The 2014 Subaru Outback only lasts around 150,000 miles with serious engine and transmission problems. At $12,575 to $16,025 it’s cheaper than average, but not worth the money when you’ll spend thousands on repairs.
Is the 2014 Subaru Outback a Good Used SUV?
- Overall Rating 5/10 – 2014 is a bad year for the Outback, earning its low overall rating since there are so many mechanical problems. Owner reviews complain about high ownership costs, limited cargo space, and mechanical breakdowns.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 6/10 – Interior materials are cheap for a midsize SUV, the seats are supportive, but unfortunately cargo space is lower than average.
- Reliability 4/10 – There are a lot of engine problems reported on the 2014 Outback. Buyers should avoid models from 2013–2018 for serious problems. We recommend 2019–2022 models, which are more reliable.
- Performance 6/10 – The base 4-cylinder engine is slow, while the V6 offers good power for the size of the Outback.
- Safety 8/10 – The Outback gets a perfect 5-star rating in all government crash tests. Optional safety equipment includes a rearview camera, adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking, as well as lane departure warning.
- Gas Mileage 8/10 – Fuel economy is excellent at up to 26 MPG, giving 480 miles of range from the 18.5 gallon tank. Gas costs are $46 cheaper than average at $192 per month.
- Value 6/10 – Expensive repair costs make the 2014 Subaru Outback a bad long-term value proposition when you’ll spend thousands on repairs.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Subaru Outback?
- Consumer Reports says the Outback isn’t really a pleasure to drive with a rough suspension and lower owner satisfaction scores.
- Edmunds rates the Outback at 4.1/5 praising the spacious interior for its size, but doesn’t like the button-heavy dash.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the Outback a 4.3/5 enjoying the great all-wheel-drive system, however, owners don’t like the low towing capacity of 3,000 pounds.
What Common Problems Does the 2014 Subaru Outback Have?
Common problems found on the 2014 Subaru Outback include excessive oil consumption, headlight issues, as well as shuddering while shifting gears. Overall, these problems are more severe than other SUVs from 2014, with higher repair costs too.
Excessive oil consumption is a widespread issue reported by owners in the first 30,000 miles. There are issues with the gaskets along with internal engine components which cause oil to be burnt more than on other SUVs. Some people add oil regularly, while others repair and replace parts in the engine for around $1,800.
Burnt out headlights show up on a lot of Outback models in the first 50,000 miles. They continue to burn out every 10,000 miles as well. Some aftermarket bulbs last longer than the original ones. There could also be a problem with the headlight ballast. Replacing the headlight bulbs costs about $110, while a new ballast is roughly $400.
Shuddering while shifting between gears is another serious problem mentioned by owners in the first 20,000 miles. When the transmission shifts rough or shudders, there’s usually broken parts. Changing it out for a new transmission costs around $3,500, depending on local labor rates.
There are 10 recalls, which is more than other SUVs from 2010, and nearly all of them are just for airbags which are common. The most serious recall is for the parking brake, which can let the SUV roll away. Subaru will replace the electronic parking brake actuator assembly for free on affected models.
How Long Will the 2014 Subaru Outback Last?
A well-maintained 2014 Subaru Outback may last around 150,000 miles, which is half as long as the top-rated Toyota Highlander. Regular annual maintenance costs are higher than average, according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $586 per year.
Since nearly all used 2014 Outback models will have over 100,000 miles buyers should be prepared to replace the fuel pump for $1,150, ABS controller costing $1,300, along with the front control arms which cost $480.
Slight shifting issues when decelerating . Makes me think there could transmission issues later on in the life of the vehicle.
So far my vehicle has been extremely reliable. I recently had to get new tires, but those were about due.
This vehicle is very reliable I have had very minimal problems. Routine maintenance and you will not have problems with this vehicle.
In the 6 years we have had the vehicle, we haven't had any major issues. The vehicle has been very reliable. There have been a couple recalls, on the transmission and airbag, but were taken care of before we had any problems.
It is very reliable. There hasn't been many problems with the exception of the steering column. Other than that it is an awesome car to have.
I think it is pretty reliable, the only issue is with some of the models (before 2014) have had engine issues. If you buy 2014 or later, you'd be getting a pretty reliable vehicle.
Yes very reliable. The only problem is the headlights burn out quickly and some of the taillights otherwise it's a great car
It is reliable in the sense that it is very safe. We have never had any problems with the brakes or any other component
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology is average on the base model, however, the upgraded versions have nice features including a 7-inch touchscreen display with smartphone apps. Safety technology is very advanced for an SUV its age with the optional Subaru EyeSight system, which includes adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking, as well as lane departure warming.
