Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2014 Subaru Forester owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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.
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. …
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.
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. …
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
At/about 1230 central time on 31 oct 2019, my wife [redacted] 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. …
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, [phone]) 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. …
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. …
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. …
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.
Fuel System complaints in other Forester years
Frequently asked questions
How common are fuel system problems on the 2014 Subaru Forester?
NHTSA has 21 complaints about the fuel & propulsion system of the 2014 Subaru Forester, 5% of the model year's 403 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2014 Subaru Forester fuel system problems?
No. NHTSA lists no fuel & propulsion system recall for the 2014 Subaru Forester, though it has 2 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2014 Subaru Forester fuel system problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 13,000 miles, and 60% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 4 crashes, 0 fires and 7 injuries to fuel & propulsion system problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.