2014 SUBARU Forester Problems & Complaints
Real owner complaints and problems reported to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). View common issues by component.
400
Complaints Reported
Complaints by Component
SUSPENSION
83 complaints
LOW CONTRL ARM BUSHINGS DISTROYED,LOUD NOISE AND VIBRATION UNDER THE CAR.
Nov 01, 2025
During driving on the highway control arm failure causing wheel bearing failure and loss of control of the vehicle putting my safety and others at risk of collision at high speeds. Thankfully no major issue occurred and the vehicle was taken to be confirmed and fixed immediately. I paid for all service repairs out of pocket The vehicle was inspected and issue confirmed by independent service center. There was no warning prior to the issue.
Nov 10, 2023
Car started to excessively shake at 60,000 miles. The control arm bushings wore out. After doing some research, there was a technical service bulletin issued by Subaru on this issue which changed the design of the bushings. However, they did not notify owners.
May 03, 2023
Took car for 60000 mile check up mechanic said it should not have worn bushings and control arms at 60000 miles.
Jan 10, 2023
left rear suspension coil fractured when car put in reverse
Jun 03, 2021
+ 78 more complaints for this component
AIR BAGS
37 complaints
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.
Apr 24, 2025
The contact owned a 2014 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, a vehicle coming from oncoming traffic was attempting to make a left, causing the contact to crash into that oncoming vehicle. The contact mentioned that during the impact, the front passenger side wheel was pushed into the radiator. The contact spouse sustained injuries, and medical attention was provided, and the contact was taken to the local emergency room. The contact stated that the steering wheel and the knee air bags were deployed during the incident, which caused the contact to be injured. The contact sustained an upper chest injury and contusions to both of their legs, and the contact's left leg was also burned. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed and destroyed. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 103,000.
Apr 22, 2025
About a year ago the passenger airbag warning light came on. Took it to the dealer who stated the passenger seat occupant detection sensor was malfunctioning. I was also told this meant the passenger airbags would not deploy in an accident. The dealer stated the replacement part was on back order and they could not get it. It has been 11 months and they have not gotten the part. Additionally this part has been recalled on the 2015-2018 models with heated seats due to the heated seats causing the malfunction. I have the 2014 model with the exact same heated seats and sensor and it was not included in the recall. For 11 months I have not been able to use the passenger seat for fear anyone in the passenger seat could be seriously hurt or killed due to the airbags not deploying. I have contacted the dealer and Subaru of America multiple time and was basically told it’s my problem and to keep waiting for the replacement part, which I will then have to pay approximately $1100 for the repair.
Feb 07, 2025
airbag inspection light comes on. Dealer verified vehicle has defective passenger harness and or seat cushion. Replaced harness under passenger seat in July 24, now Oct 24 airbag inspection light is back on. The 2014 has the same WUM 98 harness kit and seat sensor, so why isn't the 2014 Subaru Forrester included in the WUM 98 recall?
Oct 17, 2024
My 2014 Subaru Forester has a defective passenger weight sensor in the passenger seat. This sensor has been subject to recall for the 2015-2018 model years. [XXX] Shouldn’t that be extended to the 2014 model year? It appears to be the same problem and is widely reported online. 1. The airbag is set to not deploy when the weight sensor is not talking to the control computer. A clear safety hazard. 2. The Servco Subaru dealer confirmed it wasn’t working and wants over $1k to repair it. 3. Not confirmed by any other entity. 4. There is a warning icon that appears in the display. Note that it may operate and then stop working, only to cycle through both states again. Thanks for looking into this. I’m hoping you will help all of the Subaru forester owners with this issue before any lives are lost. Also please keep in mind that Servco is the importer of Subarus in Hawaii, unlike the rest of the USA where Subaru America is the importer. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Feb 21, 2024
+ 32 more complaints for this component
ENGINE
34 complaints
I have a 2014 Subaru Forester that I purchase in 2023 from a dealership in Yonkers N.Y. I been noticing oil consumption at 1qt. a week at 300 miles. I investigated it on the internet and found out that there was a recalled for oil consumption to replace the short block on it. I emailed Subaru on this matter and they told me that they stopped repairing three years ago. When I purchase this back in 2023 the dealership did not tell me any open recalls on this vehicle. I was told by D.M.V. in New York that the dealer has to tell the buyer for any open recalls. I feel now that I was sold a Lemon. Is there any thing that could been done by repair by Subaru or the dealer. Thanks...
Jul 08, 2025
I just found out that there was a problem with oil consumption in a 2014 subaru forester.I purchase it two years ago.Is there anything they can do to fix it.
Jul 02, 2025
I purchased my 2014 Subaru Forester Limited in May of 2022, already having a high mileage of about 149,800 miles, I was leaning on its reliability and pushing it beyond 200,000 miles. I have encountered frequent oil consumption and assumed that if commuting up and down from the foothills to the valley, it would be natural that it would consume oil. I had to top off a quart of oil every 2000-3000 miles, and once I moved down to flatter land, I noticed the Subaru consumed less oil. Toward the end of December 2023, the Check Engine Light as well as other lights lit up and by then, I had about 170000 miles. I went through every measure to do my own repairs and still couldn't get the check engine light removed and had done a leak-down test on the third cylinder, which doing an engine rebuild has been recommended. I'm currently just over 176200 miles and this is my daily commuter. I still owe money on the Subaru and would love to keep this longer, but the engine problem hasn't been reassuring.
May 07, 2024
I've been having issues over the past 4 years with my vehicle overconsuming oil. I took it into the dealer 2 years ago and they performed a consumption test. They said everything fell within the normal range Subaru has established. I have to have an extra thing of oil in my vehicle at all times in case it gets low. Yesterday, my vehicle gave me all sorts of warning lights. I took it in today and am having to replace the CVT Valve Body. It appears this is an issue with Subaru's from 2014. I've spent a lot of money over the past few years trying to figure out why my vehicle is acting up. I only have 67,000 miles on it after owning it for 11 years.
Apr 30, 2024
My 2014 Subaru Forester constantly burning oil. I have taken my car to Tyson’s Subaru multiple times when within warranty, they conducted multiple consumption test, admitted it burns oil but not enough to fix under warranty. I have my car in and out of the shop since 70-80k and now burning more oil at 140k. I sent this complaint to Subaru of America: MY 2014 HAS BEEN BURNING OIL SINCE 70,000/80,000. I HAVE HAD TWO PCV VALVES REPLACED AND NUMEROUS OIL CHANGES AT STOHLMAN SUBARU OF TYSONS, VIRGINIA. I NOW HAVE 106K AND THE FORESTER IS STILL BURNING OIL. I CAN’T GO PASS 3K MILES WITHOUT THE OIL BEING LOW. AM I STILL UNDER THE WARRANTY FOR THIS ISSUE? WHY DIDN’T STOHLMAN FIXED THE ISSUE WHEN IT WAS ORIGINALLY FOUND AT 70 OR 80K? THEY SAID IT WAS THE PCV VALVE TWICE WITHIN ONE YEAR AND I PAID TO REPLACE THE PCV VALVE TWICE. NOW MY CAR IS STILL BURNING OIL AND NOT FIXED AND I AM INN THE SHOP AGAIN! What can I do other than complaining! Have others complained about the same thing?
Jul 04, 2023
+ 29 more complaints for this component
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
26 complaints
I was on the freeway when the check engine light came on with an alert I couldn't read in time before it disappeared. Then the gas pedal stopped working. I got to a safe place and shut off the car. My brother-in-law then drove the car the 5 miles back home on local roads - he videod the throttle ramping up when he was either braking or the foot wasn't on the gas pedal, which happened 4-5 times. Subaru service pulled fault code P2138.
Jul 29, 2025
The key gets stuck when trying to remove it from the ignition while the car is in park. It can not be fully rotated to the off position and removed, which prevents the driver from leaving the car. The key only comes out after repeated starting of the car and moving it back and forth. The issue is intermittent and unpredictable. Subaru has issued a bulletin report #: 16-112-18R
Jul 29, 2024
The vehicle had 2 dangerous incidents on the interstate, once in 2021 and 2024. After longer 3+ hours of driving, and low on gas, the vehicle lost power, forcing me to coast to the shoulder. Once shut off and restarted, it was perfectly fine. The first time it was on cruise control, driving from Illinois to Texas. The most recent time it was not on cruise control, driving from Houston to Dallas and back. The dealer service center has not found the issue, and I recently traded it in for a newer 2024 model.
Jun 24, 2024
Once the car is turned off, the key cannot be removed from the ignition. From my internet search, this appears to be a common problem with 2014-2018 Subaru vehicles. Can a recall be initiated? Thank you.
Jan 13, 2023
Child locks on both rear doors are stuck. Based on the online forums, this is a common issue that Subaru is charging a $300 repair per door. It is a safety concern now that my children are old enough to not need safety locks.
Jul 25, 2022
+ 21 more complaints for this component
POWER TRAIN
18 complaints
The contact owns a 2014 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would independently accelerate without warning. Due to the failure, the contact stated that they had hit a building while attempting to park in a parking space. The air bag did not deploy during the accident and the contact suffered stiffness to the left side of their neck. The contact was given a ticket by the police as a result of the incident; however, a police report was not filed. Due to the crash, a window was shattered and a few bricks fell off from the building. The contact also mentioned that while attempting to park the vehicle in their driveway, the vehicle jolted forward while the brake pedal was depressed and hit a stone wall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was given a case number. The contact was then referred to a local dealer who gave the contact an estimate for a diagnostic. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.
Jul 15, 2025
When cruising about 25mph the car gave a jolt, stalled, and then would speed back up again. All lights then flashed on. I brought it to the dealer and they did a diagnostic check coming back for CVT transmission. They also confirmed it is a known problem and had extended the warranty to when 100,000 miles or 10 years which is around or prior to when most people confirm the issue. There was no warning signs I was aware of leading up to the failure of the transmission.
Mar 13, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Subaru Forester. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed a loud whining sound coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle had been taken to the dealer several times since November 2020 for transmission related issues. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The contact was informed that the repair was not covered under extended warranty or recall. The manufacturer offered to pay a portion of the cost for the repair. The failure mileage was approximately 86,000.
Sep 17, 2024
My wife, [XXX] , shifted into reverse to back up a steep driveway. It was difficult to put the transmission lever into reverse. After backing up several feet, the car made a strange noise and ran forward over a steep bank, resulting in a compression fracture in her spine. I have photo and text documents to provide, but I haven't been able to upload them in this web page. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Jan 08, 2024
2014 Forester @ 150k miles, CVT Failure. Check Engine Lights, AT Oil Temp Warning, Diagnostic Trouble Codes P0700 (Transmission Control Module) & P2764 - (Torque Converter Clutch Pressure Control Solenoid Control Circuit Low) Sect 11-16 of Owners Manual states: "It is not necessary to check the transmission fluid level." But Subaru Warranty & Maintenance guide recommends inspection of CVT fluid @ 30/60/90/120k miles. Mine was never low or bad. There is no owner serviceable parts to the CVT. No dipstick to check fluid level. Page 37 of Warr & Maint guide Notes 4 & 9 state: "4. When the vehicle is frequently operated under severe driving conditions**...CVT fluid replacement should be performed every 24,855 miles." and "9. The ATF filter is a maintenance free part." Under "Examples of severe driving conditions" only item "g. Repeated trailer towing." applies to Note #4. I do not even have a trailer hitch, therefore, no extreme driving conditions. I noticed hesitation, slipping, lull in forward movement, shaking at idle, lurching. Because of this, I requested CVT fluid change at 138k miles even though service technician had previously said fluid was ok. No noticeable improvement after this fluid service. At 150k miles, dashboard warning lights came on for Check Engine, AT Oil Temp, Traction Control Light, Hill Assist, Cruise Control, AntiLock Brake System. Took vehicle to Subaru dealership service immediately. First they recommended CVT fluid change, which I agreed to. Upon completion, all warning lights came back on. They now recommend replacing CVT valve body unit for $2200. SoA has issued a recall (Dec 2019) only on Subaru Ascent vehicles for faulty CVT transmissions, but not for other vehicles with the same problems. CVT failure can lead to safety issues such as vehicle stalling, lurching forward, going in reverse, and shifting unexpectedly while driving. Subaru of America should issue a recall for all vehicles with faulty CVT transmissions.
Feb 06, 2023
+ 13 more complaints for this component
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
16 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY ACCELERATED, WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PARK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL TO AVOID CRASHING INTO A BUILDING. THE VEHICLE CAME TO A STOP WHEN IT CRASHED INTO TWO POLES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT NO INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED. THE POLICE DEPARTMENT WAS PRESENT; HOWEVER, THE CONTACT WAS UNAWARE OF A REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTO BODY REPAIR FACILITY WHERE THE PHYSICAL DAMAGE WAS REPAIRED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED BY A DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED THE VEHICLE WOULD SLIGHTLY 'HOP'. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000.
May 19, 2020
CAR ACCELERATED WHEN I WAS PRESSING THE BRAKE TO PARK MY CAR IN A PRIVATE COMPANY'S PARKING LOT. *TR
May 18, 2020
ON JANUARY 26, 2019, AT 8:00 PM, IN A PARKING DECK AT A SHOPPING CENTER, I WAS IN A LINE OF CARS MAKING A RIGHT TURN INTO AN AISLE. I TAPPED THE ACCELERATOR VERY LIGHTLY TO MOVE A FEW FEET FORWARD. THE CAR UNEXPECTEDLY AND SUDDENLY ACCELERATED GREATLY, AND I IMMEDIATELY PUT MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE AS HARD AS POSSIBLE TO AVOID HITTING THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. I HAD TO SWERVE TO THE LEFT TO AVOID HITTING THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME BECAUSE HITTING THE BRAKE DIDN'T IMMEDIATELY SLOW THE CAR DOWN. I WAS ABLE TO AVOID HITTING ANYTHING, BUT IT WAS A FRIGHTENING EXPERIENCE BECAUSE THE CAR WAS OUT OF CONTROL. THIS WAS CLEARLY A CASE OF SUDDEN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION.
Jan 27, 2019
CAR WAS PARKED IN STREET. STARTED IT AND PUT IT INTO REVERSE TO BACK INTO A DRIVEWAY. CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AT HIGH SPEED IN REVERSE. I WOULD HAVE HAD TO HAVE STOMPED HEAVILY ON GAS PEDAL TO GET IT TO THAT SPEED BUT I'M NOT SURE I EVEN TOUCHED IT. TRAVELED 2-3 CAR LENGTHS BEFORE I COULD STOP IT. GRATEFUL NO INJURIES OR DAMAGE. NOT RELATED TO CAR MATS WHICH WERE ANCHORED IN PLACE.
Jul 11, 2017
WHEN SLOWLY ENTERING HOME GARAGE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED & DESPITE STANDING ON THE BREAK PEDAL & PULLING THE EMERGENCY BREAK IT CRASHED INTO TABLE & WORK BENCHES AT FRONT OF AREA CAUSING DAMAGE TO FURNITURE & DAMAGING FRONT OF VEHICLE. PREVIOUSLY IN NOVEMBER 2016 WHEN PULLING INTO HIGHWAY REST AREA PARKING PLACE THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED, JUMPED THE CURB A & TRAVELED 15' ONTO A GRASSY EMBANKMENT BEFORE STOPPING WITH MAXIMUM BREAKING APPLIED.
May 10, 2017
+ 11 more complaints for this component
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
14 complaints
The key keeps getting stuck in the ignition.........
Oct 07, 2024
The driver window stopped working approximately November 2022 at about 40,000 miles. I was advised to try a reset procedure, which did not work. If there is flooding or any reason the driver needs to escape the vehicle through the window, they will not be able to. I found TSB 07-152-19R for my mom's car, yet the dealer expects us to pay almost $500 to fix this known problem.
Sep 11, 2023
I found that the horn did not work while I was driving. Later I found this to be an intermittent problem, which I looked up on line. Someone described turning the wheel to the extreme right or left made the horn work again. I tested this in my car; with the steering wheel straight the horn did not work, then when turned to the extreme in either direction, or using the panic button on the key fob the horn worked. Since I do not use the horn very often, I found out about this problem during a dangerous situation in which I both pressed on the brakes to avoid collision and used my horn to alert the other driver. I reproduced the problem myself, but it is possible that when I take it to the dealer it may not manifest because it is intermittent. The component has not been inspected by anyone, there were no warning lights or indicators of a potential malfunction. The problem first appeared last week. I will get the vehicle repaired and can make the component available for inspection upon request.
Jul 29, 2021
THE IGNITION CYCLINDER WILL NOT RELEASE VEHICLE KEY. UPON TURNING OFF VEHICLE AND ATTEMPTING TO REMOVE KEY FROM IGNITION THE KEY WILL NOT TURN PAST ON TO THE OFF POSITION. IT CAN TAKE SEVERAL TRIES OF CYCLING ON AND OFF BEFORE THE KEY CAN BE REMOVED. ISSUE IS INTERMITTENT, MOVING SHIFTER FROM PARK TO DRIVE AND BACK EVENTUALLY ALLOWS KEY TO BE REMOVED.
Apr 27, 2021
THE HORN WOULD INTERMITTENTLY WORK THEN CEASED TO WORK AT ALL. IF YOU TURNED THE STEERING WHEEL THE HORN WOULD WORK BUT NOT WORK IF THE STEERING WHEEL WAS STATIONARY. THIS SYMPTOM MEANT IT WAS A HIGH PROBABILITY THE CLOCK SPRING/ ROLL CONNECTOR WAS BAD.
Mar 28, 2021
+ 9 more complaints for this component
STRUCTURE
13 complaints
Liftgate arm (or support) broke while the liftgate was in the raised position, and the liftgate came crashing down to the closed position, while my sister-in-law was very close by. I believe a serious injury could have resulted if someone had been under the liftgate at the time. We also own a 2016 Forester, and I now expect to replace the liftgate supports as a matter of safety and peace of mind. From what I see, checking the liftgate supports is not on the maintenance schedule. I assume other SUVs are also subject to this issue.
Sep 25, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while parked in the driveway, the contact noticed that rain had leaked through the hatchback which caused mold to form on the rear passenger’s side roof. The interior lights became inoperable. After the vehicle was started, the contact became aware of smoke coming out of the driver’s side mirror. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Sep 29, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Subaru Forester. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed up an incline, the contact heard an abnormal sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related it to TSB: 12-204-16R. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 54,600.
Sep 29, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while driving approximately 20 mph, the vehicle’s hood had suddenly opened impairing the contact’s vision. The contact ended up swerving the vehicle and crashing into a nearby tree. The air bags did not deploy. The vehicle had not been towed. There were no injuries and no medical attention needed. A police report was filed. The vehicle had been taken to a certified mechanic who diagnosed that the vehicle’s hood latch and the hood strap had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired for the failure. The vehicle’s shift release lever had failed causing the shifting of gears failing and the contact was unable to remove the key. The contact took the vehicle back to the certified mechanic who repaired the vehicle however the failure persisted. The lever within the transmission stick had detached. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failures. The approximate failure mileage was 18,000.
