2014 Subaru Forester recalls and problems

The 2014 Subaru Forester has 2 safety recalls and 403 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Subaru dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

403

Crashes / fires

48 / 3

Injuries / deaths

28 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2014 Subaru Forester vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2014 Subaru Forester recalls

Recall 19V-149: Exterior Lighting

Reported Feb 28, 2019 · 1,303,530 vehicles affected · Subaru of America, Inc.

Problem: 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.

Risk: Brake lights that do not illuminate properly will not alert other drivers that the vehicle is slowing or stopping, increasing the risk of crash.

Fix: 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.

Recall 13V-159: Equipment

Reported Apr 24, 2013 · 10,137 vehicles affected · Subaru of America, Inc.

Problem: 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.

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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.

2014 Subaru Forester problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Suspension	95
Engine	69
Air Bags	68
Unknown or Other	44
Vehicle Speed Control	42
Electrical System	42
Power Train	41
Service Brakes	31
Structure	30
Steering	16
Fuel/Propulsion System	15
Seats	14

Most reported parts

Structure › Body — 19
Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification — 8
Structure › Body › Hatchback/Liftgate — 5
Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification › Front Passenger — 5
Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights › Switch — 2
Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Arm — 1
Visibility › Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System › Windshield › Electrical Heating Element — 1
Lane Departure › Blind Spot Detection — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 54,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2014 Subaru Forester complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Steering · at 119,000 miles · reported Jun 12, 2026

The contact owns a 2014 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while his wife was driving and stopped in traffic, the steering wheel locked up. The contact stated the steering wheel warning light illuminated and the vehicle was towed. The dealer was contacted and notified of the failure, and the failure was diagnosed with rack and pinion and electrical power steering failures. The contact stated that the failure was a recurring failure after the repair. The contact stated that the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 119,000.

Electrical System · at 166,000 miles · reported Mar 23, 2026

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2014 Subaru Forester on March 5, 2026. The contact stated that while attempting to register the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the mileage was 77,000. At the time of the registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 166,000.

Electrical System · reported Dec 7, 2025

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.

Fuel/Propulsion System · reported Nov 19, 2025

I was driving my 2014 Subaru Forester (about 148,000 miles) behind a minivan at a safe distance and speed. Without warning, my vehicle accelerated uncontrollably. Despite applying the brakes, shifting into low gear, and using the emergency brake, I was unable to slow it down. After impact, the car then hit a telephone pole, spun me around and rolled the car over. There is major damage to the car and we looked at it at the tow yard but the salvage adjuster is moving it shortly.

Structure · reported Sep 25, 2025

Liftgate arm (or support) broke while the liftgate was in the raised position, and the liftgate came crashing down to the closed position, while my sister-in-law was very close by. I believe a serious injury could have resulted if someone had been under the liftgate at the time. We also own a 2016 Forester, and I now expect to replace the liftgate supports as a matter of safety and peace of mind. From what I see, checking the liftgate supports is not on the maintenance schedule. I assume other SUVs are also subject to this issue.

Other Subaru Forester years

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Compare all Subaru Forester years · All Subaru models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2014 Subaru Forester have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2014 Subaru Forester: 19V-149 (exterior lighting), 13V-159 (equipment). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2014 Subaru Forester?

Owners report suspension problems most often (95 reports), followed by engine (69). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 54,000 miles.

Are Subaru recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Subaru dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.