Due to incomplete repair instructions previously provided in the WQK-47 recall bulletin, the WQQ-52 recall will involve applying additional anti-corrosion material to the four-way (2-2 way) joint connector area of the brake line system on Forester, Impreza, WRX, and STI vehicles previously repaired under the WQK-47 (14V-311) brake line corrosion recall prior to the December 23, 2014 WQK-47 recall bulletin revision. The revisions to the bulletin are for part number changes.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2014 Subaru Forester suspension problems
moderate Owners of the 2014 Subaru Forester have filed 91 NHTSA complaints about the suspension, typically surfacing around 55,565 miles at roughly $900 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See suspension across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
91
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$900
| Model year | suspension complaints |
|---|---|
| 2014 Forester (this page) | 91 |
| 2015 Forester | 64 |
| 2016 Forester | 10 |
| 2017 Forester | 8 |
| 2018 Forester | 11 |
1crash
When does it fail?
Of the 91 suspension complaints filed for the 2014 Subaru Forester, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 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
Of the 13 model years of Subaru Forester we track for suspension problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 91.
Owners have filed 91 suspension 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.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering suspension 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 outlines the judgment criteria to be used when inspecting front transverse link bushings to reduce unnecessary bushing replacement.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This Bulletin provides guidance for diagnosing a leaking front or rear suspension strut.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin announces a design change made to the front stabilizer bushings.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin announces a design change made to the front stabilizer bushings.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Rear coil spring failure dominates the 2014 Forester complaints. Owners consistently describe springs breaking at the bottom where the coil seats on the strut—typically around 40,000 to 60,000 miles, though failures occur as early as 21,000 miles and as late as 77,000. The breaks happen while parked, during routine turns, and on highway driving. Owners report loud banging noises, the vehicle sagging on one or both rear corners, and pieces of rust-covered metal found under the car. Many note both springs fail, either at once or within months of each other.
What sets this apart: owners emphasize they've never done this on previous vehicles, never towed or overloaded, and drove only on paved roads. Mechanics and technicians confirm rust inside the coils is eating through the metal. Replacement parts are back-ordered nationwide. Repair bills run $800 to $1,500+, including new springs, struts, and alignment.
Subaru's response is inconsistent. Some owners who escalate to corporate (calling 1-800-SUBARU-3) get full coverage as a "goodwill" gesture; others are denied. Dealerships vary on whether they cover labor, parts-only, or nothing. No official recall has been issued despite owners finding hundreds of identical complaints online and Subaru reportedly acknowledging the problem internally.
A handful of complaints also cite front control arm issues and strut leaks following spring failure, suggesting the rear suspension defect may cascade into additional damage.
Same Subaru Forester suspension reports on nearby years: 2015 · 2016
Failure modes owners describe
Rear Coil Spring Breakage (Rust-Related)
Rear coil springs break spontaneously, typically at the bottom where the coil sits on the lower spring seat of the strut. Owners report rust and corrosion at the break point, with springs failing after 21,000 to 77,000 miles under normal driving conditions. Many report both left and right springs failing, either simultaneously or sequentially within months of each other. Failures occur while parked, during low-speed maneuvers, and on highway driving.
When: 21,000 to 77,000 miles; most commonly reported between 40,000-60,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Loud bang, pop, or explosive noise from rear suspension; Rear of vehicle sagging or sitting at an angle; Vehicle becomes unstable or difficult to control; Squeaking or rattling noises over bumps; Loss of ride height on one or both rear corners; Vehicle bottoming out over minor road imperfections; Pieces of metal found under vehicle
Repairs/costs cited: Replacement of one or both rear coil springs required; often both springs replaced even if only one fails initially. Parts commonly back-ordered nationwide. Owners cite repair costs of $120–$1,556 for springs alone, plus labor (often $200–$800), alignment ($100), and sometimes strut replacement ($191–$800). Some owners report needing wheel bearing or strut repair as secondary damage.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Subaru has offered 'goodwill' reimbursement to some owners who escalate to corporate (1-800-SUBARU-3), covering part or full repair cost, though dealership-level responses vary. Some dealers cover springs only, not labor. Subaru denies this is a known issue despite widespread complaints. Several owners report Subaru knows of the problem but has not issued a recall. Some owners received reimbursement only if repairs were done at a Subaru dealer.