Is the 2014 Subaru Outback a Good Value?
No, the 2014 Outback is not a good value since there are engine problems. Blue book prices range from $12,575 to $16,025, making it cheaper than a Honda Pilot or Jeep Grand Cherokee. When new, the price range was $23,495 to $32,095. Depreciation is similar to average, losing about 10% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Subaru Outback?
There are four models of the Subaru Outback offered for 2014 from the base 2.5i all the way up to the top-of-the-line 3.6R Limited.
2.5i is the entry-level model with:
- 16-Inch Steel Wheels
- Cloth Seating
- Cruise Control
- Bluetooth Connectivity
- 4-Speaker Stereo System With USB & 3.5mm AUX
2.5i Premium is a step up, adding:
- 17-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Power Driver’s Seat
- Heated Front Seats
- Leather Steering Wheel
- Rear Privacy Glass
- Optional EyeSight Safety System
2.5i Limited is next in the lineup with:
- Leather Seating
- Dual-Zone Climate Control
- 9-Speaker Harmon Kardon Stereo System
- Optional Navigation System
3.6R Limited is the flagship model which adds:
- Larger V6 Engine
- Premium Leather Seating
- Wood Interior Trim
What Engines Come In the Subaru Outback?
- The standard engine is an average 2.5L 4-cylinder which makes 173 horsepower while getting up to 26 MPG.
- An available upgrade is the stronger 3.6L V6, which generates 256 horsepower and gets up to 20 MPG. Performance is good, taking 7.3 seconds to go from 0-60 MPH.
What Colors Does the Subaru Outback Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Subaru Outback?
The 2014 Subaru Outback offers very comfortable seats which are supportive for long drives. There’s room for up to 5 people, which is less than some other midsize SUVs.
Passenger room is good throughout the cabin with enough legroom in the backseats for adults. Taller adults may feel a little cramped, though, since the roofline is lower than the competition.
How Much Storage Space Does the Subaru Outback Have?
Cargo space is smaller than average with enough room for 5-6 suitcases behind the second row and 10-12 with the seats folded flat.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The fourth generation of the Subaru Outback was introduced in 2010, which was replaced by the fifth generation in 2015.
2012: Improved entertainment system with Bluetooth, optional 9-speaker Harmon Kardon stereo.
2013: Updated front bumper, more efficient 4-cylinder, more safety technology including adaptive cruise control.
2014: Minor equipment changes, 3.6R model discontinued.
2015: Fully redesigned for the fifth generation with a nicer interior and more storage space.
2016: Subaru Starlink app connectivity added, steering improvements.
2017: Luxurious Touring model and automatic braking added.
2018: Mid-cycle refresh with updated front bumpers, Apple CarPlay added.
How Does the Subaru Outback Compare to the Competition?
The Subaru Outback is on the list of worst SUVs of 2014. Buyers should avoid the Outback since there are a lot of widespread mechanical problems, making them more expensive to own long-term.
The Subaru Forester is a smaller SUV offered by Subaru which is available in the same price range. Performance is a bit better in the Subaru Forester, however, the Subaru Outback offers more passenger room. We recommend avoiding both for 2014 since they suffer from the same engine problems.
The Honda CR-V is another SUV which costs about $2,000 more. Passenger room is slightly better in the Honda CR-V since there’s more headroom, while the safety technology is more advanced in the Subaru Outback. We recommend the Honda CR-V since they last longer and have lower ownership costs.
Do Owners Recommend the Subaru Outback?
Yes, it is spacious and can turn into a camping out vehicle while also being a comfortable ride. Heated seats make it even better in winter weather and other accommodations like abs and traction control add to the safety.
Yes, it is been a solid vehicle for me that has helped support my hobbies such as hiking, camping, and skiing.
Yes best vehicle I have ever owned I feel safe with my daughter in this vehicle. There is also great visibility.
It is an amazing vehicle. Roomy enough for a family and a very safe vehicle. The all wheel drive system allows for getting around in bad weather. Lots of room for storage with a row of seats that fold down.
Yes this is the second Subaru Outback in my family. This car gets great gas mileage and is great for road trips.
I love my outback, it is a safe, capable, and reliable vehicle. I consider it a great family and adventure car.
Yes, easy and fun to drive, it's all wheel drive and great when it snows. Holds a lot in the cargo area.
Yes, it is good, safe, and easy for beginner drivers. It is a small car that is good for parallel parking, and the wheel is not so sensitive that one accidentally makes a bad turn.