2014 Subaru Forester problems
The Subaru Forester (Japanese: スバル・フォレスター, Hepburn: Subaru Foresutā) is a compact crossover SUV that has been manufactured by Subaru since 1997. The first generation was built on the platform of the Impreza in the style of a taller station wagon, a style that continued to the second generation, while the third-generation model onwards moved towards a crossover SUV design. A performance model was available for the second-generation Forester in Japan as the Forester STi.
First generation (SF; 1997)
The Forester was introduced at the Tokyo Motor Show in November 1995 as the Streega concept, and available for sale in February 1997 in Japan, and to the US market in 1997 for MY1998. The Forester was one of the first crossover SUVs; the idea was inspired by Volkswagen (VW). It was built in the style of a station wagon, but had a taller stance, higher h-point seating, and an all-wheel drive drivetrain. Subaru advertising employed the slogan "SUV tough, Car Easy". It used the Impreza platform but with the larger 2.5-liter DOHC EJ25D four-cylinder boxer engine from the Subaru Outback, making 123 kW (165 hp; 167 PS) at 5,600 rpm and 220 N⋅m (162 lb⋅ft) of torque at 4,000 rpm.
Japan
In its domestic market, the Forester replaced the Impreza Gravel Express, known in the US as the Subaru Outback Sport. However, the Outback Sport remained in production for the U.S. market. The Forester appeared after the introduction of the Nissan Rasheen in Japan with a similar appearance, and the Forester's Japanese competitors include the Toyota RAV4, Mitsubishi RVR, and the Suzuki Grand Vitara. Because of the Forester's low center of gravity, it meets the United States federal safety standards for passenger vehicles and does not require a "risk of rollover" warning label on the driver's visor. Size- and price-wise, it fits between the shared Impreza platform and the larger Legacy.
The automatic transmissions used on AWD-equipped vehicles will normally send 60% of the engine's torque to the front wheels and 40% to the rear wheels, using a computer-controlled, continuously variable, multi-plate transfer clutch. When the transmission detects a speed difference between the front and rear axle sets, the transmission progressively sends power to the rear wheels. Under slip conditions, it can achieve an equal split in front and rear axle speeds.
When accelerating or driving uphill, the vehicle's weight shifts rearward, reducing front-wheel traction, causing the transmission to automatically send torque to the rear wheels to compensate. When braking or driving downhill, the vehicle's weight shifts towards the front, reducing rear-wheel traction. The transmission again compensates by sending torque to the front wheels for better steering control and braking performance. If the automatic is placed in reverse or first gear, the transmission divides the torque 50/50 to both front and rear wheels. The manual transmission cars are set up with a near 50/50 torque split as a base setting, and it varies from there. Essentially, manual cars are set up with more bias towards the rear than automatic cars.
Social links
Common 2014 Subaru Forester problems
Based on complaints from owners of the 2014 Subaru Forester, several common problems have been reported:
- High Oil Consumption: High oil consumption is a significant problem in the 2014 Forester, with 26 complaints about excessive oil consumption. Excessive oil consumption can indicate engine issues, such as worn piston rings, which may lead to engine damage if not addressed promptly.
- Unintended Acceleration: Unintended acceleration has been reported as a problem in the 2014 Forester. This issue can be dangerous, causing sudden acceleration without driver input, potentially leading to accidents or safety hazards on the road.
- Brake Light Switch Defect: The 2014 Forester has faced complaints related to a brake light switch defect, affecting the illumination of brake lights. Malfunctioning brake lights can compromise road safety by reducing visibility to other drivers, especially during braking.
- Malfunctioning Airbag Sensor: Some owners have reported issues with the airbag sensor in the 2014 Forester, leading to incorrect passenger detection and seat belt warnings. A malfunctioning airbag sensor can impact the effectiveness of the vehicle's safety systems, posing risks in the event of a collision.
- Excessive Oil Consumption and Cooling System Issues: Complaints have highlighted problems with the cooling system in the 2014 Forester, including issues with the AC system not working correctly and refrigerant leaks. These cooling system issues can affect the comfort of the vehicle's interior and may require repairs to maintain proper functionality.
These common problems reported by owners of the 2014 Subaru Forester highlight various issues that can impact the vehicle's performance, safety, and overall reliability. Addressing these concerns promptly through proper maintenance and repairs is crucial to ensure the longevity and safety of the vehicle.
