2014 Subaru Outback: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2014 Subaru Outback? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 207 complaints, with Airbag Malfunctions as the top reported area.
2014 Subaru Outback Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 3 2014 Subaru Outback trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 3 trims analysed.
2014 Subaru Outback Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
17.4% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
17.4% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2014 Subaru Outback has 207 owner complaints, 14 crash-related complaints, and 10 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Airbag Malfunctions. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Subaru
- Model
- Outback
- Model year
- 2014
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 207
- Crash-related complaints
- 14
- Safety recall campaigns
- 10
- Top reported component
- Airbag Malfunctions
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 24
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 22 / 28
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2014 Subaru Outback Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Airbag Malfunctions
Engine Problems
Electrical Faults
Complaint patterns center on Airbag Malfunctions, Engine Problems, Electrical Faults. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2014 Subaru Outback?
The 2014 Subaru Outback shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2014 Subaru Outback
Inspection Focus
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls, especially for airbag systems.
- Request service records for reported components like engine, electrical, and transmission.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle, focusing on airbag, engine, and electrical systems.
- Check for any prior repairs related to unintended acceleration or brake issues.
Before You Close the Deal
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls, especially for airbag systems.
- Request service records for reported components like engine, electrical, and transmission.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle, focusing on airbag, engine, and electrical systems.
- Check for any prior repairs related to unintended acceleration or brake issues.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2014 Subaru Outback, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Complaints for the 2014 Subaru Outback are concentrated in airbag malfunctions, engine problems, and electrical faults, with 207 total complaints and 10 recalls. Crash-related complaints are relatively low at 14, but the data is based on a single model year and consumer-submitted reports, limiting generalizability.
- Airbag malfunctions account for the highest number of complaints at 38.
- Engine problems and electrical faults are also prominent, with 36 and 31 complaints respectively.
- Transmission/drivetrain issues and brake system problems each have over 20 complaints.
- Airbag Malfunctions
- Engine Problems
- Electrical Faults
All 2014 Subaru Outback Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2014 Subaru Outback. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airbag Malfunctions | 38 | 6 | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 36 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 31 | — | 2 | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 25 | 4 | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 22 | — | — | — | |
| Brake System | 22 | 1 | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 17 | 1 | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 14 | 4 | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 12 | 1 | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 11 | 4 | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 8 | 1 | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 7 | 1 | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 6 | 1 | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 5 | 1 | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Parking-Brake Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2014 Subaru Outback. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Failure of front subassembly while driving. Car pulled hard to right while driving. Scary and dangerous. Inspection showed severe rust has eaten thru the metal. Car inoperable. Research shows it is a known problem. Recall required immediately, THANK YOU
1. The under carriage has corroded creating a safety hazard. Senior dealer representative indicated verbally that 2010-2014 models years are the most prone. 2. If the under carriage fails the engine and transmission could fall out of the car potentially creating a serious issue.…
My Subaru has some kind of electrical issues I was driving and car stopped would start again I had to towed to Arts repair shop they said was starter put new starter in 400 dollars later says it wasn't starter some kind of electrical and they dont do that electrical service they …
I purchased this vehicle in May 2024 within 2 months of purchase the eyesight function malfunctioned. I took it back to the dealership where I purchased it and they attempted to diagnose it at cost of parts and I ended up paying a few hundred dollars for that repair. That didn’t…
The contact owns a 2014 Subaru Outback. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH or above, the front end and the steering wheel were shaking abnormally. While driving at various speeds, there was a metallic grinding sound coming from the passenger side of the vehicle. The contact …
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 incid…
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 …
Water was coming out of my eyesight camera on the drivers side after a rain
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…
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 int…
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 tha…
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 part…
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…
Air bag Passenger light on and blinking .
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 …
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 ma…
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 groun…
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 vehic…
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 …
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/engine…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2014 Subaru Outback.
2014 Subaru Outback Recalls
10 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2014 Subaru Outback. 10 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2014 Subaru Outback Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2014 Subaru Outback reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 207 owner complaints, 14 crash-related complaints, and 10 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2014 Subaru Outback shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2014 Subaru Outback?▾
#1: Airbag Malfunctions (38 complaints). #2: Engine Problems (36 complaints). #3: Electrical Faults (31 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2014 Subaru Outback?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2014 Subaru Outback?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2014 Subaru Outback, NHTSA complaints include 14 crash-related reports and 2 fire reports out of 207 total complaints. 21 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2014 Subaru Outback have any recalls?▾
Yes. 10 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2014 Subaru Outback. A major recall area is PARKING BRAKE. 10 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2014 Subaru Outback?▾
The 2014 Subaru Outback shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Airbag Malfunctions during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Subaru Outback reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2014 Subaru Outback based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.