2014 Subaru Outback problems
The Subaru Outback is an automotive nameplate used by the Japanese automaker Subaru for two different SUV-themed vehicles: a Legacy-derived crossover station wagon, the Outback (1994–present, also sold as Legacy Outback (Japanese: スバル・レガシィアウトバック, Hepburn: Subaru Regashi Autobakku) in some markets), and an Impreza-derived off-road themed hatchback, the Outback Sport (1994–2011).
Most versions of the Outback wagon and Outback Sport have had all-wheel drive as standard equipment.
History
The original Outback station wagon was derived from the wagon variant of the second-generation Subaru Legacy. The first-generation Legacy, which made its debut in 1989, did not receive the cosmetic and suspension modifications to create an Outback version, although Subaru offered an Outdoor option package for the 1994 model year Legacy L all-wheel drive model, which added a compressed air strut height adjustable suspension, a luggage rack, a skidplate, and mud flaps.
Earlier, a raised-roof "Touring Wagon" variant had been offered on the preceding Subaru Leone for the 1988 and 1989 model years. Subaru also sold a raised-roof variant (chassis code BF) of the first-generation Legacy wagon outside the United States. North American Legacy wagons were only offered as the flat-roof variant (chassis code BJ) until a special "GT" model was marketed for the 1994 model year.
The second-generation Legacy wagon became the first generation of the Outback crossover series, called the "Legacy Grand Wagon" in Japan in 1995, and the "Legacy Outback" in most other markets. Compared to the existing Legacy wagon, the "Outback" variant added partial protective plastic side body cladding for off-road conditions, used a raised roof, and would later raise the suspension to provide additional ground clearance. It was introduced at the 1994 New York Auto Show. Aside from other small differences in trim, the Outback shares almost all of its components with the Legacy donor model.
When launched in Australia in 1996, the name "Legacy Outback" was shortened to "Outback", followed in other markets afterwards. In the United States, Subaru also retailed the Legacy SUS sedan between the 1997 and 2007 model years, with similar modifications to distinguish it from the equivalent Legacy model sedan. The Impreza Outback Sport was introduced at the 1996 New York Auto Show, but for the 1997 model year, the donor model names were dropped, and the cars were known as the "Outback" and "Outback Sport".
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Common 2014 Subaru Outback problems
The 2014 Subaru Outback has been reported to have several common problems based on complaints from owners. These issues include excessive oil consumption, headlight issues, shuddering while shifting gears, and a low towing capacity. Excessive oil consumption is a widespread issue reported by owners in the first 30,000 miles. Headlight issues are another common problem, with burnt-out headlights showing up on a lot of Outback models in the first 50,000 miles. Shuddering while shifting between gears is another serious problem mentioned by owners in the first 20,000 miles. The 2014 Subaru Outback has a low towing capacity of 3,000 pounds, which is a problem for owners who want to use their SUV for towing. In addition to these common problems, there are also 10 recalls for the 2014 Subaru Outback, which is more than other SUVs from 2010, and nearly all of them are just for airbags which are common. A well-maintained 2014 Subaru Outback may last around 150,000 miles, which is half as long as the top-rated Toyota Highlander. In summary, the 2014 Subaru Outback has several common problems, including excessive oil consumption, headlight issues, shuddering while shifting gears, and a low towing capacity. These problems are more severe than other SUVs from 2014, with higher repair costs too.
How reliable is a 2014 Subaru Outback?
Snagging a good deal on a used 2014 Subaru Outback Limited, especially with 130k miles, is all about balancing price with the vehicle's condition and history. The Outback is known for its reliability and all-wheel-drive prowess, making it a solid choice if you're into that mix of practicality and adventure.
Do 2014 Subaru Outbacks have transmission problems?
There are also some problems with the 2014 transmission. The transmission in the 2014 Outback has the potential to shudder between gears and to hesitate when the vehicle is shifting. This model was eventually labeled as a problematic model year as there were tons of other issues that came out of the woodwork.
How many miles will a 2014 Subaru Outback last?
