Page 2 of 9 · complaints 51–100 of 403

2014 Subaru Forester complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA about this vehicle, newest first and reproduced as filed. They are unverified accounts: one proves nothing, and a pattern across many is the thing worth reading. Back to the full 2014 record →

Suspension
Filed Jan 10, 2023OH

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

Service Brakes
Filed Oct 13, 2022MD

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.

Engine
Filed Sep 26, 2022WA

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 A/F sensor. The cost was nearly $4k which was not covered under warranty due to the Forester is 9 years old.

Air Bags
Filed Sep 20, 202272,500 milesVA

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

Power Train
Filed Sep 19, 2022LA

The parking sensor has failed, there's a TSB (16-112-18R) related and numerous other complaints on forums and websites.

Structure › Body › HoodCrash
Filed Sep 16, 202218,000 milesHI

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.

Service Brakes
Filed Jul 29, 2022NY

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.

Service BrakesCrash
Filed Jul 28, 202261,765 milesID

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.

Unknown or Other
Filed Jul 25, 2022WI

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.

Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification › Front Passenger
Filed Jun 22, 2022170,000 milesOR

The contact owns a 2014 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that the passenger’s seat air bag sensor failed to recognize a passenger seated in the passenger’s seat. The air bag off message remained off while driving. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the contact was provided an estimate for the repair. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure and offered assistance. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.

Air Bags
Filed Jun 21, 2022OH

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. Specifically, air bag warning (red) light occurs and yellow pass airbag active light will indicate passenger air bag inactive/off. Sometimes for days, then Ok—whether passenger seat is occupied or not. Sometimes moving the seat up and back will reset this warning. 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. The seat belt issue and airbag light has been happening for about 2 years, getting more frequent. Appears recalls airbag issues with Forrester 2013 and earlier and after 2015. But not 2014. Note, front seats are heated.

EngineCrash
Filed Jun 20, 2022IL

The engine stalled/locked and clipped an 18 wheeler trying to get to the shoulder of I-294. I have been taking the 2014 Subaru to Countryside Subaru since April 14, 2021 with issues of lights coming on on the dashboard. It caused a serious accident. The car was totaled by the insurance company. Subaru had me call Subaru Advocacy who had just agreed to pay $3,500 towards a new engine, with me paying $1,500 because it was out of warranty, even though the issue started when the car was under warranty over a year ago. Lights were constantly coming on every 4 to 6 weeks. A service advisor, told us the car was safe to drive. It wasn't. The same day service advisor ordered the parts (June 6, 2022) is the same day the accident happen. I thank God my daughter is still among the living. This should not have happen. LIVES ARE MORE IMPORTANT THAN MONEY.

Vehicle Speed ControlCrash
Filed Jun 10, 202244,000 milesMD

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.

Unknown or Other
Filed Feb 25, 2022NY

Right trunk tail gate broke at pivot point due to rust. I had lifted the rear trunk door up to remove packages when the trunk door suddenly came down on my head. Subaru had issued a warning about this but this should be a recall!! I was thankful a child was not standing next to me! The dealer replaced both gates when I complained.

Air Bags
Filed Jan 22, 2022VA

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.

Electrical SystemCrash1 injured
Filed Dec 5, 2021NJ

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.

Air Bags
Filed Nov 19, 2021CA

The passenger occupant detection system sensor mat was diagnosed as needing to be replaced in order for the SRS air bag system to work. The dealership charged me $89 to diagnose the problem. They then told me the repair will cost $900. I noticed several other 2014 Subaru Foresters have the same issue. There was a very similar recall for 2015 through 2018 models. I emailed Subaru of America to see if they can cover the cost of the repair today.

Tires › Sidewall
Filed Nov 13, 2021OH

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, th

Service BrakesCrash2 injured
Filed Oct 14, 2021OR

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.

Unknown or Other1 injured
Filed Oct 11, 2021IA

I reached inside the back lift gate of the car when it dropped on my head. I went to the ER where they did a CT and MRI of my head and spine to rule out a fracture or head bleed.There was no warning message on the dash or problem noted from the dealership. I have owned the car since April 2021 and had no problem with it before that day. The car dealership has replaced the hydraulic lift struts on the back lift door. So I don't know if they still have the defective parts. I have contacted my insurance company but no representative came out to see it. A video of what the door did was sent to the car dealership and the insurance company.

Service Brakes
Filed Oct 6, 2021WA

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.

Electrical SystemCrash
Filed Sep 23, 2021NJ

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.

Seats › Mid/Rear Assembly › Recliner
Filed Sep 7, 202185,000 milesCA

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.

Structure › Body
Filed Aug 22, 2021CA

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

Structure › Body › Hatchback/Liftgate
Filed Jul 30, 202188,500 milesNJ

The contact owns a 2014 Subaru Forester. While attempting to open the liftgate, the contact stated that the left strut on the liftgate fractured which caused the liftgate to independently close. Upon investigation, the contact discovered that strut bolt was corroded which led to the liftgate failure. The contact notified the local dealer of the failure and the contact was instructed to take the vehicle into the dealer to be inspected. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 88,500.

Electrical System
Filed Jul 29, 2021MA

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.

Seats
Filed Jul 23, 2021SC

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.

Unknown or Other
Filed Jul 17, 2021MA

Hello, my name is [XXX], I am disabled (ADA) following brain surgery at Mass General Hospital (December, 2005, [XXX], MD). I have since walked with a cane, was required to retire approx 10 years ago, and have routine seizures. I apologize for this, but I feel the air conditioning should be covered, as in many situations (especially with global warming), the cooling is required for the elderly and for people with medical conditions. Please reconsider allowing the faulty air conditioning systems in 2014 Subaru Foresters to be covered under payment by Subaru. The car referenced belongs to my sister Nancy English, who commonly drives me to places I need to go. The cost is not expected to be too overwhelming, but I feel the Air Conditioning is more important to (many) people, than was established some years ago. Thank you sincerely.[XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

Power Train
Filed Jul 11, 2021NH

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.

