FaultScore

2014 Subaru Forester transmission problems

41 of the 576 complaints about the 2014 Subaru Forester are about the transmission — 7% of everything reported for this model year. Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before 64,611 miles.

D

41

Complaints

7

Crashes

0

Fires

3

Injuries

Exactly what failed

Power Train 41 100.0%

Transmission & Drivetrain across every Subaru Forester year

1998 28 5.4%
1999 35 6.8%
2000 21 4.1%
2001 25 4.9%
2002 18 3.5%
2003 11 2.1%
2004 12 2.3%
2007 11 2.1%
2009 17 3.3%
2014 41 8.0%
2015 95 18.5%
2016 49 9.5%
2017 44 8.6%
2018 23 4.5%
2019 39 7.6%
2020 31 6.0%
2021 14 2.7%

What owners said

Filed with NHTSA, in their own words.

Kalamazoo, MI Crash 1 injured

POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2014 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would independently accelerate without warning. Due to the failure, the contact stated that they had hit a building while attempting to park in a parking space. The air bag did not deploy during the accident and the contact suffered stiffness to the left side of their neck. The contact was given a ticket by the police as a result of the incident; however, a police report was not filed. Due to the crash, a window was shattered and a few bricks fell off from the building. The contact also mentioned that while attempting to park the vehicle in their driveway, the vehicle jolted forward while the brake pedal was depressed and hit a stone wall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was given a case number. The contact was then referred to a local dealer who gave the contact an estimate for a diagnostic. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA complaint #11673628 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Los Angeles, CA

POWER TRAIN

When cruising about 25mph the car gave a jolt, stalled, and then would speed back up again. All lights then flashed on. I brought it to the dealer and they did a diagnostic check coming back for CVT transmission. They also confirmed it is a known problem and had extended the warranty to when 100,000 miles or 10 years which is around or prior to when most people confirm the issue. There was no warning signs I was aware of leading up to the failure of the transmission.

NHTSA complaint #11648162 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 86,000 miles Concord, CA

POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2014 Subaru Forester. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed a loud whining sound coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle had been taken to the dealer several times since November 2020 for transmission related issues. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The contact was informed that the repair was not covered under extended warranty or recall. The manufacturer offered to pay a portion of the cost for the repair. The failure mileage was approximately 86,000.

NHTSA complaint #11615017 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Concord, CA

POWER TRAIN

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 for our Subaru Forester 2014. Our records show recurring CVT transmission issues, which we have consistently reported: - March 3, 2020: At 58,543 miles, Diablo Subaru noted issues with high RPM and improper shifting. Diagnostic tech notes indicated transmission problems. - November 20, 2020: At 61,023 miles, Diablo Subaru addressed a transmission valve body replacement and identified a fault in the pressure control circuit. - October 5, 2022: At 72,593 miles, Diablo Subaru found transmission fluid seepage . The oil leaks from front timing cover , leading to repairs and reseal costing $2,468.51. - August 22, 2024: At approximately 84,000 miles, Livermore Subaru confirmed the need for a CVT transmission replacement. Given our history of reported issues and diligent maintenance, The initial CVT transmission problems noted on March 3, 2020, should have been addressed under the warranty and extended warranty provisions. We have always adhered to recommended maintenance schedules and promptly addressed any issues. Unfortunately Subaru of America, insisted that because of the age will not extend the warranty for the transmission.

NHTSA complaint #11614435 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Benicia, CA Crash

POWER TRAIN

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 the dash. Well maintained and had no issues besides the oil consumption.

NHTSA complaint #11595987 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Devon, PA

POWER TRAIN

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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Soulsbyville, CA Crash 1 injured

POWER TRAIN

My wife, [XXX] , shifted into reverse to back up a steep driveway. It was difficult to put the transmission lever into reverse. After backing up several feet, the car made a strange noise and ran forward over a steep bank, resulting in a compression fracture in her spine. I have photo and text documents to provide, but I haven't been able to upload them in this web page. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11564235 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

St. Charles, IL

POWER TRAIN

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.

NHTSA complaint #11505856 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Worley, ID

POWER TRAIN

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.

