2014 Subaru Legacy Problems & Owner Complaints

Air Bags 14 3 crash 1 injury

“TAKATA RECALL AUTO ACCIDENT FRONT DRIVER SIDE CRUSHED UP TO FIREWALL AND NO AIRBAGS WENT OFF , ZERO ! WIFE LEG WAS BADLY BRUSED BECAUSE OF THIS ! AUTO WAS IN MOTION AT 25 MILES A HOUR AT A INTERSECTION GOING STRAIGHT AHEAD WAS HIT ON DRIVER FRONT FROM SIDE BY CROSS TRAFFIC”
NHTSA complaint #11120653, 2018 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“TAKATA RECALL WHEN I BACKED OUT OF A PARKING PLACE IN A PARKING LOT I HIT ANOTHER CAR. THE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY. CAR WAS MOVING SLOWLY.”
NHTSA complaint #11175154, 2018 · crash

“ON 11/18/13, AT APPROXIMATELY 5:15 PM, I WAS HEADING DOWN A STREET TO MAKE A LEFT TO GO HOME FROM WORK. ALL OF A SUDDEN THE CAR ACCELERATED AND WOULD NOT SLOW DOWN AFTER I PUSHED DOWN ON THE BRAKE WITH MY RIGHT FOOT. I IMMEDIATELY BEGAN TO TURN THE WHEEL TO THE RIGHT ONTO AN EMPTY STREET TO AVOID TWO OTHER CARS AT THE INTERSECTION WHO WERE GOING TO MAKE THE SAME LEFT I ORIGINALLY WANTED TO MAKE. FOR SOME REASON, THE CAR DID NOT GO ALL THE WAY RIGHT AND WENT DIAGONALLY FROM THE INTERSECTION ACROSS THE STREET. THE CAR THEN JUMPED A CURB HITTING AN ELECTRICAL POLE. AT THAT POINT, I WAS PULLED…”
NHTSA complaint #10552894, 2013 · crash

Electrical System 11 1 crash 2 fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2014 SUBARU LEGACY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HER SON WAS DRIVING AND HIT A DEER THAT CAUSED EXTENSIVE FRONT END DAMAGE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTO BODY REPAIR FACILITY FOR REPAIRS. HOWEVER, A WEEK AFTER THE REPAIRS WERE COMPLETED HER SON WAS DRIVING AGAIN WHEN HE SMELT SMOKE AND LOOKED OUT THE DRIVER SIDE WINDOW AND SAW FLAMES. THE DRIVER PARKED THE VEHICLE AND EXITED THE VEHICLE SAFELY WITH THE FRONT SEAT PASSENGER. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORTS WERE FILED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FIRE MARSHALL STA…”
NHTSA complaint #11325170, 2020 · crash · fire

“EXPERIENCED STUCK DRIVER'S WINDOW LAST SUMMER IN PERIOD OF TEMPERATURE FLUCTUATIONS (EXTREME TO MODERATE HEAT), REPORTED/SHOWN TO DEALERSHIP; SAME ISSUE THIS FEBRUARY (EXTREME TO MODERATE COLD). OTHERWISE, NO PROBLEMS WITH CAR SINCE BEGAN LEASE FALL 2014. ON MONDAY, MARCH 9, 2015, PARKED CAR ACROSS THE STREET FROM MY HOUSE ABOUT 6:15/6:30PM. DID ERRANDS, RETURNED ABOUT 30/45 MINUTES LATER TO GET GLASSES OUT OF CENTER CONSOLE -- 7/7:15PM. THEN I LOCKED THE CAR WITH REMOTE KEY PIECE. CAR ACKNOWLEDGED WITH SOUND, LIGHTS. THIS WAS THE LAST INTERACTIVE ACTION TAKEN WITH CAR. CAR HAD BEEN IDLE…”
NHTSA complaint #10695291, 2015 · fire

“The occupancy detection sensor module failed. Similar to the 2014 forester recall the module has failed and Subaru dealership wants $3300 to replace the module. The passenger airbag is off due to the sensor not working. Previous airbag recall has been resolved, but I am concerned that they are related.”
NHTSA complaint #11627248, 2024