What is the most common problem with the 2014 Subaru Forester?
Common 2014-2018 Subaru Forester Problems and Issues (And How To Fix Them) The 2014-2018 Subaru Foresters' common problems include failure-prone transmission, burning oil, rear spring failure and short-lived wheel bearings. Most of these problems are worse for earlier model years - 2014s in particular.
Is 2014 bad year for Subaru Forester?
The oil burning is the only issue I would be wary of. There is the potential for excessive engine oil consumption in 2014's, especially those with a manual transmission. FWIW, my 2010 is also on your "avoid" list. After 265k miles it has experienced none of the problems mentioned in the article.
How reliable are 2014 Subaru Foresters?
Despite reports of excessive oil consumption and high maintenance costs, the 2014 Subaru Forester is a reliable and dependable daily driver. It has a capable 2.5i engine and six-speed manual option, plus a turbocharged 2.0XT variant. If you stay on top of maintenance, it's one of the best-used options in the segment.
Do 2014 Subaru Foresters have transmission problems?
If you don't routinely change your fluids at least every 30,000 miles or so, you may find that your 2014 Subaru Forester transmission will slip.
How reliable are 2014 Subaru Foresters?
Despite reports of excessive oil consumption and high maintenance costs, the 2014 Subaru Forester is a reliable and dependable daily driver. It has a capable 2.5i engine and six-speed manual option, plus a turbocharged 2.0XT variant. If you stay on top of maintenance, it's one of the best-used options in the segment.
Is 2014 bad year for Subaru Forester?
The oil burning is the only issue I would be wary of. There is the potential for excessive engine oil consumption in 2014's, especially those with a manual transmission. FWIW, my 2010 is also on your "avoid" list. After 265k miles it has experienced none of the problems mentioned in the article.
Do 2014 Subaru Foresters have transmission problems?
If you don't routinely change your fluids at least every 30,000 miles or so, you may find that your 2014 Subaru Forester transmission will slip.
What is the most common problem with the Subaru Forester?
Most Common Subaru Forester Problems
- Engine Issues. There are a variety of issues that owners have reported that are related to the Check Engine light being illuminated. ...
- Transmission Problems. Subaru Forester transmission problems typically occur in two ways – shuddering or jerking. ...
- Oil Consumption. ...
- Electrical Issues.
2014 Subaru Forester car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Subaru Forester problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Suspension problems
- Engine problems
- Air bags problems
- Unknown or other problems
- Vehicle speed control problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2014 Subaru Forester vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 2014 Subaru Forester
The NHTSA has received 386 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2014 Subaru Forester. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 2014 Subaru Forester vehicles.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-17
- VIN: JF2SJAEC2EH
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: airbag inspection light comes on. Dealer verified vehicle has defective passenger harness and or seat cushion. Replaced harness under passenger seat in July 24, now Oct 24 airbag inspection light is back on. The 2014 has the same WUM 98 harness kit and seat sensor, so why isn't the 2014 Subaru Forrester included in the WUM 98 recall?
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-27
- VIN: JF2SJACC9EG
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: While driving the seatbelt above the driver side shoulder came disconnected and fell into the driver lap. There was no warning, no alarms nothing. The casing and everything came off with it. I was able to screw the bolt back in, but thought Subaru needed to take a look because I’ve never had this happen nor did I think this was common. I thought they would want to Loctite the bolt down as a permanent solution. They initially told me to bring the car down and they would take care of it right away. They said they’d secure it in place and fix it but when I arrived they did not fix it, instead they wanted me to pay for it. They will only warrantee the seatbelt material and nothing more. No one has inspected it. I had a friend tighten the bolt down and of course now I’m worried and I am checking the other seatbelts. I would never think it would rattle loose. Driving 55 miles an hour to have your seatbelt suddenly nonexistent is very scary and still makes me extremely paranoid to drive the vehicle.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-19
- VIN: JF2SJAJC2EH
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: The contact owns a 2014 Subaru Forester. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed a loud whining sound coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle had been taken to the dealer several times since November 2020 for transmission related issues. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The contact was informed that the repair was not covered under extended warranty or recall. The manufacturer offered to pay a portion of the cost for the repair. The failure mileage was approximately 86,000.