NHTSA complaint #11502684 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Annapolis, MD

POWER TRAIN

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.

NHTSA complaint #11489206 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Abita Springs, LA

POWER TRAIN

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

NHTSA complaint #11485333 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Manchester, NJ Crash 1 injured

POWER TRAIN

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.

NHTSA complaint #11442727 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Jersey City, NJ Crash

POWER TRAIN

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.

NHTSA complaint #11434125 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Hooksett, NH

POWER TRAIN

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.

NHTSA complaint #11424305 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 155,000 miles Gloucester, VA

POWER TRAIN

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.

NHTSA complaint #11385167 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 112,000 miles Glastonbury, CT

POWER TRAIN

A FEW WEEKS AGO THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO HAVE DIFFICULTIES SHIFTING/ACCELERATING FROM A STOP IT WOULD FEEL LIKE IT WAS SLIPPING AND NOT RESPONDING TO THE ACCELERATOR . IT HAS BEEN EVALUATED AS A TRANSMISSION FAILURE AT A COST OF $10,000. I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE NEW AND PURCHASED AN EXTENDED WARRANTY THAT WOULD COVER THE POWER TRAIN UP TO 100,000 MILES. THE VEHICLE HAS HAD ALL SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE PERFORMED AND ALL OF IT AT THE SAME DEALER SERVICE CENTER WITH DOCUMENTATION. THIS INCLUDES A 90,000 MILE SERVICE WHERE THE TRANSMISSION WAS INCLUDED IN THE PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE CHECK AND INDICATED AS NO ISSUES. THE VEHICLE HAS ONLY BEEN USED FOR NORMAL DRIVING. NO HAULING OR TOWING AND NO HEAVY CARGO. THE TRANSMISSION SHOULD NOT FAIL ONLY 12,000 MILES OUTSIDE OF THE WARRANTY THAT I PURCHASED AND HAVING BEEN SERVICED APPROPRIATELY AND INSPECTED WITHIN 20,000 OF THE CURRENT ISSUE. SUBARU OF AMERICA IS NOT COVERING THE REPLACEMENT UNDER WARRANTY FOR WHAT APPEARS TO BE A KNOWN SAFETY ISSUE THAT REQUIRED THEM TO EXTEND THIS SAME 100,000 WARRANTY COVERAGE TO ALL VEHICLES FROM THIS MODEL YEAR UNDER WHAT I UNDERSTAND TO BE A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT SETTLEMENT. THE LOSS OF ACCELERATION AND SLIPPING IN THE SHIFTING WHEN POWERING AWAY FROM A STOP IS DANGEROUS IF THE VEHICLE STALLS OR SUDDENLY SLOWS DUE TO LOSS OF POWER AND THIS IS DUE TO A KNOWN CVT ISSUE. SUBARU SHOULD BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR ALL THE VEHICLES THEY PRODUCED WITH THIS DEFECT AND NOT BE ABLE TO HIDE BEHIND A A LAWSUIT SETTLEMENT THAT ALLOWED THEM TO LEAVE VEHICLES LIKE MINE ON THE ROAD AS TICKING TIME BOMBS ALL BECAUSE THE SYMPTOMS OF THE ISSUE DIDN'T SHOW UP BEFORE 2018 OR A ONLY 12,000 MILES OUTSIDE OF THEIR OWN WARRANTY THAT THEY SOLD.

NHTSA complaint #11360802 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 68,413 miles Lincoln University, PA

POWER TRAIN

STOPPED FOR RED LIGHT, WHEN I TRIED TO ACCELERATION HEARD A LOUD THUMP AND THE CAR WOULD NOT MOVE. ABS, TRANSMISSION LIGHT CAME ON. I THOUGHT I LOST MY TRANSMISSION. HAD TO BE PUSHED OFF BUSY HIGHWAY AND THEN CALLED TRIPLE A TO HAVE CAR TOWED. WAS ON ROUTE 113. AFTER RESEARCHING INTERNET FOUND THAT SUBARU EXTENDED WARRANTY.