Structure 7 2 crash 1 injury

“TAKATA RECALL AUTO ACCIDENT FRONT DRIVER SIDE CRUSHED UP TO FIREWALL AND NO AIRBAGS WENT OFF , ZERO ! WIFE LEG WAS BADLY BRUSED BECAUSE OF THIS ! AUTO WAS IN MOTION AT 25 MILES A HOUR AT A INTERSECTION GOING STRAIGHT AHEAD WAS HIT ON DRIVER FRONT FROM SIDE BY CROSS TRAFFIC”
NHTSA complaint #11120653, 2018 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“ON 11/18/13, AT APPROXIMATELY 5:15 PM, I WAS HEADING DOWN A STREET TO MAKE A LEFT TO GO HOME FROM WORK. ALL OF A SUDDEN THE CAR ACCELERATED AND WOULD NOT SLOW DOWN AFTER I PUSHED DOWN ON THE BRAKE WITH MY RIGHT FOOT. I IMMEDIATELY BEGAN TO TURN THE WHEEL TO THE RIGHT ONTO AN EMPTY STREET TO AVOID TWO OTHER CARS AT THE INTERSECTION WHO WERE GOING TO MAKE THE SAME LEFT I ORIGINALLY WANTED TO MAKE. FOR SOME REASON, THE CAR DID NOT GO ALL THE WAY RIGHT AND WENT DIAGONALLY FROM THE INTERSECTION ACROSS THE STREET. THE CAR THEN JUMPED A CURB HITTING AN ELECTRICAL POLE. AT THAT POINT, I WAS PULLED…”
NHTSA complaint #10552894, 2013 · crash

“The contact owns a 2014 Subaru Legacy. The contact stated that while depressing the brake pedal, there was a clicking sound coming from underneath the vehicle, and the vehicle swayed slightly before coming to a stop. The failure became more persistent, and the clicking sound became louder within a week. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic, who determined that the frame had severe rust that had created a hole near the ball joints on the driver’s side front wheel and informed the contact that the vehicle was not safe to drive. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made awa…”
NHTSA complaint #11686952, 2025

Unknown Or Other 7

“VEHICLE STALLS AND HESITATES FROM COMPLETES AND SHUDDERS WHEN COMING TO A STOP USUALLY AT INTERSECTIONS. CONTRIBUTING FACTOR IS TORQUE CONVERTER AND POSSIBLY VALVE BODY. KNOWN SAFETY ISSUE TO SUBARU THAT IS NO LONGER COVERED BY WARRENTY.”
NHTSA complaint #11341741, 2020

“BROKEN CLOCK SPRING IN STEERING WHEEL . RESULT ( HORN NOT WORKING)12”
NHTSA complaint #11306867, 2019

“BROKEN CLOCK SPRING IN STEERING WHEEL. RESULT (HORN NOT WORKING )”
NHTSA complaint #11306870, 2019

Power Train 6

“Believe the torque converter in the cvt transmission is causing the vehicle to stall. Happened multiple times going through an intersection and was almost side swiped. Was an extended warranty on cvt but no recalls for it yet.”
NHTSA complaint #11641208, 2025

“My Subaru ran perfectly fine until the water pump and cooler lines got replaced after these were replaced it was tried to be driven and the car then had no idea what gear it was in drive is drive neautral is drive and reverse does not work at all paddle shifters won’t work AT oil temp light check engine light brake light flashing cruise control light all came on and the car will only go forward and it’s making some crazy shutter noises when you start it and sometimes it shuts off after it was started.”
NHTSA complaint #11621344, 2024

“The contact owns a 2014 Subaru Legacy. The contact stated that the vehicle hesitated before accelerating. The contact stated that there was a lag in the vehicle while driving and attempting to accelerate above 65 MPH. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start immediately, and several attempts were needed to start the vehicle. The failure was intermittent; however, the failure was persistent while using the remote start feature. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the failure might be related to NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 19V297000 (Electrical System) an…”
NHTSA complaint #11642720, 2023

Engine 5

“CAR HAD PREVIOUSLY BEEN CUT OFF 5-10 MINUTES PRIOR. WENT TO MOVE VEHICLE, STARTED IT LIKE NORMAL, UPON PUTTING IT IN REVERSE THE ENGINE SHUT OFF. HAD TO PLACE VEHICLE IN PARK AND TAKE KEY BACK OUT AND RESTART.”
NHTSA complaint #11204551, 2019

