2014 Subaru Forester: problems, recalls and what it’s worth
Known weak spot on this generation: FB20 / FB25 oil consumption. 2 recall campaigns to confirm with a dealer. A lot of owner complaints, 23% about suspension.
Ask to see oil level now; ask the seller how often they add oil. A ring-replacement or an oil-consumption test on record means it was addressed.
Known problems on the 2014 Subaru Forester
FB20 / FB25 oil consumption $1,200–$3,500 to fix
The FB 'boxer' engines of this era burn oil — often a quart every 1,000–1,200 mi — from a piston-ring design later revised. Subaru settled a class action and did ring replacements under an oil-consumption test.
Check for: Ask to see oil level now; ask the seller how often they add oil. A ring-replacement or an oil-consumption test on record means it was addressed.
Basis: Subaru oil-consumption class-action settlement; TSB 02-157-14
Known patterns for this year and model, not findings about one car. A well-kept example may already have had the fix. Costs are rough US shop prices.
2014 Subaru Forester recalls
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for the 2014 Subaru Forester. Repairs are free at a dealer for the brand, and a dealer can confirm by VIN which were already done.
- Lights
Brake lights that do not illuminate properly will not alert other drivers that the vehicle is slowing or stopping, increasing the risk of crash.
Details 19V149000
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.
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.
- Equipment
Curling of the driver side floor mat could distract the driver and/or interfere with proper operation of one or a combination of, the vehicle's clutch, brake, and accelerator pedals.
Details 13V159000
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.
Fix: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace each of the vehicle's four (4) carpeted floor mats with new ones. These services will be performed free of charge. Subaru issued an interim notification during April 2013. Notification that the remedy is now available was mailed to owners on June 5, 2013. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's recall campaign number is WQH-44.
2014 Subaru Forester safety investigations and free repairs
No open safety investigations.
Free repairs to ask about (warranty extensions):
- Engine: Is initiating a program to extend the original New Car Powertrain Limited Warranty coverage for excessive engine oilconsumption on applicable…
A dealer for the brand can check these by VIN.
Source: NHTSA, Sep 24, 2026.
2014 Subaru Forester safety and fuel
From NHTSA’s crash tests and the EPA’s fueleconomy.gov.
What owners complain about
403 complaints filed with NHTSA for this year and model, which is a lot.
Share of complaints that mention each area. One complaint can mention several.
Other Subaru Forester years
2010 2011 2012 2013 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
Printable inspection checklist · Out-the-door price calculator