Sep 16, 2022
Tailgate problem - car was in stopped position. I was unloading groceries so opened the tailgate. The tailgate opened and paused in it's highest position for a second and then slammed abruptly with intense speed. The speed of the closure is enough to injure someone or cause death. This is a very serious issue. Others seem to have have reported this for 2014/2015 Forester as well https://www.carproblemzoo.com/subaru/forester/2014/tailgate-problems.php
Aug 22, 2021
+ 8 more complaints for this component
STEERING
10 complaints
THE 12-16 IMPREZA, 13-17 CROSSTREK, AND 14-18 FORESTER HAVE A KNOWN ISSUE OF THE ELECTRIC STEERING RACK BECOMING COMPROMISED, LEADING TO STEERING ISSUES. THE ISSUE IS DESCRIBED IN THE ISSUE BULLETIN AS JUST "UNEVEN STEERING EFFORT" AND THAT IT IS NOT UNSAFE AND SO IS NOT A RECALL ITEM, HOWEVER I CAME TO LEARN ABOUT THIS ISSUE WITH MY CAR AFTER IT SUDDENLY STARTING THIS PROBLEM WHILE DRIVING, CAUSING ME TO JERK WILDLY TO THE OTHER SIDE OF THE ROAD WITH ONLY THE SLIGHTEST LEFT TURN OF THE STEERING WHEEL, WHICH COULD HAVE VERY DEFINITELY CAUSED AN ACCIDENT (THIS ALL BEING IN FRONT OF A POLICE OFFICER, OF COURSE). I AM 8 MONTHS PREGNANT AND NOW ALL OF A SUDDEN HAVE A POSSIBLE DANGEROUS ISSUE WITH MY CAR BUT CANNOT AFFORD THE FIX IMMEDIATELY- I AM HOPING THIS CAN BECOME A RECALL ITEM IN ORDER TO FEEL SAFE IN MY CAR AGAIN.
Apr 15, 2021
STEERING DOESN'T RETURN TO A NEUTRAL STATE WHEN TURNING AT SPEED.
Apr 07, 2020
THE POWER STEERING LIGHT COMES ON WHEN THE CAR TURNS ON. UNABLE TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL UNLESS A TON OF FORCE IS APPLIED. TURN THE CAR OFF AND ON AGAIN A FEW TIMES AND MESSAGES GOES AWAY. BUT DOES IT MULTIPLE TIMES A DAY.
Jul 22, 2019
POWER STEERING APPARENTLY DEFECTIVE. A GRINDING NOISE WILL BE HEARD WHEN STEERING ON A FREQUENT BASIS WHEN MOVING.
Jun 12, 2019
A GRINDING NOISE OCCURS WHEN THE CAR IS STEERED WHILE IN MOTION.
Jun 12, 2019
+ 5 more complaints for this component
SERVICE BRAKES
7 complaints
Brake line junction, just in front of rear passenger wheel, rusted and failed catastrophically losing all braking while driving. This is similar to the previous recall in 2014 when "more than 600,000 vehicles in the United States due to a potential issue with brake line corrosion" for many Subaru vehicles. "The recall affected vehicles built between 2005 and 2014 that were registered in states that use road salt in cold weather." SOA claims that the 2014 Forrester is not included in the recall and refuse all responsibility for repairs.
Jun 17, 2024
Brakes completely failed on the car when driving. Had it towed to the Subaru dealer, which reports that it’s the SAME issue as the recall on the 2008-13 Foresters: rear brake lines rusted completely through. Subaru claims it’s unrelated.
Apr 09, 2024
As I was going into a right turn, the brake line failed and leaked a significant amount of brake fluid making continued driving dangerous. Just before the failure, the light for low break fluid came on but there was very little warning before braking was a problem due to a significant leak. The part is no longer available as it has been repaired. I was advised by the non-dealer repair shop that it rusted out where the line comes out from under the floor.
Jul 29, 2022
REAR WHEEL BACKING PLATE DESIGN. NHTSA ID #10185064. OCCURRED ON MY 2014 FORESTER WITH 34,000 MILES (GARAGED). MADE A HOWLING NOISE AT LOW SPEEDS. REPLACED BY DEALER $700 PARTS AND LABOR. NEVER HAD THIS ON ANY OTHER CAR I HAVE OWNED. CLEARLY A DESIGN ISSUE. PLEASE SUPPORT A RECALL. NOT SAFE FOR CARS TO BE MAKING THAT KIND OF NOISE, EVEN THOUGH TECHNICALLY PASSED PA STATE INSPECTION. THANKS. .
Apr 04, 2021
ON SUMMER 2015, I HAD A PROBLEM WITH MY 2014 SUBARU FORESTER XT. I'M A SUBARU FAN. MY CAR IS EQUIPPED WITH EYESIGHT SYSTEM, WHICH WILL APPLY BRAKES FOR ME IN CASE I DON'T OR WILL INCREASE BRAKE FORCE TO AVOID A COLLISION IN CASE I DIDN'T. THIS IS ONE OF THE STRONGEST SELLING POINTS OF THE EYESIGHT SYSTEM: FRONTAL COLLISION AVOIDANCE. THAT DAY ON A BUSY HIGHWAY, DURING RUSH HOUR, I WAS NOTICING SOME SPONGE EFFECT IN THE BRAKE PEDAL SO I DECIDED TO INCREASE THE DISTANCE BETWEEN ME AND THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. SUDDENLY, THE BRAKE PEDAL STOPPED RESPONDING TO MY PROPORTIONALITY (CONTROLLED FORCE APPLIED) AND I END UP REAR-ENDING THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. I WORK TESTING LANDING GEARS FOR PLANES AND HELICOPTERS SO BRAKE FADE WAS NOT NEW TO ME. I IMMEDIATELY RECOGNIZE THE PROBLEM AND REPORTED TO THE DEALER. THE PROBLEM WAS REPRODUCED BY THE DEALER'S TECHNICIAN AND THE CAR WAS INTERNED FOR FURTHER REVISIONS. 2 DAYS LATER, THEY TOLD ME THAT THE LACK OF SERVICE IN THE BRAKE SYSTEM WAS THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM BUT THE SERVICE WAS DONE IN ANOTHER DEALER ON TIME. THAT WAS THE LAST EXCUSE I HEARD FROM SUBARU. CUSTOMER SERVICE TOLD ME THAT THEY WILL NOT REPLACE ANY PART IN THE CAR IF A DEALER DOESN'T APPROVE IT, SO I TOOK THE CAR TO THE SAME DEALER WHERE THE 20,000KM SERVICE WAS DONE, 1 HOUR AWAY FROM MY TOWN. BY THAT TIME, THE AMBIENT TEMPERATURE WAS LOWER FROM SUMMER 33C TO AUTUMN 17C. THE DEALER PUT MORE THAN 20KM ON THE CAR JUST TO TELL ME THAT HE COULD NOT REPRODUCE THE FAILURE SO THERE'S NO FAILURE AT ALL. I EXPLAIN TO HIM THAT THE FAILURE CANNOT BE REPRODUCED AT 17C TEMPERATURE. I EVEN SHOW HIM THAT THE BRAKE FORCE IS SO WEAK, IT NEVER ACTIVATES THE ABS SYSTEM, BUT ALSO IN VAIN. SUBARU CANT EXPLAIN WHY AN EYESIGHT EQUIPPED CAR ENDS UP REAR-ENDING THE CAR IN FRONT OF IT, IN BUSY TRAFFIC CONDITIONS. THEY SIMPLY DIDN'T ANSWER ME ANYMORE.
Sep 18, 2017
+ 2 more complaints for this component
WHEELS
7 complaints
Heard deep rumble while driving In May 2021 Thought it may be start of muffler or exhaust problem but Subaru service said it is rear hub bearings. Service says there may be danger of tire falling off while driving.
Jun 16, 2021
WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION, I HEARD AN UNUSUAL SOUND AND FELT VIBRATION UNDER THE REAR PORTION OF THE DRIVERS FLOOR MAT. THIS WAS MOST NOTICEABLE AT SPEEDS 40 AND ABOVE, ON BOTH HIGHWAY AND SIDE ROADS. IT OCCURRED BOTH WHEN ACCELERATING AND WHEN COASTING. DIAGNOSIS BY MECHANIC RESULTED IN LEFT REAR WHEEL BEARINGS/HUBS BEING REPLACE 9/27/19. THIS WAS REPORTED ON COMPLAINT #11320955. THEN ON 6/18/20, THE SAME THING OCCURRED, WITH SOUND AND VIBRATION ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL BEARINGS/HUB WAS REPLACED. I AM VERY LUCKY THAT I DID NOT MISS OR IGNORE THIS SOUND AND HAVE AN ISSUE WITH THE VEHICLE WHILE IT WAS IN MOTION. I AM VERY CONCERNED ABOUT THE FRONT WHEELS AT THIS TIME, AS IT SEEMS IT MAY HAPPEN WITH THEM ALSO.
Sep 03, 2020
SEPTEMBER, 2019 - I DETECTED A NEW AND DISTINCT SOUND, ALONG WITH AN ODD VIBRATION FEELING IN MY VEHICLE. IT WAS ON THE LEFT SIDE, WITH THE VIBRATION SEEMING TO COME FROM THE AREA UNDER MY FEET AS I DRIVE. IT STARTED AT ABOUT 30- 40 MPH AND DID NOT SUBSIDE, EVEN WHEN I WAS NOT ACCELERATING, OR IF I USED THE BRAKES TO SLOW DOWN SOME. BOTH THE SOUND AND VIBRATION MAINTAINED WHILE I WAS CRUISING AT THAT SPEED OR HIGHER. I TOOK THE CAR TO MY MECHANIC, WHO DETERMINED THAT THE LEFT REAR WHEEL HUB WAS BAD. I HAD IT REPLACE IMMEDIATELY. MY VEHICLE IS 5 YEARS OLD AND THE MILEAGE WAS 79364. ADDITIONAL ON THIS VEHICLE, I JUST RECEIVED SUBARU SERVICE PROGRAM WUT-05, A PROBLEM WITH THE REAR COIL SPRINGS, WHICH I ALSO EXPERIENCED IN MAY, 2019. THIS VEHICLE HAS PROBLEMS I SHOULD NOT BE HAVING AT THIS AGE/MILEAGE. THESES ARE SAFETY ISSUES AS WELL AND NEED TO BE ADDRESSED BY SUBARU.
Apr 13, 2020
FAILED REAR WHEEL BEARINGS TWICE WITHIN 20,000 MILES. INCREASINGLY LOUD NOISE WHEN IN MOTION.
Dec 26, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 SUBARU FORESTER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE FRONT PASSENGER WHEEL SHOOK SEVERELY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO COCONUT CREEK SUBARU IN COCONUT CREEK, FL, 888-459-5432, BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DIAGNOSED. THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 80,000.
Oct 30, 2017
+ 2 more complaints for this component
POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
6 complaints
After running 86,000 miles (Plus or minus), we had to bring the car to Livermore Subaru because of the noise o the middle section of the car WITH OUT any warning lights. In turns out, after extensive diagnostics testing, “the noise is coming from the inside of the CVT transmission assembly” with the estimate of $11,784.38 for a new transmission. We requested to extend the transmission warranty as NOTED Service Bulletin Number 16-107-17R dated 06/21/17 and revised on 11/09/17 for our Subaru Forester 2014. Our records show recurring CVT transmission issues, which we have consistently reported: - March 3, 2020: At 58,543 miles, Diablo Subaru noted issues with high RPM and improper shifting. Diagnostic tech notes indicated transmission problems. - November 20, 2020: At 61,023 miles, Diablo Subaru addressed a transmission valve body replacement and identified a fault in the pressure control circuit. - October 5, 2022: At 72,593 miles, Diablo Subaru found transmission fluid seepage . The oil leaks from front timing cover , leading to repairs and reseal costing $2,468.51. - August 22, 2024: At approximately 84,000 miles, Livermore Subaru confirmed the need for a CVT transmission replacement. Given our history of reported issues and diligent maintenance, The initial CVT transmission problems noted on March 3, 2020, should have been addressed under the warranty and extended warranty provisions. We have always adhered to recommended maintenance schedules and promptly addressed any issues. Unfortunately Subaru of America, insisted that because of the age will not extend the warranty for the transmission.
Sep 13, 2024
Car was well maintained and serviced by dealer at regular interval. It suddenly had “check engine” light on, within a few minutes the car died while driving and stopped in the middle of road. Then unable to restart. Fortunately I was just off highway with less traffic, otherwise could have been crashed and killed by other vehicles. Dealer confirmed malfunction of crankshaft sensor.
Jun 14, 2024
THE CAR COMPLETELY LOOSES POWER AND STUTTERS. THE ENGINE DOES NOT SHUT OFF, BUT THERE IS NO POWER GOING TO THE WHEELS. AT THIS POINT THIS HAS HAPPENED DOZENS OF TIME. IT BEGAN AROUND 20-30,000 MILES, AND CONTINUES INTO 90,000+ MILES. IT CAN HAPPEN GOING 20-40 MILES PER HOUR OR 55 OR 70. IT'S UNDER LOAD USUALLY, AND HAPPENS MORE WHEN IT IS HOT OUTSIDE. SOMETIMES IT HAPPENS ONCE, THEN I DON'T HAVE IT FOR MONTHS, AND OTHER TIMES IT HAS HAPPENED REPEATEDLY FOR MILE AFTER MILE OF DRIVING. I HAVE TO LET MY FOOT OFF THE GAS AND RE-APPLY MULTIPLE TIMES TO KEEP THE CAR MOVING. IT'S HAPPENED IN NEIGHBORHOODS, DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY, AND TRYING TO PASS ON THE HIGHWAY. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO MY DEALERSHIP NUMEROUS TIMES AND THEY REFUSE TO KEEP IT LONG ENOUGH AND TEST IT ENOUGH TO REPLICATE THE PROBLEM. IT IS STILL UNDER THE EXTRA WARRANTY I PAID FOR IT AND SUBARU REFUSES TO HELP AS WELL.
Nov 19, 2018
I ALSO HAVE OIL CONSUMPTION PROBLEM WITH MY 2014 SUBARU FORESTER, PURCHASED AT EARLY 2014. THOUGH, MY FORESTER'S OIL CONSUMPTION RATE IS ABOUT 1-1/2 QUART PER 5000 MILES. I VISITED THIS SITE BECAUSE I RECEIVED A SETTLEMENT NOTICE IN THE MAIL, PER DISTRICT COURT OF NEW JERSEY. I WAS HOPING THERE ARE SOME OFFICIAL POST TO GO ALONG WITH THE SETTLEMENT NOTICE FOR GETTING A NO-CHARGE FIX FROM THE DEALER, IF THERE IS ONE. I SUPPOSE THE NOTICE ITSELF WILL HAVE TO DO. A OFFICIAL POSTING APPEARING SOON ON THIS SITE WOULD BE NICE. HERE IS THE URL FOR THOSE THAT DID NOT GET THE NOTICE: HTTP://WWW.OILCONSUMPTION.SETTLEMENTCLASS.COM/
May 02, 2016
MY 2014 FORESTER HAS A PROBLEM WITH THE RPMS OF THE ENGINE. IN COLD WEATHER & AFTER THE ENGINE WARMS UP (DASH BLUE LIGHT TURNS OFF) & WHILE CITY DRIVING, THE ENGINE RPM GOES UP 300 TO 400 RPMS WHEN THE CLIMATE CONTROL (HEATER) IS TURNED ON. THEN IF I STOP FOR A TRAFFIC LIGHT OR A STOP SIGN OR ADJUST THE HEATER FAN SPEED, THE ENGINE RPMS WILL GO UP ANOTHER 500 TO 600 RPMS WITH THE CV TRANSMISSION GOING INTO A LOWER RANGE (TRANSMISSION WHINES QUITE LOUD AT THIS TIME). I AM NOW DRIVING WITH THE ENGINE RPM AT 1000+ OVER NORMAL RPMS (NORMAL RPMS IS CONSIDERED THE RPM WITH THE CLIMATE CONTROL OFF). THIS CONDITION WILL CONTINUE FOR CLOSE ABOUT 20 MINUTES OF CONTINUED DRIVING AND THEN STOP. IF I TURN OFF THE HEATER WHILE DRIVING THE RPMS REVERT TO NORMAL. IF I AGAIN TURN ON THE HEATER, THE RPMS AGAIN WILL GO UP 300 TO 400 RPMS AND NOT GO UP THE ADDITIONAL 500 TO 600 RPMS UNTIL I WOULD STOP AGAIN. THE 1000 RPM PLUS CONDITION APPEARS TO BE DANGEROUS ON SLIPPERY ROADS. *TR
Mar 22, 2014
+ 1 more complaint for this component
VISIBILITY/WIPER
6 complaints
THE WINDSHIELD WIPER FLUID HOSE THAT RUNS BETWEEN THE WIPER RESERVOIR AND THE SPRAYERS HAS SOME CHEAP WHITE PLASTIC THAT CRACKED AND BROKE, RENDERING THE WIPERS PRACTICALLY INOPERABLE. THIS IS SOME LOUSY PRODUCT USAGE THAT SHOULDN'T BE BREAKING ON A 6 YEAR OLD VEHICLE. THE RESERVOIR LOW FLUID LIGHT KEEPS GOING ON AND OFF TOO SO THE SENSOR IS PROBABLY BAD, DESPITE BEING FULL.
Aug 30, 2020
GOING 60 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY. MY DRIVER SIDE FRONT WINDOW SPONTANEOUSLY SHATTERED. THERE WAS JUST ONE VERY LOUD NOISE AND THE GLASS FRAGMENTS STAYED IN PLACE, WITH ONLY A FEW PIECES FALLING INTO THE CAR. NOTHING SUGGESTED THAT THE WINDOW WAS STRUCK BY ANYTHING.
Feb 09, 2020
CRACKED WINDSHIELD. ON DECEMBER 14, 2016, A 6 DEGREE DAY, THE WINDSHIELD CRACKED ACROSS HEATER STRIP, SIDE TO SIDE, WHILE PARKED. NO EVIDENCE OF, OR PRIOR DAMAGE TO WINDSHIELD. ONLINE REPORTS STATE THAT THIS IS A RECURRING PROBLEM WITH NEWER SUBARU MODELS, BECAUSE OR WEIGHT REDUCTION IN THINNER WINDSHIELDS. WINDSHIELD MANUFACTUER: AGC AUTOMOTIVE, LAMISAFE.
Apr 04, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 SUBARU FORESTER. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO USE THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS, THEY FAILED TO OPERATE. IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED; HOWEVER, THERE WERE NO PARTS TO REMEDY THE DEFECT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 27,183.
Jan 24, 2017
IF IT IS SNOWING AND THE TEMPERATURE IS FREEZING OR BELOW, THE WIPER BLADES ALMOST IMMEDIATELY BEGIN TO GET ICE BUILD-UP AND THE WINDSHIELD ALSO ACCUMULATES ICE. AFTER FURTHER STUDY, IT WOULD APPEAR THAT THERE IS A PLASTIC TRIM, ALMOST LIKE A WATER TROUGH, IMMEDIATELY BELOW AND FORWARD OF THE WIPER BLADES. IT APPEARS THAT AS THE DEFROST MELTS THE SNOW, THE WATER IS CAUGHT IN THE TROUGH WITHOUT ADEQUATE DRAINAGE AND THE FORWARD MOVEMENT OF THE VEHICLE CREATES A MIST THAT THEN BLOWS UP ONTO THE WIPER BLADES CAUSING THE ICE BUILD-UP AND ALSO CAN BLOW MIST ONTO THE WINDSHIELD FURTHER COMPLICATING THE PROBLEM. IT HAPPENS ALMOST IMMEDIATELY AND IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS MAKING IT ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO SEE. THE ONLY OPTION REALLY IS TO GET OFF THE ROAD AND STOP. LOOKING AT EARLIER MODELS, IT APPEARS THAT A REDESIGN MADE THE TRIM DEEPER, AND NARROWER, WHILE THE HOOD WAS LOWERED AND A RIDGE PUT IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HOOD. THIS HAS APPARENTLY CHANGED THE AERODYNAMICS AND CAUSED THIS VERY BAD PROBLEM.
