2014 SUBARU FORESTER Complaints

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

CVT transmission has very noticeable whining noise while the car is moving; car stutters and does not drive smoothly. Unsteady drive train motion almost resulted in an accident and has put my family's safety at risk. Car was taken to the Subaru dealer and diagnosed with complete transmission failure. Dealer has stated that the car should not be driven in its current condition. I asked the dealer's service representative if the car was unsafe to drive and he would not answer my question. Car has 131,041 miles. Estimated cost provided by the dealer to replace the transmission is $8,971.63. Subaru provided an extended transmission warranty; however, my car is beyond the 100,000 mile limit.

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.

Took car for 60000 mile check up mechanic said it should not have worn bushings and control arms at 60000 miles.

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.