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2014 Subaru Outback: Problems, Recalls and MPG

What this means

NHTSA lists 10 recall campaigns for the 2014 Subaru Outback, most recently filed January 2020. Owners have filed 208 complaints with NHTSA, most often about the air bags. In NHTSA crash tests it earned 5 stars overall.

Data summary generated from official records. Methodology Data: NHTSA, DOT, EPA · Refreshed Oct 6, 2026
Recalls 10campaigns 6 air bag · 1 electrical · 1 brake Source: NHTSA Complaints 208filed Owner reports, 2010–2019 shown Source: NHTSA ODI Crash tests 5★overall ★★★★★ Frontal 5★ · Side 5★ · Rollover 4★ Source: NHTSA NCAP Fuel economy 26mpg combined $2,512/yr at this week's prices Source: EPA · EIA Specs 2.5 L 4-cyl· CVT 3 engine and transmission configurations Source: NHTSA vPIC
Compare

Recalls (10)

NHTSA lists 10 recall campaigns for the 2014 Subaru Outback. Check whether yours was repaired with NHTSA's free VIN lookup ↗

Only NHTSA and your automaker know whether your specific car was repaired. PlainVIN shows every recall campaign listed for a model year, with the official text and how many cars have been fixed so far.

Check on NHTSA ↗
Listed for 2014 Subaru Outback. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 20V001000 Filed Jan 2, 2020

Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode

Air bags · frontal · passenger side · inflator module
Official NHTSA text
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.
89.2% repairedof 258,813 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 20V001000
Listed for 2014 Subaru Outback. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 20V002000 Filed Jan 2, 2020

Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode

Air bags · frontal · passenger side · inflator module
Official NHTSA text
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.
83.9% repairedof 127,547 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 20V002000
Listed for 2014 Subaru Outback. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 20V003000 Filed Jan 2, 2020

Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode

Air bags · frontal · passenger side · inflator module
Official NHTSA text
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.
82.3% repairedof 111,562 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 20V003000
Listed for 2014 Subaru Outback. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 19V297000 Filed Apr 11, 2019

Ignition Switch may Turn Off

Electrical system · ignition · switch
Official NHTSA text
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.
63.9% repairedof 511 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 19V297000
Listed for 2014 Subaru Outback. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 19V007000 Filed Jan 9, 2019

Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode

Air bags · frontal · passenger side · inflator module
Official NHTSA text
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.
95.2% repairedof 43,394 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 19V007000
Listed for 2014 Subaru Outback. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 19V008000 Filed Jan 9, 2019

Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode

Air bags · frontal · passenger side · inflator module
Official NHTSA text
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.
93.8% repairedof 330,120 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 19V008000
Listed for 2014 Subaru Outback. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 19V009000 Filed Jan 9, 2019

Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode

Air bags · frontal · passenger side · inflator module
Official NHTSA text
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.
94% repairedof 452,630 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 19V009000
Listed for 2014 Subaru Outback. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 18V626000 Filed Sep 13, 2018

Electronic Parking Brake may Fail

Parking brake
Official NHTSA text
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.
71.3% repairedof 27,175 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 18V626000
Listed for 2014 Subaru Outback. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 16V694000 Filed Sep 27, 2016

Windshield Wiper Motor Bottom Cover may Melt

Visibility · windshield wiper/washer · motor
Official NHTSA text
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.
73.4% repairedof 592,647 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 16V694000
Listed for 2014 Subaru Outback. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 13V336000 Filed Aug 1, 2013

Possible Detachment of Parking Rod/Rollaway

Power train · automatic transmission
Official NHTSA text
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.
Repair progress not yet reported202 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 13V336000

PlainVIN shows public government records for education. It isn't a vehicle inspection or legal advice. Check your own VIN with NHTSA or your dealer.

Which Outback years had the most recalls?Best & worst years →Every recall for the Subaru OutbackAll model years →Where is the VIN on my car?VIN location guide →

Owner complaints (208)

208 complaints filed with NHTSA (owner reports, not verified findings). The air bags is mentioned most often.

14involved a crash
2involved a fire
21injuries reported
0deaths reported

As reported by owners in their complaints. These are reports, not NHTSA findings.