According to vehiclehistory.com, a typical 2014 Subaru Outback will last around 150,000 miles with excellent care. This lifespan is decent, but it falls behind other versions of the Subaru Outback where there is an approximate lifespan of two decades and 200,000-300,000 miles on the road.
What year was bad for Subaru Outback?
2010 and 2011 Subaru Outbacks Stand Out as the Worst Years Due to High Recall Count, Excessive Oil Consumption, Head Gasket Failures, and Transmission Problems.
How reliable is a 2014 Subaru Outback?
Snagging a good deal on a used 2014 Subaru Outback Limited, especially with 130k miles, is all about balancing price with the vehicle's condition and history. The Outback is known for its reliability and all-wheel-drive prowess, making it a solid choice if you're into that mix of practicality and adventure.
Do 2014 Subaru Outbacks have transmission problems?
There are also some problems with the 2014 transmission. The transmission in the 2014 Outback has the potential to shudder between gears and to hesitate when the vehicle is shifting. This model was eventually labeled as a problematic model year as there were tons of other issues that came out of the woodwork.
What is the most common problem with a Subaru Outback?
Some top Subaru Outback problems include weak windshields, poor cooling systems, oxygen sensor failure, excessive oil consumption due to oil leaks, and faulty airbags.
How many miles will a 2014 Subaru Outback last?
According to vehiclehistory.com, a typical 2014 Subaru Outback will last around 150,000 miles with excellent care. This lifespan is decent, but it falls behind other versions of the Subaru Outback where there is an approximate lifespan of two decades and 200,000-300,000 miles on the road.
2014 Subaru Outback car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Subaru Outback problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Air bags problems
- Engine problems
- Electrical system problems
- Power train problems
- Service brakes problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2014 Subaru Outback vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 2014 Subaru Outback
The NHTSA has received 202 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2014 Subaru Outback. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 2014 Subaru Outback vehicles.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-23
- VIN: 4S4BRCMC0E3
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: For several years, the nav/camera/radio screen goes black. Only turns back on when car is turned off and restarted, then does it again. It is available for inspection upon request. I almost ran into pedestrian at grocery store without backup camera and have had many more incidents like this. Dealership I visited won't look at it unless I pay. Independent Subaru service provider saw this and said to contact you to help with "service campaign" as other clients of his have mentioned same complaint. No warnings/messages prior to failure or patterns for when it happens. Just happens at random times while driving.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-26
- VIN: 4S4BRBDC3E3
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER,STRUCTURE
- Summary: I was in a store parking lot, putting purchases into the trunk of my 2014 Subaru Outback. The rear gate had been opened for about five minutes. As I was leaning into the trunk, as I'd just done 2 or 3 times, with no warning I suffered, a sudden forceful blunt impact on the back of my head. I was so startled, I didn't know for a second what had happened, then realized, I couldn't move, as the rear gate was on top of me. I lifted it up off my head. It was quite heavy as there was no help from the hydraulic arms. I stepped back, while holding the gate/door, and let it go. It rapidly slammed shut. I tried to open it again, and realized the hydraulic arms were not activating to lift it. Each time it is opened, it only stays open for as long as I hold it and then slams closed. It is clear how I or my family could have been seriously injured or killed. If I had looked up to close the gate in the second preceding the failure, the gate would have come down on my face. I or a family member could have had hands or arms crushed when the gate crashed down, and would have been trapped under the gate until help came. I have not used the trunk since the incident as am trying to get Subaru to repair it this week. The problem remains, exactly the same and can be replicated by anyone. There were no warning messages that this was coming and no previous signs that the hydraulic system was going to imminently malfunction and fail. I have seen other reports by Subaru Outback owners that they have had similar failures with their gates and one was almost identical to my situation.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-03
- VIN: 4S4BRBPC7E3
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: Water was coming out of my eyesight camera on the drivers side after a rain
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-03-01
- VIN: 4S4BRCCC5E1
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: I am just the mechanic and this is my customer's vehicle, but whilst doing some regular maintenance on the vehicle and also replacing part number 383485200 which Subaru calls "HOLDER, AXLE BRG" due to a crack which ran thru one of the 5 fastener holes. Upon normal cleaning of the threads in the rear differential casting where the "holder, axle brg" is bolted up to the left output shaft side I noticed a massive cavity in the casting which was drilled into and tapped for a bolt. This cavity is so large it presents a huge risk of catastrophic rear differential failure resulting in potential loss of control and increasing the risk of a crash. When I called the dealership to obtain the answers to the questions I know my customer is going to ask me, they shrugged it off as no big deal and couldn't even get me a price on a new rear diff housing or complete assembly. Using my brake rotor thickness calipers I was able to measure what I believe is the closest part of the cavity to the hole where the "holder, axle brg" is fastened in place. This "holder, axle brg" is the output shaft seal housing, plus, the outer race for the differential carrier is pressed into this component. Making it quite a critical component of the delicate innerworkings of a differential. Just a few ten-thousandths out of tolerance and the ring and pinion gears will destroy one another, the cavity in the casting right in a bolt hole creates potential for the differential carrier to not receive the proper bearing preload greatly reducing the life of the bearings, and in the worst case, the cavity could cause the rear differential to crack under heavy load which could cause a catastrophic failure, locking up the rear differential causing the vehicle to skid uncontrollably.
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-04-23
- VIN: 4S4BRBFC3E3
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: My 2014 Subaru Outback, with only 42,000 miles on it, is unfortunately among the 3% (per Consumer Reports) with undiagnosable, therefore, unrepairable, brake failure issues. The brake failures began in April 2023 as I pulled out of my driveway in the Tucson Mountains, headed into town. On the downhill, I pressed my brakes to slow down. My foot went to the floor - no brakes. Terror! I pumped the brakes and gradually they came back. Luckily, no one was ahead of me. The brake fluid was down a very slight bit, so I brought it back up. No problem for two weeks, until the exact same thing happened again. Tucson Subaru has an excellent Service Center. I've kept the service on my Subaru up, so I booked in for a regular tuneup, plus advised them of the brake issue. The shop mechanic flushed the brake cylinder along with the usual tuneup: brake pads, etc. There was no problem for about two more weeks when brakes failed again. Took back to Subaru on a Friday. They kept over the weekend, but by Monday afternoon, brakes were still working "fine". They Ubered me to test, but I didn't need to even pull out of parking lot, everything seemed okay. Took my Outback home and all okay until brakes failed again. Took on AAA's and my friends' recommendations to Tucson's Primarily Japanese auto shop. The brakes failed once more in the interim, but worked fine at the shop. The owner thought possible a failing ABS unit. However, both Tucson Subaru/Primarily Japanese were reluctant to try replacing either the brake cylinder or the ABS unit as both are expensive fixes and they were unable to duplicate the failure. In the meantime, I went online and found that other owners of Outbacks across a range of years/mileage had the same problem - and the same results, none of fixes reliably worked. That included flushing/replacing the brake cylinder, the ABS unit, cleaning/replacing brake pads, etcs. Some owners were not as "lucky" as I was. The car is parked.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-10-06
- VIN: 4S4BRBDC7E3
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: The car had been recently serviced through the dealer and had 66,000 miles (9 yrs old). It was 6k miles past warranty. While driving, the radiator hose exploded—loud noise, white steam, and all the warning lights came on and the car heated up. I had the car towed and was told that the radiator hose, the radiator and the head gasket had been destroyed and the engine would need to be rebuilt. The car was essentially a total loss given the repair costs. There was no warning at all that anything was wrong with the car prior to the engine blowing. It is my understanding that many years of Subaru Outbacks have required recalls for head gasket problems.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-08-23
- VIN: 4S4BRBPC4E3
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: The innermost taillight located on the liftgate melted the taillight housing and burned the socket in which it sits. This could have started a fire putting the safety of those in the vehicle and on the road at risk. The problem has not been inspected by a dealer or any other party. The taillights are available for inspection and the bulbs as well. there was no warning. The problem was noticed because the bulbs burned out and needed replaced. they have been replaced by me with LED bulbs to reduce the risk of fire or more damage. the problem was discovered on 8/23/2023. It is unknown when this problem started.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-06-18
- VIN: 4S4BRBCC1E3
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: Valve body transmission module failed at 118k with no prior warning There are some subaru bulletins that say up 120k. Dealership i bought it from told me 100k. I was never notified this issue was a recall. It could have potentially caused an accident if the transmission failed on the highway.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-01-06
- VIN: 4S4BRBCCXE3
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: Air bag Passenger light on and blinking .