NHTSA complaint #11324789 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Clute, TX

POWER TRAIN

WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY UNDER EXCELLENT CONDITIONS, THE ENGINE 'REVVED' AND THEN STALLED. I WAS ABLE TO PULL OFF ONTO THE SHOULDER AND PUT THE CAR IN "PARK" AND TURN OFF THE ENGINE. BEFORE I DID SO, THE INSRUMENT PANEL INDICATORS WERE (ALMOST?) ALL LIT. I TRIED TO RESTART = UNSUCCESSFUL. AFTER WAITING ABOUT 5 MINUTES, I TRIED AGAIN AND WAS ABLE TO PROCEED NORMALLY. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THIS HAS OCCURED; PREVIOUS EPISODE ABOUT THREE MONTHS AGO (UNREPORTED) UNDER SIMILAR CONDITIONS. THE ONLY "COMMON" ELEMENT I CAN SURMISE IS THAT THE GAS LEVEL WAS < 1/4 TANK IN BOTH INSTANCES. I WAS NOT CONCERNED ABOUT THE GAS AS THE GAUGE AND "MILES TO EMPTY" WERE MORE THAN SUFFICIENT TO GET ME HOME. I DID REFUEL WITHIN TEN MILES OF THE TEMPORARY BREAKDOWN AND WAS ABLE TO DRIVE WITHOUT FURTHER INCIDENT.

NHTSA complaint #11312105 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 68,000 miles Papillion, NE Crash

POWER TRAIN

AT/ABOUT 1230 CENTRAL TIME ON 31 OCT 2019, MY WIFE [XXX] 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. THE CAR RAPIDLY ACCELERATED AND TORE THROUGH THE CLOSED GARAGE DOOR AT THE END OF THE CARWASH AND CONTINUED OUTSIDE, ACROSS AN ACCESS ROAD AND UP A SMALL HILL, BEFORE LOSING POWER AND ROLLING BACKWARDS DOWN THE HILL TO STOP IN THE ACCESS ROAD. NO OTHER VEHICLES OR PERSONS WERE INVOLVED OR INJURED. MY WIFE WAS UNINJURED OTHER THAN BEING SPRAYED BY GLASS FRAGMENTS FROM THE WINDSHIELD AS IT WAS PUNCTURED BY THE GARAGE DOOR AS THE CAR TORE THROUGH IT. OUR INSURANCE COMPANY (USAA) DECLARED THE CAR A TOTAL LOSS. NEITHER MY WIFE NOR I HAD EVER EXPERIENCED ANYTHING LIKE THIS INCIDENT BEFORE; WE BOTH HAVE EXCELLENT DRIVING RECORDS. WEATHER AT THE TIME OF THIS INCIDENT WAS CLEAR, DRY AND SUNNY. THE CAR TO THE BEST OF OUR KNOWLEDGE WAS IN EXCELLENT MECHANICAL CONDITION. THE PAPILLION NE POLICE DEPT RESPONDED AND FILED A REPORT, AND WE FILED A DRIVERS MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT REPORT. BOTH ARE ON FILE WITH THE PAPILLION NE POLICE DEPT. THERE WERE ALSO SEVERAL WITNESSES TO THIS INCIDENT PER THE POLICE REPORT. *LN*JB INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA complaint #11280696 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 124,000 miles Rosemead, CA

POWER TRAIN

VALVE BODY SOLENOID INSIDE THE CVT TRANSMISSION FAILED AND FULLY LOCKED UP. SUBARU STATES THAT THEIR CVT TRANSMISSION NEVER NEEDS TO BE SERVICED BUT COVERS THE CVT TO 100,000 MILES. SHORTY AFTER A HUNDRED THOUSAND MILES, THE VALVE BODY SOLENOID FAILED AND SUBARU OF AMERICA DENIED COVERAGE. HAD A THIRD PARTY MECHANIC REPLACE THE CVT AND UPON INSPECTION, THE CVT FLUID IN THE OLD CVT TRANSMISSION WAS DARK, DIRTY AND THICK. CHUNKY OR GOOEY WHAT DESCRIBE IT. SUBARU STATES THE CVT TRANSMISSION NEVER NEEDS TO BE MAINTAINED, YET NO MOTOR OIL OR TRANSMISSION OIL CAN GO ON FOREVER.