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 SUBARU LEGACY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE CONSUMED OIL TOO QUICKLY. THE CONTACT HAD TO CONSTANTLY ADD ENGINE OIL TO THE VEHICLE BETWEEN OIL CHANGES AND THE CHECK OIL INDICATOR ILLUMINATED OFTEN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO LIBERTY SUBARU (55 KINDERKAMACK RD, EMERSON, NJ 07630, (201) 261-0900) TO BE DIAGNOSED, THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 62,922. THE VIN WAS INVALID. *DT *BF *JB CONSUMER STATED ENGINE NEEDS TO REPAIRED OR REPLACEMENT IN ADDITION, THE AIR BAG NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. ENGINE OIL WAS ANALYZED AND FOUN…”
NHTSA complaint #11162239, 2018

“MY CAR KEEPS RUNNING ON LOW OIL BEFORE THE LIISTED NEXT OIL CHANGE .AND A SUBARU DEALERSHIP CHANGES IT EVERYTIME ITS DUE. CALLED THEM UP AFTER THE THIRD TIME IT HAPPENED AND THEY SAID TO JUST ADD OIL”
NHTSA complaint #11019076, 2017

Exterior Lighting 5

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 SUBARU LEGACY. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 58 MPH THE DRIVER SIDE HEADLAMP BECAME INOPERABLE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE FOG LAMPS WERE ALSO INOPERABLE. THE HEADLAMP BULBS AND FOG LAMP BULBS WERE REPLACED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. A LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11310425, 2019

“LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT BULB KEEP BLOWING OUT. REPLACED 4X IN THE PAST. TWICE LAST MONTH. THIS IS A SAFETY CONCERN/ISSUE ESPECIALLY IF DRIVING AT NIGHT NOT TO MENTION THE COST AND HASSLE OF HAVING TO CHANGE OUT THE LAMPS SO OFTEN.”
NHTSA complaint #11174614, 2019

“AT 87K MILES, DRIVER SIDE LOW BEAM WAS BURNED OUT, SINCE CHANGING THE BULB IS DONE VIA THE FENDER LINING, IT IS VERY DIFFICULT TO DO YOURSELF. BROUGHT IT TO THE DEALER WHO THEN FOUND THAT 3 OTHER BULBS WERE OUT. (INNER/OUTER MARKERS, D/S BULB). THE TECHNICIAN MENTIONED THAT THE 2014 LEGACY HAD A DESIGN ISSUE WHEREBY MULTIPLE LIGHTS CAN FAIL, ONCE THE LOW BEAM GOES. HE ALSO MENTIONED THE DESIGN WAS CORRECTED FOR 2015 MODEL YEAR. COST $94 TO CHANGE THE BULBS.”
NHTSA complaint #11163918, 2018

Visibility 5 1 fire

“EXPERIENCED STUCK DRIVER'S WINDOW LAST SUMMER IN PERIOD OF TEMPERATURE FLUCTUATIONS (EXTREME TO MODERATE HEAT), REPORTED/SHOWN TO DEALERSHIP; SAME ISSUE THIS FEBRUARY (EXTREME TO MODERATE COLD). OTHERWISE, NO PROBLEMS WITH CAR SINCE BEGAN LEASE FALL 2014. ON MONDAY, MARCH 9, 2015, PARKED CAR ACROSS THE STREET FROM MY HOUSE ABOUT 6:15/6:30PM. DID ERRANDS, RETURNED ABOUT 30/45 MINUTES LATER TO GET GLASSES OUT OF CENTER CONSOLE -- 7/7:15PM. THEN I LOCKED THE CAR WITH REMOTE KEY PIECE. CAR ACKNOWLEDGED WITH SOUND, LIGHTS. THIS WAS THE LAST INTERACTIVE ACTION TAKEN WITH CAR. CAR HAD BEEN IDLE…”
NHTSA complaint #10695291, 2015 · fire

“The contact owns a 2014 Subaru Legacy. The contact stated that a small circular crack had formed on the lower driver’s side windshield without incident. The contact stated that she had not repaired the small crack since it did not obstruct her vison. Recently, the contact stated that another crack had formed horizontally along the lower edge of the passenger’s side windshield, also without incident. The contact stated that the cracks obstructed her vision while driving. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaig…”
NHTSA complaint #11460864, 2018

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 SUBARU LEGACY. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, A LOUD POP NOISE WAS HEARD. THE CONTACT CONTINUED DRIVING AS HE THOUGHT A ROCK STRUCK THE WINDSHIELD. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. UPON ARRIVING HOME AND EXITING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE SUN ROOF HAD SHATTERED, BUT WAS STILL INTACT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SUBARU CALGARY (1100 MERIDIAN RD NE, CALGARY, AB T2A 2N9, CANADA, (855) 910-6109), BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DETERMINED. THE SUN ROOF WAS REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MIL…”
NHTSA complaint #11062500, 2016

