Does not respond to accelerator input. Dealer cannot diagnose.
When: September 2014 reported incident
Symptoms owners cite: High idle around 4000 RPM; Check engine light on; Speed control light on; Incline alert light on; Check emissions system light on; Loss of propulsion; Stalling going uphill; Loss of brakes; No response to accelerator; Rough idle
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer diagnostics showed nothing wrong; advised electrical/computer problems cannot be fixed until they break completely
Cam timing, ECM, and rough idle—unresolved after multiple repairs
Check engine light, rough idle, power surges, and cam timing issues. Vehicle lurches forward at stop signs. Owner replaced timing chain, cam phasers, internal oil filters (AVSC), and ECM across multiple dealers over 8 months and thousands of dollars. Problem recurs. Subaru and dealers blame each other; no resolution.
When: January 2019 onwards, 8 months unresolved
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light on; Rough idle; Surge of power; Vehicle lurches forward; Cam timing issue; Recurrent rough idle and check engine after repair
Repairs/costs cited: Replaced timing chain, cam phasers, internal oil filters for AVSC timing, ECM across multiple dealers; issue persists after thousands of dollars spent
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Subaru involved but no resolution; manufacturer and dealer blame each other
Unintended acceleration with brake override failure
Engine loses power or revs and accelerates on its own even when brake pedal is depressed. Multiple warning lights appear including check engine, check emissions, hill start assist, and brake-related symbols. Four separate dealer visits documented same issue; brake pedal assembly replaced three times without resolving it; fourth replacement in progress.
When: Occurring over past two years; incidents July 7, 2021 and September 17, 2021
Symptoms owners cite: Unintended acceleration despite brake pedal depressed; Loss of power then acceleration on its own; Check engine light; Check emissions control system light; Hill start assist system warning; Car will not respond to gas pedal or revs without input; Vehicle lurches forward unintentionally
Repairs/costs cited: Brake pedal assembly replaced three times by dealer; fourth replacement attempted; issue persists
Sudden unintended acceleration recurrence
Vehicle experiences sudden unintended acceleration. After air fuel ratio sensor and mass air flow sensor replacement resolved it temporarily, the issue returned months later.
When: May 15 and 21, 2024; recurred November 27 and December 7, 2025
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden unintended acceleration
Repairs/costs cited: Air fuel ratio sensor and mass air flow sensor replaced; fixed issue temporarily but problem returned
Horn intermittent or inoperable—steering wheel position dependent
Horn stops working entirely or works intermittently. When steering wheel is straight, horn does not work; when wheel is turned to extreme left or right, or panic button on fob is pressed, horn works. Issue identified as likely clock spring/roll connector failure.
When: Issue appeared within a week before complaint
Symptoms owners cite: Horn does not work with steering wheel straight; Horn works when wheel turned to extreme position; Horn works via panic button on fob; Intermittent horn failure
Repairs/costs cited: Clock spring/roll connector identified as probable cause by owner research; no dealer repair documented
Key stuck in ignition—shift-dependent release
Ignition cylinder does not release key when turning off vehicle. Key stuck past 'On' position and will not turn to 'Off'. Requires multiple attempts of cycling on/off, shifting between Park and Drive, or moving vehicle forward/backward before key releases. Issue intermittent but recurring.
When: Ongoing issue for past couple of months at time of complaint
Symptoms owners cite: Key stuck in ignition; Key will not turn to OFF position; Multiple tries needed to release key; Requires shifting vehicle or moving it short distance to release key
Repairs/costs cited: Brake light switch replaced by dealer with no guarantee of fix
Push-button start failure with locked brakes
Vehicle will not start using push-start button. Brakes lock up and cannot be depressed fully. Issue recurs after battery replacement and brake light switch replacement.
When: Incident November 2016 (battery replaced); recurred October 21, 2017
Symptoms owners cite: Push-start button does not start vehicle; Brakes locked up; Cannot depress brake pedal fully
Repairs/costs cited: Battery replaced November 2016; brake light switch replaced October 2017; issue persists intermittently
Backup camera intermittent or black screen
Backup camera works intermittently. When vehicle is in reverse, display shows black screen with distance lines instead of camera image. No clear pattern to failure. Issue reported by many owners on message boards.
When: Ongoing, intermittent
Symptoms owners cite: Backup camera shows black screen with distance lines; Camera works fine other times; No discernible pattern to failure
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner notes other Subaru models were recalled for same issue
Passenger seat occupancy sensor failure—airbag disabled
Passenger seat occupancy sensor fails to recognize seated passenger, rendering passenger airbag inoperable even when seat occupied. SRS warning light appears. Similar issue led to recall for 2015 Foresters but not extended to 2014 model.
When: Ongoing issue
Symptoms owners cite: SRS warning light on; Passenger airbag disabled when seat occupied; Passenger seatbelt warning comes on with empty seat
Repairs/costs cited: Repair cost $900–$1,200 per other complaints; not covered under recall
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall issued for 2015 Foresters but not extended to 2014 models despite same issue
SRS airbag system intermittent failure
SRS system shuts down while driving without warning. Red airbag light comes on. System resets after turning vehicle off and restarting, but may fail again. Dealer cannot replicate issue.
When: Intermittent, occurring while driving highway and while parked
Symptoms owners cite: SRS system shuts down while driving; Red airbag light illuminates; Message on console indicates airbag not operational; Issue clears after restart
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer cannot recreate issue; no repair performed
Vehicle dynamics, ABS, and hill start assist warning lights—no-shift condition
Multiple warning lights appear and reappear intermittently over weeks or months: Vehicle Dynamic Control System, ABS System, Hill Start Assist System. When lights are on, vehicle will not shift into gear on startup unless brakes are pumped multiple times.