Most-reported components

Complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2014 Subaru Outback, by component (top 10). One complaint can list several components, so these add up to more than 208.Source: NHTSA ODI owner complaints · Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 · Report a data error

How 2014 compares with other Outback years

Best and worst Outback years →
360 652 292 297 208 510 643 917 813 1,035
2010201120122013201420152016201720182019
This year (2014)Other yearsStill collecting reports

Counts are owner reports, not failure rates. Higher sales years tend to draw more reports. Owners are still filing reports for recent model years, so these counts will grow. Source: NHTSA ODI, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.

Crash tests: 5 stars overall

Overall★★★★★
Frontal crashDriver 5★ · Passenger 5★★★★★★
Side crashDriver 5★ · Passenger 5★★★★★★
Side pole★★★★☆
RolloverRollover risk 17.4%★★★★☆
Front seat of a modern car with the seat belt buckled across the passenger seat
Compare fairly. Compare stars only between vehicles of similar size and weight. Ratings apply to the tested configuration.

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), 2014 Subaru Outback suv awd, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.

Fuel economy: up to 26 mpg combined

26
mpg combined
24
city
30
highway
EPA annual fuel cost
$2,600
CO₂ tailpipe
341 g/mi
EPA class
Small Sport Utility Vehicle

What it costs you to run

$2,512per year
$209per month
577gallons a year

Miles ÷ 26 mpg × $4.354 (EIA US average regular, week of Oct 5, 2026, all taxes included). Source: EPA · EIA.

EPA label estimates from lab tests; your mileage will vary.

Specs by configuration

2014 Subaru Outback configurations with EPA data
Engine · transmissionDriveCity / Hwy / CombEPA $/yrCO₂ g/mi
2.5 L 4-cyl · CVTAll-Wheel Drive24 / 30 / 26$2,600341
2.5 L 4-cyl · 6-speed manualAll-Wheel Drive22 / 28 / 24$2,800368
3.6 L 6-cyl · 5-speed automaticAll-Wheel Drive18 / 24 / 20$3,350444

Source: EPA fuel economy data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026. Configurations are listed when EPA and NHTSA records match.

Used blue SUV on a sunny dealer lot with its hood open and a clipboard on the fender

Looking at a 2014 Outback for sale?

Print a one-page buyer's checklist: each recall campaign with a box to tick when the seller shows proof of repair, the top complaint areas to inspect, crash stars, MPG, and a link back to this page.

All Outback years

Where to next

Which Outback years drew the fewest complaints?Best & worst years →2015 Subaru Outback report510 complaints · 5 campaigns →2013 Subaru Outback report297 complaints · 12 campaigns →Have a VIN? Decode itVIN decoder →

2014 Subaru Outback FAQ

How many recalls does the 2014 Subaru Outback have?

NHTSA lists 10 recall campaigns: 20V001000 (air bag), 20V002000 (air bag), 20V003000 (air bag), 19V297000 (electrical), 19V007000 (air bag), 19V008000 (air bag), 19V009000 (air bag), 18V626000 (brake), 16V694000 (visibility), 13V336000 (power train). Use NHTSA's VIN lookup to see whether a specific car was repaired.

What are the most common 2014 Subaru Outback problems?

Owners filed 208 complaints with NHTSA. Air bags (38), Engine (35), Electrical system (32) are mentioned most. These are owner reports, not verified findings.

What mpg does the 2014 Subaru Outback get?

EPA rates the 2.5 L 4-cyl · CVT version at 24 city, 30 highway and 26 combined mpg. Other configurations are listed in the fuel economy section.

What safety rating did the 2014 Subaru Outback get?

NHTSA rated the 2014 Subaru Outback suv awd 5 stars overall, with 5 stars frontal, 5 stars side and 4 stars rollover (17.4% rollover risk).

How does the 2014 Outback compare with other years?

Among the 2010–2019 Subaru Outback model years at least five years old, the 2014 drew the fewest complaints (208) and the 2019 the most (1,035). The 2014 drew 208. Counts are owner reports, not failure rates.

How this page was madeSources, processing, limits, review and changes

Processing

  • Complaints are counted per component. One complaint can list several, so component totals add up to more than the total.
  • Fuel cost = miles per year ÷ EPA combined mpg × EIA weekly price for your region.

Limitations

  • Complaint counts are owner reports, not verified findings or failure rates. There is no sales denominator.
  • Recall campaigns are listed for the model year. Only NHTSA and the automaker know whether a specific car was repaired.
  • Recent model years are still collecting reports.

Review

Data compiled automatically from the official files listed here.

Changelog

  • 2026-10-06 Data refreshed from the official files.
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