VehicleVerdict

2014 Subaru Forester problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 576 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 3.7 times the median Forester year — the 2014 model ranks #7 of 29 Forester years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 50 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across suspension (95), engine (72), and airbags (68), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

576

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

84

Crash-involved

6

Fires reported

50

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2014 compare to other Forester years?

Forester NHTSA complaints by model year, 2014 highlighted1,084 complaints1998: 138 complaints1999: 156 complaints2000: 95 complaints2001: 169 complaints2002: 109 complaints2003: 238 complaints2004: 270 complaints2005: 105 complaints2006: 121 complaints2007: 89 complaints2008: 67 complaints2009: 228 complaints2010: 307 complaints2011: 195 complaints2012: 140 complaints2013: 94 complaints2014: 576 complaints2015: 891 complaints2016: 609 complaints2017: 787 complaints2018: 669 complaints2019: 1,084 complaints2020: 798 complaints2021: 281 complaints2022: 134 complaints2023: 102 complaints2024: 38 complaints2025: 103 complaints2026: 15 complaints
Forester NHTSA complaints by model year, 2014 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Forester years to avoid →

What are the most common 2014 Subaru Forester problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Suspension9516%
Engine7213%
Airbags6812%
Electrical System488%
Other478%
Speed Control427%
Transmission417%
Brakes315%
Body & Structure305%
Fuel System214%
Steering163%
Seats142%
Tires & Wheels132%
Visibility & Wipers122%
Lighting102%
Seat Belts92%
Driver Assistance31%
Latches & Locks20%
Child Seat10%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)10%

Does the 2014 Subaru Forester have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

19V149000LightingFebruary 28, 2019 · 1,303,530 units

Defect

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.

13V159000OtherApril 24, 2013 · 10,137 units

Defect

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · June 21, 2024 · crash

“WHILE PARKING THIS VEHICLE ON THE STREET, IN FRONT OF OUR APT., SMOKE CAME FROM UNDER THE HOOD, ONCE PARKED AND HOOD OPENED, ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE, FIRE DEPT. WAS CALLED. THE CAR IS TOTALED.(I DO NOT WANT TO UPLOAD PICTURES, DUE TO IDENTIFIABLE INFO. IN THE PICTURES.)”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · May 4, 2018 · fire

“MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING AT 40 MPH ON CITY STREET WHEN A CAR DROVE OUT OF A PARKING LOT, ACROSS AND IN FRONT OF HER, SHE HAD HARDLY ANY TIME TO APPLIED THE BRAKES AND HIT THE SIDE OF THE OTHER CAR, MY CAR SUFFERED EXTENDED DAMAGE AND THE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOYED. I AM VERY CONCERNED ABOUT THE SAFETY…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · November 7, 2019 · crash

“While I was driving to work, with Cruise control set at 65, I hit a deer head on. All airbags deployed and engine ceased and I was able to brake car to a stop on the shoulder of the road. Within minutes, the engine erupted in fire and thankfully I wasn't trapped inside and was able to get out,…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · March 20, 2025 · crash · fire

“WHILE PARKING THIS VEHICLE ON THE STREET, IN FRONT OF OUR APT., SMOKE CAME FROM UNDER THE HOOD, ONCE PARKED AND HOOD OPENED, ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE, FIRE DEPT. WAS CALLED. THE CAR IS TOTALED.(I DO NOT WANT TO UPLOAD PICTURES, DUE TO IDENTIFIABLE INFO. IN THE PICTURES.)”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · May 4, 2018 · fire

2014 Subaru Forester — common questions

Is the 2014 Subaru Forester reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 576 complaints put the 2014 model at #7 of 29 Forester years. It is one of the Forester years to avoid.

What are the most common 2014 Forester problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are suspension (95 complaints), engine (72 complaints), airbags (68 complaints).

Does the 2014 Subaru Forester have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2014 Subaru Forester. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Subaru Forester years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Forester years to avoid are 2019, 2015, 2020, 2017, 2018, 2016, 2014, 2010, 2021, 2004, 2003. The cleanest record among Forester years belongs to 2026.

How safe is the 2014 Subaru Forester?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2014 Subaru Forester earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.