2014 Subaru Forester Complaint Log

Unintended acceleration while parking /braking in front of a Verizon store leading to crash into store

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.

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.

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.

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.

I was on the freeway when the check engine light came on with an alert I couldn't read in time before it disappeared. Then the gas pedal stopped working. I got to a safe place and shut off the car. My brother-in-law then drove the car the 5 miles back home on local roads - he videod the throttle ramping up when he was either braking or the foot wasn't on the gas pedal, which happened 4-5 times. Subaru service pulled fault code P2138.

LOW CONTRL ARM BUSHINGS DISTROYED,LOUD NOISE AND VIBRATION UNDER THE CAR.

I just found out that there was a problem with oil consumption in a 2014 subaru forester.I purchase it two years ago.Is there anything they can do to fix it.

The contact owned a 2014 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, a vehicle coming from oncoming traffic was attempting to make a left, causing the contact to crash into that oncoming vehicle. The contact mentioned that during the impact, the front passenger side wheel was pushed into the radiator. The contact spouse sustained injuries, and medical attention was provided, and the contact was taken to the local emergency room. The contact stated that the steering wheel and the knee air bags were deployed during the incident, which caused the contact to be injured. The contact sustained an upper chest injury and contusions to both of their legs, and the contact's left leg was also burned. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed and destroyed. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 103,000.

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, because by the time I got 4-500 feet from the car, it had been totally engulfed in flames. From the time I hit the deer to the fire starting was less than 10 minutes. Fire truck wasn't even on scene yet and I was still speaking with highway patrol on the phone. If I had been trapped or the vehicle had rolled i wouldn't be here today. It was that quick.

When cruising about 25mph the car gave a jolt, stalled, and then would speed back up again. All lights then flashed on. I brought it to the dealer and they did a diagnostic check coming back for CVT transmission. They also confirmed it is a known problem and had extended the warranty to when 100,000 miles or 10 years which is around or prior to when most people confirm the issue. There was no warning signs I was aware of leading up to the failure of the transmission.

Airbag warning light came on 1/25, took to Subaru dealership for diagnostic service. Was told the Passenger Front Seat Occupant Detection Sensor Assembly needs to be replaced, airbag system is not functional. Item has been on backorder, unable to replace as needed and told this is a known issue for Subaru. Have since contacted Subaru National Consumer Advocacy for assistance (case #250418-1700639). We have been waiting for 4 months to remedy this situation. Through no fault of our own, our 2014 Subaru Forrester does not meet safety standards of functioning airbags. This is a known problem for other Subaru owners and the part is in high demand due to inability to secure them. This has limited our use of the vehicle.

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?

The key keeps getting stuck in the ignition.........

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

About a year ago the passenger airbag warning light came on. Took it to the dealer who stated the passenger seat occupant detection sensor was malfunctioning. I was also told this meant the passenger airbags would not deploy in an accident. The dealer stated the replacement part was on back order and they could not get it. It has been 11 months and they have not gotten the part. Additionally this part has been recalled on the 2015-2018 models with heated seats due to the heated seats causing the malfunction. I have the 2014 model with the exact same heated seats and sensor and it was not included in the recall. For 11 months I have not been able to use the passenger seat for fear anyone in the passenger seat could be seriously hurt or killed due to the airbags not deploying. I have contacted the dealer and Subaru of America multiple time and was basically told it’s my problem and to keep waiting for the replacement part, which I will then have to pay approximately $1100 for the repair.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

I have a 2014 Subaru Forester that I purchase in 2023 from a dealership in Yonkers N.Y. I been noticing oil consumption at 1qt. a week at 300 miles. I investigated it on the internet and found out that there was a recalled for oil consumption to replace the short block on it. I emailed Subaru on this matter and they told me that they stopped repairing three years ago. When I purchase this back in 2023 the dealership did not tell me any open recalls on this vehicle. I was told by D.M.V. in New York that the dealer has to tell the buyer for any open recalls. I feel now that I was sold a Lemon. Is there any thing that could been done by repair by Subaru or the dealer. Thanks...

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.

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.

Car started to excessively shake at 60,000 miles. The control arm bushings wore out. After doing some research, there was a technical service bulletin issued by Subaru on this issue which changed the design of the bushings. However, they did not notify owners.

The contact owns a 2014 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that the tailgate was in an upright position and then the tailgate closed unexpectedly. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the dealer was unable to repair the vehicle. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 08V135000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 174,944.

