CarRecallWatchThe 2014 Subaru Forester has 2 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 403 complaints with NHTSA, including 48 crashes, 3 fires, 28 injuries.
The most-reported problem area is Suspension (95 reports).
NHTSA rates it up to 5 stars overall for crash safety, depending on the version.
2014 Subaru Forester recalls
Brake lights may fail to light, raising crash risk
The brake light switch can malfunction after exposure to certain contaminants.
Most common 2014 Subaru Forester problems
Problem areas named in the 403 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| 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 |
What owners report
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.
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.
Unintended acceleration while parking /braking in front of a Verizon store leading to crash into store
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.
2014 Subaru Forester safety rating
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 Subaru Forester SUV AWD | ★★★★★ 5-star | 4 | 5 | 4 (16.9% rollover risk) |
2014 Subaru Forester questions
Does the 2014 Subaru Forester have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls for the 2014 Subaru Forester: Brake lights may fail to light, raising crash risk; Equipment. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
What are the most common problems with the 2014 Subaru Forester?
Based on 403 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Suspension (95), Engine (69), Air Bags (68).
How safe is the 2014 Subaru Forester?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings program gives the 2014 Subaru Forester up to 5 out of 5 stars overall; ratings vary by version, see the table above.
How do I check if a recall on my 2014 Subaru Forester has been fixed?
Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.