Vehicle Speed Control 3 1 crash

“ON 11/18/13, AT APPROXIMATELY 5:15 PM, I WAS HEADING DOWN A STREET TO MAKE A LEFT TO GO HOME FROM WORK. ALL OF A SUDDEN THE CAR ACCELERATED AND WOULD NOT SLOW DOWN AFTER I PUSHED DOWN ON THE BRAKE WITH MY RIGHT FOOT. I IMMEDIATELY BEGAN TO TURN THE WHEEL TO THE RIGHT ONTO AN EMPTY STREET TO AVOID TWO OTHER CARS AT THE INTERSECTION WHO WERE GOING TO MAKE THE SAME LEFT I ORIGINALLY WANTED TO MAKE. FOR SOME REASON, THE CAR DID NOT GO ALL THE WAY RIGHT AND WENT DIAGONALLY FROM THE INTERSECTION ACROSS THE STREET. THE CAR THEN JUMPED A CURB HITTING AN ELECTRICAL POLE. AT THAT POINT, I WAS PULLED…”
NHTSA complaint #10552894, 2013 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 SUBARU IMPREZA. WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE UNINTENTIONALLY ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON THREE DIFFERENT OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BE DIAGNOSED, BUT THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 34,500. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.”
NHTSA complaint #10877156, 2016

“I PURCHASED MY BRAND NEW 2014 SUBARU LEGACY ON MAY 16TH 2014. ABOUT ONE WEEK LATER I WAS DRIVING UP THE SLIGHT INCLINE OF THE DRIVEWAY OF THE APARTMENT HOUSE WHERE I LIVE. AS I REACHED THE STREET I STEPPED ON THE ACCELERATOR TO TURN OUT INTO THE TRAFFIC AND THE CAR COMPLETELY LOST POWER. ABOUT 5 SECONDS LATER THE POWER RETURNED AND THE CAR RESPONDED NORMALLY WHEN I STEPPED ON THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE CAR NORMALLY. THREE OR FOUR DAYS LATER THE SAME THING HAPPENED AGAIN WHILE I WAS DRIVING IN TRAFFIC, AS I TRIED TO ACCELERATE THE CAR'S ENGINE LOST POWER WHEN I STEPPED ON…”
NHTSA complaint #10655186, 2014

Seats 2 1 fire

“EXPERIENCED STUCK DRIVER'S WINDOW LAST SUMMER IN PERIOD OF TEMPERATURE FLUCTUATIONS (EXTREME TO MODERATE HEAT), REPORTED/SHOWN TO DEALERSHIP; SAME ISSUE THIS FEBRUARY (EXTREME TO MODERATE COLD). OTHERWISE, NO PROBLEMS WITH CAR SINCE BEGAN LEASE FALL 2014. ON MONDAY, MARCH 9, 2015, PARKED CAR ACROSS THE STREET FROM MY HOUSE ABOUT 6:15/6:30PM. DID ERRANDS, RETURNED ABOUT 30/45 MINUTES LATER TO GET GLASSES OUT OF CENTER CONSOLE -- 7/7:15PM. THEN I LOCKED THE CAR WITH REMOTE KEY PIECE. CAR ACKNOWLEDGED WITH SOUND, LIGHTS. THIS WAS THE LAST INTERACTIVE ACTION TAKEN WITH CAR. CAR HAD BEEN IDLE…”
NHTSA complaint #10695291, 2015 · fire

“THE MECHANICAL ADJUSTMENT FOR THE UPPER SEAT BACK DOES NOT ENGAGE PROPERLY. IT REQUIRES THE DRIVER TO PULL THE SEAT-BACK FORWARD TO ENGAGE, OTHERWISE THE HANDLE WILL REMAIN THE UP POSITION. THE DEALER REPLACED THE SEAT UNDER WARRANTY, BUT IT DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. THE DEVICE MANAGER STATED THAT THE MECHANICAL SEATS HAVE THAT ISSUE ON SEVERAL OF THEIR VEHICLES, INCLUDING DIFFERENT YEARS. IF IN AN ACCIDENT AND THE SEAT IS NOT ENGAGED PROPERLY IT COULD RESULT IN INJURY. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10628881, 2014