Rear Suspension Instability Following Spring Failure
When rear coil springs fail, the vehicle loses suspension support and becomes unstable or difficult to control. Owners report the vehicle swaying, drifting side-to-side, or becoming difficult to steer. In one case, both springs failed while the vehicle was on a lift during brake service, causing additional damage to the strut.
When: Concurrent with coil spring failure; 39,000–80,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle sways or drifts side-to-side; Difficulty maintaining straight-line control; Vehicle becomes 'squirrelly' or unstable on turns; Increased stopping distance; Rear-end instability at highway speeds
Repairs/costs cited: Suspension geometry correction and possible additional strut or control arm replacement may be needed. Alignment is mandatory after spring replacement.
Secondary Strut Failure Following Coil Spring Breakage
In several cases, rear struts fail after or as a result of coil spring breakage. One owner reported a strut leaking fluid after spring replacement. Another found strut replacement was necessary alongside spring repair. One complaint lists both strut and spring damage when one spring broke while the car was being hoisted.
When: Discovered during or shortly after coil spring repair; 39,500–69,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Strut leaking fluid; Rattling or banging noise from rear suspension after spring repair; Bouncy or degraded ride quality
Repairs/costs cited: Rear strut replacement cost cited as $191–$400 per unit, plus labor. Owners report dealerships sometimes claim strut failure is unrelated to spring failure.
Front Lower Control Arm Failure
Two complaints report front lower control arm issues. One involved a bent and twisted suspension component detected early post-purchase; another involved severe vibration on curves at highway speed requiring removal and replacement of both front lower control arms.
When: Early (19,000 miles post-purchase) and at 33,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Clunk sound from front end over bumps; Severe vibration and wobbling on sweeping curves at highway speeds (>65 mph); Wheel tipped outward (toe-out), causing uneven tire wear (outer edge bald)
Repairs/costs cited: One control arm bent and twisted from suspected trailer transport damage. Other case requires replacement of both lower control arms.
Rear Suspension Geometry Issues (Wheel Bearing/Toe-Out)
One owner reported right rear wheel tipped outward, causing premature outer-edge tire wear despite gentle driving. Alignment corrected the issue, suggesting a manufacturing or transport-related geometry problem.
When: 19,000 miles; noticed at first service visit
Symptoms owners cite: Uneven tire wear (bald spot on outer edge only); Wheel toe-out
Repairs/costs cited: Alignment performed; tire declared unreplaceable due to uneven wear pattern. Owner not compensated for tire.
Synthesized from 91 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 5 most recent
A piece of the rear suspension coil spring fell out onto the road when I was driving, and came to a halt behind me on the street. It is similar to a piece I found in my driveway a year ago (which I did not recognize or know where it came from. The car's handling has been 'different' but can't tell if it will become unsafe.
Tl* the contact owns a 2014 Subaru forester. While driving into the garage, the contact noticed metal on the ground. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who confirmed that the rear passenger side spring fractured. The contact called capitaland motors (37 saratoga rd, schenectady, ny 12302, (518) 631-5792) and informed them of the failure.…
Rear coil springs broken right and left 01/07/2019 - 27811 miles on car, replaced by dealer during state inspection I did not know they were broken until told by service advisor
Bottom of both left and right rear coil springs broke - at the point where they sit on the lower spring seat of the strut. They both fractured at exactly the same spot on the coil - at the first 1/2 loop of the coil (about 4 inches) and in the same diagonal type of shear. Pictures attached of the pieces that broke off each coil. Car has only 58,000 miles and never driven off road or…
Driving down the highway at approximately 70 MPH and the drivers side rear coil spring collapsed. We heard a loud metal bang and when we got home I noticed the coil spring was broken.
Had suspension 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 suspension problem on the 2014 Subaru Forester?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 91 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $900 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the suspension typically fail?
Across the 77 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most suspension failures cluster between 43,000 and 72,000 miles, with the median around 55,565. A quarter of owners report trouble before 43,000; a quarter make it past 72,000. 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 $900 for suspension 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 suspension?
No active recalls currently cover suspension 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.