The Lemon Index2014 Subaru Outback.
The 2014 Subaru Outback is better than average by owner complaints: 90 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 59, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about engine, it has 10 recalls, and it gets 20 to 26 mpg combined. The best Subaru Outback year is 2012.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 208 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Subaru Outback year. 2014 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 7K to 65K miles on the car (150 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- airbags complaints mostly came at 32K–66K miles
- engine complaints mostly came at 9K–72K miles
- electrical complaints mostly came at 7K–84K miles
Recalls 10
- airbags 2020
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- airbags 2020
" These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior.
- airbags 2020
" These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall us.
Show all 10 recalls
- electrical 2019
The ball spring inside the switch may break, reducing the strength of the ignition switch.
- airbags 2019
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 equipm.
- airbags 2019
These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or rep.
- airbags 2019
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.
- parking brake 2018
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.
- visibility 2016
Due to contamination, components within the windshield wiper motor bottom cover may interfere with each other.
- transmission & drivetrain 2013
In the affected vehicles, the parking rod may come loose inside the automatic transmission.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Subaru told dealers about
Subaru sent dealers 367 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Seen various online and other
- Deletion of compass mirror - 2013 model year outback and legacy vehicles equipped with a…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Subaru Outback SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2450–3200 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.5L 4-cyl, 3.6L 6-cyl.
In owners' words
Vehicle hesitates occasionally on acceleration coming off a stop.
2014 Subaru Outback owner · NHTSA complaint 10717533
More owner reports
In the shop for motor problem at dealer getting fix.
NHTSA complaint 10967846
Quick answers
Is the 2014 Subaru Outback reliable?
Yes, better than average by government complaints. It drew 1.7× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 59; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Subaru Outback year by this measure is 2012.
What are the most common 2014 Subaru Outback problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are engine (20%), transmission & drivetrain (14%) and brakes (14%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2014 Subaru Outback have?
10 safety recalls (latest: airbags). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2014 Subaru Outback get?
20 to 26 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2014 Subaru Outback safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2014 Subaru Outback problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 7,500 and 65,800 miles. The middle report was at 35,000 miles, from 150 complaints.
Does the 2014 Subaru Outback have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 14% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2014 Subaru Outback cost in fuel a year?
About $2450 to $3200 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2014 Subaru Outback have?
2.5L 4-cyl, 3.6L 6-cyl.
What Subaru Outback year is better than the 2014?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2012, 2014 and 2013.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works