NHTSA complaint #11278564 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 81,000 miles Santa Clarita, CA

POWER TRAIN

DRIVING 65 MPH ON HIGHWAY. CAR SUDDENLY NO LONGER RESPONSIVE TO ACCELERATOR AND SPEED DROPS. RECOVERED IN A FEW SECONDS. DEALER EXAMINED AND STATES IT WAS DUE TO DEFECTIVE CONDITION IN BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH THAT WAS INSTALLED 6 MONTHS EARLIER DUE TO RECALL. DEALER STATES CAR WENT INTO "LIMP" MODE. SWITCH CONDITION RESOLVED WITHOUT REPLACEMENT ACCORDING TO DEALER.

NHTSA complaint #11271249 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 56,861 miles Brooklyn, NY

POWER TRAIN

CVT TRANSMISSION FAILURE OF MY 2014 SUBARU FORESTER TOURING 2.0 TURBO MODEL. WHEN I PUT THE CAR INTO PARK AND TURNED OFF THE CAR AFTER DRIVING, IT DID NOT TURN OFF THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS, THE BELTS WERE STILL SPINNING AND I HAD TO REMOVE THE BATTERY TO SHUT IT OFF. 1 WEEK LATER THE BATTERY WAS DEAD. I JUMP STARTED AND THE ENGINE LIGHT AND OTHER ALERTS WERE ALL LIT. WHEN I BROUGHT THE CAR TO MY MECHANIC, HE RAN DIAGNOSTICS AND SAID THE TRANSMISSION WILL NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE CAR IS ONLY 5 YEARS OLD. TOP OF THE LINE SUBARU AND I ONLY HAVE 56,860 MILES ON THE CAR.

NHTSA complaint #11241456 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 69,000 miles Palm Harbor, FL

POWER TRAIN

THE STEERING WHEEL "LEATHER" COATING HAS BEEN DISINTEGRATING FOR OVER A YEAR NOW. THE SUBARU SERVICE SAID IT IS A COMMON ISSUE WITH 2014 SUBARU FOREST. & SHOULD BE RECALLED. EVENTUALLY, THE UNDERCOAT FOAM MATERIAL WILL ALSO DISINTEGRATE, HE SAID. ALSO, BOTH FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARMS, BUSHINGS,BAND DRIVE, (SOMETHING LIKE A DRIVE SHAFT), STRUT & AXEL JOINT HAD TO BE REPLACED AT ONLY 69K MILES. MY CAR HAS NEVER BEEN IN ANY ACCIDENT OR HIT ANYTHING. SUBARU PAID FOR FAILED CONTROL ARM REPLACEMENT. THIS IS AN EXTREMELY UNSAFE CAR!

NHTSA complaint #11208277 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Lakeville, MA

POWER TRAIN

1) CVT VALVE KIT DAMAGED (3 YEARS OLD) 2) BUT MAIN REASON FOR THIS COMPLIANT IS REAR COILS BREAKING, I DO NOT KNOW BUT THEY HAVE BEEN BROKEN FOR SOME TIME CAUSING REAR BEARINGS AND REAR SHOCKS DAMAGE. DID SOME RESEARCH AND FOUND EVERYONE W/ 2014 THRU 2015 FORESTERS ARE HAVING THIS PROBLEM AT ANY MILEAGE. TOLD DEALER AND THEY SAID SUBARU KNOWS OF THIS PROBLEM BUT HAS NOT ISSUED A RECALL? THE AVERAGE PERSON WILL NOT REALIZE THEIR COILS COULD BE BROKEN LIKE ME UNTIL BEARINGS AND SHOCKS FAIL ..... THIS SOUNDS LIKE A MAJOR ISSUE TO ME?