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-12-05
- VIN: 4S4BRBLC4E3
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: I noticed when driving that my horn had stopped working. I am unsure if this is related to the airbag replacement or some other issue. The concern is that most people do not check their horns for functionality before it is really needed. I was able to get it repaired at a cost of 529.58
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-11-14
- VIN: 4S4BRCDC1E3
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: Suburu Outback had been showing signs of needing more oil between routine changes and frequent top-offs. When took to a Suburu Dealer in September 2021, prior to reaching 100,000 miles, Suburu said it was normal. Now at 118,000 miles as of November 2022, the engine jerks and makes noises. Upon taking to Suburu, short engine block repair was recommended, which would cost over $6,000. The issues of needing repair align with the 2016 extended warranty bulletin put out for other Suburu Outbacks, which goes through 100,000, but we were told that the VIN is outside of the extended bulletin and we are out of warranty. Being told our oil consumption is normal but suddenly experiencing a deterioration in the engine so suddenly is concerning; the jerky engine is not safe for the passengers or others on the road.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-08-21
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 4s4brbcc4e3
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: I was driving home on a road I drive on regularly at 40 mph. The car unexpectedly accelerated to a high rate of speed causing me to go off the road. I was unable to stop. The brake pedal went to the floor. The car went airborne, just missing a huge tree. It slammed into the ground & continued on to crash into 3 cars & someone’s garage! The car continued to rev & was bouncing back & forth between the 2 vehicles in the garage. The engine continued to rev after I got out. The homeowner shut it off. He said my brake lights were flashing on and off on the dash. The air bags never deployed. I have a witness. I wasn’t able to do anything!! I’ve since learned there’s a class action lawsuit against Subaru for this problem. Please do something about this. I could be dead, that homeowner that was in his garage could be dead right now. All I want is for people to be aware of this & for Subaru to get held accountable. It’s not right that they are aware of this and doing nothing about it!!
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-08-18
- VIN: 4S4BRBDC4E3
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: The contact owns a 2014 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while the key was in the ignition with the transmission in park(P) with the brake pedal depressed, the vehicle moved inadvertently. The failure occurred while the vehicle was on an incline. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer who was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 630,000.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-11-15
- VIN: 4S4BRBPC4E3
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2014 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while driving the oil warning light illuminated and he added more oil. The contact stated that the oil level was low. The contact noticed that several times the oil level was low prior to the normal mileage interval to change the oil. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that the oil was low. The failure was not diagnosed or repaired, however, the independent mechanic stated that the failure could be related to a mechanical engine issue. The contact stated that he found a Technical Service Bulletin Number: 02-157-14R; NHTSA ID Number: 10188219 (Power Train, Engine) which he related to the failure. The contact stated that he recently had an oil change at 88,000 and the oil warning light illuminated at 91,217. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 88,000.
STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-07-01
- VIN: 4S4BRBCC2E3
- Components: STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS
- Summary: The Roll Connector Harness failed, and use of the horn was disabled. It is due to the mechanical steering of the vehicle, and fails over time. As a multiple Subaru owner this has been a topic of safety with most of the owners with 2014 Subarus. Subaru changed the design/engineering of this part in 2016 due to the concern. Because they won't issue a recall, and the cost of repair is high ($400+), mainly due to the location of the part, many will not fix the issue. There is no way to warn other drivers or deer without use of the horn. This has put me in harm's way multiple times until I finally got it fixed. I have contacted my dealer who says it is one of the more common issues they see with this year and probably 2015 as well. It needs to be recalled so everyone with this problem can get their cars fixed instead of Subaru charging for a known problem and making money over safety.
