2014 Subaru Forester Problems You Shouldn’t Ignore

By Max Anthony •  Updated: 05/25/21 •  7 min read

The 2014 Subaru Forester is an SUV that has a practical design and plenty of cargo space. It’s great for any family with kids, but unfortunately there are some problems. 

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The most common 2014 Subaru Forester problems include engine, transmission,electrical and suspension issues.Read on to find out more about these common 2014 Subaru Forester problems.

Most Common 2014 Subaru Forester Problems

2014 Subaru Forester Transmission Problems

2014 Subaru Forester Problems
2014 Subaru Forester XT|Flickr

The Subaru Forester is one of the most popular cars on the road, and it’s easy to see why. The car looks great, has a lot of trunk space for all your gear, and offers some amazing safety features. However, there are some transmission problems that have started popping up lately.

The first thing you need to do if you are experiencing these problems is to take your car into a mechanic and have them check out the transmission fluid levels, as well as any other possible malfunctions in order to fix the car before more damage occurs.

A recent study on Subaru Forester conducted by the Consumer Reports organization has found that out of 8,000 surveyed car owners, 17% have experienced issues with their transmissions.

 The main complaints from these consumers include a lack of power and difficulty shifting gears. Some people also reported hearing strange noises coming from their vehicles when they were in park or neutral gear. 

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While it is not clear what is causing this problem, many experts believe that this could be due to improper lubrication or faulty clutches which have been known to cause similar problems in other cars.

Other common 2014 Subaru Forester transmission issues include an “inactive” or “slipping” clutch pedal when attempting to accelerate from stop, which can be alleviated by applying more pressure on the pedal and then releasing it in order for the car to engage properly. 

2014 Subaru Forester Engine Problems

The 2014 Subaru Forester is a compact crossover SUV that has been manufactured by the Japanese carmaker, Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. since 1994 with no major changes ever made to the vehicle’s engine. 

The powertrain of this model includes a 2.5-liter four cylinder boxer petrol engine and five speed manual or continuously variable transmission (CVT). 

In recent years however, there have been many reports of problems related to the Forester’s engines including those which are not covered under any warranty and others which can be fixed at an affordable price by dealerships such as CarMax for example.

The 2014 Subaru Forester is a model of car that has been reported to have engine problems. The engine issue stems from the fact that some engines manufactured by Subaru do not meet emissions regulations and the company will be forced to pay fines if they are unable to fix this problem.

There are multiple faults with the 2014 model year that could cause serious issues for drivers if they go unnoticed.

The first is a faulty intake manifold gasket which can lead to oil leaks and exhaust gas entering into the engine’s cabin.

 Another issue is an improperly sealed fuel tank cap which leads to increased gasoline evaporation rates and reduced fuel economy. There is an alternator belt defect which can lead to electrical system failures.

All of these problems need immediate attention from qualified mechanics in order for them not to become more severe over time.

2014 Subaru Forester Electrical Problems

It has been reported that the 2014 Subaru Forester is suffering from electrical problems. These issues are occurring in all types of weather and can be caused by a number of factors.

The 2014 Subaru Forester is a popular crossover SUV that has won over many fans for its impressive safety ratings and versatility. 

However, starting in late 2013, the carmaker began to receive a number of complaints from owners who reported electrical problems with the vehicle. 

These issues included dashboard lights going out or staying on, headlight malfunctions and engine failure. 

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) opened an investigation into these reports in late December 2013 but has yet to release any findings as of this date. 

It’s possible that some owners might not know about this issue because they had their vehicles repaired by local dealerships before noticing the problem again later on down the road.

Another problem is the alternator, which takes care of the battery’s power needs and powering other systems like headlights and air conditioning.

 In some cases, these alternators are faulty from the factory or suffer damage during installation.

There are 3 separate recalls related to electrical issues on the 2014 Forester: one for an issue in which the engine may stall when starting; another where there is a problem with the wiring harness near the gas pedal that could cause it to malfunction.

Lastly a recall due to faulty airbag sensors. If any of these recalls apply to your vehicle, contact your nearest dealer or Subaru service center immediately.

2014 Subaru Forester suspension system Issues

Unfortunately, not all of the 2014 Subaru Forester models are perfect. In some cases, owners have reported issues with their suspension system.

A recent report has found that many of these vehicles are experiencing issues with their suspension system that can lead to unexpected tire wear and even accidents. 

Your car might also have the problem if you notice excessive shaking or vibration when driving at lower speeds, and any visible signs of slippage in the rear wheels.

Another issue is a clunking noise that can be heard over bumps and dips in the road or when going around corners at speeds greater than 30 miles per hour. 

Other problems include an uneven ride as well as noticeable vibrations on rough roads. Although these issues may seem insignificant to many drivers, they can lead to serious safety concerns if left unaddressed for too long.

2014 Subaru Forester Lifespan

You’re driving a Subaru Forester, and you’re wondering just how long the car will last. The answer to that question is dependent on many factors: your driving habits, regular maintenance, use of synthetic oil vs conventional oil, etc. In general though, a 2014 Forester has an estimated lifespan of about 150-200 thousand miles.

2014 Subaru Forester Reliability & Recalls

The 2014 Subaru Forester is one of the more reliable cars on the market today according to Consumer Reports.

 However, there is still some room for improvement with its safety rating and fuel efficiency scores as well as other factors that may make it less desirable than other SUVs.

The top Subaru Forester reliability score is a “very good” rating, according to Consumer Reports. The 2014 model year has an average of 29 more problems per 100 vehicles than the 2013 and 2012 models. 

This is not dramatically different from the industry average for all automakers, which stands at 33 problems per 100 vehicles.

The 2014 Forester is a crossover SUV that has been recalled for problems with the automatic transmission. The recall includes all Foresters manufactured between May 13, 2013 and October 18, 2013.

 This particular model was sold in the US and Canada. Subaru has stated that they will repair any affected vehicles free of charge at their dealerships or authorized service centers. 

 In addition to this recall, there are three other recalls: one for issues with the electronic stability control system; one for an issue with a seat belt; and another related to airbags on the passenger side of the vehicle.

 In the past years there have been two recalls on the 2014 Forester affecting almost 20% of vehicles produced in that time period.

 The first recall was from September 2013 and involved an issue with the steering column, which could make it difficult to steer if water got into the airbag module under certain circumstances. This recall affected about 3% of all Subaru Foresters made between March 2012 and June 2013. 

The second major recall was announced in January 2014 where loose bolts were found on one side of the engine assembly (left side) that may cause oil leaks or loosening of other parts.

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Max Anthony

Max is a gizmo-savvy guy, who has a tendency to get pulled into the nitty gritty details of technology and cars. He attended UT Austin, where he studied Information Science. He’s married and has three kids, one dog and a GMC truck and a Porsche 911. With a large family, he still finds time to share tips and tricks on cars, trucks and more.