2014 Subaru Forester engine problems

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

25 owners have reported engine problems with the 2014 Subaru Forester, 16% of all complaints about this model year. The typical problem appeared around 80,000 mi.

Engine complaints
25
Crashes
2
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Related recalls
0
Median mileage
80,000 mi

Specific components reported

Engine covers: stalling, loss of power, oil consumption, overheating.

ComponentComplaints
Engine23
Engine and engine cooling2

Engine complaints across Subaru Forester years

2200522200713200981720111210201325522015392920172810520198333202110620231420251
Engine complaints by model year. The 2014 is highlighted.

Mileage when the problem appeared

Under 10k110k–30k230k–60k560k–100k3100k–150k150k+
Complaints that list mileage, grouped by odometer reading.

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

  1. Filed Dec 7, 2025GAElectrical SystemEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    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.
    NHTSA complaint #11703583 · source
  2. Filed Jul 8, 2025NYEngine
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11672050 · source
  3. Filed Jul 2, 2025NYEngine
    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.
    NHTSA complaint #11670685 · source
  4. Filed Sep 13, 2024CAEngineTransmission & Drivetrain
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11614435 · source
  5. Filed Jun 23, 2024CACrashEngineSuspensionTransmission & Drivetrain
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11595987 · source
  6. Filed Jun 14, 2024PAEngineTransmission & Drivetrain
    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.
    NHTSA complaint #11594325 · source
  7. Filed May 7, 2024CAEngine
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11587485 · source
  8. Filed Apr 30, 2024INEngine
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11586131 · source
  9. Filed Jul 4, 2023VAEngine
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11530275 · source
  10. Filed Apr 24, 202397,000 miINEngine
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11518773 · source
  11. Filed Apr 14, 2023NJElectrical SystemEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11517063 · source
  12. Filed Sep 26, 2022WAEngine
    Check engine light came on at 92,355 odometer miles. Dealer diagnosis was code P0171, airflow sensor intermittent failure causing rich fuel and affecting mileage. Failure of the air fuel sensor was due to oil leakage from the camshaft carrier covers located above the exhaust manifold where the A/F sensor is located. This could have resulted in a fire. The repair necessitated engine removal to access the camshaft carrier covers and resealing the area along with replacing the…
    NHTSA complaint #11486440 · source

Other 2014 Subaru Forester problem areas

  • Airbags (30)
  • Other / Unknown (25)
  • Suspension (20)
  • Transmission & Drivetrain (18)
  • Electrical System (18)
  • Brakes (16)
  • Body & Structure (13)
  • Seats & Seat Belts (11)
  • Acceleration & Cruise Control (11)
  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion (8)
  • Wheels & Tires (6)
  • Steering (5)
  • Visibility & Wipers (5)
  • Driver Assistance & Safety Tech (2)
  • Lighting (1)

Back to all 2014 Subaru Forester problems →

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology