2014 Subaru Forester: ball joint or control arm failure

Filed Nov 10, 2023 · Suspension · CA

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 service repairs out of pocket The vehicle was inspected and issue confirmed by independent service center. There was no warning prior to the issue.

Filed May 3, 2023 · Suspension · FL

Car started to excessively shake at 60,000 miles. The control arm bushings wore out. After doing some research, there was a technical service bulletin issued by Subaru on this issue which changed the design of the bushings. However, they did not notify owners.

Filed Jan 10, 2023 · Suspension · OH

Took car for 60000 mile check up mechanic said it should not have worn bushings and control arms at 60000 miles.

Filed Jul 28, 2020 · Suspension · 50,000 miles · PA

Front wheels would shimmy at highway speed. Dealer identified the problem as failing front left lower control arm. The vehicle has 50,000 miles on it.

Filed Mar 10, 2020 · Suspension · 33,000 miles · CA

I started getting severe vibration and wobbling of front suspension on sweeping curves on freeway at speeds over 65 MPH at about 33,000 miles on odometer. I replaced the tires, yet it continued. Now the mechanics say both front lower control arms need to be removed and replaced. The car has never been used off road or even in snow. Should not be a problem like this. It is like a new car.

Filed Jul 21, 2019 · Body · 109,000 miles · PA

I walked behind the vehicle that was parked on side of the street, and pressed the button that activates the powered tailgate and causes it to open. As the tailgate was opening, the left tailgate gas lift support broke off from the tailgate. When the tailgate reached its maximum height, it slammed down in an unrestrained manner. Now whenever I try to use the automatic tailgate, it opens to the maximum height, then abruptly and without warning slams down with great force, with a potential to injure someone.*dt consumer stated pushed button to raise liftgate; appeared that when liftgate reached maximum height, it came crashing down. Complainant was standing back waiting for the liftgate to open when incident happened. Tried to open the liftgate using button again a couple more times; liftgate would open, but would come crashing down again when it reached maximum height. Looked to see what was the problem and saw on driver's side that the strut was broken at the side where the ball joint connects to the vehicle. Saw rust all around the ball and the top part of the ball had sheared off. Unscrewed the remainder of the strut to remove. Used the program on the vehicle to adjust the maximum height of the liftgate so that it didn't open as much (approximately 3-5' lower) and then it would open without crashing down. Ordered a liftgate replacement part online and repaired himself. No problems since. Did not replace the passenger side strut. Consumer will send photos of new driver's side and original passenger side rear liftgate struts at connector points. *jb *dt

Filed May 17, 2019 · Steering, Suspension · 69,000 miles · FL

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!

Filed May 16, 2014 · Suspension · 18,000 miles · MI

Tl* the contact owns a 2014 subaru forester. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH, the rear of the vehicle swayed abnormally. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the lower control arm needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 18,000.