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-01-27
- VIN: 4S4BRBMC2E3
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: Parking break did not disengage. It also blocked the key hole and car could not be moved. I called AAA and they could not even tow it because the gears would not switch from parking to neutral. While manipulating the car, the AAA technician does not know how, but was able to move the key and the gear, and then the car could start. After some online research, there has been recalls for this problem in Australia in Subaru Outbacks of around this year. Since AAA technician did not have to move in the end the car, there is no receipt of this event. It has happened twice by now.
AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-12-27
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 4s4brbac8e3
- Components: AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS
- Summary: my air bags didn't deploy when I hit a tree, and the seat belt gave loose. A police report was filed, and the car was evaluated by a collision center. The insurance company has not yet evaluated the vehicle. The air bag indicator light indicated the air bags were in good working order. I slid off the road in snow and hit a tree dead on and my entire front end crumpled, but my air bags didn't deploy and my seat belt was fully extended when I exited the vehicle to get into the ambulance.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-11-02
- VIN: 4S4BRBCC5E3
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: The ODS in our 2014 Subaru Outback has failed, and there is a constant beeping indicating that the air bag system is not functioning properly. This was definitely an issue the last two winters, too, but with covid quarantine and illness, we were not able to address it then. The airbag warning lights and sounds persist whether the seat is unoccupied or occupied by a child (14 or 16) or adult. The dealer has diagnosed that the passenger seatbelt switch is also not working properly. Their recommended remedy is replacing the entire seat base (~$1,300). This vehicle also had a recall of the passenger side airbag inflator, which was replaced in May 2019 when our mileage was 88,000. The issue started when weather turned cold in the winter of 2019. When it is below about 45 degrees, the beeping starts, and it only ceases when the vehicle is warmed up and the engine is turned off then on again. Our temperatures here in Eastern Washington get up to 115 in summer and down to 10 in winter. We are thinking that this ODS defect may be due to a loosening of the components during the airbag service or the exact same faulty ODS component that was recalled in the Subaru Forrester recall (NHTSA campaign number 19V701). It is important to us to have a functional airbag in case of a crash.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-10-01
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 4S4BRCCC8E3
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: The contact owns a 2014 Subaru Outback. The contact stated while the vehicle was at a standstill when the contact saw unknown warning lights were flickering on and off. The contact parked the vehicle and went inside a store when approximately 10 minutes later the vehicle was on fire. Fire marshals and police extinguished the fire and a report was taken; no one was injured. The vehicle was then towed to an insurance lot where the contact was awaiting a diagnosis. The manufacturer was informed of failure and was awaiting a response. The failure mileage was approximately 64,000.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-08-28
- VIN: 4S4BRBCC3E3
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: Driving at highway speeds with over half a tank of gas and car just shut down, no warning lights, no noise just shut down and lost all control. Fortunately was able to safely move to shoulder. Sat there for a few minutes, called subaru dealer (no suggestions though i now know there is a recall (NHTSA 21V587000) for an identical problem in newer subaru outbacks and also plenty of online sites suggesting this has happened to other outbacks. Car restarted and we were able to complete our ride home, very scary to think of what could have happened if we were in a different situation of traffic or highway conditions.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-07-03
- VIN: 4S4BRBNC8E3
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS
- Summary: Horn malfunctions. Press horn on steering wheel is dead silent. However, if I enable the Panic button on key, the alarm sounds. When I start the car after pressing Panic button, the horn I steering wheel works. Sporadic operation.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-06-06
- VIN: 4S4BRBAC2E1
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: The center differential or Viscous Coupling locks up after any extended highway driving. The car lurches when turning sharply. This is a 6-speed manual transmission. This started at around 70,000 miles and is getting progressively worse now at 80,000 miles. The tires have always been all the same, inflated according to spec. New tires at about 72,000 miles. From online research, the Viscous Coupling on Subarus fails very frequently. This is a defective design resulting in a safety hazard, and requires expensive replacement.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-03-14
- VIN: 4S4BRCNC5E3
