2014–2018 Subaru Forester SJ LED Taillights Installation Guide
Upgrading the taillights on your 2014–2018 Subaru Forester SJ is an effective way to refresh your vehicle's rear appearance.
Modern aftermarket LED taillights offer distinctive styling, updated lighting signatures, and a more contemporary appearance.
While many replacement assemblies are designed to work with existing vehicle connections, proper installation remains important for safety, weather protection, and reliable operation.
This guide covers the general installation process, important precautions, and common troubleshooting steps.
Note: This is a general installation guide. Always follow the specific wiring diagram and instructions supplied with your taillights, as harness layouts may vary.
Before You Begin
CraftC Performance offers LED taillight assemblies for the 2014–2018 Subaru Forester SJ, with two available styling options:
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Clear Lens with Red Bar
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Smoked Lens with Pearl White Bar
Before removing your original taillights, inspect your new assemblies carefully.
Confirm that the housings, connectors, seals, and supplied accessories are present and undamaged.
Recommended Tools
Depending on your vehicle and the supplied taillight kit, you may need:
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Appropriate sockets and ratchet
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Plastic trim removal tools
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Flashlight
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Clean microfiber cloth
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A second person to help test lighting functions
If you're unfamiliar with automotive electrical systems, consider hiring a qualified installer.
Step 1: Prepare Your Vehicle
Park on a stable, level surface.
Switch off your vehicle's ignition and exterior lighting.
Allow the original lighting assemblies to cool before handling them.
Open the rear hatch to access the taillight area.
Step 2: Access and Remove the Original Taillights
Locate the mounting points for the original taillight assemblies.
Follow your vehicle's service instructions when removing trim panels or mounting hardware.
Support the original assembly while removing its fasteners.
Carefully release the electrical connector using its locking tab.
Avoid pulling directly on the wiring.
Remove the original assembly while protecting the surrounding paint and bodywork.
Step 3: Compare the Original and Replacement Assemblies
Before installing the new taillights, compare the original and replacement units.
Check the following:
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Left and right orientation
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Mounting locations
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Connector shapes
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Gasket positions
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Any additional wiring supplied with the replacement kit
This inspection helps identify potential installation problems before the assemblies are mounted.
Never force an electrical connector that does not fit correctly.
Step 4: Connect the New LED Taillights
Connect the replacement assembly according to the wiring diagram supplied with your specific product.
Ensure the connectors are fully seated and their locking mechanisms engage properly.
If your kit includes additional wiring for hatch-mounted lighting components, follow the supplied routing instructions.
Keep wires away from moving hinges, sharp metal edges, and areas where interior trim could pinch the harness.
Do not cut or splice unidentified wires.
Step 5: Install the Replacement Assemblies
Position each new assembly carefully against the vehicle.
Check that all gaskets and mounting points are aligned.
Secure the hardware without overtightening it.
Improperly seated seals can allow moisture to enter the assembly or the surrounding body cavity.
Before reinstalling interior trim, perform a complete lighting test.
Step 6: Test Every Lighting Function
Ask another person to observe the rear lighting while you activate each function.
Verify:
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Running lights
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Brake lights
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Left turn signal
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Right turn signal
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Hazard lights
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Reverse lights
Confirm that both sides operate as intended.
If a function does not work correctly, turn off the lighting and inspect the connections before continuing.
Common Installation Problems
One Taillight Doesn't Work
Check whether the connector is fully inserted and securely locked.
Compare the connection with the installation diagram.
If the problem continues, contact the manufacturer before modifying the harness.
Turn Signals Flash Too Quickly
This condition is commonly known as hyperflash.
It can occur when a vehicle's lighting system detects an electrical load different from what it expects.
Hyperflash does not automatically mean the LEDs are defective.
However, it should be diagnosed rather than ignored.
Read our separate article, Why Hyperflash Happens, for a more detailed explanation.
Hatch-Mounted Lighting Does Not Work
If your kit has separate hatch wiring, inspect the associated connections and routing.
Ensure that the wiring is not pinched and that all required connections have been made.
Moisture or Condensation
Check the assembly's gasket and mounting alignment.
Minor temporary condensation and persistent moisture are not the same issue.
If water accumulates or condensation does not clear, contact customer support.
Final Installation Checklist
After testing, reinstall any removed trim and inspect the finished installation.
Make sure the rear hatch opens and closes without interfering with the new wiring.
Inspect the housing alignment and verify that all lighting functions still operate correctly.
Recheck the installation after your first drive and following exposure to rain.
Final Thoughts
LED taillights can significantly change the appearance of the 2014–2018 Subaru Forester SJ.
However, proper mounting, secure wiring, weather protection, and complete function testing are more important than appearance alone.
If your kit's wiring does not match the supplied instructions, stop installation and contact CraftC Performance support with photos of the connectors and your vehicle details.
Explore CraftC Performance's 2014–2018 Subaru Forester SJ LED Taillights for available designs and additional product information.
Lighting Designed for the Car, Not Just Made to Fit It.™