Jan 26, 2016
+ 1 more complaint for this component
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
6 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V149000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. BYERS SUBARU ALEXANDRIA (2301, 7416 RICHMOND HWY, ALEXANDRIA, VA 22306, (703) 768-5800) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT ABLE TO CONFIRM WHEN THE PARTS WERE TO BECOME AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
May 28, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V149000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING). THE CONTACT CALLED AN UNKNOWN DEALER AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND WAS NOT ABLE TO CONFIRM WHEN THE PARTS WERE TO BECOME AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Apr 22, 2019
MY HIGH BEAM/DAYTIME RUNNING BULB BLEW ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. WHEN REPLACING THE BULB I FOUND IT HAD ACTUALLY MELTED, AND HAD A LARGE BUBBLE IN THE GLASS. APPROXIMATELY A YEAR PREVIOUS THE DRIVERS SIDE BULB HAD BLOWN AND I HAD FOUND THE SAME BUBBLE, BUT DIDN'T REPORT IT AT THAT TIME, ASSUMING IT WAS JUST SOMETHING WEIRD THAT HAPPENED ONCE. NOW THAT IT'S HAPPENED TWICE, ONCE ON EACH SIDE, I'M MORE CONCERNED THERE'S A LARGER ISSUE WITH THE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS FOR THE BLURB TO GET SO HOT THAT IT ACTUALLY MELTED THE GLASS.
Apr 19, 2019
LOW BEAM HEADLAMP HAS BEEN REPLACED TWICE IN 12 MONTHS. THERE HAVE BEEN WARRANTY EXTENSIONS ON OLDER SUBARU'S FOR THIS PROBLEM BUT IT HAS NOT BEEN ADDRESSED FOR NEWER MODELS
Sep 16, 2016
THE LOW BEAM HEAD LIGHTS ARE VERY POOR, THEY ONLY PROJECT 100 FT . BECAUSE OF THIS WE HIT A DEER WHICH CAUSED $4000 DAMAGE. PLASE TELL ME YOU ARE LOOKING INTO THIS PROBLEM. THE DEALERSHIP REFUSES TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM
May 04, 2016
+ 1 more complaint for this component
AIR BAGS,SEATS
5 complaints
The passenger side seat airbag sensor has quit sensing when someone is seating in the seat and turns off the airbag. After taking it in to the dealership and them running diagnostics they said, “it isnt working.” They quoted me a repair of $1182 to replace the whole seat. I know Subaru has issued a recall on certain models, but my car was not one of them. It seems like the same problem though. There appears to be a lot of people having the same faulty sensor system and having to pay high repair costs that only the dealership can do.
Jul 10, 2023
I have a 2014 Subaru Forester and I am having the exact same problem described in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V701000. The dealership wants to charge $1250 dollars to replace the seat bottom for a part that is recalled for all Subaru Foresters from 2015-2018. An electrical connection in the front passenger seat for the Occupant Detection System (ODS) is causing the airbag sensor to remain in the OFF position even when there is a passenger in the car. This is unsafe! When I contacted corporate they were unwilling to pay for replacing the part. My only recourse is to hope that the recall is expanded to include the 2014 Subaru Foresters.
Jan 22, 2022
Last week I had an issue when no one was in the passenger seat but the seatbelt chiming continued to go off. This happened even after turning off and restarting the car. The issue seemed to be resolved until I noticed the passenger airbag was off when I was driving my mom. Then a warning, "SRS airbag system needs to be checked", came on and has not turned off. I see a recall for 2015-2018 Foresters, but none with my VIN number. Of course, I've searched online and it seems to be a problem with others. I know moisture could be an issue, but I don't remember spilling anything recently. I wanted to report this in case another recall should be made.
Jul 23, 2021
PASSENGER OCCUPANCY SENSOR FAULTY. WITH AN ADULT PASSENGER PRESENT IN THE SEAT, THE PASSENGER AIRBAG SYSTEM WILL FREQUENTLY TURN OFF WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION. THIS CAN SOMETIMES BE RESOLVED BY PULLING OVER AND RESTARTING THE VEHICLE. RESTARTING THE VEHICLE DOES NOR RELIABLY RESOLVE THE ERROR.
Sep 29, 2019
MY VEHICLE HAS A PROBLEM WITH THE AIRBAG SYSTEM. I WAS FIRST ALERTED BY MY CARS WARNING SYSTEM, WHICH STATES 'SRS AIRBAG SYSTEM NEEDS TO BE CHECKED' AND GIVES ME A RED WARNING SYMBOL OF THE AIRBAG BEING INFLATED. SECONDLY IT SHOWS MY PASSENGER AIRBAG IS OFF EVEN WHEN SOMEONE IS SITTING IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. THIS WARNING DID NOT COME ON DUE TO A COLLISION AS MY VEHICLE HAS NEVER BEEN IN A COLLISION OR INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT OTHERWISE. IT SIMPLY APPEARED SEEMINGLY OUT OF NOWHERE FOR NO REASON AT ALL. I HAVE TAKEN MY VEHICLE IN SEVERAL TIMES TO DIFFERENT SUBARU DEALERSHIPS TO ASK WHAT THE PROBLEM IS. I WAS FIRST TOLD THERE WAS NO PROBLEM WITH THE SYSTEM THAT PERHAPS IT WAS JUST A MALFUNCTION IN THE SENSOR. THEN THE OTHER DEALERSHIPS TOLD ME THAT THERE WAS AN ISSUE WITH THE PASSENGER SEAT SENSOR, BUT THAT THEY ARE UNABLE TO CONFIRM IF THIS IS THE SOURCE OF THE PROBLEM CAUSING THE AIRBAG LIGHT TO COME ON AND THE PASSENGER AIRBAG TO BE TURNED OFF. THEY SAID I WOULD NEED TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE PASSENGER SEAT, BUT THEY WERE UNSURE IF THIS WOULD FIX THE ISSUE. I TOOK IT TO AN INDEPENDENT MACHANIC AND THEY ALSO WERE UNABLE TO VERIFY THE SOURCE OF THE PROBLEM AND REFERRED ME BACK TO THE SUBARU DEALERSHIP. I CONTACTED SUBARU OF AMERICA ABOUT THE ISSUE AND I NEVER RECEIVED ANY COMMUNICATION FROM THEM, ALTHOUGH THEY PROMISED TO GET BACK TO ME ABOUT THE ISSUE. I JUST KNOW THERE IS NOTHING I COULD HAVE DONE TO MAKE THIS PROBLEM APPEAR. I BELIEVE THIS IS A MANUFACTURER ISSUE, JUST BASED ON THE FACT THAT SUBARU COULD NOT IDENTIFY WHAT THE PROBLEM IS OR IT'S CAUSE. SO FAR I JUST HAVE BEEN TOLD THE PASSENGER SEAT SENSOR IS SOMEHOW DEFECTIVE AND THAT IT IS NOT COVERED UNDER ANY WARRANTY.
Nov 15, 2018
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES
4 complaints
The contact owns a 2014 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while she had the brake pedal depressed, the vehicle suddenly accelerated unintendedly. The vehicle crashed into the garage in front of the vehicle. The air bags did not deploy. The contact had not received any injuries. There was damage to the garage, itself. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a certified mechanic or dealer as of yet. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 61,765.
Jul 28, 2022
ACCELERATION WHILE BRAKING AND IT'S SPORADIC
May 17, 2020
2014 SUBARU FORESTER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO BATTERY BEING DRAINED ABS FAULT LIGHT BEING ILLUMINATED. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED MULTIPLE FAILURES BEGAN AFTER HAVING SAFETY RECALL WUE-90 PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE'S BATTERY REPEATEDLY WOULD DRAIN DUE TO THE TAIL LIGHT BEING ILLUMINATED WITH NO APPARENT CAUSE. THE HILL CONTROL WARNING LIGHT, ABS WARNING LIGHT, AND THE ANTI SKID WARNING LIGHTS ALL ILLUMINATED. OCCASIONALLY, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE WHEN DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL. *JS
Sep 03, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 SUBARU FORESTER. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING REVERSED, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS SLIGHTLY DEPRESSED AND THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED VERY QUICKLY. THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, BUT FAILED TO SLOW DOWN OR STOP THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V159000 (EQUIPMENT). NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 42,000.
Jan 11, 2018
ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
4 complaints
2014 SUBARU FORESTER STOPPED RUNNING WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE FREEWAY AT 70 MILES AN HOUR. ENGINE JUST QUITE RUNNING. LOST POWER. HAD TO PULL OVER IN MEDIAN. VERY SCARY. THIS IS SECOND TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED. DID NOT THROW A CODE MESSAGE. DEALERSHIP CAN NOT DETECT PROBLEM. FIRST TIME WAS 4 YEARS AGO WHEN DRIVING AT 35 MPH ON CITY STREET COMING INTO TOWN. DID NOT THROW ERROR MESSAGE AT THAT TIME WAS TOLD TO DRIVE IT UNTIL IT DID IT AGAIN.
Nov 18, 2019
I WAS ON AN ON RAMP ONTO THE HIGHWAY WHEN THE COMPUTER IN THE CENTER OF THE DASH STARTED ALERTING THAT SEVERAL SYSTEMS NEEDED CHECK. ALL THE DASHBOARD INDICATORS WENT OFF AND THE VEHICLE LOST POWER EVEN WHEN I PRESSED THE GAS PEDAL. AFTER TURNING THE CAR OFF AND THEN BACK ON AGAIN IT WAS IDLING HARD AND IT SEVERAL WARNING LIGHTS REMAINED ON. THE CAR WAS TOWED UNDER WARRANTY TO THE NEAREST DEALERSHIP. UPON INVESTIGATION THE DEALER SAID THERE WAS A BAD COIL. AFTER REPLACING THE COIL THE VEHICLE STILL DIDN'T WORK. NOW THEY CLAIMED THERE WAS A BAD FUEL INJECTOR. AFTER REPLACING THAT THE CAR CONTINUED NOT TO WORK. THE PROBLEM THEY KEPT SEEING WAS A MISFIRE IN CYLINDER 4. THEY CHANGED O-RINGS, THEY CLEANED THE ENGINE, THEY EVEN ORDERED A NEW ENGINE AND REPLACED THE ENGINE AND IT STILL SUFFERS FROM THE MISFIRE. THE CAR HAS NOW BEEN IN THE SHOP FOR 34 DAYS AND THEY HAVE NO IDEA WHAT IS WRONG OR HOW TO FIX IT.
Sep 30, 2016
WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE ON HIGHWAY SPEEDS IN TEMPERATURES AROUND 85-90 (OR GREATER) DEGREES VEHICLE WILL NOT ALLOW ACCELERATION. VEHICLE STUMBLES, DETONATES AND WILL NOT ALLOW THE DRIVER TO APPLY POWER WITHOUT HESITATION AND ENGINE STUMBLES. THIS PROBLEM CAN BE RECREATED AT WILL AND YET THE VEHICLE WILL NOT THROW A CEL UNLESS A LARGER FAILURE HAPPENS, WHICH TYPICALLY IS THE #3 CYLINDER BURNS OFF THE SPARK PLUG ELECTRODE AND DAMAGES THE ENGINE. SUBARU IS AWARE OF THE ISSUE BUT CONSIDERS THIS CONDITION NORMAL. THE VEHICLE IS NOT APPROPRIATELY MAPPED FOR THE SUBARU SUGGESTED FUEL OCTANE LEVEL, HAS TURBO BOOST PIPING LEAKS ACCORDING TO NUMEROUS INDIVIDUALS.
Sep 15, 2016
VEHICLE HESITATES UPON ACCELERATION FROM A STOP WITH SLIGHT SHUTTERING. CAR NOW HAS 6,600 MILE AND STILL HAS THE PROBLEM. DEALER ACKNOWLEDGES THE PROBLEM BUT CLAIMS THIS IS THE WAY THE CAR WAS DESIGNED.
Jun 03, 2015
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
3 complaints
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.
Dec 07, 2025
This is one of the emails I sent to Subaru. I had just paid 425 to replace a tail light when the seal failed, the same time the wiper motor went bad 600+ to fix that. This car was in such bad shape they did not even recommend repairing. I had to buy a used car which was a financial hardship. I believe Subaru should reimburse me the cost of the transmission and tail light assembly Gentlemen, I'm writing to you to express my EXTREME regret in buying a Subaru. If I went into all the repair details, it would take forever. My new case number is 2303131700678. I m requesting that this repair be covered and paid for completely by Subaru, as well as the money I paid towards the new transmission be refunded to me. Once you review all the repair records, you will understand my frustration. This whole car is an example of poor engineering and quality control. I held up my end of the deal, I paid off the loan, I maintained the car thru scheduled maintenance at the dealership. Subaru has failed me. Have your team pull all my repair records and read them thoroughly. Note the bad bushings, note the failed back up camera, note how the entire under the hood has failed at only at 120,000 miles. Where is my 200,000 miles that you claim the car should last? Subaru sold a defective car, Subaru knows darn well that this model has transmission and oil issues. I don't care that my systems failed after the 100,000 extended warranty. If you did your job right, you would not have to have extended it. I look forward to my transmission reimbursement and the complete repairs the car requires AT NO COST TO ME. It is your turn to uphold your part of the bargain.
Apr 14, 2023
THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN GETTING PROGRESSIVELY WORST. THE CAR HAS BEEN HAVING TROUBLES TURNING OVER ON COLD STARTS, AND HAS EXPERIENCED A LOSS OF PROPULSION AND STALL GOING UP HILL INCLUDING A LOSS OF BRAKES SINCE I BOUGHT IT A YEAR AGO. ON 9/6/2014 THE CAR WAS STARTED AND WAS IDLING HIGH (APPROXIMATELY 4000RPM), CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON, SPEED CONTROL LIGHT WAS ON, INCLINE ALERT LIGHT ON, SPORT MODE LIGHT WAS ON AND CHECK EMISSIONS SYSTEM LIGHT WAS ON. HAD TO MOVE THE CAR OUT OF THE GARAGE AND IT BARELY MADE IT UP THE INCLINE IN THE UNDERGROUND GARAGE AS IT WAS NOT RESPONDING TO THE ACCELERATOR, CALLED FOR A TOW WHICH NEVER ARRIVED AND TRIED TO RESTART OUT OF FRUSTRATION ALL LIGHTS WERE OFF AND CAR I MADE IT TO THE DEALER WHICH WAS NOT FAR AWAY. HAVE ALREADY HAD THE DEALER INSPECT THE CAR ONCE TO GET TO THE BOTTOM OF THE PROBLEM AND THEY REPORTED THEIR DIAGNOSTICS SHOWED NOTHING WAS WRONG AND THAT CAR ELECTRICAL\COMPUTER PROBLEMS CANNOT BE FIXED UNTIL THEY BREAK COMPLETELY (OR SOMEONE IS HURT OR INJURED PERHAPS). THERE WAS ONE MORE REPORT SIMILAR TO THIS ON CARCOMPLAINTS.COM THAT OCCURRED AT HIGH SPEED. SEEMS TO ME THAT CAR IS NOT SAFE AT THIS POINT. *TR
Sep 07, 2014
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
3 complaints
This morning 2/20/2024 I was driving up a main commercial street in traffic, going about 10 -15 mph. I did not have my foot in the accelerator or brake as I was on a very slight incline. Suddenly, the car accelerated, made a roaring sound as if the accelerator had been stepped on strongly and started to jerk forward. I jammed on the brake and stopped the car. I did not hit the car in front of me. This happened once before, several years ago, but not to the extent of this time. The car has 45, 400 miles on it and was just serviced at the Subaru dealer 2 weeks ago. There were no problems noted at that time. There were no warning lights, messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to this incident. It was probably the accelerator and fuel systems that failed. I have made an appointment with the Subaru dealer, but can't get in for a week. It was a dangerous and frightening incident. Fortunately, I was quick to respond and had a safe distance from the car in front of me. It could have been a very serious event had I not been quick to respond and had read in the past about this problem with the Subaru Forester. I tend to be a very alert, focused, and aware driver.
Feb 20, 2024
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 SUBARU FORESTER. WHILE DRIVING 78 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT COASTED THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE FUEL INDICATOR DISPLAYED THAT THE FUEL WAS LOW. THE CONTACT CALLED THE POLICE AND WAS ESCORTED TO GET SOME FUEL. THE CONTACT ADDED FUEL TO THE VEHICLE, RESTARTED THE ENGINE, AND DROVE 400 MILES WITHOUT FURTHER INCIDENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SUBARU OF DAYTONA (650 N NOVA RD, DAYTONA BEACH, FL 32114, (386) 255-2252) WHERE THEY DIAGNOSED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OVERHEATING AND REPLACED THE FUEL PUMP. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT NOT TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE WITH LESS THAN A THIRD OF A TANK OF FUEL SINCE THAT CAUSED THE FUEL PUMP TO OVERHEAT. THE FUEL READER LATER DISPLAYED UNUSUAL READINGS AND STARTED ILLUMINATING CONSTANTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER; HOWEVER, THE CONTACT BELIEVED NOTHING WAS DONE DURING THE WEEK IT WAS IN THEIR POSSESSION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND PROVIDED INVESTIGATION NUMBER: 1-38017139050. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THEY WOULD CALL THE CONTACT BACK, BUT HAD NOT IN FOUR WEEKS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 17,000.
Nov 29, 2018
SUDDEN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. THE VEHICLE RAPIDLY ACCELERATED AS THOUGH THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL HAD BEEN FLOORED. THIS OCCURRED IMMEDIATELY AFTER I SHIFTED FROM REVERSE TO DRIVE TO LEAVE MY DRIVEWAY WITHOUT MY THE ACCELERATOR. THE VEHICLE WOULDN'T RESPOND TO BRAKING. I HAD TO IMMEDIATELY TURN THE WHEEL TO AVOID GOING INTO THE CULVERT DIRECTLY ACROSS FROM MY DRIVEWAY. THE ROAD THEN IS AN IMMEDIATE RIGHT-HAND TURN BUT THE CAR WAS ALREADY GOING TOO FAST FOR ME TO SUCCESSFULLY STAY ON THE ROAD. THE CAR WENT INTO THE CULVERT ACROSS THAT ROAD, DEPLOYING ALL THE AIRBAGS, AND ESSENTIALLY DEMOLISHING THE CAR (>$20K TO REPAIR). MY WIFE AND I WERE TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL VIA AMBULANCE FOR VARIOUS TESTS AND CT SCANS; FORTUNATELY, NOT TOO MUCH DAMAGE BEYOND WHAT THE SEAT BELTS AND AIRBAGS DID TO US....UPDATED 09/22/15 *BF *CN
Aug 06, 2015
SEATS
3 complaints
The contact owns a 2014 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that he lowered the rear passenger’s seat to make some room in the vehicle to install the child safety seat. While attempting to raise the seatback up to lock it into place, the rear passenger seat would not latch in place securely. The seat had to remain in the lowered position. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.