2014 Forester @ 150k miles, CVT Failure. Check Engine Lights, AT Oil Temp Warning, Diagnostic Trouble Codes P0700 (Transmission Control Module) & P2764 - (Torque Converter Clutch Pressure Control Solenoid Control Circuit Low) Sect 11-16 of Owners Manual states: "It is not necessary to check the transmission fluid level." But Subaru Warranty & Maintenance guide recommends inspection of CVT fluid @ 30/60/90/120k miles. Mine was never low or bad. There is no owner serviceable parts to the CVT. No dipstick to check fluid level. Page 37 of Warr & Maint guide Notes 4 & 9 state: "4. When the vehicle is frequently operated under severe driving conditions**...CVT fluid replacement should be performed every 24,855 miles." and "9. The ATF filter is a maintenance free part." Under "Examples of severe driving conditions" only item "g. Repeated trailer towing." applies to Note #4. I do not even have a trailer hitch, therefore, no extreme driving conditions. I noticed hesitation, slipping, lull in forward movement, shaking at idle, lurching. Because of this, I requested CVT fluid change at 138k miles even though service technician had previously said fluid was ok. No noticeable improvement after this fluid service. At 150k miles, dashboard warning lights came on for Check Engine, AT Oil Temp, Traction Control Light, Hill Assist, Cruise Control, AntiLock Brake System. Took vehicle to Subaru dealership service immediately. First they recommended CVT fluid change, which I agreed to. Upon completion, all warning lights came back on. They now recommend replacing CVT valve body unit for $2200. SoA has issued a recall (Dec 2019) only on Subaru Ascent vehicles for faulty CVT transmissions, but not for other vehicles with the same problems. CVT failure can lead to safety issues such as vehicle stalling, lurching forward, going in reverse, and shifting unexpectedly while driving. Subaru of America should issue a recall for all vehicles with faulty CVT transmissions.

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.

Once the car is turned off, the key cannot be removed from the ignition. From my internet search, this appears to be a common problem with 2014-2018 Subaru vehicles. Can a recall be initiated? Thank you.

Took car for 60000 mile check up mechanic said it should not have worn bushings and control arms at 60000 miles.

CVT transmission has very noticeable whining noise while the car is moving; car stutters and does not drive smoothly. Unsteady drive train motion almost resulted in an accident and has put my family's safety at risk. Car was taken to the Subaru dealer and diagnosed with complete transmission failure. Dealer has stated that the car should not be driven in its current condition. I asked the dealer's service representative if the car was unsafe to drive and he would not answer my question. Car has 131,041 miles. Estimated cost provided by the dealer to replace the transmission is $8,971.63. Subaru provided an extended transmission warranty; however, my car is beyond the 100,000 mile limit.

While driving our 2014 Subaru Forester Inclined Assist, ABS, and maintenance lights and worded warnings came on. I scheduled a repair for asap which was completed on 10/13/2022. The independent shop told me the repair was a known problem and this shop has done 4 of these repairs. Subaru actually sells a kit with the parts and fluid (?) for the repair. My understanding is inclined assist (when car is on a certain slope0 can apply the breaks to prevent roll back. I do not know how common this failure is, but failure could cause an accident. One report I read on line claimed while driving the car started applying the brakes without the driver doing anything. Is this possible, I do not know.

Check engine light came on at 92,355 odometer miles. Dealer diagnosis was code P0171, airflow sensor intermittent failure causing rich fuel and affecting mileage. Failure of the air fuel sensor was due to oil leakage from the camshaft carrier covers located above the exhaust manifold where the A/F sensor is located. This could have resulted in a fire. The repair necessitated engine removal to access the camshaft carrier covers and resealing the area along with replacing the A/F sensor. The cost was nearly $4k which was not covered under warranty due to the Forester is 9 years old.

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)

The contact owns a 2014 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while she had the brake pedal depressed, the vehicle suddenly accelerated unintendedly. The vehicle crashed into the garage in front of the vehicle. The air bags did not deploy. The contact had not received any injuries. There was damage to the garage, itself. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a certified mechanic or dealer as of yet. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 61,765.

As I was going into a right turn, the brake line failed and leaked a significant amount of brake fluid making continued driving dangerous. Just before the failure, the light for low break fluid came on but there was very little warning before braking was a problem due to a significant leak. The part is no longer available as it has been repaired. I was advised by the non-dealer repair shop that it rusted out where the line comes out from under the floor.

The parking sensor has failed, there's a TSB (16-112-18R) related and numerous other complaints on forums and websites.

The engine stalled/locked and clipped an 18 wheeler trying to get to the shoulder of I-294. I have been taking the 2014 Subaru to Countryside Subaru since April 14, 2021 with issues of lights coming on on the dashboard. It caused a serious accident. The car was totaled by the insurance company. Subaru had me call Subaru Advocacy who had just agreed to pay $3,500 towards a new engine, with me paying $1,500 because it was out of warranty, even though the issue started when the car was under warranty over a year ago. Lights were constantly coming on every 4 to 6 weeks. A service advisor, told us the car was safe to drive. It wasn't. The same day service advisor ordered the parts (June 6, 2022) is the same day the accident happen. I thank God my daughter is still among the living. This should not have happen. LIVES ARE MORE IMPORTANT THAN MONEY.