POWER TRAIN,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-23
- VIN: JF2SJAJC2EH
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
- Summary: After running 86,000 miles (Plus or minus), we had to bring the car to Livermore Subaru because of the noise o the middle section of the car WITH OUT any warning lights. In turns out, after extensive diagnostics testing, “the noise is coming from the inside of the CVT transmission assembly” with the estimate of $11,784.38 for a new transmission. We requested to extend the transmission warranty as NOTED Service Bulletin Number 16-107-17R dated 06/21/17 and revised on 11/09/17 for our Subaru Forester 2014. Our records show recurring CVT transmission issues, which we have consistently reported: - March 3, 2020: At 58,543 miles, Diablo Subaru noted issues with high RPM and improper shifting. Diagnostic tech notes indicated transmission problems. - November 20, 2020: At 61,023 miles, Diablo Subaru addressed a transmission valve body replacement and identified a fault in the pressure control circuit. - October 5, 2022: At 72,593 miles, Diablo Subaru found transmission fluid seepage . The oil leaks from front timing cover , leading to repairs and reseal costing $2,468.51. - August 22, 2024: At approximately 84,000 miles, Livermore Subaru confirmed the need for a CVT transmission replacement. Given our history of reported issues and diligent maintenance, The initial CVT transmission problems noted on March 3, 2020, should have been addressed under the warranty and extended warranty provisions. We have always adhered to recommended maintenance schedules and promptly addressed any issues. Unfortunately Subaru of America, insisted that because of the age will not extend the warranty for the transmission.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-01-01
- VIN: JF2SJAEC8EH
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: The key gets stuck when trying to remove it from the ignition while the car is in park. It can not be fully rotated to the off position and removed, which prevents the driver from leaving the car. The key only comes out after repeated starting of the car and moving it back and forth. The issue is intermittent and unpredictable. Subaru has issued a bulletin report #: 16-112-18R
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-05-18
- VIN: JF2SJAEC8EH
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: The vehicle had 2 dangerous incidents on the interstate, once in 2021 and 2024. After longer 3+ hours of driving, and low on gas, the vehicle lost power, forcing me to coast to the shoulder. Once shut off and restarted, it was perfectly fine. The first time it was on cruise control, driving from Illinois to Texas. The most recent time it was not on cruise control, driving from Houston to Dallas and back. The dealer service center has not found the issue, and I recently traded it in for a newer 2024 model.
SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-21
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JF2SJAAC4EH
- Components: SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
- Summary: Basically, as I was driving on the freeway with my son and his brother, I got 5 lights flashing on dashboard. Abs at temp check engine cruise control hill assist vss etc.. the code were for cut but before I could check them everything shut down. Car went dark, no brakes and burning smell as well as burns oil. Front end damage on car with passenger side damage. Car started back up next day called Subaru and because it’s 2014 forester, may not qualify but it only has 126k on the dash. Well maintained and had no issues besides the oil consumption.
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-12
- VIN: JF2SJAECXEH
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: Brake line junction, just in front of rear passenger wheel, rusted and failed catastrophically losing all braking while driving. This is similar to the previous recall in 2014 when "more than 600,000 vehicles in the United States due to a potential issue with brake line corrosion" for many Subaru vehicles. "The recall affected vehicles built between 2005 and 2014 that were registered in states that use road salt in cold weather." SOA claims that the 2014 Forrester is not included in the recall and refuse all responsibility for repairs.
POWER TRAIN,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-07
- VIN: JF2SJAEC6EH
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
- Summary: Car was well maintained and serviced by dealer at regular interval. It suddenly had “check engine” light on, within a few minutes the car died while driving and stopped in the middle of road. Then unable to restart. Fortunately I was just off highway with less traffic, otherwise could have been crashed and killed by other vehicles. Dealer confirmed malfunction of crankshaft sensor.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-12-31
- VIN: JF2SJAHC3EH
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: I purchased my 2014 Subaru Forester Limited in May of 2022, already having a high mileage of about 149,800 miles, I was leaning on its reliability and pushing it beyond 200,000 miles. I have encountered frequent oil consumption and assumed that if commuting up and down from the foothills to the valley, it would be natural that it would consume oil. I had to top off a quart of oil every 2000-3000 miles, and once I moved down to flatter land, I noticed the Subaru consumed less oil. Toward the end of December 2023, the Check Engine Light as well as other lights lit up and by then, I had about 170000 miles. I went through every measure to do my own repairs and still couldn't get the check engine light removed and had done a leak-down test on the third cylinder, which doing an engine rebuild has been recommended. I'm currently just over 176200 miles and this is my daily commuter. I still owe money on the Subaru and would love to keep this longer, but the engine problem hasn't been reassuring.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-04-29
- VIN: JF2SJAAC7EH
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: I've been having issues over the past 4 years with my vehicle overconsuming oil. I took it into the dealer 2 years ago and they performed a consumption test. They said everything fell within the normal range Subaru has established. I have to have an extra thing of oil in my vehicle at all times in case it gets low. Yesterday, my vehicle gave me all sorts of warning lights. I took it in today and am having to replace the CVT Valve Body. It appears this is an issue with Subaru's from 2014. I've spent a lot of money over the past few years trying to figure out why my vehicle is acting up. I only have 67,000 miles on it after owning it for 11 years.
