The quietest Outback of the last decade
The 2014 has the lowest complaint rate of any recent Outback year. Its main issues are age-related: some oil use on the 2.5-litre engine and worn wheel bearings. Look for one with a full service record.
Updated November 2026 · based on 208 owner complaints and 10 recalls
150 58% below the Outback average
10 free to fix at a dealer
Every Outback year compared
Owner complaints per 100,000 cars sold. Lower is better. The newest years have had less time to collect complaints, so they are marked too new to judge.
Top problems and what they cost
Oil consumption
Some 2.5-litre engines burn oil between changes.
Fix: Monitor oil level; repair under extended coverage was offered on some cars.
Engine
CVT judder
Light shudder from a stop on some cars.
Fix: CVT fluid service $150 to $300.
Transmission
Wheel bearing noise
Humming at highway speed from a worn bearing.
Fix: Wheel bearing $300 to $500 per corner.
Suspension
Recalls
A vehicle rollaway can increase the risk of a crash.
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 othe...
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 othe...
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 othe...
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Show all 10 recalls
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The engine turning off unexpectedly can increase the risk of a crash.
If the windshield wiper motor overheats, the wipers may fail, reducing driver visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.
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 dr...
Complaints by part
Before you buy a 2014 Subaru Outback
- Check the oil level on the dipstick; low oil hints at consumption.Knocking, ticking or rattling from the engine, especially when cold, can mean worn bearings, lifters or a stretched timing chain. These are engine-out repairs costing thousands.35 of the 208 owner complaints about the 2014 Outback involve the engine (17%).
- Ask for CVT fluid service records.A CVT is a gearless automatic transmission that uses a belt. Worn ones shudder, whine or slip, and replacing one often costs $3,000 to $5,000, so service records matter.25 of the 208 owner complaints about the 2014 Outback involve the transmission and drivetrain (12%).
- Listen for humming at 50 to 65 mph.A hum or whine that rises with speed often means worn wheel bearings or transmission and axle gears. Turning the radio off makes it easier to hear.25 of the 208 owner complaints about the 2014 Outback involve the transmission and drivetrain (12%).
- Look for rust behind the rear wheels.Rust on the frame or underbody weakens the structure and can be expensive or impossible to repair. Surface rust is normal; flaking or holes are not.11 of the 208 owner complaints about the 2014 Outback involve the body and frame (5%).
Questions
Is the 2014 Subaru Outback reliable?
The quietest Outback of the last decade. The 2014 has the lowest complaint rate of any recent Outback year. Its main issues are age-related: some oil use on the 2.5-litre engine and worn wheel bearings. Look for one with a full service record.
How many recalls does the 2014 Subaru Outback have?
10 recalls. Recall repairs are free at any Subaru dealer, even for later owners. Enter the VIN on the free government recall lookup to see which are still open on a specific car.
What are the most common 2014 Subaru Outback problems?
Oil consumption; CVT judder; Wheel bearing noise.
Crash rating shown for the 2014 Subaru Outback SUV AWD. Repair costs are typical U.S. ranges for parts and labor, not quotes. How we score.