Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2014 Subaru Forester
The 2014 Subaru Forester is a generally reliable SUV, but be cautious of some documented issues. Notably, the brake light switch and floor mats have recalls. Complaints have been made about the suspension, engine, and electrical systems, so thorough inspection and questioning are advised.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2014 Subaru Forester has 2 NHTSA recall campaigns and 403 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
NCAP overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars, for the 1 NHTSA-tested trim.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #19V149000 Brake Lights May Not Illuminate NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #13V159000 Carpeted Floor Mats may Curl/Interfere with Pedals NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Suspension 94 complaints
- Engine 69 complaints
- Air Bags 57 complaints
- Unknown or Other 44 complaints
- Electrical System 42 complaints
- Vehicle Speed Control 42 complaints
Of the 403 complaints on file, 48 report a crash and 3 a fire; across all 403 complaints, owners report 28 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Brake lights malfunction
How to check: Ensure brake lights illuminate when pedal is pressed.
Carpet floor mats curl
How to check: Inspect floor mats for curling or unusual wear.
Frequent complaints of noise
How to check: Listen for unusual sounds over bumps or turns.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Start the engine and listen for rattling noises.
Red flag: Rattling noises during start
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Observe dashboard lights and signs of rough idle.
Red flag: Warning lights or rough idling
- 03
Low-speed residential
What to check: Listen for suspension noise over bumps.
Red flag: Persistent clunking or rattling
- 04
Highway acceleration
What to check: Check if it accelerates smoothly without hesitation.
Red flag: Hesitation or power loss
- 05
Braking from 60 mph
What to check: Feel for vibration or noise while braking.
Red flag: Vibration or squealing brakes
- 06
Parking
What to check: Test all electrical systems, including lights.
Red flag: Non-working lights or switches
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the brake light switch recall been addressed?
- Are the original floor mats included?
- Any suspension repairs in the vehicle's history?
- Have there been any electrical issues?
- Do you have the complete maintenance records?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Recall repair documentation
- Complete service history
- Vehicle title
- Current registration
- Original floor mats receipt
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2014 Subaru Forester at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2014 Subaru Forester? Check the actual car
This checklist covers the model. From your free try.vin dashboard you can go further — paste the seller's listing for a deal score, or drop their photos for an AI condition report.