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-04-01
- VIN: JF2SJAEC4EH
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: Brakes completely failed on the car when driving. Had it towed to the Subaru dealer, which reports that it’s the SAME issue as the recall on the 2008-13 Foresters: rear brake lines rusted completely through. Subaru claims it’s unrelated.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-02-03
- VIN: JF2SJACCXEG
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: My 2014 Subaru Forester has a defective passenger weight sensor in the passenger seat. This sensor has been subject to recall for the 2015-2018 model years. [XXX] Shouldn’t that be extended to the 2014 model year? It appears to be the same problem and is widely reported online. 1. The airbag is set to not deploy when the weight sensor is not talking to the control computer. A clear safety hazard. 2. The Servco Subaru dealer confirmed it wasn’t working and wants over $1k to repair it. 3. Not confirmed by any other entity. 4. There is a warning icon that appears in the display. Note that it may operate and then stop working, only to cycle through both states again. Thanks for looking into this. I’m hoping you will help all of the Subaru forester owners with this issue before any lives are lost. Also please keep in mind that Servco is the importer of Subarus in Hawaii, unlike the rest of the USA where Subaru America is the importer. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-02-20
- VIN: JF2SJAHC6EH
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: This morning 2/20/2024 I was driving up a main commercial street in traffic, going about 10 -15 mph. I did not have my foot in the accelerator or brake as I was on a very slight incline. Suddenly, the car accelerated, made a roaring sound as if the accelerator had been stepped on strongly and started to jerk forward. I jammed on the brake and stopped the car. I did not hit the car in front of me. This happened once before, several years ago, but not to the extent of this time. The car has 45, 400 miles on it and was just serviced at the Subaru dealer 2 weeks ago. There were no problems noted at that time. There were no warning lights, messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to this incident. It was probably the accelerator and fuel systems that failed. I have made an appointment with the Subaru dealer, but can't get in for a week. It was a dangerous and frightening incident. Fortunately, I was quick to respond and had a safe distance from the car in front of me. It could have been a very serious event had I not been quick to respond and had read in the past about this problem with the Subaru Forester. I tend to be a very alert, focused, and aware driver.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-12-30
- VIN: JF2SJAEC0EH
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: Occupant Detection System (ODS) system failure causes the front passenger-side airbag system to malfunction, which could mean that the airbag may not deploy during a collision. Although other model years have a product campaign bulletin for this issue (WUM-98R, NHTSA ID 19V-701), the 2014 does not. Numerous other consumers have complained about this same issue. The dealership indicates that the only remedy is to replace the seat cushion, which costs more than $1,000, at the consumers expense.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-08-18
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JF2SJAEC5EH
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: My wife, [XXX] , shifted into reverse to back up a steep driveway. It was difficult to put the transmission lever into reverse. After backing up several feet, the car made a strange noise and ran forward over a steep bank, resulting in a compression fracture in her spine. I have photo and text documents to provide, but I haven't been able to upload them in this web page. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-10-10
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JF2SJAEC4EH
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: I had 2 accidents with this car. The first was on October 10, 2023. I pulled into a parking space and braked. I move forward a little more and braked again. The car suddenly accelerated and hit 2 vehicles parking across from me. My car was damaged, and one of the cars I hit was badly damaged, and the other had less damage. My 93 year old father was not injured. I had an injury on my hand, where the skin split between my right hand and forefinger. Fortunately there was no one in either of the other cars. I do not know if the vehicle was inspected by anyone. There was no warning light. It all happened in seconds. I had no idea what happened, so I thought my foot must have slipped and hit the gas pedal. I had my car repaired at the Apple Subaru's body shop in York, PA. It was in the shop for about a month. I drove it aroung for a few weeks then started noticing some lurching forward after braking. I still assumed my foot my foot must be slipping. On December 1, 1923, I decided to go to our local farmer's market for apples. The car lurched a few times causing me to run a stop sign. I decided it was unfit to go on to the market and decided to take it to my service station. The service station is located on a ridge. There office and some of the garage bays are on the upper level on the ridge. The property goes downhill around that. There is an entry next to the office that is marked as a handicapped space. I was not thinking clearly when I decided to park there. I pulled partway into the space, braked, and then moved forward a bit. When I braked the car took off at a high speed, through a railing, over the edge, and landed sideways on the ground below. I was trapped in the car and had to be removed by firefighters. When they pulled me out I was taken to the ER. My car was totalled. My son did some research and sent me some links. I am now sure that the cause was the sudden acceleration problem with Subaru. I have reported this to Subaru.