Sep 07, 2021
AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT IS LIT ON THE MAIN CLUSTER BEHIND THE STEERING WHEEL AND ALSO ON THE CENTER DISPLAY. I BELIEVE THE SYSTEM IS FAULTY AND I'M SEEING AN OVERWHELMING NUMBER OF SIMILAR COMPLAINTS ONLINE. I'M WORRIED THE AIRBAGS WILL NOT DEPLOY IN AN ACCIDENT. MY CAR HAS NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT, I HAVE NEVER SPILLED FLUIDS ON THE SEATS WHICH SEEMS TO BE A COMMON PHRASE COMING FROM MECHANICS AT SUBARU SERVICE CENTERS. SUBARU SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR SAFETY SYSTEMS. THEY SHOULD DIAGNOSE AND FIX THIS SAFETY PROBLEM. THIS IS NOT A PART THAT THAT EXPERIENCES WEAR AND TEAR LIKE BRAKE PADS. IF IT WAS, I'D HAPPILY PAY OUT OF POCKET TO REPLACE. I DON'T WANT TO WAIT AND SEE IF AIRBAGS GO OFF IN AN ACCIDENT. SUBARU HAS ALREADY ISSUED A RECALL FOR 2015-2018 MODELS. THIS TELLS ME THEY HAVE PROBLEMS WITH THEIR AIRBAG SYSTEMS AND NEGLECTED TO ADDRESS ISSUES ON 2014 MODELS.
Jul 18, 2020
WHEN I BOUGHT THE CAR IN 2016 THE DRIVERS SEAT COVER HAD CRACKS IN THE BOTTOM LEFT SEAT CUSHION COVER. THE LEFT BOTTOM SEAT COVER WAS REPLACED. NOW 4 YEARS LATER THE SAME AREA ON THE REPLACEMENT SEAT COVER IS CRACKING. IN ADDITION THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT COVER IS CRACKING ON THE RIGHT SIDE SEAT CUSHION COVER.
Mar 22, 2020
AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS,SEATS
3 complaints
OCCUPANT DETECTION SYSTEM (ODS) MALFUNCTIONING. PASSENGER AIRBAG IS OFF WHEN AN ADULT IS SEATED IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. SOMETIMES THE PASSENGER AIRBAG IS ON WHILE THERE IS NO ONE (AND NOTHING) ON THE SEAT, CAUSING THE SEAT BELT WARNING CHIME TO OCCUR UNTIL SEAT BELT IS BUCKLED. SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS) LIGHT APPEARS ON DASHBOARD AND SHUTS DOWN AIRBAG SYSTEM WHILE DRIVING. THESE THINGS OCCUR SOMEWHAT RANDOMLY WHEN STARTING THE CAR, CONTINUE WHILE DRIVING IN THE CITY AND HIGHWAY, AND DON'T GO AWAY UNTIL THE CAR IS TURNED OFF. SOMETIMES RESTARTING THE CAR WILL CORRECT THE PROBLEM. I BROUGHT MY FORESTER TO THE DEALERSHIP BACK IN 2017 AND THEY REPORTED THAT THE SENSORS OF THE ODS SYSTEM WERE NOT WORKING PROPERLY AND WILL NEED TO BE REPLACES. COST ESTIMATE IS ABOUT $1,100. THEY SAID THE LIKELY CAUSE IS MOISTURE OR THE SEAT GOT WET. I LIVE IN A DRY CLIMATE AREA AND HAVE NOT GOTTEN THE SEATS WET AT ALL RECENTLY (AND BARELY EVER IN THE PAST). THROUGH RESEARCH, I HAVE FOUND A VERY SIMILAR PROBLEM HAS OCCURRED IN THE 2015-2018 MODELS AND THERE IS A RECALL (WUM-98) FOR THOSE YEARS. MY FORESTER IS A 2014 AND IS OF THE SAME GENERATION BUT ISN'T INCLUDED IN THE RECALL FOR SOME REASON. IS IT POSSIBLE THAT THE 2014 MODEL SHOULD ALSO BE INCLUDED IF THE SAME PROBLEM IS HAPPENING? APPRECIATE ANY HELP AND INSIGHT YOU CAN OFFER!
Mar 28, 2021
OCCUPANT DETECTION SYSTEM (ODS) MALFUNCTIONING. PASSENGER AIRBAG IS OFF WHEN AN ADULT IS SEATED IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. SOMETIMES THE PASSENGER AIRBAG IS ON WHILE THERE IS NO ONE (AND NOTHING) ON THE SEAT, CAUSING THE SEAT BELT WARNING CHIME TO OCCUR UNTIL SEAT BELT IS BUCKLED. SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS) LIGHT APPEARS ON DASHBOARD AND SHUTS DOWN AIRBAG SYSTEM WHILE DRIVING. THESE THINGS OCCUR SOMEWHAT RANDOMLY WHEN STARTING THE CAR, CONTINUE WHILE DRIVING IN THE CITY AND HIGHWAY, AND DON'T GO AWAY UNTIL THE CAR IS TURNED OFF. SOMETIMES RESTARTING THE CAR WILL CORRECT THE PROBLEM. I BROUGHT MY FORESTER TO THE DEALERSHIP TODAY (1/26/2021) AND THEY REPORTED THAT THE SENSORS OF THE ODS SYSTEM WERE NOT WORKING PROPERLY AND WILL NEED TO BE REPLACES. COST ESTIMATE IS ABOUT $1,100 AND I HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL THE PART GETS SHIPPED IN. THEY SAID THE LIKELY CAUSE IS MOISTURE OR THE SEAT GOT WET. I LIVE IN A DRY CLIMATE AREA AND HAVE NOT GOTTEN THE SEATS WET AT ALL RECENTLY (AND BARELY EVER IN THE PAST). THROUGH RESEARCH, I HAVE FOUND A VERY SIMILAR PROBLEM HAS OCCURRED IN THE 2015-2018 MODELS AND THERE IS A RECALL (WUM-98) FOR THOSE YEARS. MY FORESTER IS A 2014 AND IS OF THE SAME GENERATION BUT ISN'T INCLUDED IN THE RECALL FOR SOME REASON. IS IT POSSIBLE THAT THE 2014 MODEL SHOULD ALSO BE INCLUDED IF THE SAME PROBLEM IS HAPPENING? APPRECIATE ANY HELP AND INSIGHT YOU CAN OFFER!
Jan 26, 2021
FRONT PASSENGER SEAT AIR BAG SENSOR, FRONT PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANCY SENSOR, FRONT PASSENGER SEAT AIRBAG COMPUTER, RED AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT, YELLOW PASSENGER AIRBAG "ON/OFF" LIGHT, SEAT BELT WARNING AND CHIME. AIR BAG DISABLED WARNING INTERMITTENTLY COMES ON WHEN PASSENGER SEAT IS OCCUPIED, SEAT BELT FASTENED, CAR OUT OF GEAR, STATIONARY. SOMETIMES STOPPING ENGINE, KEY OFF AND REMOVED, THEN ENGINE RESTARTED WILL RESET THIS WARNING. OTHER TIMES DURING NORMAL DRIVING, PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPIED, SEAT BELT LATCHED, AIR BAG WARNING (RED) LIGHT WILL OCCURS AND YELLOW PASS AIRBAG ACTIVE LIGHT WILL INDICATE PASSENGER AIR BAG INACTIVE. WHEN FRONT PASS SEAT EMPTY OR WITH WEIGHT AS LIGHT AS 2 POUNDS ON THE SEAT, SEAT BELT WARNING LIGHT AND CHIME COMES ON WHEN SPEED EXCEEDS 5 MPH. SOMETIMES THIS ALARM CAN BE RESET BY SHARPLY STRIKING SEAT, SOMETIMES NOT, AND TRIP MUST BE COMPLETED WITH THE SEAT BELT BUCKLED. IN THIS CASE THE PASSENGER AIRBAG LIGHT USUALLY SHOWS INACTIVE. THE SEAT BELT ISSUE HAS BEEN HAPPENING FOR ABOUT 2 YEARS, GETTING MORE FREQUENT. THE AIRBAG ISSUE HAS BEEN HAPPENING DURING THE LAST TWO MONTHS, STARTING JUST AFTER THE STOP LIGHT SWITCH RECALL MAINTENANCE WAS PERFORMED AT SUBARU DEALER IN LAS VEGAS, NV.
Sep 03, 2019
STRUCTURE,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
3 complaints
JUST PULLED INTO A PARKING SPOT, FOOT ON BRAKE, CAR SURGED. *TR
Aug 19, 2014
IN PARKING SPOT, FOOT ON BRAKE, CAR SUDDENLY SURGED. *TR
Aug 19, 2014
I WAS DRIVING UP MY DRIVEWAY. I WAS BRAKING WHEN THE CAR JERKED FORWARD AND HIT THE GARAGE DOOR. I WAS ABLE TO STOP THE CAR BY APPLYING THE BRAKES. THE GARAGE DOOR WAS DAMAGED AS WAS THE FRONT BUMPER AND GRILL OF THE CAR. *TR
Jun 05, 2014
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES
2 complaints
I had 2 accidents with this car. The first was on October 10, 2023. I pulled into a parking space and braked. I move forward a little more and braked again. The car suddenly accelerated and hit 2 vehicles parking across from me. My car was damaged, and one of the cars I hit was badly damaged, and the other had less damage. My 93 year old father was not injured. I had an injury on my hand, where the skin split between my right hand and forefinger. Fortunately there was no one in either of the other cars. I do not know if the vehicle was inspected by anyone. There was no warning light. It all happened in seconds. I had no idea what happened, so I thought my foot must have slipped and hit the gas pedal. I had my car repaired at the Apple Subaru's body shop in York, PA. It was in the shop for about a month. I drove it aroung for a few weeks then started noticing some lurching forward after braking. I still assumed my foot my foot must be slipping. On December 1, 1923, I decided to go to our local farmer's market for apples. The car lurched a few times causing me to run a stop sign. I decided it was unfit to go on to the market and decided to take it to my service station. The service station is located on a ridge. There office and some of the garage bays are on the upper level on the ridge. The property goes downhill around that. There is an entry next to the office that is marked as a handicapped space. I was not thinking clearly when I decided to park there. I pulled partway into the space, braked, and then moved forward a bit. When I braked the car took off at a high speed, through a railing, over the edge, and landed sideways on the ground below. I was trapped in the car and had to be removed by firefighters. When they pulled me out I was taken to the ER. My car was totalled. My son did some research and sent me some links. I am now sure that the cause was the sudden acceleration problem with Subaru. I have reported this to Subaru.
Dec 25, 2023
WARNING LIGHTS KEEP GOING ON WHILE DRIVING INCLUDING THE "ABS WARNING LIGHT", "HILL ASSIST" AND "VEHICLE DYNAMICS CONTROL" . THIS ALWAYS DISENGAGES THE CRUISE CONTROL AND OFTEN HAPPENS AFTER DRIVING FOR AWHILE. THIS DIDN'T START HAPPENING UNTIL I HAD THE DEALER REPLACE THE CLOCK SPRING DUE TO NON WORKING HORN AND CRUISE CONTROL AND TROUBLE WITH STEERING ROLL CONNECTOR. THEY ALSO REPLACED REAR COIL SPRINGS AND REAR LEFT WHEEL BEARING AND BACKING PLATE.
Jan 17, 2021
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
2 complaints
The contact owns a 2014 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that the tailgate was in an upright position and then the tailgate closed unexpectedly. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the dealer was unable to repair the vehicle. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 08V135000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 174,944.
Mar 13, 2023
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE HOOD INADVERTENTLY UNLATCHED AND OPENED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO NEW MOTORS SUBARU (8670 PEACH ST, ERIE, PA 16509) TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE MECHANIC HAD NOT FOUND ANY PART THAT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT YET REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE AND PROMISED TO PROVIDE A CALLBACK WHICH WAS STILL PENDING. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 42,000.
May 13, 2021
AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
2 complaints
The contact owns a 2014 Subaru Forester. The contact stated while pulling into a parking space, the vehicle accelerated unintendedly, went over a cement post, onto a sidewalk pavement, and crashed into a condo building. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact did not recall whether the brake pedal was depressed but failed to respond. The air bags failed to deploy. The contact was informed by the emergency units who examined her at the scene that she had sustained high blood pressure. There was no police report filed. The vehicle was towed to an autobody shop where it was repaired. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer where it was being diagnosed. The failure mileage was approximately 44,000.
Jun 10, 2022
2014 SUBARU FORESTER. ATTORNEY REPRESENTING CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE SUDDEN ACCELERATION COLLISION. *SMD AS THE CONSUMER APPROACHED A HANDICAP SPACE, HE SLOWED DOWN TO APPROXIMATELY 2-3 MPH AND WHEN HE REMOVED HIS FOOT FROM THE ACCELERATOR AND APPLIED THE BRAKE TO STOP, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED RAPIDLY AND STRUCK TWO PARKED VEHICLES AND THEN CAME TO A STOP, THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. *JB
Nov 15, 2016
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
2 complaints
On Friday, 12-3-21 I was in an accident in my local Costco parking lot while backing out of my spot. While backing out of the spot slowly with the wheel turned, my 2014 Subaru Forester had a sudden and extreme acceleration in reverse doing a reverse u-turn into a parked car causing considerable damage to the rear end of both cars. I am certain that I did not to press the gas pedal as this is a busy parking lot and I always back out very slowly just covering the brake. There is some kind of mechanical issue with my car that caused this malfunction. I was evaluated by paramedics and taken to the local emergency room with a significant bump on the back right side of my head. My car is currently available for inspection. I am in the process of reporting this to Subaru of America to see if they can inspect/evaluate the car.
Dec 05, 2021
Went through automated car wash. Proceeded to lane for towel drying. Car suddenly unintentionally accelerated. Hit rear passenger side of parked car and also collided with the fence that ultimately stopped my forward motion. The car passed across two side walks and one side street during this event. No pedestrians or cross traffic was present or this would have been catastrophic. There were no previous warning signs of this event. My insurance company was notified and inspected the vehicle. A formal complaint was filed with Subaru of America and we are still waiting for them to inspect the vehicle. They have authorized repair of the vehicle prior to them seeing it.
Sep 23, 2021
TIRES
2 complaints
Two tires on our car developed the same problem two weeks apart: a large bulge in the sidewall near the rim. On 10/5/21 we noticed a bulge on the rear driver’s side tire which looked like a tennis ball was emerging. We took it to our mechanic here in Ohio. He said not to drive on it and replaced the tire. It had less than 13,000 miles on it and I thought it should be covered under warranty. We were told the bulge was due to “road hazard” and so wasn’t covered. They said a chuckhole could do this. We have no recollection of anything like that. And a chuckhole would usually affect the front tire, not the rear. Moreover, the mechanic looked at the rim and said it was not dented. So they suggested I contact Cooper Tire. I paid for the tire and called Cooper. They had me bring the tire to a different shop for evaluation, recommending a Conrad’s Tire nearby. I took it there and the mechanic called Cooper and told them he saw no evidence of road hazard. Cooper then asked me to send the tire to them. Two weeks later we were in Connecticut and heard a low sound from the tires. We took the car to a local shop 10/19/21 where the mechanic showed us a bulge in the sidewall of the front passenger's side tire near the rim that looked exactly the same as the prior defect albeit somewhat smaller, maybe golf ball size. He said it was dangerous to drive on it and he replaced it. I have a photograph of the second tire but unfortunately not the first. Except for the noise the second tire made, there was no noise or warning light or other symptom to alert us to either problem. I sent both tires to Cooper by UPS on their dime three weeks ago and have not heard back. Tire size: M&S 225/60R17 Both tires are DOT U941 1CW 4619 C07R Both were purchased 5/19/20 Thank you in advance for looking into this. I still have two tires on our car purchased at the same time as the two that failed. If there is truly a defect ,either could fail suddenly at any time. Thank you.
Nov 13, 2021
YOKOHAMA G-91 TIRES- ON A SUBRAU FORRESTER 225-60-17 WITH LESS THAN 30K MILES THE TIRES WERE BALDING. ROTATIONS WERE DOWN BETWEEN 6000 AND 7000 MILES- LIKE CLOCKWORK. I WROTE YOKOHAMA. I HAVE NOT RECEIVED A RESPONSE. I HAVE SPOKEN WITH OTHER OWNERS, (SUBRAU USING G91) AND THEY HAVE NOTICED THIS PROBLEM,TOO. I HAVE PURCHASED ANOTHER BRAND OF TIRE AS THESE ARE DANGEROUS-
May 27, 2015
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES
2 complaints
Several warning messages appeared on the dash at the same time: Check engine, Check emissions control system, Hill start assist system needs to be checked. In addition, the pictures of a car climbing a hill and a car with swerving skid marks behind it lit up. (I don't know the official names of these icons.) The engine then either lost power and would not accelerate when I pressed the gas pedal or would rev and accelerate on its own, even when I had the brake depressed. I have taken my car into the dealership 4 times over the past two years for this same issue. I do not have the exact dates of the first two instances, but the last two were on July 7, 2021, and September 17, 2021. Each time the dealer has been able to verify the warning lights and unintended acceleration. They say the problem is with the brake pedal assembly and have replaced it with a new assembly 3 times. They're working on the 4th one right now.
Oct 06, 2021
I HAVE A 2014 SUBARU FORESTER 2.0XT TOURING WITH PUSH START AND EYESIGHT. MY CAR WOULDN'T START WITH THE PUSH START BUTTON AND THE BRAKES WERE LOCKED. I COULDN'T PUSH THE BRAKE PEDAL ALL THE WAY DOWN. WHEN THIS FIRST HAPPENED MONTHS AGO, THE DEALER SAID IT WAS THE BATTERY AND THAT WAS REPLACED IN NOVEMBER OF 2016. AT THAT TIME THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN A SHOPPING CENTER PARKING LOT AND I HAD THE RADIO ON FOR 30 MINUTES WHILE SITTING IN THE CAR. I COULDN'T START THE CAR AFTERWARDS AND THE BRAKES WERE LOCKED UP AT THE TIME AS WELL. I COULD NOT PRESS THE BRAKES ALL THE WAY DOWN. THE SECOND TIME IT WOULD START WAS LAST SATURDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2017 IN THE MORNING. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED OVERNIGHT AND I HAD TROUBLE STARTING IT IN THE MORNING. AND THE DEALER COULD NOT REPLICATE THE ISSUE. THEY REPLACED THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH WITH NO GUARANTEES THIS WILL FIX THE PUSH START ISSUE.
Oct 24, 2017
STEERING,SUSPENSION
2 complaints
The contact owns a 2014 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 50 mph, the steering wheel moved back and forth while on cruise control with the tires wobbling. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and diagnosed that the front driver’s and passenger’s side tires were able to move 6-8 inches without effort. The steering gear and all four tires were replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 78,000.