Steering 2

“12/7/16 I HAVE HAD A PROBLEM TWICE WHEN I HAD NO CONTROL OF THE STEERING WHEEL. I REPORT'D IT TO THE DEALERSHIP IN RACINE, WI. THEY DID NOT SEEM CONCERN'D. SOME ONE STATED THEY HAD NEVER HEARD OF ITS OCCURRING PRIOR TO MY STATEMENT TO THEM. ANOTHER STATED IT WAS NOT DANGEROUS. I STATED IT WAS TO ME. I BELIEVE HE WAS THE LEAD SALESMAN. BOTH TIMES WERE SCARY TO ME. THERE IS SOME TYPE OF DEVICE IN TWO PLACES ON THE STEERING WHEEL. THEY SEEM TO BE "PLASTIC" & ARE CLOSE TO A RECTANGULAR/SQUARE SHAPE. I BELIEVE ONE HAS A MINUS SIGN ON THE LEFT & A PLUS SIGN ON THE RIGHT. I BELIEVE THE…”
NHTSA complaint #10933797, 2016

“THE CAR DANGEROUSLY WANDERS ALL OVER THE ROAD SOMETIMES EVEN INTO ANOTHER LANE AND REQUIRES CONSTANT STEERING CORRECTION. THE DEALER ALIGNED THE STEERING BUT NO IMPROVEMENT. MANY OTHERS HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM AND SUBARU WON'T FIX, SAYS IT'S NORMAL.”
NHTSA complaint #10853175, 2016

Forward Collision Avoidance 1

“My Subaru ran perfectly fine until the water pump and cooler lines got replaced after these were replaced it was tried to be driven and the car then had no idea what gear it was in drive is drive neautral is drive and reverse does not work at all paddle shifters won’t work AT oil temp light check engine light brake light flashing cruise control light all came on and the car will only go forward and it’s making some crazy shutter noises when you start it and sometimes it shuts off after it was started.”
NHTSA complaint #11621344, 2024

Fuel/Propulsion System 1

“VEHICLE HAD A 2-5 SECONDS ACCELERATION HESITATION. TAKING OFF FROM A YIELD SIGN AND GOING ACROSS A HWY, THE CAR HAD ENOUGH POWER TO ROLL FORWARD. TRIED FLOORING THE ACCELERATOR, BUT ALSO DID NOT RESPOND TO FULL THROTTLE UNTIL AFTER A FEW SECONDS THE CAR STARTED TO SLOWLY MOVE. THE ENGINE IS ON LOW RPMS AND DOES NOT LAUNCH FORWARD AS TO INDICATE A TRANSMISSION ISSUE..... IT LOOKS MORE LIKE A FUEL DELIVERY OR THROTTLE SENSOR ISSUE. I ALSO HAD THIS SAME ISSUE WITH A 2013 SUBARU IMPREZA (TRADED IN THE IMPREZA THINKING IT WAS A QUIRK WITH THE CAR). SUBARU DEALER WAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO REPRODU…”
NHTSA complaint #10649644, 2013

Parking Brake 1

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 SUBARU LEGACY. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V626000 (PARKING BRAKE) AND STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER FAILED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE WITHIN A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME. CURRY SUBARU (3040 E MAIN ST, CORTLANDT, NY 10567) CONFIRMED THAT PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.”
NHTSA complaint #11219432, 2018

Service Brakes 1

Suspension 1 1 crash 1 injury

“TAKATA RECALL AUTO ACCIDENT FRONT DRIVER SIDE CRUSHED UP TO FIREWALL AND NO AIRBAGS WENT OFF , ZERO ! WIFE LEG WAS BADLY BRUSED BECAUSE OF THIS ! AUTO WAS IN MOTION AT 25 MILES A HOUR AT A INTERSECTION GOING STRAIGHT AHEAD WAS HIT ON DRIVER FRONT FROM SIDE BY CROSS TRAFFIC”
NHTSA complaint #11120653, 2018 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

Visibility/Wiper 1

“SPONTANEOUS WINDSHIELD CRACK DEVELOPED. STARTED IN FRONT OF THE STEERING WHEEL COLUMN, GOES UP 3-4 INCHES, TURNS AND GOES ACROSS THE BOTTOM OF THE WS TO A POINT IN FRONT OF THE GLOVE BOX. NO EVIDENCE OF AN IMPACT CHIP. CRACK MAY HAVE STARTED WHEN THE FRONT DEFROSTER AND SEAT HEATERS WERE BOTH ON. SUBARU REFUSED TO REPAIR UNDER WARRANTY OR PRODUCT DEFECT PROVISION.”
NHTSA complaint #11287679, 2019