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-11-01
- VIN: JF2SJAEC7EH
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: During driving on the highway control arm failure causing wheel bearing failure and loss of control of the vehicle putting my safety and others at risk of collision at high speeds. Thankfully no major issue occurred and the vehicle was taken to be confirmed and fixed immediately. I paid for all service repairs out of pocket The vehicle was inspected and issue confirmed by independent service center. There was no warning prior to the issue.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-08-20
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2014 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while parked in the driveway, the contact noticed that rain had leaked through the hatchback which caused mold to form on the rear passenger’s side roof. The interior lights became inoperable. After the vehicle was started, the contact became aware of smoke coming out of the driver’s side mirror. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-09-20
- VIN: JF2SJGMC3EH
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2014 Subaru Forester. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed up an incline, the contact heard an abnormal sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related it to TSB: 12-204-16R. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 54,600.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-09-11
- VIN: JF2SJAHCXEH
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: The driver window stopped working approximately November 2022 at about 40,000 miles. I was advised to try a reset procedure, which did not work. If there is flooding or any reason the driver needs to escape the vehicle through the window, they will not be able to. I found TSB 07-152-19R for my mom's car, yet the dealer expects us to pay almost $500 to fix this known problem.
AIR BAGS,SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-07-10
- VIN: JF2SJAAC9EH
- Components: AIR BAGS,SEATS
- Summary: The passenger side seat airbag sensor has quit sensing when someone is seating in the seat and turns off the airbag. After taking it in to the dealership and them running diagnostics they said, “it isnt working.” They quoted me a repair of $1182 to replace the whole seat. I know Subaru has issued a recall on certain models, but my car was not one of them. It seems like the same problem though. There appears to be a lot of people having the same faulty sensor system and having to pay high repair costs that only the dealership can do.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-03-02
- VIN: JF2SJAHC3EH
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: My 2014 Subaru Forester constantly burning oil. I have taken my car to Tyson’s Subaru multiple times when within warranty, they conducted multiple consumption test, admitted it burns oil but not enough to fix under warranty. I have my car in and out of the shop since 70-80k and now burning more oil at 140k. I sent this complaint to Subaru of America: MY 2014 HAS BEEN BURNING OIL SINCE 70,000/80,000. I HAVE HAD TWO PCV VALVES REPLACED AND NUMEROUS OIL CHANGES AT STOHLMAN SUBARU OF TYSONS, VIRGINIA. I NOW HAVE 106K AND THE FORESTER IS STILL BURNING OIL. I CAN’T GO PASS 3K MILES WITHOUT THE OIL BEING LOW. AM I STILL UNDER THE WARRANTY FOR THIS ISSUE? WHY DIDN’T STOHLMAN FIXED THE ISSUE WHEN IT WAS ORIGINALLY FOUND AT 70 OR 80K? THEY SAID IT WAS THE PCV VALVE TWICE WITHIN ONE YEAR AND I PAID TO REPLACE THE PCV VALVE TWICE. NOW MY CAR IS STILL BURNING OIL AND NOT FIXED AND I AM INN THE SHOP AGAIN! What can I do other than complaining! Have others complained about the same thing?
