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Research · Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD

2014 Subaru ForesterRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls and 403 owner complaints for the 2014 Subaru Forester. Most complaints involve suspension (94) and engine (69). The EPA rates it 24–27 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.

Check a VINAdd to my garage
Combined MPG
24–27mpg
EPA · 3 versions
NHTSA overall
5of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
2campaigns
Latest Feb 2019
Owner complaints
403
Top: suspension
Fuel cost / yr
$2,400est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

2 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Exterior lighting: switch

Free remedy

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.

Exterior lightingReported Feb 28, 2019NHTSA 19V149000

Equipment

Remedy pending

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.

EquipmentReported Apr 24, 2013NHTSA 13V159000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 3, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

403 complaints filed with NHTSA · Sep 2013 – Jun 2026
  1. Suspension94
  2. Engine69
  3. Air bags57
  4. Electrical system42
  5. Vehicle speed control42
  6. Power train41
  7. Service brakes31
  8. Structure27
  9. Steering16

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each Forester model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
1998101
1999134
200075
2001142
200292
2003191
2004219
200593
200688
200774
200850
2009178
2010262
2011147
2012106
201378
2014403
2015616
2016416
2017592
2018498
2019834
2020603
2021214
2022100
202374
202431
2025100
202634
Crashes reported
48
Fires reported
3
Injuries reported
28
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 3, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Suspension

94 reports1 crash
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 23, 2024Suspension, Power train, EngineCrash reportedODI 11595987

Engine

69 reports4 crashes2 fires
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Dec 7, 2025Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11703583

Air bags

57 reports9 crashes1 fire
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 24, 2025Air bagsODI 11656531
All 2014 Forester problemsSend a problem to a mechanic on findmechanic.ai
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 3, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

3 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Engines
2.5L 4-cyl · 2.0L 4-cyl turbo
Transmissions
Automatic (variable gear ratios) · Manual 6-spd
Drive
All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline · Premium Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 3, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Forester AWD
Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.5 L · All-Wheel Drive
243127$2,400332
Forester AWD
Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive
232725$3,200359
Forester AWD
Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L · All-Wheel Drive
222824$2,700368
  • Forester AWD
    Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.5 L
    24 city · 31 hwy · $2,400/yr
    27
    mpg comb.
  • Forester AWD
    Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo
    23 city · 27 hwy · $3,200/yr
    25
    mpg comb.
  • Forester AWD
    Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L
    22 city · 28 hwy · $2,700/yr
    24
    mpg comb.
Estimate your fuel costCost of ownership
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 3, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

1 tested variant
Overall rating
5/ 5
5 of 5
Subaru Forester SUV AWD
Frontal crash
4 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
4 of 5
Rollover risk
16.9%
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 3, 2026Vehicle 8611
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2014 Forester questions

How many recalls does the 2014 Subaru Forester have?

2 safety recalls as of Nov 3, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2014 Subaru Forester problems?

Owners filed 403 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are suspension (94), engine (69), air bags (57). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2014 Subaru Forester get?

The EPA rates the 2014 Subaru Forester at 24–27 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (3 versions rated).

How safe is the 2014 Subaru Forester?

NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2014 Subaru Forester 5 out of 5 stars overall.

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 3, 2026