2014 Subaru Forester: Reliability, Recalls, Known Issues & Cost to Own
Data last updated 2026-07-04 · sources listed throughout · based on public NHTSA data
4th-gen launch and the most troubled Forester year: FB25 oil consumption, new-CVT failures, control-arm wear and Takata airbags all hit at once. High repair risk. 6 known issue patterns are documented below, with frequency and the mileage windows where they typically appear. New, the 2014 Subaru Forester ranged from $21,995 to $32,995 depending on trim (base MSRP, before options and destination).
This listing
Context from the listing you were viewing, not a market-price judgement.
4th-gen launch and the most troubled Forester year: FB25 oil consumption, new-CVT failures, control-arm wear and Takata airbags all hit at once. High repair risk.
Sources (2)
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=subaru&model=forest…
- repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/subaru/forester
Known issues
-
Takata airbag inflator recall affecting the front airbags; verify the recall remedy was completed.
widespread · 458 NHTSA complaints · other
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Lineartronic CVT shudder, low-speed surging and outright failure, most reported on the 2014-2015 cars; replacements are expensive and have occurred near 100k miles.
commonly reported · 229 NHTSA complaints · typically 60k–120k miles · transmission
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FB25 excessive oil consumption: the defining 4th-gen defect (2014-2015 worst), subject of a class-action settlement, where the engine burns oil rapidly and can suffer damage if run low.
commonly reported · 174 NHTSA complaints · typically 30k–120k miles · engine
-
Spontaneous windshield cracking, often from a small chip or temperature change; replacement is expensive when EyeSight camera recalibration is required.
commonly reported · 263 NHTSA complaints · body
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Lower control-arm bushing wear causing clunks, vibration and noise, prominent on the 2014 cars.
occasional · 184 NHTSA complaints · suspension
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Electrical and Starlink infotainment glitches: screen freezes, Bluetooth/CarPlay dropouts and assorted electrical faults.
occasional · 348 NHTSA complaints · electrical
Based on public NHTSA complaint data and AI synthesis: patterns, not guarantees.
Sources (2)
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=subaru&model=forest…
- samarins.comhttps://www.samarins.com/reviews/forester.html
Recalls & safety
Recall history hasn't been loaded for this model year yet.
Whether a recall is still open on a specific car depends on its VIN. Check it free at NHTSA's VIN lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls), or ask the seller for proof the repair was done.
Pros & cons
Pros
- Standard symmetrical all-wheel drive with genuine all-weather and light off-road capability.
- Spacious, practical interior with generous cargo room and easy step-in entry.
- Strong crash-test safety record and good resale value.
- High ground clearance and excellent outward visibility from the tall, upright greenhouse.
Cons
- Slow, unrefined acceleration and a dull driving experience versus rivals.
- FB25 excessive oil consumption (class-action years) and CVT durability worries, worst on 2014-2015.
- Spontaneous windshield cracking that is costly to replace with EyeSight recalibration.
Trims & original pricing
| Trim | Original base MSRP | New today | Engine | MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5i | $21,995 | $29,995 | — | — |
| 2.5i Premium | $23,495 | $31,995 | — | — |
| 2.5i Limited | $27,995 | $35,995 | — | — |
| 2.0XT Premium | $27,995 | discontinued | — | — |
| 2.5i Touring | $29,995 | $39,995 | — | — |
| 2.0XT Touring | $32,995 | discontinued | — | — |
Prices are base MSRP for each trim's standard configuration. Options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.
Sources (2)
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/2014-subaru-forester-price
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/subaru-forester-price
Depreciation
Move your cursor along the line to see the estimated value for any year.
This listing sits above the typical depreciation curve. Common for heavily-optioned cars and for 2021-2023 model years (pandemic-era pricing); the curve is anchored at base MSRP, which excludes options.
Curve anchored at the entry-trim base MSRP ($21,995). Higher trims started higher (up to $32,995), and options added more.
The curve's data ends 10 years in, so the line levels off after that. Treat the tail as a floor, not a forecast: asking prices for older cars depend mostly on condition, mileage, and the current market, and often sit well above it.
Sources (1)
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/subaru-forester/resale-value
Cost to own
| Repairs (rises with mileage) | ≈ $600–650/yr |
| Insurance (medium tier) | ≈ $1,600–1,700/yr |
| Expected lifespan | ~225k miles |
National-average estimates based on public data. Your costs vary by region, driver, and condition.
Sources (2)
- repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/subaru/forester
- moneygeek.comhttps://moneygeek.com/insurance/auto/subaru-forester-insurance/
Frequently asked questions
What problems does the 2014 Subaru Forester have?
Documented issue patterns include: Takata airbag inflator recall affecting the front airbags; verify the recall remedy was completed; Lineartronic CVT shudder, low-speed surging and outright failure, most reported on the 2014-2015 cars; replacements are expensive and have occurred near 100k miles; FB25 excessive oil consumption: the defining 4th-gen defect (2014-2015 worst), subject of a class-action settlement, where the engine burns oil rapidly and can suffer damage if run low; Spontaneous windshield cracking, often from a small chip or temperature change; replacement is expensive when EyeSight camera recalibration is required. Frequency is based on public NHTSA complaint data: patterns, not guarantees.
Is the 2014 Subaru Forester reliable?
4th-gen launch and the most troubled Forester year: FB25 oil consumption, new-CVT failures, control-arm wear and Takata airbags all hit at once. High repair risk.
How much did the 2014 Subaru Forester cost new?
Between $21,995 and $32,995 depending on trim. Those are base MSRPs for each trim's standard configuration; options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.
Is the Subaru Forester expensive to maintain?
Estimated repairs run roughly $600–650/year as mileage climbs.
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Estimates are based on public data: patterns, not guarantees. CarVitals is not affiliated with NHTSA, CarMax, AutoTrader, or Cars.com. Issue frequencies come from public NHTSA complaint data, which has no denominator, so they describe reporting patterns, not failure probabilities. Always have a used car inspected before buying. How we build these reports.