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-02-01
- VIN: JF2SJAEC7EH
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: Since January, the occupancy airbag warning light would turn on and off. Also, even with no passenger in the passenger seat, I would have to engage the passenger side seatbelt so the reminder bell would stop dinging. On 15 June, I took my vehicle into the Subaru dealership. The diagnoses what that the occupancy senor in the passenger seat was defective. I was informed that this defect also disables the entire car's airbag system. To answer the other questions above: 1) Yes, the vehicle is available for inspection. (2) The safety of my grandchildren, husband, and myself are at risk if the airbags will not deploy. (3) Subaru dealership has confirmed the problem. (4) No other agency has inspected the vehicle but I am willing to obtain a second opinion. (5) The seatbelt issue started January. In May of 2023, the ABS warning light would periodically turn on and off. Thank you.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-06-25
- VIN: JF2SJAEC1EH
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: The contact owns a 2014 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that the passenger’s side air bag warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where a diagnostic test was performed. The diagnostic test showed that the ODS (Occupant Detection System) was defective and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure, and the contact was informed that the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 191,000.
2014 Subaru Forester recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 2014 Subaru Forester.
- Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
- Summary: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Forester, 2008-2016 Impreza sedans, 2012-2016 Impreza station wagons, 2008-2014 WRX sedans (including STI), and 2013-2017 Crosstrek vehicles. Exposure to certain contaminants may cause the brake light switch to malfunction, preventing the brake lights from illuminating and also preventing keyless ignition vehicles from starting and CVT/automatic transmissions from being able to be shifted out of Park.
- Consequence: Brake lights that do not illuminate properly will not alert other drivers that the vehicle is slowing or stopping, increasing the risk of crash.
- Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake light switch, free of charge. The recall began April 15, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUE-90.
- Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.
- Components: EQUIPMENT
- Summary: Subaru is recalling certain model year 2014 Forester vehicles manufactured from January 2013 through March 2013. The backing for the carpeted floor mats was not manufactured to specification. As a result, the floor mats may curl when exposed to heat.
- Consequence: 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.
- Remedy: 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.
Negative 2014 Subaru Forester car reviews
Positive 2014 Subaru Forester car reviews
-
After test driving several cars, including the CRV, CX-5, Q5, X3, Outlander, Escape, and RAV4, the Forester completely won me over. As a young woman, I wanted something that could handle Canadian winters while still being fun to drive and cool. I fell in love with the Forester because it had the handling I required and all the bells and whistles I wanted, such as touch screen navigation, a sound system, and the eyesight. It was an absolute blast to drive. I have driven over 580kms and still have 1/4 of a tank of gas left. The Forester has excellent visibility, and I don't think there is a blind spot in the car. I never thought I would own a Subaru, but I couldn't be happier with my choice.
-
I absolutely love my 2014 Forester 2.0XT Touring! It's definitely one of the best small SUVs on the road today. I recently took it on a 400 mile trip and was pleasantly surprised to average 30.9 MPG while going 60 to over 70 MPH on 93 octane. Even my daily commute has been great, with a solid 27 MPG. The car is impressively quiet and the Boxer engine is fantastic - it's incredibly smooth and has plenty of power for passing. I was initially hesitant about the CVT, but it's actually not so bad. The S# mode has good simulated shifts that make it feel like a traditional automatic. Plus, the car is easy to see out of and feels very stable on the road. I'm not sure why some people are complaining about MPG - I'm actually getting better than EPA estimates. Perhaps they're not paying attention to what mode (I, S, or S#) they're in. Overall, I'm extremely happy with my Forester and would highly recommend it to anyone in the market for a small SUV.
-
Your 2014 Forester has been with you for a year now and it's great to hear that you still love it! It's interesting to know that your wife was hesitant to even test drive a Subaru, but it's fantastic that she was pleasantly surprised by the new Forester's styling and ease of driving. It's impressive that the car has performed so well in the snow and that you're getting such great gas mileage. Overall, it sounds like you've had a wonderful experience owning this car!
-
Out of all the small SUVs on the market, the Forester was by far the most comfortable for me. As someone who is 6'5
-
We bought our 2014 Subaru Forester, 2.5i Premium/EFF on April 30, 2013. We were impressed by its safety features and AWD capabilities. The 4 Cyl Boxer engine delivers 170 HP and provides very adequate acceleration from either a fully stopped position or for speeding up rapidly for passing. We also appreciate the great visibility, large doors that extend all the way down to sealed kick panels for easy, dirt-free entry and exit, very smooth CVT tranny, very responsive steering and handling in all driving conditions, comfortable adjustable seats, AL-alloy wheels, rear view camera, and 8.7-inch ground clearance. The mileage of 32 mpg hwy w/AC has also been great for a vehicle of this size and pep.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2014 Subaru Forester problems:
Advice on buying a 2014 Subaru Forester | Subaru Forester Owners ...