When: Intermittent, appearing and disappearing over months
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle Dynamic Control System warning light; ABS System warning light; Hill Start Assist System warning light; Car will not go into gear unless brakes pumped multiple times
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer checked in July, found nothing; messages reappeared
Stop light switch failure—transmission lock
Stop light switch fails, rendering vehicle unable to shift out of Park. Stability, hill descent, and ABS warning lights illuminate.
When: At time of complaint
Symptoms owners cite: Unable to shift out of Park; Stability warning light on; Hill descent warning light on; ABS warning light on
Driver side window inoperable
Driver window motor failure. Window stopped working and reset procedure did not restore function. Known issue with TSB 07-152-19R issued; dealer expects owner to pay for repair.
When: Approximately November 2022 at 40,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Driver window does not work; Reset procedure ineffective
Repairs/costs cited: Repair cost approximately $500; TSB 07-152-19R exists documenting this known issue but not covered under warranty
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB 07-152-19R issued for this known problem
Excessive battery drain—dead battery after two weeks
Battery drains completely when vehicle is parked for approximately two weeks. Multiple instances documented. Subaru service claims this is normal for a 2014 Forester.
When: Recurring issue; specific incident at airport parking garage
Symptoms owners cite: Battery dead after two weeks of parking; Vehicle unable to start
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Subaru service claims battery drain after two weeks of inactivity is normal
Fuel gauge inaccuracy
Fuel gauge registers 3/4 full even when tank is filled to capacity. Gauge reading does not change over 50 miles of driving.
When: May 8, 2017 incident
Symptoms owners cite: Fuel gauge reads 3/4 full when tank is full; Gauge does not change over 50 miles driving
Rear brake lights remain illuminated
Rear brake lights remain illuminated after brake pedal is released and vehicle is parked. No warning lights present.
When: At approximately 68,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Rear brake lights stay on after brake pedal released
Repairs/costs cited: Not repaired; no diagnostic testing performed
Headlight bulb premature failure
Headlight bulbs fail repeatedly within short timeframes. Three replacements within 11 months; at least one additional replacement since May 2017. Bulbs installed correctly with proper connector grease.
When: Multiple failures over 11+ months
Symptoms owners cite: Headlight bulbs burn out repeatedly
Repairs/costs cited: Bulbs installed correctly with grease on rear connector; frequent replacements required
Sunroof mechanism failure—improper seal
Sunroof window does not slide back and seal properly when closing. Rear pins should push window rear side up to seal gap, but mechanism fails. Window stays in wrong position, risking water leakage into wiring.
When: At time of complaint
Symptoms owners cite: Sunroof window will not go back to proper location; Pins do not push window up to seal gap
Cruise control does not compensate for downhill—overspeed
Cruise control does not account for or compensate for downhill travel. Vehicle accelerates beyond set speed on moderate downhill incline. Set at 60 MPH, vehicle accelerated to 70 MPH on downhill, resulting in speeding ticket.
When: At time of complaint
Symptoms owners cite: Cruise control accelerates on downhill despite set speed; Vehicle exceeds set speed without driver input
Soy-based wiring harness damaged by rodents
Rodents chewed through soy-based wiring in electrical harness, damaging wiring. Vehicle remained at dealer for repair as of update; not repaired at time of original complaint.
When: At 60,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Rodent chew damage to soy-based wiring
Repairs/costs cited: Wiring harness damaged; vehicle at dealer for repair
AC compressor failure
Air conditioning compressor failed and required replacement. Vehicle not repaired at time of report.
When: At approximately 130,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: AC system inoperable
Repairs/costs cited: Compressor failure; replacement needed
Post-collision fuel leak and vehicle fire
After head-on collision with deer at 65 MPH (all airbags deployed, engine stopped), engine erupted in flames less than 10 minutes after impact. Vehicle completely engulfed in fire. Severe fuel system or electrical fire risk post-crash.
When: Incident described with cruise control set at 65 MPH
Symptoms owners cite: Fire erupted after collision; Engine fire within 10 minutes of impact
Transmission failure—high repair cost at 120,000 miles
Transmission failed at 120,000 miles. Owner paid for full transmission replacement at high cost. Additionally, tail light seal failed (replaced for $425) and wiper motor went bad ($600+). Vehicle was in such poor condition dealer did not recommend repair.
When: 120,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission inoperable
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission replaced (cost not specified); tail light assembly seal failure ($425); wiper motor failure ($600+)
Synthesized from 35 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
Tl* the contact owns a 2014 Subaru forester. When the contact parked the vehicle and released the brake pedal, the rear brake lights remained illuminated. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 68,000.
On 5/15/2024 and 5/21/2024 I had sudden uninteded acceleration. I had a auto shop try to solve the problem by replacing the air fuel ratio sensor and the mass air flow sensor. This seem to fix the issue until 11/27/2025 & 12/7/2025 when the sudden uninteded acceleration returned.
Had electrical trouble with your 2014 Subaru Forester?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the electrical problem on the 2014 Subaru Forester?
It's a meaningful issue. 35 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $850.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Across the 27 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 25,000 and 109,000 miles, with the median around 68,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 25,000; a quarter make it past 109,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $850 for electrical repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2014/Subaru/Forester.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.