Jun 17, 2021
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 THIS HAPPENED IT WAS ALWAYS OUT OF SPEC. IT WAS QUITE DRAMATIC. AS IN THE ENTIRE BACK-END WOULD START TO PULL OUT OF CONTROL. THIS OFTEN HAPPENED WITHIN ICIER CONDITIONS. WHILE SUBARU CORPORATE WAS RESPONSIVE IN GETTING ME A NEW SUBARU, I DO NOT FEEL THEY AT ALL ACKNOWLEDGED OR TOOK MY COMPLAINT SERIOUS. THEY KEPT REFERENCING MY INCONVENIENCE WITH AN ALIGNMENT ISSUE. IF IT WAS AS SIMPLE AS AN ALIGNMENT ISSUE, THEY COULD HAVE FIXED IT THE FIRST TIME. MY CONCERN IS THAT OTHERS ARE HAVING THIS SAME ISSUE BUT SINCE IT IS DIFFICULT TO REPLICATE AND EXTREMELY INCONSISTENT, IT'D BE EASY TO NOT ACKNOWLEDGE THE SERIOUSNESS OF THIS ISSUE. SINCE MENTIONING MY FRUSTRATION TO RANDOM ACQUAINTANCES, TWO INDIVIDUALS HAVE CONTACTED ME FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION BECAUSE THEY ARE HAVING A COMPARABLE PROBLEM WITH THEIR FORESTER AND/OR CROSS TREK. I SENT A LENGTHY DESCRIPTION ABOUT MY SAFETY CONCERNS TO SUBARU CORPORATE WHICH THEY IGNORED. PERHAPS THAT IS AN APPROPRIATE RESPONSE BUT I WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT SOMEBODY IS LOOKING INTO THIS/MAKING SURE IT IS NOT A MORE SERIOUS ISSUE. *TR
Mar 25, 2014
SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE
2 complaints
VEHICLE UNEXPECTEDLY ACCELERATED UPON STEPPING ON THE BRAKE PEDAL AFTER STOPPING FOR A RED LIGHT.
Jan 16, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED MULTIPLE TIMES AND THE BRAKES FAILED UPON MAKING A COMPLETE STOP. THE CONTACT HAD TO APPLY EXCESSIVE PRESSURE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES, BUT THE FAILURES COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 14,000.
Jul 28, 2014
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS
2 complaints
MY 2014 SUBARU FORESTER HAS RECENTLY STARTED HAVING WARNINGS ABOUT SRS. PASSENGER SEAT SENSOR OCCASIONALLY DOES NOT RECOGNIZE A PASSENGER IS SEATED AND THEREFORE THE AIRBAG IS 'OFF' EVEN IF SEAT IS OCCUPIED. BOTH FRONT SEATS ARE HEATED AND IT LOOKS LIKE THIS IS THE SAME ISSUE THAT LEAD TO A RECALL FOR 2015 SUBARU FORESTERS. PLEASE EXTEND THE RECALL TO INCLUDE 2014 MODELS. VERY UNSAFE AND COSTLY ($900-$1,200 ACCORDING TO OTHER COMPLAINTS) TO REPAIR THIS SENSOR IN ORDER TO HAVE THE PASSENGER AIRBAG OPERATIONAL. PASSENGER SEATBELT WARNING ALSO OCCASIONALLY COMES ON EVEN IF THERE IS NO ONE SITTING IN SEAT.
Oct 04, 2020
WHILE DRIVING MY CAR ON THE HIGHWAY, (APPROXIMATE 65 MPH) I GOT A MESSAGE ON THE CONSOLE THAT INDICATED THAT SRS SYSTEM HAD SHUT DOWN AND THE RED AIR BAG LIGHT WENT ON. I DROVE IT HOME AND THEN TURNED THE CAR OFF. WHEN I RESTARTED IT, THE RED AIR BAG LIGHT WENT AWAY. THE NEXT DAY WHILE I WAS RIDING ON THE PASSENGER SIDE, THE RED AIRBAG LIGHT WENT OFF AND A NOTE ON THE CONSOLE SAID THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG WAS NOT OPERATIONAL. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE SUBARU DEALER WHO COULD NOT RECREATE THE ISSUE AND TURNED THE CAR BACK TO US. *TR
Apr 23, 2015
POWER TRAIN,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
2 complaints
WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY UNDER EXCELLENT CONDITIONS, THE ENGINE 'REVVED' AND THEN STALLED. I WAS ABLE TO PULL OFF ONTO THE SHOULDER AND PUT THE CAR IN "PARK" AND TURN OFF THE ENGINE. BEFORE I DID SO, THE INSRUMENT PANEL INDICATORS WERE (ALMOST?) ALL LIT. I TRIED TO RESTART = UNSUCCESSFUL. AFTER WAITING ABOUT 5 MINUTES, I TRIED AGAIN AND WAS ABLE TO PROCEED NORMALLY. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THIS HAS OCCURED; PREVIOUS EPISODE ABOUT THREE MONTHS AGO (UNREPORTED) UNDER SIMILAR CONDITIONS. THE ONLY "COMMON" ELEMENT I CAN SURMISE IS THAT THE GAS LEVEL WAS < 1/4 TANK IN BOTH INSTANCES. I WAS NOT CONCERNED ABOUT THE GAS AS THE GAUGE AND "MILES TO EMPTY" WERE MORE THAN SUFFICIENT TO GET ME HOME. I DID REFUEL WITHIN TEN MILES OF THE TEMPORARY BREAKDOWN AND WAS ABLE TO DRIVE WITHOUT FURTHER INCIDENT.
Feb 28, 2020
IN OCTOBER OF 2013, I PURCHASED BY WAY OF LEASE, A BRAND NEW 2014 SUBARU FORESTER. RIGHT AFTER PURCHASING A 2014 SUBARU FORESTER I BEGAN TO HAVE ISSUES WITH THE OIL CONSUMPTION IN MY VEHICLE. IN EXAMPLE, BEFORE MY FIRST OIL CHANGE OF 3,000 MILES, I HAD TO HAVE MY CAR ASSESSED BY THE OIL TECHNICIANS AS THE OIL LIGHT KEPT COMING ON. THE OIL TECHNICIANS WOULD ?TOP? OFF MY FLUIDS AND ALONG I WENT. SADLY, AFTER HAVING MY 3,000 MILE OIL CHANGE, I CONTINUED TO HAVE ISSUES WITH OIL CONSUMPTION. I THINK I PAID A VISIT TO THE OIL TECHNICIANS AT LEAST ONCE EVERY 6 WEEKS OR SO; SO MUCH SO THAT THE OIL TECHNICIANS WERE TIRED OF SEEING MY VEHICLE. I PRACTICALLY DEVELOPED A PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP WITH THE OIL TECHNICIANS. IF THEY DID NOT KNOW ME BY NAME, THEY WERE AT LEAST FAMILIAR WITH MY VEHICLE. TO MAKE A LONG STORY LONGER, THIS MONTH (SEPTEMBER) OR BETTER STATED LESS THAN A YEAR OF HAVING A 2014 IN MY POSSESSION, WHILE STILL BEING IN THE YEAR 2014 WITH 3 MONTHS LEFT TO GO IN THIS YEAR, I HAD SOME MAJOR WORK DONE TO MY VEHICLE. UP TO AND INCLUDING A REPLACEMENT OF THE ENGINE. PLEASE SEE THE ATTACHED INVOICE TO SEE ALL THE ITEMS THAT WERE REPLACED. NOW YOU ARE PROBLEM ASKING WELL HOW MANY MILES ARE ON THE CAR? THERE ARE ONLY 7,600 MILES ON THE VEHICLE. IN OTHER WORDS I PUT MAYBE 760 MILES ON MY VEHICLE PER MONTH IN LESS THAN A YEAR.OPPORTUNITY: CLEARLY, I WAS SOLD A HIGH PRICED LEMON; A DUD. IN ORDER TO IMPROVE ON CUSTOMER SATISFACTION, IT IS IN MY OPINION THAT SUBARU SHOULD PROVIDE ME WITH A 2014 SUBARU FORESTER THAT IS NOT DEFECTIVE OR ONE THAT DOES NOT HAVE DESIGN FLAWS. NO VEHICLE WITH LESS THAN 8,000 MILES AND LESS THAN A YEAR OLD SHOULD REQUIRE AN ENGINE REPLACEMENT. PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT AFTER THE WORK WAS DONE NOW THE CAR HAS A VIBRATION AND FEELS AS IF IT IS GOING TO SHUT OFF. *TR
Sep 29, 2014
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
2 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 SUBARU FORESTER. WHEN THE CONTACT PARKED THE VEHICLE AND RELEASED THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE REAR BRAKE LIGHTS REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 68,000.
Dec 09, 2019
REPEATED ISSUE WITH HEADLIGHTS FAILING AFTER VERY SHORTY PERIOD OF TIME FROM INSTALLATION. REPLACED HEADLIGHTS 3 TIMES IN THE PAST 11 MONTHS (HAVE REPLACED AT LEAST 1 ADDITIONAL TIME SINCE MAY 2017). BULBS INSTALLED CORRECTLY WITHOUT MAKING CONTACT WITH ANY PART OF BULB EXCEPT PLASTIC END WITH BULB GREASE APPLIED TO REAR CONNECTOR.
Jul 01, 2019
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
2 complaints
DRIVING 65 MPH ON HIGHWAY. CAR SUDDENLY NO LONGER RESPONSIVE TO ACCELERATOR AND SPEED DROPS. RECOVERED IN A FEW SECONDS. DEALER EXAMINED AND STATES IT WAS DUE TO DEFECTIVE CONDITION IN BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH THAT WAS INSTALLED 6 MONTHS EARLIER DUE TO RECALL. DEALER STATES CAR WENT INTO "LIMP" MODE. SWITCH CONDITION RESOLVED WITHOUT REPLACEMENT ACCORDING TO DEALER.
Oct 26, 2019
SAFETY PROBLEMS FROM SUMMER 2014. THE CAR ABRUPTLY LOSES POWER WHEN ACCELERATING. THIS IS DANGEROUS WHEN OVERTAKING LOG TRUCKS AND OTHER SLOW TRAFFIC ON STEEP TWO-LANE HIGHWAYS. WE HAVE TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIPS SEVERAL TIMES FOR REPAIR AND EXCEPT FOR UPDATING THE ENGINE CONTROL UNIT FIRMWARE; THEY HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO ISOLATE THE CAUSE. IN FEBRUARY 2016, SUBARU OF AMERICA (SOA) MAILED US RECALL WQW-58R. THE DEALER DID NOT RESPOND TO OUR RECALL APPOINTMENT REQUESTS. WE ASKED FOR SOA ASSISTANCE. THE DEALER WAS HOSTILE, YET CLAIMED TO PERFORM THE RECALL. LATER, A DEALER EMPLOYEE INFORMED US THAT SOME EMPLOYEES SABOTAGED THE VEHICLE WITH THE INTENT OF HAVING THE ENGINE EXPLODE. ANOTHER SHOP CONFIRMED FACTS AND CORRECTED SOME DAMAGE. CALIFORNIA BUREAU OF AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR CASE (SA2016005132) CITED THE DEALERSHIP . THE SUDDEN POWER LOSS REMAINS AND IT IS UNSAFE TO OPERATE. IT HAS FAILED TO START ON OCCASION. WE ARE AFRAID THAT THE ORIGINAL PROBLEM OR OTHER ACTS BY THE DEALERSHIP MAY CAUSE US OR TO BE INJURED OR KILLED IN A HEAD-ON COLLISION WHEN POWER FAILS. IT MAY STRAND US IN AN ISOLATED AREA DURING A SNOWSTORM OR IN SOME DANGEROUS LOCATION. WE HAVE REQUESTED THAT SOA ACCEPT THE CAR BACK AS A LEMON. THEY HAVE REFUSED. THE INSTRUCTIONS TOSERVICE DEPARTMENTS INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING: 'REMINDER: ENGINE ASSEMBLY REPLACEMENT WILL ONLY BE REQUIRED IN A VERY LIMITED NUMBER OF CASES.' [SOA INSTRUCTIONS TO DEALERS INCLUDES THE WORDS 'REMINDER' AND 'VERY LIMITED' IN BOLD TYPE] IN OUR OPINION, THE 'REMINDER' TO DEALERS WAS INTENDED TO SUPPRESS CORRECTIVE ACTION AND REDUCE COSTS TO SUBARU OF AMERICA. THE SUBARU OF AMERICA WQW-58R RECALL DOES NOT APPEAR ON THE LIST OF SAFETY RECALLS. FROM OUR EXPERIENCE, THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS VEHICLE TO OPERATE, AND WE REQUEST THAT THE NHTSA INCLUDE THIS RECALL AS A SAFETY ISSUE FOR THIS MAKE AND MODEL.
Jun 13, 2016
SUSPENSION,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
2 complaints
BOTH REAR SUSPENSION COIL SPRINGS BROKE AND NEED TO BE REPLACED AND SO DO THE STRUTS. BOTH BROKE WHILE DRIVING ON A WELL PAVED RODE GOING 35 MPH. I DID NOT HIT OR RUN OVER ANYTHING. THEY COMPLETELY SNAPPED APART. THIS IS CLEARLY DUE TO DEFECTIVE PART AS THERE ARE 100'S OF COMPLAINTS FOR THIS HAPPENING TO 2014-2015 MODEL FORESTERS AND COMING FROM A FAMILY OF MECHANICS, THIS DOES NOT JUST HAPPEN. THE CAR HAS 50K MILES AND IS ONLY DRIVEN ON WELL PAVED ROADS. SPRINGS BROKE WHILE DRIVING KIDS IN BACK. CAR VERY UNSTABLE AND CANNOT STOP AS QUICKLY. REALLY UNSAFE. THESE NEED TO BE RECALLED.
Jul 09, 2019
AC COMPRESSOR WENT AFTER 3 YEARS (WENT AT THE END OF SUMMER LAST YEAR 2017) AND I LIVE IN THE NORTH EAST WHERE WE ONLY USE AC LESS THAN HALF OF THE YEAR. ALSO REAR SUSPENSION SPRING WENT THIS YEAR. BOTH OF THESE ISSUES ARE EXTREMELY PREMATURE ON A 2014 MODEL YEAR VEHICLE. THERE ARE NO GOOD AFTER MARKET OPTIONS FOR EITHER OF THESE PARTS SO HAD TO USE OEM (SUBARU) PARTS. THE SPRINGS HAVE BEEN RE-ENFORCED WITH A WHITE COATING THAT IS NOT ON THE ORIGINAL AND THEY WERE ON BACK ORDER FOR 3 WEEKS (THAT'S AFTER CALLING ABOUT THE DELAY AND GETTING THEM EXPEDITED) SHOWING THERE IS AN ISSUE WITH THIS PART. THE SPRINGS BROKE WHILE DRIVING MAKING A VERY LOUD BANG THEN FEELING VERY UNSAFE TO DRIVE.
Jul 02, 2018
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
2 complaints
EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION. I BOUGHT THIS 2014 SUBARU FORESTER SOMETIME IN AUGUST 2013. THIS WAS THE VERY FIRST VEHICLE I EVER BOUGHT, NOT KNOWING ANY FACTS ABOUT LEMON LAWS. I WAS DRIVING BACK FROM SOUTH DAKOTA SOMETIME IN JULY 2014 ON A SUNDAY NIGHT WHEN THE LOW OIL LAMP TURNED ON. I WAS ON THE FREEWAY IN THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE, SO I HAD TO DRIVE MAYBE 3-4 HRS MORE TO FIND AN OPEN MECHANIC. MECHANIC CAME BACK TO ME AND SAID THAT WHEN HE DIPPED THE STICK, THE OIL BARELY REGISTERED. I HAD ABOUT 8,000 MILES AT THIS POINT. I SHOULD'VE FILED A LEMON LAW COMPLAINT AT THIS POINT. BUT I WAS TOO YOUNG AND NAIVE. I WENT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND WE DID AN OIL CONSUMPTION TEST, MAYBE 3-5 MORE TIMES. SOMETIMES THE LAMP WOULDN'T LIGHT UP, SOMETIMES IT LIGHTS UP AT AROUND 1500 MILES OR PAST IT. AROUND DEC 2015, SUBARU FINALLY DECIDED TO CHANGE MY SHORT BLOCK. I NEVER HAD A CHANCE TO FULLY DRIVE MY VEHICLE AS I GOT STATIONED OVERSEAS IN MARCH 2016. I CAME BACK FROM OVERSEAS IN APRIL 2017. ISSUE PERSISTED AGAIN IN MARCH 2018. DID ABOUT 2-3 OIL CONSUMPTION TEST UNTIL THE NEW SUBARU DEALERSHIP I WENT TO GOT AN APPROVAL TO CHANGE THE SHORT BLOCK FOR THE SECOND TIME. NOW, A MONTH LATER AFTER SHORT BLOCK OVERHAUL #2, THE LOW OIL LAMP TURNED ON AGAIN. I'VE PRETTY MUCH GOTTEN TO KNOW THE SERVICE REPS AT MY LOCAL SUBARU SHOPS. SUBARU HAS NO RESPONSE TO THIS ISSUE. EXCEPT TO TOP MY OIL OFF. WASTE MY TIME EVERYTIME I GO PAST 1000+ MILES AND GIVE ME ANXIETY. I'VE EMAILED SUBARU OF AMERICA ABOUT THE ISSUE AS WELL. ALL I HAVE IS A COMPLAINT TICKET FROM THEM WITH NO REAL SOLUTION.
Aug 02, 2018
WHILE PARKING THIS VEHICLE ON THE STREET, IN FRONT OF OUR APT., SMOKE CAME FROM UNDER THE HOOD, ONCE PARKED AND HOOD OPENED, ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE, FIRE DEPT. WAS CALLED. THE CAR IS TOTALED.(I DO NOT WANT TO UPLOAD PICTURES, DUE TO IDENTIFIABLE INFO. IN THE PICTURES.)
May 10, 2018
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),SERVICE BRAKES
2 complaints
THE STOP LIGHT SWITCH FAILED WHICH RENDERED THE CAR INOPERABLE DUE TO NOT BEING ABLE TO MOVE FROM PARK. THE STABILITY, HILL DECENT AND ABS WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON.
Feb 19, 2018
UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE OR WHILE DRIVING IT THE FOLLOWING WARNING MESSAGES APPEAR (IT HAS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TINES OVER THE PAST FEW MONTHS, THEY WILL GO AWAY AND TEN REAPPEAR DAYS OR WEEKS LATER): VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL SYSTEM NEEDS TO BE CHECKED ABS SYSTEM NEEDS TO BE CHECKED HILL START ASSIST SYSTEM NEEDS TO BE CHECKED TOOK CAR TO DEALERSHIP FOR NORMAL MAINTENANCE IN JULY (BAY RIDGE SUBARU) THEY COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING, MESSAGES STARTED REAPPEARING. ISSUE WITH THESES MESSAGES IS CAR WILL NOT GO INTO GEAR UPON STARTING UNLESS YOU PUMP BREAKS MULTIPLE TIMES.
