Citing common problems with faulty coil springs, high oil consumption, and unintended acceleration, the 2014 Forester has some issues with reliability and annual repair costs. However, it is still a solid compact SUV overall and is among the best options in its class for 2014.
Key Points
- The 2014 Subaru Forester SUV has been recalled two times for malfunctioning brake lights and floor mats interfering with pedals.
- Of the 338 complaints registered with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), about 90 relate to the suspension, with faulty rear coil springs cited as the most common issue.
- Many 2014 Forester owners have reported problems with unintended acceleration and deceleration, as well as excessive oil consumption and a malfunctioning airbag sensor.
- Despite a few hiccups, the 2014 Forester is one of the best SUVs of its time, with few significant issues and a 4.5-star rating out of five with Vehicle History owners.
2014 Subaru Forester’s Two Recalls Cover Brake Lights not Illuminating Properly and Floor Mats Curling Behind Brake and Gas Pedals
The 2014 Subaru Forester is a compact SUV that offers two four-cylinder engine options across six different trims. It’s been subject to two recalls by the NHTSA.
The first recall regards malfunctioning brake lights and affects Foresters from 2014 to 2016. According to Subaru, a malfunctioning brake light switch may prevent the brake lights from illuminating. The defect may also keep keyless ignition vehicles from starting, and CVT/automatic transmissions from being able to be shifted out of Park.
To rectify the issue, Subaru dealers will replace the brake light switch free of charge.
The second recall was issued over carpeted floor mats in some 2014 Foresters that may curl when exposed to heat and interfere with the foot pedals.
Thankfully, Subaru has provided remedies for both of these problems. Registered owners can visit dealers to have their old floor mats swapped out with new ones free of charge.
Broken Coil Springs are a Common Problem Reported by 2014 Forester Owners in the NHTSA’s Nearly 350 Registered Complaints
The NHTSA has just shy of 350 consumer complaints on file from 2014 Forester owners, and most of the feedback revolves around the vehicle’s suspension, with reports of rear coil overs breaking unexpectedly.
There doesn’t seem to be a clear pattern; some owners were driving on the highway when one of the rear coil springs collapsed with a loud metal bang, and others just saw bits and pieces of their Forester’s coil springs on their garage floor.
Both rear coil springs on the 2014 Forester seem to be problematic. Some owners even reported having to replace coil springs on both sides. It wouldn’t cost a fortune to replace them, but if one collapses while driving at higher speeds, it can lead to a sudden shift in the car’s balance, causing hazardous situations.
Even though it seems to be a recurring theme in many 2014 Foresters, there have been no investigations or recalls regarding this problem.
Additionally, at least two drivers have complained about wobbles and unsteady steering at speeds around 50 mph on the highway.
Several 2014 Forester Drivers Note Unexpected Changes in Acceleration, Excessive Oil Consumption, and Malfunctioning Airbag Systems
Of the 338 NHTSA complaints, 57 are under “Engine” and 30 under “Powertrain.” Many of these complaints are specifically about unanticipated accelerations or a sudden reduction in speed. One owner complained about unintended acceleration “upon stepping on the brake pedal after stopping for a red light.” Several reports mentioned the gas pedal revving the engine without sending the power to the wheels.
Another engine-related problem has to do with oil consumption. Several 2014 Forester owners reported having the oil light turned on soon after adding oil, and it seems to be a recurring problem in one or two other model years of the Subaru Forester as well.
A few complaints are pointing out the failure of the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) in certain Subaru models, including the Forester, which have made Subaru of America extend the warranty and partially address some CVT problems.
In some 2014 Foresters, the airbag’s occupant detection system seems to incorrectly detect a passenger when there isn’t one, which causes the seat belt warning to chime. Some owners have reportedly spent more than a thousand dollars to fix this issue.
Some of the 36 complaints under “Electrical System” note the horn suddenly ceasing to work. Others have complained about a malfunctioning backup camera that works periodically.
Serious Suspension and Engine Problems Make the 2014 Subaru Forester a Questionable SUV
The 2014 Forester comes with great qualities, such as a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA, and impressive fuel consumption rates at 27 mpg combined (24 city/31 highway) with the 2.5L four-cylinder engine option. However, it is prone to some severe problems.
The 2014 Forester’s two recalls include malfunctioning brake lights and floor mat problems that affect the use of the brake and accelerator pedals. However, owners have filed complaints about quite a few more concerns, including excessive oil consumption and unintended acceleration.
Despite these reported issues, the 2014 Subaru remains among the top 10 best Compact SUVs of 2014, according to J.D. Power. Also, the majority of real owner reviews on Vehicle History are positive for the 2014 Forester, providing an overall rating of 4.5 out of five stars.
Photos: Subaru