Feb 1, 2021 ... Head gasket issues are rare on 2014 and up. A few were oil burners, but mostly manual transmission for some reason. And lots of those got fixed ...
Most common problems with 2014 foresters? : r/SubaruForester
Jul 3, 2023 ... Most common problems with 2014 foresters? Sorry, this post was deleted by the person who originally posted it. ... Rear wheel bearing hubs ( ...
2014 Subaru Forester Problems Include Two Recalls and 338 ...
Jan 26, 2022 ... With common problems regarding faulty coil springs, high oil consumption, and unintended acceleration, the 2014 Subaru Forester has some ...
people with 2014-2016 foresters, what's the worst problem you had ...
Oct 16, 2023 ... 20 votes, 82 comments. 59K subscribers in the SubaruForester community. This is a place where all Forester owners can meet and discuss ...
2014 Subaru Forester Problems | Kelley Blue Book
How reliable is the 2014 Subaru Forester? See the most common repairs performed and learn if your vehicle is at risk for major repairs in the next 12 ...
Other years of Subaru Forester
Are you having problems with your 2014 Subaru Forester?
Kian Kutch 2025-01-08
I have experienced some issues with my Subaru that have left me feeling disappointed. Despite reporting oil consumption problems, I have not received a satisfactory resolution. Additionally, I have had to replace brake pads, axles, parking brakes, suspension, and harness within a relatively short period of time. As a result, I am concerned about the reliability of my vehicle. I had hoped to keep it for at least 10 years.
Quinton Aufderhar 2024-10-25
The vehicle is experiencing excessive oil consumption, with the oil light illuminating before 3,000 miles after an oil change. Despite adding a quart or two between oil changes, the issue persists. A potential solution could be switching to a thicker oil, such as 5, to improve performance, as the current 0-40 oil is not effective. It is worth noting that the SUV boasts excellent rear visibility compared to other models.
Robin Littel 2024-09-07
I owned a 2014 Forester for nearly 3 years and 36,000 miles. The Forester provides a balanced package of performance, utility and price. The benefits include Subaru's AWD system, good safety ratings, relatively good reliability and decent driving dynamics... all at a decent price point. Downsides include poor interior design and fit and finish, noisy highway driving and lousy electronics. However, my experience with the 2014 model revealed a significant handling issue in sub-optimal driving conditions. At highway speeds, the driving stability was lacking, and noticeably worse than my 2010 model. The car felt top-heavy and unsteady when executing lane changes or navigating exit ramps. Also, highway driving in windy conditions or very wet roads was less than confidence-inspiring and the car often felt poorly planted. I attributed these handling defects to the taller profile compared to my other Forester. During the first winter I owned the car, I was driving on a highway with less than a 1undefinedThis Forester has been reliable, yields very good fuel economy, offers lots of second row and cargo space, has great visibility, relatively comfortable seats, and offers good maneuverability. Subaru is a brand that I have had generally good ownership with, and I trust their vehicles. However, the dangerous aspect of this car has shaken my faith in the brand. I am confident that Subaru will take the necessary steps to address this issue and ensure the safety of their customers.
Malcolm Kuphal 2024-09-01
Hello! I hope you're doing well. I wanted to share my experience with my Forester Limited. I've noticed that there are some rattles and vibrations on the dashboard, which can be frustrating. I've taken it to the dealership a few times, but unfortunately, the issue hasn't been resolved yet. I'm still hopeful that we can find a solution, though. Additionally, I've noticed that the rpms are a bit high when accelerating, and the carpet seems a bit cheap. Overall, I still really want to love this vehicle, but I'm hoping we can work together to address these issues. Thank you for your time!
Jaydon Macejkovic 2024-07-28
The car is surprisingly spacious and comfortable, especially the front seats which offer ample leg room. It's great to hear that you're pleased with the gas mileage and that the car is suitable for long distance driving. Four people can comfortably travel for up to six hours. However, the car lacks pickup and there have been some issues with rattling. Additionally, it would be helpful to have a dry cleaning/clothes hook in the vehicle and a temperature gauge instead of just a light. The cargo compartment light is also quite dim. The dealer has attempted to fix the rattling, but unfortunately, it persists. Lastly, there seems to be a design flaw with the vent as it only blows heated air. Despite these issues, the car is still a decent option for long drives.