Sep 21, 2015
POWER TRAIN,STRUCTURE
2 complaints
I HAD JUST GASSED UP AT BJ'S IN FARMINGDALE AND WAS PULLING INTO A PARKING SPOT ADJACENT TO AND FACING THE PUMP AREA I HAD JUST LEFT. SEPARATING MY PARKING SPACE AND THE PUMP I JUST LEFT WAS A CURB AND A SHORT UPHILL EMBANKMENT OF ABOUT 45 DEGREES , AND 20 FEET TO THE ROADWAWAY IN FRONT OF THE PUMP I HAD JUST LEFT. AS I "STOPPED" THE CAR, IT INSTEAD LURCHED FORWARD , UP AND OVER THE EMBANKMENT, RIPPING OUT THE UNDERCARRIAGE PROTECTIVE SHIELD. THIS WAS ALL A DISTANCE OF ABOUT 30 FEET. WITH MY BRAKING IT, THE CAR STOPPED AND I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE TO A SAFE AREA AND INSPECT THE DAMAGE. THERE WAS NO LEAKAGE, BUT SCRAPING ON THE UNDERSIDE OF THE FRONT BUMPER, AND I THEN REALIZED THE PROTECTIVE PLASTIC SHROUD HAD REMAINED AT THE EMBANKMENT SCENE, SO I RETRIEVED IT. THE SPEED I NOTED IS A GUESS, BUT THE CAR HAD TO CLIMB A HEIGHT OF PERHAPS 8 FEET IN A 20 FOOT DISTANCE! VERY FORTUNATELY, THERE WERE NO INJURIES, BUT, MY "LANDING SPOT" WAS 20 FEET IN FRONT OF THE CAR GASSING UP IN THE SPOT I HAD JUST LEFT, ADJACENT TO 6 DOUBLE ROWS OF GAS PUMPS! HAD I SELECTED 1 OR 2 PARKING SPOTS ADJACENT, MY CAR WOULD HAVE CRASHED INTO THEM ALL! I HAVE BROUGHT THE CAR TO HICKSVILLE NY SUBURU THIS AM AND THEY FOUND NO PROBLEM WITH THE CAR, OTHER THAN TO REATTACH THE SHROUD. I AND THEY HAVE NO EXPLANATION, OTHER THAN POSSIBLY THE DRIVER FLOOR MAT, WHICH HAD A RECALL BUT APPEARS TO BE IN ITS PROPER PLACE, AND I HAVE PICTURES OF SAME WHICH I TOOK UPON RETIRING HOME AFTER THE INCIDENT.
Jul 27, 2015
I SLOWLY PULLED INTO A PARKING SPACE AT WALMART AND THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED VIOLENTLY AND JUMPED THE MEDIAN. THE CAR CRASHED INTO METAL RACKS WITH PLANTS ON THEM. THE CAR WAS SUSPENDED ON THE MEDIAN. WITNESSES SAW THAT THE CAR SURGED FORWARD WHILE MY BRAKES LIGHTS WERE ON AS I SLOWED TO ENTER THE PARKING SPACE. EARLIER ON THE DAY OF THE ACCIDENT AND THE DAY BEFORE I NOTICED THAT THE CAR HESITATED (CHUGGING WHILE I WAS DRIVING ABOUT 20 MPH), BUT THAT STOPPED WHEN I ENTERED THE HIGHWAY. I NOW THINK THIS IS SOMEHOW RELATED TO THE ACCELERATION SURGE. *TR
Jun 07, 2014
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
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.
Nov 19, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
While I was driving to work, with Cruise control set at 65, I hit a deer head on. All airbags deployed and engine ceased and I was able to brake car to a stop on the shoulder of the road. Within minutes, the engine erupted in fire and thankfully I wasn't trapped inside and was able to get out, because by the time I got 4-500 feet from the car, it had been totally engulfed in flames. From the time I hit the deer to the fire starting was less than 10 minutes. Fire truck wasn't even on scene yet and I was still speaking with highway patrol on the phone. If I had been trapped or the vehicle had rolled i wouldn't be here today. It was that quick.
Mar 27, 2025
SEAT BELTS
1 complaint
While driving the seatbelt above the driver side shoulder came disconnected and fell into the driver lap. There was no warning, no alarms nothing. The casing and everything came off with it. I was able to screw the bolt back in, but thought Subaru needed to take a look because I’ve never had this happen nor did I think this was common. I thought they would want to Loctite the bolt down as a permanent solution. They initially told me to bring the car down and they would take care of it right away. They said they’d secure it in place and fix it but when I arrived they did not fix it, instead they wanted me to pay for it. They will only warrantee the seatbelt material and nothing more. No one has inspected it. I had a friend tighten the bolt down and of course now I’m worried and I am checking the other seatbelts. I would never think it would rattle loose. Driving 55 miles an hour to have your seatbelt suddenly nonexistent is very scary and still makes me extremely paranoid to drive the vehicle.
Oct 01, 2024
SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
1 complaint
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.
Jun 23, 2024
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
1 complaint
The contact owns a 2014 Subaru Forester. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the check engine and oil warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming a quart of engine oil every 1,000 miles. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the short block needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to TSB Number: 02-157-14R (Engine and Engine Cooling). The failure mileage was approximately 97,000.
Apr 24, 2023
CHILD SEAT
1 complaint
The contact owns a Maxi Cosi Pria 85. The car seat was being utilized in a 2014 Subaru Forester. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21C003000 (Child Seat) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Feb 09, 2023
POWER TRAIN,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
While driving our 2014 Subaru Forester Inclined Assist, ABS, and maintenance lights and worded warnings came on. I scheduled a repair for asap which was completed on 10/13/2022. The independent shop told me the repair was a known problem and this shop has done 4 of these repairs. Subaru actually sells a kit with the parts and fluid (?) for the repair. My understanding is inclined assist (when car is on a certain slope0 can apply the breaks to prevent roll back. I do not know how common this failure is, but failure could cause an accident. One report I read on line claimed while driving the car started applying the brakes without the driver doing anything. Is this possible, I do not know.
Oct 13, 2022
AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS,BACK OVER PREVENTION
1 complaint
The contact owns a 2014 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while reversing, the Back Over Prevention screen failed to display an image. The contact stated that the failure occurred intermittently. The contact also stated that after starting the vehicle or while driving at various speeds, the front passenger’s side seat belt and air bag warning lights would illuminate without an occupant seated in the seat. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V701000 (Air Bags) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in a recall. The approximate failure mileage was 72,500.v
Sep 20, 2022
AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
September 6,2018 the vehicle suddenly unintentionally accelerated. Came off the highway.Pulled in to a parking lot to turn around. Reaching for the shifter with my foot on the brake. The vehicle went 42mph in less than four feet, a woman was directly in the front center of vehicle when a loud roar happened. The woman jumped out of the way. As the 2014 Subaru Forester shot forward hitting a suburban and then bounced off a fence to stop in the road next to us. Had to fight to get towed to Gresham Subaru. Pulled dtcs and box information.Subaru denies SUA, has a recall on BLS. No airbag deployed, brakes did not work. Skid marks and chunks of tires.
Oct 14, 2021
POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
Car revved too much and was not moving. Was able to pull over on the shoulder from the fast lane due to the momentum of the car. Avoided a fatal injury for sure. Apart from this, 1. Car sometimes speeds up way more than it should. 2. Subaru changed the short block due to excessive oil consumption but intermittently it still is out of oil way too soon.
Jul 11, 2021
VISIBILITY
1 complaint
The contact owns a 2014 Subaru Forester. The contact stated while driving approximately 50 mph, a small crack appeared on the front windshield without impact. While driving, the crack expanded from the passenger’s side of the windshield to the driver’s side. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were not yet notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 40,000.
Jun 02, 2021
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
I HAVE MY BACK LIGHT ON BY ITSELF WITHOUT HIT BREAKS AND BACK DOOR POTON DOES NOT WORK AND I HAVE LIGHT ON MY BOARD ALWAYS LIGHT UP
Feb 06, 2021
WHEELS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,VISIBILITY/WIPER
1 complaint
WINDSHIELD HAS CRACKED TWICE
Jan 01, 2021
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
MY 2014 SUBARU FORESTER'S ENGINE AT TIMES ACTS AS IF IT IS GOING TO STALL. IT ACTS AS THOUGH IT IS GETTING NO FUEL. I HAVE HAD THE FUEL FILTER/FUEL PUMP ASSEMBLY REPLACED AND IT SEEMED TO RUN OK FOR A SHORT TIME. THE STALLING ACTION DOES NOT ALWAYS HAPPEN. SOMETIMES IT RUNS SMOOTHLY. THEN IT STARTS THE SPUTTERING/STALL ACTION AGAIN.THE MECHANIC WHO REPLACED THEM IN AN EFFORT TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM IS NOT ABLE TO TELL ME WHAT ELSE COULD BE CAUSING IT. MY VEHICLE GETS 93 OCTANE GAS AND ONLY HAS 32,000 MILES ON IT. PLEASE HELP.
Dec 01, 2020
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,VISIBILITY/WIPER
1 complaint
MY BACKUP CAMERA ONLY WORKS PERIODICALLY. WHEN I PUT THE CAR IN REVERSE THE DASHBOARD SCREEN SOMETIMES JUST SHOWS A BLACK SCREEN WITH THE DISTANCE LINES DISPLAYED. OTHER TIMES IT WORKS FINE. DOESNT SEEM TO BE A PATTERN. MANY PEOPLE SEEM TO HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM IN POSTED MESSAGE BOARDS AND IT SEEMS LIKE CERTAIN OTHER SUBARUS WERE RECALLED FOR THIS ISSUE.
Nov 16, 2020
SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE,ENGINE
1 complaint
OIL IS CONSTANTLY HAVING TO BE CHECKED BECAUSE THIS VEHICLE GOES THROUGH LOTS OF OIL. I'VE PUT A NEWER ENGINE IN THE CAR DUE TO THE FIRST ONE DOING THIS. ALSO THE FRONT RIGHT CV JOINT IS ABOUT TO NEED REPLACEMENT AND IS LOUD. BOTH OF THESE ISSUES HAVE HAPPENED AS SOON AS I BOUGHT THE CAR APRIL 2020.ALSO, CRUISE CONTROL WORKS ON AND OFF LITERALLY BACK WINDOWS WON'T COME DOWN, HORN WON'T HONK AND BLUETOOTH IS HORRIBLE.
Oct 27, 2020
AIR BAGS,ENGINE
1 complaint
WE HAD THE OIL CHANGED IN JULY. IN THE MIDDLE OF SEPTEMBER I ADDED NEARLY 1 QUART OF OIL. THE OIL LIGHT CAME BACK ON AGAIN OCTOBER 15TH AND ASSUMING IT IS LOW ON OIL AGAIN. AFTER EXTENSIVE ON-LINE RESEARCH, IT SEEMS AN OIL CONSUMPTION PROGRAM IS AN ISSUE THAT IS AFFECTING OUT VEHICLE AMONG COUNTLESS OTHER MODEL YEARS AND OTHER MANFACTURER'S AS WELL. IT DID NOT MATTER IF THE VEHICLES WAS TURNING, IN MOTION, IDLE OR DRIVING LOCATION, THE LOW OIL LIGHT WOULD REMAIN ON. THE AIR BAG LIGHT INDICATOR HAS BEEN COMING ON AND OFF FOR THE LAST 3 MONTHS. WE BROUGHT THE VEHICLE INTO THE DEALER THE MIDDLE OF JULY ONCE THIS HAPPENED. SINCE THE LIGHT WAS NOT ON AT THE TIME, THE DEALER COULD NOT DIAGNOSE IT. SINCE THE INDICATOR LIGHT IS APPEARS AND THEN DISAPPEARS, IT HAS BEEN DIFFICULT TO GET TO THE DEALER AND TIME WHEN THE INDICATOR LIGHT DECIDES TO RE-APPEAR. THE INDICATOR LIGHT RE-APPEARED AND WE SCHEDULED THE APPOINTMENT TO GET FOR A DIAGNOSIS. THE DIAGNOSTIC CONFIRMED THERE IS A BAD SWITCH UNDER THE SEAT. WE WERE ASKED IF WE HAVE AN I-PHONE AND CHARGE THE PHONE WHILE IT IS ON THE PASSENGER SEAT. YES, THAT MAY OR MAY NOT HAVE HAPPENED. WE WERE TOLD THIS IS NOT AN ISSUE WITH AN ANDROID PHONE. THE DEALER OFFERED TO REPLACE THIS ITEM BUT RESULTED IN AN APPROX. $1,000.00 BILL. THEY MENTIONED THEY WOULD PAY APPROX. 90% OF THE COST. IT DOES NOT MATTER IF THE CAR IS ON, TURING, IN MOTION CITY OR HIGHWAY DRIVING.
Oct 16, 2020
STRUCTURE,WHEELS,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
MY CAR HAD AN UNEXPECTED ACCELERATION WHEN APPLIED THE BREAK TO PARK ON THE PARKING LOT. AS A RESULT VEHICLE WENT AND COLLIDED INTO A RESTAURANT, DAMAGING THE RESTAURANT GLASS WALL AND FRONT BUMPER, PASSENGER FRONT WHEEL/TIRE OF THE VEHICLE.
Sep 21, 2020
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
THE HORN STOPPED WORKING.
Sep 14, 2020
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ENGINE
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE CONSUMED EXCESSIVE AMOUNTS OF OIL WITH THE CHECK OIL WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WHILE TRAVELING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE SHE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE AND HAD TWO O-RINGS AND CRANK SEAL REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. DESPITE THE REPAIRS, THE FAILURE PERSISTED AND THE CHECK OIL LIGHT WOULD CONTINUE TO ILLUMINATE AFTER EVERY 1,500 MILES. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO CENTER SUBARU (45 WINSTED RD, TORRINGTON, CT 06790) TO HAVE THE VEHICLE SERVICED UNDER NHTSA RECALL NUMBER: 19V149000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING). THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE DEALER COULD NOT ASSIST WITH THE EXCESSIVE OIL FAILURE DUE TO THE VEHICLE NO LONGER BEING UNDER WARRANTY AND NO OTHER RECALLS BEING PLACED ON THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER HAD BEEN NOTIFIED AND GAVE HER THE SAME INFORMATION AS THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE HAD YET TO BE REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 121,286.
Aug 17, 2020
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE
1 complaint
STARTED CAR ALL WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON AND STARTED FLASHING OIL, AND,AWD, EMISSION CONTROL NEED TO BE CHECKED, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON, CRUISE CONTROL INDICATOR STAYS ON. HAD BEEN DRIVING ON A HOT DAY STOPPED TO GET GAS WHEN I STARTED THE CAR ALL THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME I CHECKED GAS CAP IT WAS TIGHT, I STARTED DRIVING AND ALL THE LIGHTS STARTED FLASHING
Jul 29, 2020
SUSPENSION,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 SUBARU FORESTER. WHEN DRIVING AT 90 MPH DURING WINDY WEATHER CONDITIONS, IT WAS DIFFICULT TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, THE 'CHECK FUEL' LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE MIKE SHAW SUBARU DEALER, LOCATED AT 1650 W 104TH AVE, DENVER, CO 80234 WHERE THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT PROVIDED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Jun 08, 2020
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
AIR CONDITIONING WORKS ONCE TURN ON CAR THEN AFTER DRIVING FOR 1ST FIVE TO TEN MINUTES, AIR CONDITIONING STOP WORKING, THIS ISSUE STARTED HAPPENING IN 2018. *TR
May 20, 2020
STEERING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
14 SUBARU FORESTER AND IT HAS BEEN INTERMITTENTLY HAVING ISSUES WITH THE KEY IN THE IGNITION GETTING STUCK. STARTED WITH MOVING THE STEERING COLUMN AND JIGGLING THE KEY TO NOW IT'S BECOME A HUGE ISSUE. GETS STUCK ALL THE TIME! TAKES UP TO 30 MINUTES TO REMOVE THE KEY! SUBARU NEEDS TO FIX THIS! IT'S BECOMING A COMMON FAULTY ISSUE!! *TR
May 08, 2020
POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
AT/ABOUT 1230 CENTRAL TIME ON 31 OCT 2019, MY WIFE [XXX] EXPERIENCED AN UNCOMMANDED ACCELERATION EVENT IN OUR 2014 SUBARU FORESTER AND NARROWLY ESCAPED BEING KILLED. CONTEXT: MY WIFE WAS TAKING THE CAR THROUGH AN AUTOMATED CARWASH AT THE CASEYS GAS STATION AT 9911 S. 71ST ST IN PAPILLION NE. WHEN SHE REACHED THE END OF THE CONVEYOR BELT AND WHEN SIGNALLED BY THE ATTENDANT TO MOVE FORWARD, SHE STEPPED ON THE BRAKE AND ATTEMPTED TO MOVE THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FROM N (NEUTRAL) TO D (DRIVE). SHE ENCOUNTERED RESISTANCE MOVING THE GEAR LEVER BUT WAS ABLE TO MOVE IT TO D. UPON DOING SO, THE CAR ABRUPTLY ACCELERATED AND LURCHED FORWARD DESPITE HER FOOT REMAINING ON THE BRAKE. THE CAR RAPIDLY ACCELERATED AND TORE THROUGH THE CLOSED GARAGE DOOR AT THE END OF THE CARWASH AND CONTINUED OUTSIDE, ACROSS AN ACCESS ROAD AND UP A SMALL HILL, BEFORE LOSING POWER AND ROLLING BACKWARDS DOWN THE HILL TO STOP IN THE ACCESS ROAD. NO OTHER VEHICLES OR PERSONS WERE INVOLVED OR INJURED. MY WIFE WAS UNINJURED OTHER THAN BEING SPRAYED BY GLASS FRAGMENTS FROM THE WINDSHIELD AS IT WAS PUNCTURED BY THE GARAGE DOOR AS THE CAR TORE THROUGH IT. OUR INSURANCE COMPANY (USAA) DECLARED THE CAR A TOTAL LOSS. NEITHER MY WIFE NOR I HAD EVER EXPERIENCED ANYTHING LIKE THIS INCIDENT BEFORE; WE BOTH HAVE EXCELLENT DRIVING RECORDS. WEATHER AT THE TIME OF THIS INCIDENT WAS CLEAR, DRY AND SUNNY. THE CAR TO THE BEST OF OUR KNOWLEDGE WAS IN EXCELLENT MECHANICAL CONDITION. THE PAPILLION NE POLICE DEPT RESPONDED AND FILED A REPORT, AND WE FILED A DRIVERS MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT REPORT. BOTH ARE ON FILE WITH THE PAPILLION NE POLICE DEPT. THERE WERE ALSO SEVERAL WITNESSES TO THIS INCIDENT PER THE POLICE REPORT. *LN*JB INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Nov 17, 2019
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),ENGINE
1 complaint
JANUARY 2019. THE ISSUE STARTED AS CEL CAME ON. ROUGH IDLE, SURGE OF POWER AND THEN CAM TIMING BECAME ISSUE. WAS AT A STOP SIGN IDLING WHEN SURGE OCCURRED LURCHING VEHICLE FORWARD. TOOK TO DEALER WAITED WEEKS FOR A TECHNICAL REPRESENTATIVE TO GIVE ADVICE TO DEALERSHIP. TOOK TO OTHER DEALER TO CONFIRM. THEY REPLACED TIMING CHAIN., CAM PHASERS AND OTHER REQUIRED. DIDNT SOLVE ISSUE. NEXT STEP WAS INTERNAL OIL FILTERS THAT SUPPLY AVSC TIMING. NO FIX. REPLACED ECM AS FINAL STEP IN SUBARU MATRIX. RAN FOR 3 WEEKS AND SEVERAL THOUSAND DOLLARS. AGAIN CEL, ROUGH IDLE, CAM ISSUES. SUBARU POINTS TO DEALER. DEALER POINTS TO SUBARU. AND I HAVE A INOPERABLE VEHICLE. I REPLACED ALL REQUIRED PARTS AND HAVE ONGOING ISSUE. SOA HAS BEEN INVOLVED BUT NOT RESOLUTION. IT HAS BEEN 8 MONTHS OF DISAPPOINTMENT. GREAT CAR BUT THIS IS TOO MUCH TO CONTINUE TO DEAL WITH. THE XT HAS BEEN KNOWN TO HAVE ISSUES, RECALL ON POSSIBLE CYCLINDER CRACKING AND ISSUES RELATING TO ENGINE PERFORMANCE.