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: THE REAR VIEW CAMERA WAS NOT DESIGNED OR MANUFACTURED PROPERLY AND IT ALLOWS MOISTURE TO GET INTO THE CAMERA ITSELF. AFTER A WHILE THE CAMERA WITH FUZZY PICTURE AND EVENTUALLY YOU CAN NOT VIEW THINGS PROPERLY OR SEE THEM AT ALL. THERE ARE MANY OTHER COMPLAINTS BY OTHERS ON THE INTERNET. THIS MAKES IT UNSAFE TO BACK THE CAR UP IF TRYING TO USE THE CAMERA TO ASSIST IN CLEARING THE PATH ESPECIALLY AT NIGHT.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-12-24
- VIN: 4S4BRBCC4E3
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
- Summary: 1. REAR LIFTGATE WILL NOT OPEN WHEN USING REMOTE OR SENSOR ON VEHICLE. ONLY WAY TO OPEN IS TO CRAWL FROM INSIDE TO THE BACK, POP A LID AND THEN MANEUVER LATCH RELEASE. NO WAY TO OPEN LIFTGATE FROM OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE. I'M 66 AND DISABLED. 2. EXCESSIVE OIL USE REPORTED BY TECHNICIANS DURING OIL CHANGE.
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-12-12
- VIN: 4S4BRCCC3E3
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: ORIGINAL FRONT BRAKE PADS HARDLY WARN AFTER 100000 MILES. REAR BRAKE PADS WARE OUT AT ABOUT 30000 MILES. CHECKED TEMPERATURE OF FRONT ROTORS AFTER DRIVING BARELY WARM, REAR BRAKE ROTORS EXTREMELY HOT.
2014 Subaru Outback recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 10 recalls for different components of the 2014 Subaru Outback.
- Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- Summary: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (STI included), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2005-2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
- Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy: Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators with alternate inflators, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020. Subaru Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Saab owners may contact the Saab Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKA-20.
- Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- Summary: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (including STI), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
- Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy: Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020. Subaru owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Saab owners may contact the Saab Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKB-20.
- Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- Summary: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (including STI), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2005-2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming or "Zone C." These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
- Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy: Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020. Subaru owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Saab owners may contact the Saab Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKC-20.
- Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
- Summary: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester vehicles, 2008-2011 Impreza vehicles, 2008-2014 WRX vehicles, 2005-2014 Legacy vehicles, 2005-2014 Outback vehicles and 2006-2008 Tribeca vehicles equipped with a mechanical key ignition switch installed as a replacement part. The ball spring inside the switch may break, reducing the strength of the ignition switch. If this occurs, the weight on the key ring and certain road conditions could cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position to the accessory position, turning off the engine.
- Consequence: The engine turning off unexpectedly can increase the risk of a crash. If a crash occurs under this condition, the air bag may not deploy, increasing the risk of injury.
- Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the ignition switch, replacing the ignition switch, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 10, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUF-91.
- Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- Summary: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2010-2014 Tribeca, WRX, Legacy and Outback vehicles, 2010-2011 Impreza vehicles and 2010-2013 Forester vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
- Consequence: An explosion of an inflator within the passenger frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the front seat passenger, driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy: Subaru is notifying owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on January 25, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is TKC-19.
- Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- Summary: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2010-2014 Tribeca, WRX, Outback, and Legacy vehicles, 2010-2011 Impreza vehicles and 2010-2013 Forester vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
- Consequence: An explosion of an inflator within the passenger frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the front seat passenger, driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy: Subaru is notifying owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began January 25, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is TKB-19.
- Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- Summary: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Forester, 2010-2014 Tribeca, WRX, Outback, Legacy, and 2010-2011 Impreza vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
- Consequence: An explosion of an inflator within the passenger frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the front seat passenger, driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy: Subaru has notified owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began January 25, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is TKA-19.
- Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.
- Components: PARKING BRAKE
- Summary: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2010-2014 Subaru Legacy and Outback vehicles equipped with a manual transmission. The electronic parking brake (EPB) may not engage as intended, allowing the vehicle to rollaway if the transmission is not in the proper gear when parked.
- Consequence: A vehicle rollaway can increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the EPB actuator assembly, free of charge. The recall began July 19, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WTV-81.
- Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.
- Components: VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR
- Summary: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Legacy vehicles manufactured November 26, 2008, to June 7, 2013, and 2010-2014 Outback vehicles manufactured January 9, 2009 to June 7, 2013. Due to contamination, components within the windshield wiper motor bottom cover may interfere with each other. If an obstruction, such as a buildup of snow or ice prevents the wiper arms from being able to stop in the parked position, the wiper motor may overheat and the bottom cover may melt.
- Consequence: If the windshield wiper motor overheats, the wipers may fail, reducing driver visibility and increasing the risk of a crash. Additionally, the wiper motor cover may melt, increasing the risk of a fire.
- Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the windshield wiper motor bottom cover assembly, free of charge. The recall began October 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WTK-71. Note: This recall supersedes recall 11V-469. All vehicles that were remedied under that campaign are affected by this campaign, and need to have their wiper motor bottom cover replaced again.
- Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.
- Components: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
- Summary: Subaru of America is recalling certain model year 2014 Legacy 3.6R and Outback 3.6R and 2013 Tribeca vehicles manufactured June 12, 2013, through June 28, 2013 and equipped with 5-speed automatic transmissions. In the affected vehicles, the parking rod may come loose inside the automatic transmission.
- Consequence: As a result of the parking rod detaching, the transmission may not be able to be moved from the "park" position preventing the vehicle from being moved or driven. Furthermore, even with the transmission shifted into the 'park' position, the parking mechanism may not engage, and the vehicle may roll away while in the "park" position, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the transmission, free of charge. The recall began during August 2013. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's recall number is WQJ-46.
Negative 2014 Subaru Outback car reviews
Positive 2014 Subaru Outback car reviews
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I really like this car! I've been looking into it for the last couple of years and all of its merits fit what I've been searching for. It has lots of room, reasonable gas mileage, car-like handling, and off-pavement ability. After the first couple of weeks getting adjusted to sitting up higher than what I traded in (2013 Buick Regal GS), I took it on a 400-mile road trip each direction and was very happy with its comfort for the trip. The seats are great - supportive yet soft - and do not create circulation hot spots over long periods. The driver lumbar support is actually very, very good as well.
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This was the best car I’ve ever owned. I never had a moment's trouble with it. Even when my son-in-law ran through a stop sign and totaled it, no one was hurt! It was a lifesaver when my husband was going blind and we had to drive 5-6 hours to the surgeon and back over 2 years. Then, when we found out he had cancer, I was never concerned about being able to get him to chemo. I loved that car and I highly recommend it. It was truly the best car I ever had.
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I waited a couple of months before posting my review of the car. During that time, I looked at every midsize crossover available, including BMW X1, X3, Infiniti, Acura, Honda, Toyota, and Volvo. It was important for me to find a car that was suitable for city driving and parking, while also being comfortable enough for a road trip. After owning 4 BMW's, I was pleasantly surprised with my Outback! It performs exceptionally well in all areas, and the 3.6R has plenty of power when needed. The Limited model has all the creature comforts, excellent visibility, and the car feels safe and solid in all driving conditions, including the rare snowstorm in Atlanta!
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For years I had wanted to own an Outback. I'm so glad I finally took the leap and got one! It's roomy, comfortable (even for me at 6'2
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I'm so glad to hear that you've had such a positive experience with your 2014 OB 2.5 limited! It sounds like it's been a reliable and comfortable ride for you, and I'm impressed by its fuel efficiency. Even in tough weather conditions like the Thanksgiving week Blizzard of 2018, your Outback held up like a champ. Thanks for sharing your story!
