The 2014 Forester with the FB25 2.5L engine is generally solid but suffers from oil consumption issues that can escalate to catastrophic engine damage if ignored. Transmission cooler failures and CVT fluid contamination are the other big-ticket concern.
Excessive Oil Consumption / Piston Ring Failure (FB25 Engine)
Common · high severityTypical onset: 60,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Blue smoke from exhaust on cold start or acceleration, Burning 1+ quart every 1,000-1,500 miles, Check engine light for misfire codes, Fouled spark plugs, Carbon buildup on intake valves
Fix: Subaru issued extended warranty for this (settled class-action), but many are out of coverage now. Requires short block replacement or full engine rebuild with updated piston rings. 12-16 labor hours for short block swap at indie shop.
Estimated cost: $4,500-7,000
CVT Transmission Oil Cooler Failure / Fluid Contamination
Occasional · high severityTypical onset: 80,000-150,000 mi
Symptoms: Milky or discolored CVT fluid, Erratic shifting or shuddering, Overheating transmission, Metal shavings in fluid, CVT slipping under load
Fix: External cooler lines corrode or internal cooler in radiator fails, allowing coolant/CVT fluid cross-contamination. Requires new cooler, full CVT fluid flush (sometimes multiple flushes), and often CVT replacement if contamination went unnoticed. 8-10 hours for cooler + flush; 14-18 hours if CVT replacement needed.
Estimated cost: $1,200-2,500 (cooler/flush); $5,000-7,500 (CVT replacement)
Head Gasket Seepage (EJ-Series Holdover Concern, Less Common on FB25)
Rare · medium severityTypical onset: 100,000-150,000 mi
Symptoms: Coolant weeping from head/block interface externally, Slight coolant loss without visible leaks elsewhere, No overheating or compression loss in early stages
Fix: The FB25 is far better than older EJ engines, but some units still develop external seepage. Requires head gasket replacement both sides, machine work if warpage present. 10-14 labor hours including timing components and resurfacing.
Estimated cost: $2,200-3,500
Rear Transmission Mount Collapse
Common · low severityTypical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunking on takeoff or shifts, Excessive drivetrain movement felt through cabin, Vibration at idle in Drive
Fix: Rubber isolator in rear transmission crossmember mount tears or separates. Simple R&R, 1.5-2.5 hours depending on rust and exhaust clearance.
Estimated cost: $250-450
Brake Light Switch Failure (NHTSA Recall 14V-363)
Occasional · medium severitySymptoms: Brake lights stuck on, Cruise control won't engage, Push-button start won't recognize brake pedal depressed, Battery drain from lights staying on
Fix: Defective switch contacts. Recall covers replacement; if not done, it's a 0.5-hour job at brake pedal bracket.
Estimated cost: $0 (recall) or $120-180 (out-of-pocket)
Fuel Filter Clogging (In-Tank Pump Assembly)
Occasional · medium severityTypical onset: 90,000-130,000 mi
Symptoms: Rough idle or hesitation under load, Hard starting after sitting, Fuel pump whine audible inside cabin, Check engine light for lean codes or fuel trim
Fix: Subaru uses lifetime in-tank filter that clogs if fuel quality poor or tank rust develops. Requires fuel pump assembly replacement or cleaning. 2-3 hours to drop tank or access through rear seat area.
Estimated cost: $400-700
Solid choice if oil consumption history is documented as normal and CVT has been maintained; avoid high-mileage examples with unknown service history due to expensive engine/trans risk.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.