Aug 30, 2019
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,SEATS
1 complaint
2014 SUBARU FORESTER. THE SRS AIRBAG LIGHT HAS COME ON. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE LOCAL SUBARU DEALERSHIP AND THEY CLAIM THE CAUSE IS A SENSOR WITHIN THE PASSENGER SEAT BEING BROKEN. THIS IS A SAFETY CONCERN AND SHOULD BE REVIEWED.
Aug 18, 2019
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V149000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING) REGARDING A BRAKE LAMP SWITCH REPLACEMENT. AFTER THE RECALL WAS SERVICED, WHILE DRIVING 75 MPH, THE HILL ASSIST WARNING INDICATOR FLASHED AND THE VEHICLE DRASTICALLY SLOWED DOWN. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE TO SUBARU OF GEORGETOWN (7501 I-35 FRONTAGE RD, GEORGETOWN, TX 78626, 512 930-2111) WITH MUCH DIFFICULTY AND THE ABS WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE RECALL REPAIR WAS FAULTY. THE DEALER ADJUSTED THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH TO THE CORRECT SPECIFICATIONS AND REPAIRED THE VEHICLE. THE RECALL REPAIR WAS PERFORMED BY CLEO BAY SUBARU (2125 E STAN SCHLUETER LOOP, KILLEEN, TX 76542, (254) 634-3175). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE INITIAL RECALL, BUT NOT OF THE DEFECTIVE RECALL REPAIR. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 76,032.
Aug 06, 2019
AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
MY 2014 SUBARU FORRESTER ACCELERATED AND HIT A TREE AS I PULLED INTO A PARKING SPACE. IT TBONED THE FRONT END AND AND THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY..I WAS GOING INTO THE SPACE VERY SLOWLY AND IT WAS WHEN IT ACCELERATED.
Jul 16, 2019
AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE,ENGINE
1 complaint
MY 2014 SUBARU ACCELERATED AS I PULLED INTO A PARKING SPOT HITTING A TREE. MY FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE WHEN THIS HAPPENED.MY AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY .
Jul 16, 2019
STEERING,SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN
1 complaint
THE STEERING WHEEL "LEATHER" COATING HAS BEEN DISINTEGRATING FOR OVER A YEAR NOW. THE SUBARU SERVICE SAID IT IS A COMMON ISSUE WITH 2014 SUBARU FOREST. & SHOULD BE RECALLED. EVENTUALLY, THE UNDERCOAT FOAM MATERIAL WILL ALSO DISINTEGRATE, HE SAID. ALSO, BOTH FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARMS, BUSHINGS,BAND DRIVE, (SOMETHING LIKE A DRIVE SHAFT), STRUT & AXEL JOINT HAD TO BE REPLACED AT ONLY 69K MILES. MY CAR HAS NEVER BEEN IN ANY ACCIDENT OR HIT ANYTHING. SUBARU PAID FOR FAILED CONTROL ARM REPLACEMENT. THIS IS AN EXTREMELY UNSAFE CAR!
May 17, 2019
SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN
1 complaint
1) CVT VALVE KIT DAMAGED (3 YEARS OLD) 2) BUT MAIN REASON FOR THIS COMPLIANT IS REAR COILS BREAKING, I DO NOT KNOW BUT THEY HAVE BEEN BROKEN FOR SOME TIME CAUSING REAR BEARINGS AND REAR SHOCKS DAMAGE. DID SOME RESEARCH AND FOUND EVERYONE W/ 2014 THRU 2015 FORESTERS ARE HAVING THIS PROBLEM AT ANY MILEAGE. TOLD DEALER AND THEY SAID SUBARU KNOWS OF THIS PROBLEM BUT HAS NOT ISSUED A RECALL? THE AVERAGE PERSON WILL NOT REALIZE THEIR COILS COULD BE BROKEN LIKE ME UNTIL BEARINGS AND SHOCKS FAIL ..... THIS SOUNDS LIKE A MAJOR ISSUE TO ME?
Apr 16, 2019
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
WHEN TRYING TO CLOSE SUNROOF, NORMALLY THE ROOF WINDOW WOULD SLIDE BACK AND A SET OF PIN WILL PUSH THE REAR SIDE OF THE WINDOW UP TO SEAL THE GAP BETWEEN THE WINDOW AND ROOFTOP. HOWEVER THE DEVICE IS DEFECTIVE AND THE WINDOW WILL NOT GO BACK TO ITS SUPPOSED LOCATION. WATER MAY LEAK IN TO WIRING AND CAUSE FURTHER DAMAGE.
Feb 27, 2019
SUSPENSION,WHEELS
1 complaint
WHEN MAKE TURNS IN MOVING(BACKWARD OR FORWARD), THERE IS NOISY(CLICK) IN FRONT WHEEL SUSPENSION
Nov 20, 2018
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE
1 complaint
I REPORTED THIS INCIDENT ON AUGUST 19, 2018 -COMPLAINT NUMBER 1120961. I HAD SUV TOWED THE FOLLOWING DAY TO DEALER WHERE I PURCHASED IT BRAND-NEW. THE DEALER SERVICE DEPT IS TRYING TO TELL ME THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE SUV, BUT THAT IS IMPOSSIBLE. THE DEALER HAS ARRANGED FOR SUBARU OF AMERICA FROM NJ TO CONTACT ME, BUT I NEED YOUR HELP TO GET THIS RESOLVED. THE PROBLEM IS INTERMITTENT AND THEY SAY THEY HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO REPLICATE IT. WHEN THE INCIDENT OCCURRED IN MY DAUGHTER'S DRIVEWAY WHEN I PLACED IT IN REVERSE AND IT ACCLERATED AT SUCH A HIGH RATE IN REVERSE WITH BRAKE DEPRESSED AND I COULD NOT STOP IT WHEN MY FOOT WAS DEPRESSING THE BRAKE, I HAD MY ACCIDENT RUNNING INTO THE BACK OF MY DAUGHTER'S SUV IN WHICH WAS PARKED IN HER DRIVEWAY - CAUSING OVER $2,000 DAMAGE TO HER SUV - MY SUV WAS DAMAGED IN THE REAR BUMPER BUT DEALER HAS NOT TOLD ME THE ESTIMATE OF DAMAGE. SUBARU IS HAVING ACCIDENT REP CONTACT ME WITHIN NEXT 48 HOURS. THIS SUV IS SO DANGEROUS THAT I COULD BE KILLED AND SO COULD OTHERS IN MY CAR OR OTHER VEHICLE PASSENGERS. PLEASE PLEASE TAKE THIS COMPLAINT SERIOUSLY BECAUSE IT IS A VERY SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. PLEASE REFER TO MY INITIAL COMPLAINT.. THANK YOU *TR
Aug 30, 2018
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
JULY 6, 2018 DRIVING ON CITY STREET WHEN MY FOOT HAD THE BRAKE DEPRESSED AND THE AUTO SUDDENLY ACCELERATED SO MUCH THAT I HAD TO TURN INTO A CURB TO AVOID A COLLISION WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE - I HIT A CURB WITH ONE TIRE TO AVOID ACCIDENT AND HAD TO GET FOUR NEW TIRES BECAUSE IT IS AWD. TODAY MY BRAKE WAS DEPRESSED AND IT ACCELERATED WHEN I WAS IN REVERSE THEN ATTEMPTING TO GET SUV INTO DRIVE - DRIVING DOWN MY DAUGHTER'S DRIVEWAY TODAY, IT ACCELERATED SO RAPIDLY UNINTENDED THAT PRESSING THE BRAKE WOULD NOT STOP VEHICLE - ENGAGED EMERGENCY BRAKE AND IT STILL DID NOT STOP IT - PLACED IT INTO PARK AND PRESSING BRAKE CONTINUOUSLY AND EMERGENCY BRAKE ENGAGED, FINALLY STOPPED THE CAR AT ROADSIDE AFTER TURNING OFF IGNITION - VERY HAZARDOUS SAFETY ISSUE - LUCKY NO ONE WAS HURT OR KILLED - THIS SUV IS A DANGEROUS VEHICLE - HAVING IT TOWED BY AAA TOMORROW MORNING TO DEALER. WHAT CAN I DO ABOUT THIS? IT HAS ONLY 41,870 MILES ON IT - BOUGHT IT BRAND NEW FROM THE DEALER IN MAY 2014 AND I AM ONLY DRIVER. HELP!
Aug 19, 2018
STEERING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 SUBARU FORESTER. WHILE EXITING THE CAR WASH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY WITHOUT WARNING AND CRASHED INTO A POLE. WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, IT FAILED TO OPERATE AND THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A TOW YARD. THE DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 25,000. *TT THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS CONSIDERED A TOTAL LOSS. THE MANUFACTURER REIMBURSED THE COST OF THE RENTAL VEHICLE. *JS THE CONSUMER STATED THE FLOOR MATS COULD NOT HAVE CAUSED THE FAILURE. *JS UPDATED 9/13/18*JB
Dec 04, 2017
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
1 complaint
WHILE DRIVING MY VEHICLE SEVERAL LIGHTS CAME ON IN THE INSTRUMENT PANEL, ABS, AND A PICTURE OF AN AUTO ON A HILL. I THEN PULLED OVER AND PUT THE AUTO IN PARK. IT LOCKED UP IN PARK AND I COULDN'T GET IT OUT OF PARK. I CALLED THE DEALER, THEY WALKED ME THRU A SERIES OF STEPS TO GET THE CAR OUT OF PARK. NOT AN EASY TASK. I TOOK THE AUTO INTO THE DEALER AND THEY REPLACED A SWITCH STOP, I KNEW THERE HAD BEEN A SERVICE BULLETION PUT OUT ON THIS PROBLEM AND WAS INFORMED THE SWITCH HAD BEEN REDESIGNED. OF COURSE IT WAS OUT OF WARRANTY AND I HAD TO PAY FOR THE SWITCH AND LABOR, ALTHOUGH IT WAS ONLY OUT OF WARRANTY FOR A MONTH. I FEEL THIS IS DANGEROUS! WHAT WOULD I HAVE DONE IF IT HAD BEEN ON THE INTERSTATE OR I WASN'T ABLE TO CONTACT A DEALER. THERE ARE MANY COMPLAINTS ON THE INTERNET WITH THIS SAME PROBLEM AND I WAS TOLD AT THE DEALERSHIP THEY HAD REPLACE MANY OF THESE SWITCHES. THERE SHOULD BE A SAFETY RECALL ON THIS SWITCH. IT'S DANGEROUS. WHEN THIS HAPPENED I WAS AON A CITY STREET, PULLED OVER AND PUT IT IN PARK. IT WOULD NOT RELEASE AND COME OUT OF PARK
Oct 09, 2017
VISIBILITY/WIPER,BACK OVER PREVENTION
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 SUBARU FORESTER. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE DUAL CAMERA SYSTEM IN THE VEHICLE MALFUNCTIONED OVER TIME. THE CONTACT'S VISIBILITY WAS AFFECTED BY THE FOG BUILD UP ON THE DUAL CAMERA SYSTEM FEATURE OF THE VEHICLE. THE TWO FRONT CAMERAS ATTACHED TO THE HEADLINER OF THE VEHICLE WERE THE AFFECTED. RANDY MARION SUBARU OF MOORESVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND STATED THAT THERE WAS NO PROCEDURE OR TSB AVAILABLE TO ASSIST IN CLEANING THE CAMERAS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 24,000. UPDATED 09/19/17*LJ *CN
Jul 27, 2017
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
I WAS OUT OF THE COUNTRY AND DIDN'T START MY CAR FEW ABOUT TEN DAYS. WHEN I COME BACK THE BATTERY WAS DEAD. I HAD IT JUMP STARTED. AS I WAS LEAVING THE LOT AND GOING UP A SLIGHT INCLINE THE CAR STALLED WHILE IN DRIVE - THE BATTERY WAS DEAD AGAIN. I COULD NOT MOVE THE TRANSMISSION FROM DRIVE TO PARK WITH A DEAD BATTERY. FORTUNATELY I WAS ABLE TO GET THE CAR RESTARTED WITH ANOTHER JUMP. IN THE MEANTIME THE CAR ROLLED BACKWARDS UNTIL I APPLIED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE.. SO THERE WERE TWO ISSUES, YOU CANT MOVE THE TRANSMISSION FROM DRIVE TO PARK IF THE BATTERY IS DEAD AND THE CAR ROLLS BACKWARD IN DRIVE (WHICH I HAVE EXPERIENCED ON OTHER OCCASIONS). *TR
Oct 28, 2016
POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE
1 complaint
VEHICLE IS UNSTABLE DUE TO STALLING AND LURCHING FORWARD UNDER ALL THROTTLE RANGES. VEHICLE MAY "CHUG" AT VARIABLE DRIVING SPEEDS. THE FAILURE IS INTERMITTENT AND VARIES FROM SUBTLE TO HEAVY EFFECTS. SEVERE EFFECTS CAUSES VEHICLE TO SHUDDER AND/OR STALL THEN ABRUPTLY ACCELERATE. ISSUE DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE RELATED TO "TURBO LAG" AS IT OCCURS UNDER LOW BOOST CONDITIONS. TRANSMISSION ALSO PRODUCES "CLICKING" SOUND WHEN ENGAGING FROM NEUTRAL OR UNDER CHANGES IN SPEED. CONDITION OCCURS THROUGHOUT ALL DRIVING MODES (I, S, S#). CONDITION OCCURS MOSTLY UNDER ACCELERATION FROM DEAD STOP, BUT MAY ALSO OCCUR UNDER "PICK UP" ACCELERATION, IE OFF THROTTLE TO DECELERATE (55MPH-45MPH) THEN LIGHT THROTTLE TO RESUME DRIVING SPEED. VEHICLE MAY ALSO BACKFIRE UNDER ACCELERATION. VEHICLE MAY HESITATE FOR SEVERAL SECONDS BEFORE ACCELERATION FROM STOP OR AT HIGHWAY SPEED THAN UPON RESUMING ACCELERATION VEHICLE MAY HAVE A FLAT/SLOW ACCELERATION IN SPITE OF HEAVY THROTTLE. FACTORY AUTHORIZED REPAIRS ATTEMPTED TO REMEDY CONDITION BY CLEANING THROTTLE BODY AND "UPPER ENGINE" CLEANSE AND STATES UNABLE TO REPLICATE FAILURE. CONDITION HAS BEEN ON-GOING FROM PURCHASE WITH APPROXIMATELY 30K MILE TO CURRENT WITH 74K MILES.
Sep 08, 2016
VISIBILITY,SEAT BELTS,STRUCTURE,SEATS
1 complaint
2014 SABARU FORESTER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE SEAT HEAD REST, SEAT BELT AND REAR VIEW VISIBILITY ISSUES. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THERE WAS LIMITED REAR VIEW VISIBILITY WITH TWO LARGE BLIND SPOTS DUE TO A 64 SQUARE INCH HEAD REST. ALSO, THE SEAT BELT ANGLED FROM THE ROOF DIAGONALLY, THEREFORE LIMITING REAR VIEW VISION. THE CENTER HEAD REST WAS ONLY TWO INCHES HIGH, RATHER THAN THE LATERAL HEAD REST BEING EIGHT INCHES HIGH. *JB
Oct 19, 2015
LANE DEPARTURE
1 complaint
LETTER FROM CONGRESSWOMAN KATHLEEN M. RICE ON BEHALF OF CONSTITUENT RE RECALL ON EYESIGHT DRIVER ASSIST SYSTEM ON A 2014 SUBARU FORESTER. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN THE SYSTEM DETECTED A CAR SLOWING DOWN IN FRONT OF HIM TO GET ONTO AN EXIT RAMP, IT SLOWS DOWN HIS VEHICLE TO A DANGEROUSLY SLOW SPEED. THE CONSUMER HAD TO SLAM ON THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL IN ORDER TO AVOID BEING REAR-ENDED. *JB
Oct 07, 2015
SUSPENSION,WHEELS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
DRIVING AT ABOUT 60 MPH AND CAR STARTING VIBRATING VIOLENTLY FOR A FEW SECONDS. CONTINUED DRIVING AND 10 MINUTES LATER SAME THING FOR SAME LENGTH OF TIME HAPPENED AGAIN.
Aug 21, 2015
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
THE EYESIGHT, ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL AND PRE-COLLISION BRAKING SYSTEMS DO NOT RECOGNIZE STOPPED VEHICLES - HARD BRAKING IS REQUIRED TO STOP VEHICLE IN TIME. WHEN SYSTEMS DO FUNCTION THEY DO NOT GRADUALLY SLOW VEHICLE AND COME TO A STOP, BUT DO SO SUDDENLY AND DANGEROUSLY, CAUSING ME TO BRAKE HARD TO COME TO A STOP AT A SAFE DISTANCE BEHIND STOPPED VEHICLE. SAME SYSTEMS ARE ALSO DANGEROUSLY AFFECTED BY BRIGHT SUNLIGHT AND FAIL TO FUNCTION WITHOUT WARNING. DEALER SAID THEY CHECKED SYSTEMS OUT AND FOUND NOTHING WRONG. GAVE ME PRINT-OUT FROM OPERATING MANUAL STATING IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE DRIVER TO OPERATE THE VEHICLE SAFELY AT ALL TIMES AND THAT THE EYESIGHT SYSTEM IS NEVER A SUBSTITUTE FOR ACTIVE DRIVER INVOLVEMENT AND MAY NOT OPERATE OPTIMALLY UNDER ALL DRIVING CONDITIONS!!!!!!! SUBARU CORPORATE CUSTOMER RELATIONS REPRESENTATIVE SAID THERE WAS NO SOFTWARE UPGRADE/FIX AVAILABLE FOR THE FORESTER MODEL. CERTAIN SUBARU 2015 MODELS ARE ADVERTISED TO HAVE AN UPGRADED EYESIGHT SYSTEM THAT RECOGNIZES LIGHTED TAILLIGHTS, AMONG OTHER IMPROVEMENTS. I WAS TOLD THE 2015 SYSTEM WAS NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE 2014 FORESTER. THANK YOU IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR ATTENTION TO THIS MATTER. A RESPONSE TO MY COMPLAINT WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED. *TR
Nov 19, 2014
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
WHEN SOMEONE DEPARTS ROAD ON AN EXIT AND THEY ARE DECELERATING EVEN IF THEY ARE CLEAR AND OUT OF THE LANE THE CAR WILL PRACTICALLY STOP ON THE HIGHWAY, SLAMMING ON THE BRAKES HARD. EVEN UNDER NORMAL USE OF THE CRUISE CONTROL THE EYESIGHT SYSTEM DOES NOT ENGAGE THE BRAKES SLOWLY IN A PROGRESSIVE PATTERN IT HITS THEM ABRUPTLY. I AM IN A CONGESTED AREA AND HAVE OFTEN HAD TO OVERRIDE THE SYSTEM BY HITTING THE BRAKES MANUALLY TO DISENGAGE THE SYSTEM OR FLOOR THE GAS TO PREVENT SOMEONE FROM REAR ENDING ME ON THE HIGHWAY. I BROUGHT IT TO THE DEALERS ATTENTION THEY SAY IT IS OPERATING AS IT SHOULD AND HAVE BROUGHT IT TO SUBARU CORPORATE CUSTOMER SERVICE ATTENTION ON AT LEAST 3 OCCASIONS ASKING FOR A SOFTWARE UPDATE AND HAVE HAD NO RESPONSE. I BELIEVE THE SYSTEM IS GOOD BUT NEEDS REFINEMENT OF ITS SOFTWARE BEFORE SOMEONE GETS HURT OR KILLED.