Steering
Filed Jun 17, 202178,000 milesNY

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.

Engine
Filed Jun 16, 202167,574 milesMD

The contact owns a 2014 Subaru Forester. The contact stated while driving 60 mph, the vehicle went into limp mode and failed to accelerate while the accelerator pedal was being depressed. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to a local dealer nor an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 67,574.

Wheels
Filed Jun 16, 2021NJ

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.

Suspension
Filed Jun 3, 2021MA

Left rear suspension coil fractured when car put in reverse

Visibility › Windshield
Filed Jun 2, 202140,000 milesTX

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.

Structure › Body
Filed May 31, 2021OH

My drivers side door seal has repeatedly come loose from the door. This usually happens in very hot or cold conditions. I struggle with it on an irregular basis. Recently my passenger's side door is doing the same thing and is more resistant to being put back into place.

Latches/Locks/Linkages › Hood › Latch
Filed May 13, 202142,000 milesPA

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.

Electrical System
Filed Apr 27, 2021115,000 milesIL

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.

Steering
Filed Apr 15, 202178,000 milesNY

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.

Service Brakes
Filed Apr 4, 202134,000 milesPA

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. .

Electrical System
Filed Mar 28, 2021123,000 milesTX

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.

Air Bags
Filed Mar 28, 2021IL

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!

Service Brakes
Filed Feb 6, 2021OH

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

Air Bags
Filed Jan 26, 202198,000 milesCO

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!

Service Brakes
Filed Jan 17, 202180,000 milesMA

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.

Service Brakes
Filed Jan 16, 202125,000 milesNJ

VEHICLE UNEXPECTEDLY ACCELERATED UPON STEPPING ON THE BRAKE PEDAL AFTER STOPPING FOR A RED LIGHT.

Air Bags
Filed Jan 8, 2021140,000 milesCT

WHEN TURNING ON THE CAR OR WHILE DRIVING, A NOTIFICATION APPEARS ON THE DISPLAY INDICATING THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG IS OFF. ALSO A LIGHT ILLUMINATES ON THE DASH INDICATING THE SAME THING. THIS HAS HAPPENED 4-5 TIMES IN THE LAST FEW MONTHS. THE NOTIFICATIONS/LIGHT USUALLY STAY ON FOR THE DURATION OF THE TRIP. IT HAPPENS BOTH WHEN THERE IS SOMEONE IN THE PASSENGER SEAT AND WHEN THE SEAT IS EMPTY. THE DEALER FOUND A STORED ODS SENSOR CODE BUT SINCE THE LIGHT WASN'T ON THE DAY I BROUGHT IT IN THEY WOULDN'T GO FURTHER WITH CORRECTING THE ISSUE. 2015-2018 FORESTERS CURRENTLY HAVE A RECALL FOR THIS ISSUE. I BELIEVE MY 2014 FORESTER TO BE AFFECTED BY THE SAME ISSUE.

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Jan 1, 202164,000 milesTN

WINDSHIELD HAS CRACKED TWICE

Engine
Filed Dec 30, 202080,000 milesAZ

I HAVE HAD IGNITION PROBLEMS TURNING OFF THE ENGINE AFTER STOPPING ALSO I HAVE TO KEEP PUTTING A QUART OF OIL IN WHEN THE OIL LIGHT COMES ON WHILE DRIVING

Power Train
Filed Dec 28, 2020155,000 milesVA

FAILURE OF THE CONTINUOUS VARIABLE TRANSMISSION (CVT) IS A KNOWN AND DANGEROUS DEFECT FOR CERTAIN MODELS OF SUBARUS. SUBARU OF AMERICA ISSUED AN EXTENDED WARRANTY IN 2018 WHICH PARTIALLY ADDRESSED CVT PROBLEMS, BUT FELL SHORT OF A RECALL, WHICH IS WHAT CUSTOMERS DESERVE AND ARE OWED. ADDITIONALLY, THIS EXTENDED WARRANTY ONLY RECOGNIZED PROBLEMS WITH SPECIFIC CVT COMPONENTS, BUT OMITTED OTHER CVT COMPONENTS THAT ARE KNOWN TO FAIL. IN DECEMBER 2020, THE CVT ON MY 2014 SUBARU FORESTER FAILED IN MOTION AND THE VEHICLE BECAME UNDRIVABLE. THE DEALERSHIP (CASEY SUBARU OF NEWPORT NEWS VA) MADE THE NECESSARY REPAIRS, WHICH SUBARU DEEMED NOT COVERED BY WARRANTY, AT THE COST OF $1931.36. THE RECEIPT IS ATTACHED. SUBARU OF AMERICA HAS DEMONSTRATED NEGLIGENCE ON THIS DEFECT, AND DISREGARD FOR ITS CUSTOMER'S SAFETY AND SATISFACTION. I AM ASKING NHTSA TO ADDRESS THIS PROBLEM ON BEHALF OF ALL AFFECTED SUBARU OWNERS BY ISSUING AN IMMEDIATE RECALL.

Engine
Filed Dec 1, 202032,000 milesWV

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.

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NHTSA publishes every complaint as the owner wrote it and investigates only a fraction. Spelling, capitalisation and judgement are the filer’s own. What carries weight is repetition: the same component failing the same way across many filings, and whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

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