NHTSA complaint #11196666 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 110,000 miles SAN Jose, CA

POWER TRAIN

THE TRANSMISSION FAILED COMPLETELY IN JULY, 2018. I CONTACTED A SUBARU DEALER ON JULY 30 FOR SERVICE, BUT THE FIRST APPOINTMENT AVAILABLE WAS ON AUGUST 1ST. I FOUND OUT THAT SUBARU HAD BEEN HAVING SOME OF THESE PROBLEMS AND EXTENDED THEIR WARRANTIES. BECAUSE MY ACTUAL SERVICE WAS ON AUGUST 1ST, SUBARU SAID I MISSED THE EXTENDED WARRANTY BY ONE DAY! CORPORATE SUBARU OFFERED TO PAY HALF OF THE $7,500 COST FOR A NEW TRANSMISSION, BUT I WAS LEFT TO PAY THE REST. THEY SAID IF I HAD BEEN A "MORE LOYAL" CUSTOMER THEY WOULD HAVE PAID MORE THAN HALF. I LEFT THE CAR AT THE DEALERSHIP FOR 3 MONTHS TRYING TO NEGOTIATE THE PRICE DOWN. EVENTUALLY I HAD TO PAY FOR $2,000 OF THE REPAIR. I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY SUBARU HAS NOT HAD TO RECALL THE VEHICLES EXPERIENCING THESE TRANSMISSION FAILURES, OR AT LEAST PAY FOR REPAIRS ONCE IT FAILS. WHEN WE FIRST FELT THE VEHICLE NOT RESPONDING NORMALLY, WE STOOPED DRIVING. IT WAS NOT SAFE.

NHTSA complaint #11181703 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 92,000 miles Vista, CA

POWER TRAIN

THE CAR COMPLETELY LOOSES POWER AND STUTTERS. THE ENGINE DOES NOT SHUT OFF, BUT THERE IS NO POWER GOING TO THE WHEELS. AT THIS POINT THIS HAS HAPPENED DOZENS OF TIME. IT BEGAN AROUND 20-30,000 MILES, AND CONTINUES INTO 90,000+ MILES. IT CAN HAPPEN GOING 20-40 MILES PER HOUR OR 55 OR 70. IT'S UNDER LOAD USUALLY, AND HAPPENS MORE WHEN IT IS HOT OUTSIDE. SOMETIMES IT HAPPENS ONCE, THEN I DON'T HAVE IT FOR MONTHS, AND OTHER TIMES IT HAS HAPPENED REPEATEDLY FOR MILE AFTER MILE OF DRIVING. I HAVE TO LET MY FOOT OFF THE GAS AND RE-APPLY MULTIPLE TIMES TO KEEP THE CAR MOVING. IT'S HAPPENED IN NEIGHBORHOODS, DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY, AND TRYING TO PASS ON THE HIGHWAY. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO MY DEALERSHIP NUMEROUS TIMES AND THEY REFUSE TO KEEP IT LONG ENOUGH AND TEST IT ENOUGH TO REPLICATE THE PROBLEM. IT IS STILL UNDER THE EXTRA WARRANTY I PAID FOR IT AND SUBARU REFUSES TO HELP AS WELL.

NHTSA complaint #11152642 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 71,000 miles Boulder City, NV