Sep 16, 2014
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
1 complaint
STARTING FROM A COLD OR WARM TEMPERATURE THE VEHICLE CRANKS EXCESSIVELY AND WILL NOT START UNTIL A SECOND OR THIRD ATTEMPT. THIS HAS HAPPENED AT RANDOM AND ABOUT A DOZEN TIMES IN THE PAST FIVE MONTHS. *TR
Jul 17, 2014
AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
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 I HIT THE STEERING WHEEL WITH MY KNEE AND MY ANKLE GOT LACERATED AND BLUNT TRAUMA FROM THE BRAKE/ACCELARTATION PEDAL. *TR
Jul 02, 2014
VISIBILITY,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
I PURCHASED MY 2014 FORESTER IN JULY 2013. I LOVE THE VEHICLE EXCEPT FOR THE DESIGN OF THE CLIMATE CONTROL DIALS WHICH I CONSIDER TO BE A SAFETY HAZARD BECAUSE IT IS SO DIFFICULT TO ASCERTAIN AT A GLANCE WHAT THE CURRENT SETTING IS FOR EACH FUNCTION (HEAT/AC TEMP, FAN SPEED, FAN DIRECTION.) STARING AT THE DIAL(S) OR REPEATED GLANCES TAKES THE DRIVER'S ATTENTION OFF THE ROAD FOR TOO LONG, AND THEREFORE IS ABSOLUTELY A SAFETY ISSUE: EACH ROUND DIAL HAS A RUBBER GRIP SURFACE THAT THE USER CONTACTS. ON THE FRONT FACE OF THE DIAL IS A SHINY CHROME BEZEL RING. THIS RING IS QUITE NARROW AND HAS 7 SMALL, EQUIDISTANT INDENTATIONS AROUND THE RADIUS. ONE OF THE INDENTATIONS IS YELLOW PLASTIC, WHICH INDICATES THE SETTING. AT A GLANCE, THE SMALL YELLOW PLASTIC INDICATOR IS VERY DIFFICULT TO LOCATE AMONG THE OTHER SIX INDENTATIONS. WHAT THE PURPOSE IS OF THE INDENTATIONS IS A MYSTERY (SOME MARKETER WANTED SPARKLE?) AND WHY SUBARU CHOSE PALE YELLOW AGAINST SHINY CHROME MAKES NO SENSE. I HAVE SUCCESSFULLY ALTERED MY DIALS BY PUTTING A TINY DROP OF WHITE FINGERNAIL POLISH ON THE BLACK RUBBER GRIP DIRECTLY ABOVE EACH YELLOW PLASTIC INDICATOR. NOW, AT A QUICK GLANCE, I CAN EASILY SEE AT WHAT POSITION EACH FUNCTION DIAL IS SET. IT'S GREAT. I FEEL MUCH SAFER. I KNOW THIS SOUNDS LIKE A SMALL, UNIMPORTANT PROBLEM, BUT IT WAS A HUGE CONCERN TO ME. I HOPE NO FORESTER OWNER IS INVOLVED IN A CRASH BECAUSE HE/SHE TOOK HIS/HER EYES OFF THE ROAD FOR TOO LONG TRYING TO FIGURE OUT ONE OR MORE OF THE CLIMATE CONTROL SETTINGS. THE FORESTER MIGHT BE A "TOP SAFETY PICK" BUT NOT ON THIS. THANK YOU. *TR
Jul 01, 2014
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
1 complaint
AT COLD STARTING, APPROXIMATELY ONE TIME OUT OF 20, THE CAR IS VERY DIFFICULT TO START. IT CRANKS FOR UP TO 10 SECONDS BEFORE STARTING. I DON'T KNOW IF IT'S A FUEL DELIVERY OR AN IGNITION PROBLEM. IT HAS HAPPENED AT AMBIENT TEMPERATURES FROM 35 TO 65 DEGREES. IF I DIDN'T CONTINUE CRANKING THE ENGINE TO AN EXTENT THAT I THINK IS HARMFUL TO IT, IT WOULDN'T START. I CONSIDER THAT A SAFETY ISSUE, IF I NEEDED TO GET THE CAR GOING QUICKLY. *TR
Jul 01, 2014
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SEATS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
I WAS DRIVING MY 6 MONTH OLD 2014 SUBARU FORESTER AT ABOUT 50 MPH AT NIGHT AND MY DRIVER'S SEAT BEGAN RECLINING. I ALMOST LOST CONTROL OF THE CAR AND HAD AN ACCIDENT BECAUSE THE MECHANISM TO STOP IT WAS NOT WORKING. IT HAPPENED THREE MORE TIMES AFTER THAT OCCURRENCE. ALSO, THE POWER LIFT GATE WAS INOPERABLE. I HAD TO CRAWL INTO THE BACK CARGO AREA TO TRY TO OPEN THE REAR LIFT GATE. IT WOULD NOT OPEN, EVEN FROM THE INSIDE. IT WAS REINITIALIZED SEVERAL TIMES BY KINGERY RYE SUBARU IN RYE, NY AND THEY FAILED TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. EVENTUALLY THEY REPLACED THE PART BUT THE OPERATION OF LIFT GATE REMAINS UNPREDICTABLE. I NEED TO BE ABLE TO USE THE POWER LIFT GATE AT ALL TIMES TO PUT A WHEELCHAIR IN THE BACK. I WAS INFORMED BY SUBARU OF AMERICA (IN WRITING) THAT SOME OF THE ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS THAT ARE OCCURRING ARE BECAUSE KINGERY RYE SUBARU INSTALLED AN AFTER MARKET REMOTE STARTER INTO MY CAR WITHOUT MY KNOWLEDGE OR APPROVAL. I HAVE WRITTEN DOCUMENTATION FROM SUBARU OF AMERICA STATING THE DEALERS MUST INSTALL SUBARU PARTS. I PAID A LOT OF MONEY FOR A SUBARU REMOTE STARTER. RYE SUBARU PUT A CHEAP AFTER MARKET STARTER INTO MY CAR. THAT IS FRAUD. MY CAR IS STARTING RANDOMLY AND WITHOUT A KEY IN THE IGNITION. A CO-WORKER CAME INTO WORK AND TOLD ME MY CAR WAS LOCKED AND RUNNING IN THE PARKING LOT. RECENTLY I CLOSED THE LIFT GATE, USING THE BUTTON ON THE LIFT GATE AND THE CAR STARTED ITSELF AS I WAS WALKING AWAY FROM IT. THE CAR HAS STARTED ON ITS OWN MANY TIMES. THERE ARE MULTIPLE DANGEROUS ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS THAT ARE PUTTING MYSELF AND MY FAMILY'S LIVES AT RISK. THE SIDE DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S WINDOWS FOG UP WHEN THE HEAT IS TURNED ON. THE DE-FOGGER DOES NOT REMEDY THE PROBLEM AT ALL. I AM UNABLE TO SEE ANYTHING OUT THE SIDE WINDOWS WHICH POSES A BIG SAFETY ISSUE ESPECIALLY DURING THE WINTER. I BOUGHT THE CAR BECAUSE IT HAD A HIGH SAFETY RATING. THIS CAR IS NOT SAFE.
May 04, 2014
TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM
1 complaint
THIS INCIDENT IS NEARLY IDENTICAL TO AN EARLIER COMPLAINT: NHTSA ID NUMBER 10574697. I WAS TRAVELLING ON A STRAIGHT PORTION OF INTERSTATE AT REDUCED HIGHWAY SPEED DUE TO COLD WEATHER AND LIGHT SNOW WHEN I BEGAN TO EXPERIENCE A WIGGLING SENSATION IN THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE. LIKE DESCRIBED IN THE EARLIER COMPLAINT IT FELT LIKE THE REAR END WANTED TO STEP OUT, FIRST ONE WAY AND THEN THE OTHER, REPEATING RAPIDLY. I COULD SEE FROM THE REACTIONS OF DRIVERS BEHIND ME THEY WERE GIVING ME A WIDE BERTH AND COULD TELL SOMETHING WAS VISIBLY HAPPENING WITH MY VEHICLE. THE FRONT END DID NOT APPEAR TO BE AFFECTED NOR WAS THE ABILITY TO STEER THE VEHICLE. ONCE I DECELERATED TO 45-50 THE WIGGLING ABATED. IT WAS SNOWING AT THE TIME BUT THERE WAS NO MORE THAN A TRACE ON THE ROADWAY. NO OTHER VEHICLES AROUND ME SEEMED TO BE HAVING ANY DIFFICULTIES WITH TRACTION AND MOST WERE TRAVELING AT FULL HIGHWAY SPEED (70). MY ABILITY TO STEER AND BRAKE, EVEN MODERATELY, WASN'T AFFECTED AS I COULD SLOW IMMEDIATELY AND CHANGE LANES AND THE FRONT END DID NOT SKID. I TRAVELLED AT NO FASTER THAN 50 MPH FOR ABOUT ANOTHER 5 MILES AT WHICH TIME I SLOWLY ACCELERATED AND WAITED FOR THE WIGGING TO RESUME BUT IT DID NOT. I WAS ABLE TO COMPLETE MY JOURNEY (ANOTHER 40 MILES) WITHOUT FURTHER INCIDENT. I'M VERY EXPERIENCED IN WINTER DRIVING BUT THIS IS MY FIRST TIME WITH AN AWD VEHICLE. I HAVE NEVER EXPERIENCED ANYTHING LIKE THIS IN MY LIFE AND IT WAS QUITE UNNERVING. I DON'T KNOW IF THE VEHICLE WAS INDEED STEPPING OUT DUE TO SLIPPERY ROAD CONDITIONS (ALTHOUGH NOBODY ELSE SEEMED TO BE HAVING ANY DIFFICULTY) AND THE AWD SYSTEM WAS CORRECTING (OR OVERCORRECTING?) AS DESIGNED AND THAT WAS THE WIGGLING I FELT. IT'S NOT OCCURRED AGAIN . . . BUT I'VE BEEN CAREFUL TO AVOID SIMILAR WEATHER CONDITIONS (DEFEATS THE PURPOSE OF OWNING A SUBARU) AND HAVE NOT EXPERIENCED IT IN DRY WEATHER. *JS
Apr 28, 2014
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE
1 complaint
THIS VEHICLE IS A FORESTER XT TURBO. I WAS OPERATING ON CRUISE CONTROL AT 78 MPH, APPROXIMATELY 900 MILES FROM HOME, WHEN A SUDDEN LOSS OF PROPULSION OCCURRED. DASHBOARD HAD MULTIPLE WARNING LIGHTS. ENGINE WAS STILL OPERATING, THOUGH AT VERY LOW RPM SO I WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN STEERING AND BRAKING CONTROL. AFTER MANEUVERING TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, I NOTICED THE TACHOMETER WAS FLUCTUATING BETWEEN 500-800 RPM. I TURNED OFF THE ENGINE AND WAS ABLE TO RESTART. THE FOLLOWING WARNING LIGHTS WERE STILL ILLUMINATED: CHECK ENGINE, HILL CONTROL, CRUISE CONTROL, AND OPERATING MODE. OPERATING MODE WAS STUCK IN "SPORT" MODE. I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE VEHICLE AT NORMAL SPEED TO NEAREST DEALER APPROXIMATELY 10 MILES AWAY. THE SERVICE TECHNICIAN STATED I HAD AN ERROR CODE OF P0606. THIS IS A VOLTAGE ISSUE ON THE ENGINE CONTROL MODULE, (ECM). THE CORRECTIVE ACTION IS TO RE-FLASH THE ECM COMPUTER CHIP. THIS IS A RESTRICTED ACTION, REQUIRING A FIELD SERVICE ENGINEER TO COME TO THE DEALER TO DO THE PROCEDURE. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THEY HAD ALREADY EXPERIENCED THIS WITH A VEHICLE THEY SOLD BUT THE PROBLEM WITH THE MODULE USUALLY OCCURS ON ENGINE START. THE TECHNICIAN CLEARED THE ERROR CODES AND I CONTINUED ON MY TRIP. UPON RETURNING TO MY HOME, I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO MY DEALER TO BE SERVICED. MY DEALER STATED THEY WERE ONE OF THE FIRST TO EXPERIENCE THIS ISSUE. I AM WONDERING WHY THERE HAS BEEN NO RECALL/NOTICE TO OWNERS OF THIS PROBLEM SINCE IT HAS BEEN KNOWN FOR A WHILE. IT IS FRIGHTENING TO LOSE POWER WHEN CRUISING AT HIGHWAY SPEED. *TR
Mar 24, 2014
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
I WAS TURNING RIGHT TO PARK AT A STATE PARK. THE PARKING AREA IS SANDY AND FULL OF POT HOLES. I WAS ALMOST STOPPED WHEN THE CAR ACCELERATED VIOLENTLY. MY CAR MOUNTED A FLAT BOULDER, ONE OF MANY IN THE PARKING AREA. I STILL DON'T FEEL LIKE I COULD HAVE STEPPED OR STOMPED ON THE GAS PEDAL VS THE BRAKE PEDAL, BUT IT IS A POSSIBILITY. I AM A VERY CAUTIOUS DRIVER. COULD THIS BE A DEFECT IN THIS CAR? I FEEL THAT IT SHOULD BE REPORTED AND NOTED IN CASE OTHERS HAVE THE SAME EXPERIENCE. *TR
Mar 19, 2014
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,POWER TRAIN
1 complaint
WHILE DRIVING OUR 2014 FORESTER XT 2.0 UPHILL ON THE HIGHWAY AT ABOUT 50 MPH, THE CEL, HILL-ASSIST, EYESIGHT-DISABLED AND ANOTHER WARNING LIGHT ALL CAME ON. I PULLED OFF THE ROAD, STOPPED AND CALLED THE DEALER, WHO SAID THE CAR COULD BE SAFELY DRIVEN IN FOR INSPECTION AS THE CEL WAS NOT BLINKING. APPARENTLY THE CEL LIGHT SETS OFF A BUNCH MORE TO GET YOUR ATTENTION. THE OBD CODES THE DEALER PULLED SAID THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER HAD FAILED (NO FURTHER EXPLANATION WAS OFFERED). THEY SAID A NEW ONE WOULD BE ORDERED AND INSTALLED UNDER WARRANTY. SO THE DEALER PUT IN THE NEW CATALYTIC CONVERTER YESTERDAY, AND NOW THE ENGINE PERFORMS EXTREMELY POORLY COMPARED TO BEFORE SERVICE. THE ELECTRONIC TURBO BOOST GAUGE NOW SHOWS NEGATIVE BOOST (I.E., NO ACTIVATION) UNTIL OVER 20% THROTTLE POSITION IN I MODE (BEFORE, TURBO BOOST WAS OBTAINABLE AT 8% THROTTLE). THERE IS A HUMMING SOUND (RATHER LIKE THE ALTERNATOR BELT NOISE FORD VANS MAKE) THAT DROWNS OUT THE ENGINE PURR WHEN GENTLY REVVING THE ENGINE IN PARK AND, WHEN DRIVING, THE CVT SHIFTS VERY IRREGULARLY AND AT MUCH HIGHER RPMS IN I MODE (E.G., STAYING IN ONE GEAR UNTIL TACH HITS 2000 BEFORE SHIFTING WHERE BEFORE THE TACH NEVER WENT ABOVE 1500 AT ANY SPEED UNLESS WE WERE IN S/I OR S# MODE AND SHIFTING MANUALLY WITH THE PADDLES). I HAVE NOTIFIED SUBARU OF AMERICA OF THE SITUATION AND THIS CAR IS GOING BACK TO THE SHOP FIRST THING MONDAY MORNING. *TR
Feb 22, 2014
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY
1 complaint
THE ADAPTIVE CRUISE HAS NOT RECOGNIZED STOPPED VEHICLES, AND DID NOT SLOW THE VEHICLE DOWN THUS POTENTIALLY CONTRIBUTING TO A CRASH AND INJURY. THE CAR HAS BEEN EVALUATED MULTIPLE TIMES FOR THIS BY THE DEALER AND HAS NOT FOUND A PROBLEM. THE DYSFUNCTION CONTINUES; THERE WERE 4 INCIDENTS TODAY WHERE THERE WAS FAILURE OF THE ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL SYSTEM TO INITIATE ANY SAFETY MANEUVERS TO AVOID A CRASH. *TR
Jan 14, 2014
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
1 complaint
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 TIME I BROUGHT IT IN THE TECHNICIAN SAID HE OVERFILLED THE OIL A SLIGHT BIT, REMOVED IT, AND I SHOULD NOTICE A DIFFERENCE. NO DIFFERENCE. I BROUGHT MY VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP ADDRESSING THE SAME ISSUE. THEY PERFORMED THE TESTS SUBARU OF AMERICA (SOA) SUGGESTED AND NOTHING WAS FOUND. THE LAST TIME IT HAPPENED, > MONTH AGO, I FEARED AN ACCIDENT BECAUSE IT HESITATED THROUGH AN INTERSECTION. I RETURNED THE VEHICLE WANTING ANSWERS. SUBARU SENT OUT THEIR OWN TECHNICIAN TO GATHER INFORMATION TO SEND TO FUJI AND WHAT I WAS TOLD WAS THAT THEIR EQUIPMENT DID NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG AND THAT IT WAS NORMAL FOR A CVT ENGINE. I TEST DROVE SEVERAL MORE FORESTERS AND THEY ALL HAD VARYING DEGREES OF HESITATION AND ALL HAD DIFFERENT MILEAGE ON THEM. *TR
Sep 20, 2013
Frequently Asked Questions
How many problems does the 2014 SUBARU Forester have?
The 2014 SUBARU Forester currently has 400 owner-reported complaints according to NHTSA database. These complaints are organized by component to help identify common issues.
What are the most common problems with 2014 SUBARU Forester?
The most common problems reported for the 2014 SUBARU Forester are organized by component above. Each component section shows owner-reported issues, crash reports, and fire incidents to help identify patterns and problem areas.
Where does this 2014 SUBARU Forester problem data come from?
All problem and complaint data for the 2014 SUBARU Forester comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.
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