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2014 Subaru Outback problems:
Is buying a used 2014 worth it? : r/subaruoutback
Mar 23, 2021 ... Apparently it's a really common problem on subarus at least the slightly older ones. Upvote
Gen 4 - 2014 2.5i premium Outback issues | Subaru Outback Forums
Oct 16, 2023 ... The TR580 will disintegrate without proper service intervals and the FB25 engine is not amicable to crappy oil and forgotten oil changes. Expect ...
2014 Subaru Outback Review, Problems, Reliability, Value, Life ...
Oct 6, 2022 ... The paint is junk, the seals, hoses, lights and filters are an ongoing issue and require constant monitoring and/or replacement among other ...
Risk of buying 2013 or 2014 Outback | Subaru Outback Forums
Apr 3, 2017 ... What is the risk given the known oil consumption issues? What if the previous owner was not aware and let the oil get too low? How can I find ...
2014 Subaru Outback Problems | Kelley Blue Book
How reliable is the 2014 Subaru Outback? See the most common repairs performed and learn if your vehicle is at risk for major repairs in the next 12 months.
Other years of Subaru Outback
Are you having problems with your 2014 Subaru Outback?
Garnet Schumm 2024-11-02
I have never owned a Subaru before and unfortunately, my experience with this car has not been great. However, I appreciate the generous cargo space, the lack of repair bills so far, and the resale value. The acceleration, braking, and handling have not met my expectations, and I have found it challenging to take this car on road trips. The A/C is adequate, but it struggles when I step on the gas. The CVT transmission can be jerky, and the sound system and entertainment screen could be better. The MPG on the sticker is not accurate, and I have not been able to get more than 24 miles per gallon with this car. I would recommend test driving this vehicle multiple times before making a purchase, and avoiding the 4 cylinder if you need to merge onto highways frequently. Despite my experience, this car may be suitable for those who prioritize cargo space and driving in snowy conditions. Overall, I would give this car two stars. Thank you for considering my feedback.
Justen Kiehn 2024-11-01
This is a very reliable car. It's great in bad weather, and the engine is good, although it could be a bit more powerful. The gas mileage is 24mpg, and on the highway, it's only 25mpg. The Bluetooth and Harmon Kardon sound system could be better, but it's still decent. It's a good car for driving around town, but it's not the best for long road trips. I've driven it for over 70k miles.
Chauncey Rempel 2024-09-29
After shifting into drive, the transmission takes a moment (about 1 second) to shift. While driving, the fuel delivery and/or timing may surge periodically, resulting in a jerky ride. The gas pedal is quite sensitive, so it's important to press it lightly at first to avoid giving passengers whiplash when starting from a stop. For shorter drivers (5'-5'4
Casimir Dietrich 2024-08-17
I purchased my 2014 Subaru Outback Limited 2.5i in late April 2014. Two things that really stood out to me were the tailgate capacity, which was perfect for my beloved 80 lb. German Shepherd named Sue, and Subaru's reputation for safety. The car ran smoothly for two years, but in early 2016, I began experiencing issues where the car would suddenly accelerate as I came to a stop at a light or stop sign, or even when I slowed down to turn. To prevent any accidents, I learned to keep my right hand on the gear-shift and kick it into neutral as soon as I sensed the throttle surge. Despite my efforts, Subaru has been unable to duplicate the problem, which has been frustrating. I even had them install a camera to document the tachometer surges when this happens, but they remain in denial. At this point, after two years of driving a potentially dangerous car, I am disappointed with Subaru.
Jacey Schuster 2024-08-09
Our 2014 Outback has had numerous problems, including disintegrated rear wheel bearings that took three mechanics at N.T.B. two days to remove. Despite Subaru's recall for excessive oil consumption, the engine still burns at least a quart of oil every two weeks. We have been told by multiple mechanics that these issues are common in Subarus, and that the 2012 to current models all have bad problems with wheel bearings. However, we have taken great care of our car since we bought it new. It is clear that Subaru needs to invest in better mechanical design engineers to address these recurring issues.