2014 Subaru Forester: Suspension complaints
Owner-reported issue (NHTSA complaints, not a recall)
Symptoms
NHTSA has 94 owner complaints for the 2014 Subaru Forester that list the suspension component. Complaints are individual owner reports, not verified defects.
Examples:
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11696927 (filed 11/01/2025): “Low contrl arm bushings distroyed,loud noise and vibration under the car.…”
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11595987 (filed 06/23/2024): “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 …”
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11554583 (filed 11/10/2023): “During driving on the highway control arm failure causing wheel bearing failure and loss of control of the vehicle putting my safety and others at risk of collision at high speeds. thankfully no major issue occurred and the vehicle was taken to be confirmed and fixed immediately. i paid for all se…”
Likely causes
These complaints do not establish a single root cause; read the examples above and get a diagnosis.
Fix, in plain English
No single fix is established by these reports. Check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls, ask a dealer about technical service bulletins (TSBs) or extended warranty coverage, then have the system diagnosed.
DIY difficulty: Moderate
Shocks/struts can be DIY with proper spring compressors; air suspension diagnosis needs a scan tool. (Our assessment.)
Cost
No sourced cost range for this issue. Get a written quote after diagnosis.
Typical parts (search links, no affiliate codes)
AutoZone · O'Reilly · Advance · RockAuto
Sources
Page last updated .