CarModelProblems.com

2014 Subaru Forester Problems & Recalls

Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/14/2026

High complaint levelIts most-reported problem — Suspension — runs 3.7× the fleet median for that category across the 965 model-years tracked on this site.
403Complaints
2Recalls
48Crashes
3Fires
28Injured
0Deaths

Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.

Is this problem acknowledged?

The most-reported problem — Suspension (23.1% of complaints) — has no NHTSA recall or open investigation on file.

Suspension complaints here are 3.7× the median for that category across the 965 model-years tracked on this site.

None of the 6 most-reported categories on this page have a recall or open investigation on file — they rest on unverified owner reports alone.

Complaint categoryReportsOfficial statusReference
Suspension93 · 23.1%No official action
Engine69 · 17.1%No official action
Air Bags55 · 13.6%No official action
Vehicle Speed Control41 · 10.2%No official action
Power Train41 · 10.2%No official action
Electrical System40 · 9.9%No official action

Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Complaints by component

SUSPENSION93 · 23.1%
ENGINE69 · 17.1%
AIR BAGS55 · 13.6%
Unspecified / other44 · 10.9%
POWER TRAIN41 · 10.2%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM40 · 9.9%
SERVICE BRAKES31 · 7.7%
STRUCTURE:BODY19 · 4.7%
STEERING16 · 4%

Percentages are the share of the 403 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.

Recalls — 2 campaigns

Exterior Lighting:brake Lights:switch

NHTSA campaign 19V149000 · 2019 · reported 02/28/2019

Brake lights that do not illuminate properly will not alert other drivers that the vehicle is slowing or stopping, increasing the risk of crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Equipment

NHTSA campaign 13V159000 · 2013 · reported 04/24/2013

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.… Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Park it Park outside Specimen badges — shown on a recall card only when NHTSA sets the flag. None of the campaigns above carries either flag. Always check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What owners report

“AT 60,000 MILES,WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN IN A LEVEL PARKING LOT, THE REAR PASSENGER SPRING BROKE CAUSING THE CAR TO SAG AND SHIMMY. MY…”NHTSA complaint 11100314 — filed 06/07/2018 · SUSPENSION
“I FOUND A METAL PIECE IN MY DRIVEWAY, IT IS A PIECE OF THE REAR COIL SPRING. A REPAIR SHOP ADVISED NOT TO DRIVE THE…”NHTSA complaint 11099904 — filed 06/05/2018 · SUSPENSION
“DISCOVERED AT ROUTINE SERVICING AT JUST OVER 34K. THE FRONT AXEL SEAL IS LEAKING. THE REAR SHOCKS ARE FAILING AND NEED REPLACING. NO OFF ROAD…”NHTSA complaint 10966722 — filed 03/18/2017 · SUSPENSION

Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.

Complaint trend by year filed

6201367302015313420174813820198153202121222023231920253

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2014 Subaru Forester?

Suspension issues are the most-reported category, cited in 93 of 403 NHTSA complaints (23.1%), followed by engine (69), air bags (55), unspecified/other issues (44). Complaints are unverified owner reports.

How many complaints does the 2014 Subaru Forester have?

403 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/14/2026. Of those, 48 involved a crash, 3 involved a fire, and 28 reported injuries. No deaths were reported.

Does the 2014 Subaru Forester have any recalls?

Yes — 2 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 19V149000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Has NHTSA acted on the 2014 Subaru Forester's reported problems?

0 of the 6 most-reported complaint categories on this page are backed by an NHTSA safety recall or open investigation; the rest are unverified owner reports. A recall means a free repair is available at authorized dealers.

Is a complaint proof of a defect?

No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.

About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 07/14/2026.