Is the 2014 Subaru FORESTER reliable?

The 2014 Subaru FORESTER has 576 complaints filed with NHTSA (1.9x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: below-average. Most common issue: SUSPENSION problems.

What are common problems with the 2014 Subaru FORESTER?

Top problems: SUSPENSION (95 complaints, avg repair $500); ENGINE (72 complaints, avg repair $500); AIR BAGS (68 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2014 Subaru FORESTER?

Yes, there are 2 recall(s): EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH, EQUIPMENT. Contact any Subaru dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2014 Subaru FORESTER?

The 2014 Subaru FORESTER gets 25 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $1920. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

Is the 2014 Subaru FORESTER often stolen?

Theft risk tier for the Subaru FORESTER: very-low. HLDI insurance loss data suggests lower-than-average theft claims for this model.

How much does it cost to insure a 2014 Subaru FORESTER?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2014 Subaru FORESTER is approximately $1,375/year (suv-midsize class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2014 Subaru FORESTER

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Below Average

Quick Summary

The 2014 Subaru FORESTER has 576 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.9x the segment average of 307. The most common issue is suspension problems (16% of all complaints), specifically: subaru corporate recently purchased my 2014 forester back under the lemon law. this was after i had 4 documented incidents of the vehicle veering sporadically out of control around 55 mph. it was inconsistent but the mechanic was able to determine that something was pulling it out of alignment/after. There are 2 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 5 fire reports filed.

5 fire reports 66 crash reports 35 injuries

576

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

1.9x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

SUSPENSION

95 complaints

16%

• SUBARU CORPORATE RECENTLY PURCHASED MY 2014 FORESTER BACK UNDER THE LEMON LAW. THIS WAS AFTER I HAD 4 DOCUMENTED INCIDENTS OF THE VEHICLE VEERING SPORADICALLY OUT OF CONTROL AROUND 55 MPH. IT WAS INCONSISTENT BUT THE MECHANIC WAS ABLE TO DETERMINE THAT SOMETHING WAS PULLING IT OUT OF ALIGNMENT/AFTER
• TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE SWAYED ABNORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE LOWER CONTROL ARM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE RE
• TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE SWAYED ABNORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE LOWER CONTROL ARM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE RE

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500💥 1 crashes

“SUBARU CORPORATE RECENTLY PURCHASED MY 2014 FORESTER BACK UNDER THE LEMON LAW. THIS WAS AFTER I HAD 4 DOCUMENTED INCIDENTS OF THE VEHICLE VEERING SPORADICALLY OUT OF CONTROL AROUND 55 MPH. IT WAS INCONSISTENT BUT THE MECHANIC WAS ABLE TO DETERMINE THAT SOMETHING WAS PULLING IT OUT OF ALIGNMENT/AFTER”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2014 Subaru FORESTER

Based on 414 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 50K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

127

30-60K

109

60-100K

120

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ENGINE

In line with typicalmedian 36K mi · 54 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ELECTRICAL

In line with typicalmedian 61K mi · 33 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

SPEED CONTROL

In line with typicalmedian 28K mi · 30 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

BRAKES

In line with typicalmedian 42K mi · 21 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

BODY/STRUCTURE

In line with typicalmedian 38K mi · 18 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

FUEL SYSTEM

In line with typicalmedian 13K mi · 15 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.

Recalls (2)

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH28/02/2019

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.

Very low theft risk

Low theft rates typically correlate with lower comprehensive-coverage insurance premiums.

Source: NICB Hot Wheels 2025 report + HLDI theft loss studies. Model-year ranking; not all years of this model have identical risk.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2014 Subaru FORESTER

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$1,920

Per month

$160

Per mile

16.0¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$2,182/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$1,549/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today

Show:

Current

$4.00

5-year low

$2.78

5-year high

$5.01

Since 2021

+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2014 Subaru FORESTER

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,375

Full coverage / month

$115

Liability only / year

$639

vs US avg

-18%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (suv-midsize)1.05x

× theft risk0.85x

× safety rating1.00x

× vehicle age0.92x

= Full coverage estimate$1375

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Subaru FORESTER Service Intervals

Oil change

6K mi / 6 mo

Tire rotation

6K mi

Brake fluid

30 months

Transmission fluid

30K mi

Engine coolant

138K mi

Spark plugs

60K mi

Cabin air filter

15K mi

Engine air filter

30K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

30K mi

Boxer engines have specific oil consumption patterns — check oil monthly. CVT service every 30K is critical; skipping shortens life dramatically. AWD requires matched tire wear.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Subaru New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

3 yr / 36K mi

Powertrain

5 yr / 60K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

8 yr / 100K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

5 yr / unlimited mi

Roadside assistance

3 yr / 36K mi

These are the terms for a new Subaru. If you're buying a used 2014 FORESTER, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Subaru dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

SUSPENSION(~50K mi)

$500

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

AIR BAGS(~50K mi)

$500

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

SPEED CONTROL(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 576 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
SUSPENSION: SUBARU CORPORATE RECENTLY PURCHASED MY 2014 FORESTER BACK UNDER THE LEMON LAW. THIS WAS AFTER I HAD 4 DOCUMENTED INCIDENTS OF THE VEHICLE VEERING SPORADICALLY OUT OF CONTROL AROUND 55 MPH. IT WAS INCONSISTENT BUT THE MECHANIC WAS ABLE TO DETERMINE THAT SOMETHING WAS PULLING IT OUT OF ALIGNMENT/AFTER
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ENGINE: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED AS THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL DEALER FOR INSPECTION BUT HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED OR DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
AIR BAGS: I WAS TURNING LEFT ON AN ARROW AND A CAR RAN THE RED LIGHT RESULTING IN A HEAD ON COLLISION WITH ME, I WAS DRIVING ABOUT 3MPH AND HE WAS DRIVING 45MPH. HIS CAR WAS TOTALLED, AIRBAGS DEPLOYED AND ON FIRE. I HAD FRONT END DAMAGE AND MY AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY NOR DID THE SEAT BELT LOCK UP. AS A RESULT
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
OTHER: AFTER I PURCHASED MY VEHICLE, I NOTICED A HESITATION BETWEEN 20 - 40 MPH. THIS IS THE FIRST YEAR FOR THE FORESTER'S TO HAVE A CVT ENGINE SO I THOUGHT IT NEEDED BROKEN IN. I ALSO WENT THROUGH 3 CYCLES OF FILLING UP MY GAS TANK FROM 3 DIFFERENT GAS STATIONS AND THE HESITATION CONTINUED. THE FIRST T
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 2 recalls have been completed — free at any Subaru dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)