POWER TRAIN

TRANSMISSION/COMPUTER MALFUNCTION. INITIALLY DRIVING THROUGH MOUNTAINS, USING SPORT # MODE IN LOW SPEED CURVES ON OLD ROAD. HAD ONE 'SURPRISE' EPISODE WHERE IN A STRAIGHT SECTION OF HIGHWAY, TRANSMISSION DOWSHIFTED SUDDENLY, WITH RPMS RACING UP TO NEARLY 5000RPM, ALTHOUGH I DIDN'T TOUCH THE PADDLES, AND DIDN'T EVEN HAVE MY HANDS ON THEM. AFTER REACHING A NORMAL STRAIGHT HIGHWAY OUT OF THE MOUNTAINS, AN HOUR LATER, WHILE SIMPLY DRIVING AT 75MPH, THE ENGINE LOST POWER, GAS PEDAL BECAME UNRESPONSIVE, RPMS FELL, VEHICLE WAS COASTING DOWN FROM HIGHWAY SPEED, AND TRANSMISSION DID SEVERAL ODD SHIFTS WITH VARYING RPMS, AND DECELERATIONS. COASTED TO A STOP, FLASHERS ON, OFF THE HIGHWAY. ENGINE WAS NOT RUNNING. STARTER MOTOR WORKED. ENGINE WOULD NOT START. FLASHING LIGHTS ON CRUISE CONTROL, CHECK ENGINE, AND "AT TEMP", AND POSSIBLY OTHERS NOT RECALLED. CALLED SPOUSE. CONTACTED TOWING SERVICE. OPENED HOOD: FLUIDS, OIL LEVEL, ETC ALL APPEARED NORMAL WHEN CHECKED. TEMP DISPLAY IN VEHICLE SHOWED NORMAL (219 DEGREES RADIATOR TEMP). TRIED TURNING KEY ON/OFF REPEATEDLY TO SEE IF COMPUTER WOULD RESET: NO LUCK. SPOUSE CALLED 30 MIN LATER: ONLINE RESEARCH FOUND REMOVING PLUG NEXT TO TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER IN CENTER CONSOLE, AND USING LONG SCREWDRIVER TO PRESS SWITCH AT BOTTOM MIGHT RESET SOME DEVICE. TRIED IT DIFFERENT TIMES: KEY 'ON', KEY 'OFF', ETC, RESET APPEARED TO TAKE EFFECT WITH KEY 'OFF', THEN TURNED ON. VEHICLE NOW COOLING DOWN (45 MINUTES ON ROADSIDE, NOT RUNNING). NOW RESTARTS WHEN CRANKED. VARIOUS LIGHTS "CHECK ENGINE', 'AT TEMP', CRUISE CONTROL LIGHT NO LONGER FLASHING. WARNING ON PANEL STATING "VEHICLE HILL START ASSIST NOT AVAILABLE" NO LONGER SHOWING. CAR APPEARS TO RUN. DROVE ~ 5 MILES TO ROADSIDE BUSINESS. CANCELLED TOW. CHECKED CAR AGAIN. DROVE GENTLY TO HOME CITY. RESCHEDULED FLIGHT TO ALASKA VACATION BECAUSE OF THE DELAY.

NHTSA complaint #11119692 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 70,000 miles Louisville, KY

POWER TRAIN

CVT 2.5I 70K MILEAGE. ON 8/12/17, WHILE DRIVING ON INTERSTATE HIGHWAY NONSTOP FOR 310 MILES, WITH CRUISE ON 76 MPH, TRANSMISSION SUDDENLY AND WITHOUT WARNING WENT "OUT OF GEAR." ENGINE RPMS RACED TO OVER 5,000 BUT CAR WAS OUT OF GEAR. NO PROPULSION WHATSOEVER. IT FELT EXACTLY LIKE WHEN A MANUAL TRANSMISSION POPS OUT OF GEAR OR IS SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL BY ACCIDENT AY SPEED, BUT THIS IS AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. SHIFT LEVER HAD NOT BEEN TOUCHED. TRANSMISSION JUST FELT LIKE IT "GAVE WAY." I SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL AND COASTED TO THE SHOULDER AND ENGINE DIED. "CHECK ENGINE," "VEHICLE DYNAMICS CONTROL," AND BATTERY CHARGE WARNING" LIGHTS LIT ... MAYBE OTHERS. ENGINE DIED. PUT IN PARK. WAITED A COUPLE OF MINUTES AND THEN RESTARTED ENGINE. IT RAN ROUGH FOR A FEW SECONDS THEN SMOOTHED OUT AND WE DROVE 2 MILES TO FILL UP GAS AND PROCEEDED ANOTHER 100 MILES OR SO WITHOUT DIFFICULTY. 2 DEALERS NEVER RESPONDED TO MY INQUIRY. DROVE AROUND TOWN FOR A FEW DAYS WITHOUT INCIDENT. THEN, ON 8/20/17 WHILE AGAIN DRIVING NON-STOP FOR OVER 300 MILES AND AGAIN WITH CRUISE CONTROL SET ON 74, THE EXACT SAME THING HAPPENED AGAIN. NO WARNING. SUDDENLY "OUT OF GEAR." ENGINE REVS SPIKED. WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON. COASTED TO SHOULDER. SHUT DOWN ENGINE FOR MAYBE 20 SECONDS THEN RESTARTED ENGINE AND PROCEEDED ON WITHOUT INCIDENT TO REFUEL AND RESUME TRIP. WAS ALMOST REAR-ENDED BY A TAILGATER THIS TIME SINCE HE WAS DRIVING SO CLOSE TO ME WHEN I SUDDENLY LOST PROPULSION. BOUGHT CAR NEW OVER 70K MILES AGO AND HAD NEVER EXPERIENCED ANYTHING LIKE THIS BEFORE 8/12/17 AND NOW IT HAS HAPPENED TWICE WITHIN 8 DAYS AND UNDER VERY SIMILAR CONDITIONS. VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION.

