2014–2018 Subaru Forester: Rear humming noise (wheel bearing)
Likely causes, ranked
- Worn rear wheel bearingShop
- Tire noiseDIY
Real-owner fix counts will appear here as reports come in.
DIY or shop: See DIY or shop section
Parts to check
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Symptom: A hum from the rear that rises with speed.
Likely causes
- Rear wheel bearing. Forester owners report rear bearing replacements, with prices that vary widely between independent shops and dealers.
- Tires. Rule out tire noise first.
DIY or shop?
Shop (pressed bearing).
Useful steps
- Rotate the tires and re-test.
- Get quotes from an independent shop and the dealer.
Vehicle focus: 2014–2018 Subaru Forester.
Safety / mechanic note
A failing bearing can get worse quickly. Verify with a mechanic.
Recalls & service bulletins
No recalls or service bulletins are listed for this page yet.
NHTSA complaints: 45 keyword-matched complaints (of 2,518 unique complaints filed under NHTSA model names FORESTER, 2014–2018; NHTSA complaints API by model year, queried 2026-10-15).
Always check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Sources
What actually fixed it?
Had this problem? Tell other owners what the real fix was. Reports are counted above; we never show made-up numbers.