NHTSA complaint #11016534 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 61,222 miles NEW York, NY

POWER TRAIN

I WAS OUT OF THE COUNTRY AND DIDN'T START MY CAR FEW ABOUT TEN DAYS. WHEN I COME BACK THE BATTERY WAS DEAD. I HAD IT JUMP STARTED. AS I WAS LEAVING THE LOT AND GOING UP A SLIGHT INCLINE THE CAR STALLED WHILE IN DRIVE - THE BATTERY WAS DEAD AGAIN. I COULD NOT MOVE THE TRANSMISSION FROM DRIVE TO PARK WITH A DEAD BATTERY. FORTUNATELY I WAS ABLE TO GET THE CAR RESTARTED WITH ANOTHER JUMP. IN THE MEANTIME THE CAR ROLLED BACKWARDS UNTIL I APPLIED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE.. SO THERE WERE TWO ISSUES, YOU CANT MOVE THE TRANSMISSION FROM DRIVE TO PARK IF THE BATTERY IS DEAD AND THE CAR ROLLS BACKWARD IN DRIVE (WHICH I HAVE EXPERIENCED ON OTHER OCCASIONS).

NHTSA complaint #10919749 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Pasadena, CA

POWER TRAIN

VEHICLE IS UNSTABLE DUE TO STALLING AND LURCHING FORWARD UNDER ALL THROTTLE RANGES. VEHICLE MAY "CHUG" AT VARIABLE DRIVING SPEEDS. THE FAILURE IS INTERMITTENT AND VARIES FROM SUBTLE TO HEAVY EFFECTS. SEVERE EFFECTS CAUSES VEHICLE TO SHUDDER AND/OR STALL THEN ABRUPTLY ACCELERATE. ISSUE DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE RELATED TO "TURBO LAG" AS IT OCCURS UNDER LOW BOOST CONDITIONS. TRANSMISSION ALSO PRODUCES "CLICKING" SOUND WHEN ENGAGING FROM NEUTRAL OR UNDER CHANGES IN SPEED. CONDITION OCCURS THROUGHOUT ALL DRIVING MODES (I, S, S#). CONDITION OCCURS MOSTLY UNDER ACCELERATION FROM DEAD STOP, BUT MAY ALSO OCCUR UNDER "PICK UP" ACCELERATION, IE OFF THROTTLE TO DECELERATE (55MPH-45MPH) THEN LIGHT THROTTLE TO RESUME DRIVING SPEED. VEHICLE MAY ALSO BACKFIRE UNDER ACCELERATION. VEHICLE MAY HESITATE FOR SEVERAL SECONDS BEFORE ACCELERATION FROM STOP OR AT HIGHWAY SPEED THAN UPON RESUMING ACCELERATION VEHICLE MAY HAVE A FLAT/SLOW ACCELERATION IN SPITE OF HEAVY THROTTLE. FACTORY AUTHORIZED REPAIRS ATTEMPTED TO REMEDY CONDITION BY CLEANING THROTTLE BODY AND "UPPER ENGINE" CLEANSE AND STATES UNABLE TO REPLICATE FAILURE. CONDITION HAS BEEN ON-GOING FROM PURCHASE WITH APPROXIMATELY 30K MILE TO CURRENT WITH 74K MILES.

NHTSA complaint #10904751 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Other 2014 Subaru Forester problems

← Full 2014 Subaru Forester report