2014 Subaru Outback Problems & Owner Complaints

Air Bags 38 6 crash 10 injury

“AS PART OF THE TAKATA RECALL, WE HAD THE AIRBAGS ON OUR 2014 SUBARU OUTBACK REPLACED BY THE DEALER ON MAY 8, 2019. ON MAY 22, 2019, WE WERE SITTING AT A CITY STOPLIGHT WHEN WE WERE HIT HEAD ON BY ANOTHER DRIVER GOING 40-50 MPH. IN SPITE OF A DIRECT HIT TO THE FRONT AIRBAG SENSORS, THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY ON OUR 2014 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHEN WE NOTIFIED THE DEALER WHO DID THE REPLACEMENT OF THE FAILED AIRBAGS, THEY REFUSED TO COMMENT.”
NHTSA complaint #11222307, 2019 · crash · 4 injury(ies)

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2014 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING ABOUT 35 MPH, WHEN AN ONCOMING VEHICLE LOST CONTROL AND CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE, HIT THE GUARD RAIL AND CAUSING THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE TO REAR END THE VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT AND TWO OF HER CHILDREN, IN THE VEHICLE, RECEIVED CUTS AND BRUISES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. ALL THREE WERE TAKEN TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED AND WAS TOWED TO A TOW YARD. THE DEALER WAS NOT CALLED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND WAS PROVIDED A CASE NUMB…”
NHTSA complaint #11232730, 2019 · crash · 3 injury(ies)

“my air bags didn't deploy when I hit a tree, and the seat belt gave loose. A police report was filed, and the car was evaluated by a collision center. The insurance company has not yet evaluated the vehicle. The air bag indicator light indicated the air bags were in good working order. I slid off the road in snow and hit a tree dead on and my entire front end crumpled, but my air bags didn't deploy and my seat belt was fully extended when I exited the vehicle to get into the ambulance.”
NHTSA complaint #11445596, 2021 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

Engine 35 1 crash 1 fire

“SPONTANEOUS ENGINE FIRE WHILE DRIVING - MAR 07,2019 - 2014 SUBARU OUTBACK WITH CURRENT MAINTENANCE AND NO PRIOR HISTORY OF MALFUNCTION. DURING A 2.1 MILE DRIVE ON CITY STREETS ELECTRICAL DISTURBANCES OF THE RADIO/MEDIA CONSOLE WERE NOTED, FOLLOWED SHORTLY THEREAFTER BY BLACK SMOKE FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE CAR WAS IMMEDIATELY PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. UPON EXITING THE CAR, THE SMOKE HAD BECOME WHITE AND FLAMES WERE NOTED UNDER THE CAR. THE FRONT OF THE CAR SOON BECAME ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE ENTIRE FRONT OF THE CAR WAS BURNT/MELTED. NO ONE WAS INJURED.”
NHTSA complaint #11185999, 2019 · fire

“THERE IS A HESITATION WHEN ACCELERATING, IT HAPPENS FROM COMPLETE STOPS BY STEPPING ON THE GAS, AND WHILE TURNING YOUR VEHICLE. I WAS ON A 35MPH. BACK ROAD AND WENT TO TURN LEFT ONTO A SIDE STREET, I YIELDED FOR 2 CARS AND THEN WENT INTO THE TURN AND STEPPED ON THE GAS, IT HESITATED AND THEN I WAS HIT IN THE REAR SIDE OF MY VEHICLE. IF IT WOULD HAVE RESPONDED CORRECTLY I WOULD NOT HAVE GOTTEN INTO THE ACCIDENT. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10643635, 2013 · crash

“The car had been recently serviced through the dealer and had 66,000 miles (9 yrs old). It was 6k miles past warranty. While driving, the radiator hose exploded—loud noise, white steam, and all the warning lights came on and the car heated up. I had the car towed and was told that the radiator hose, the radiator and the head gasket had been destroyed and the engine would need to be rebuilt. The car was essentially a total loss given the repair costs. There was no warning at all that anything was wrong with the car prior to the engine blowing. It is my understanding that many years of Subaru Ou…”
NHTSA complaint #11550074, 2023

Electrical System 32 2 fire

“The contact owns a 2014 Subaru Outback. The contact stated while the vehicle was at a standstill when the contact saw unknown warning lights were flickering on and off. The contact parked the vehicle and went inside a store when approximately 10 minutes later the vehicle was on fire. Fire marshals and police extinguished the fire and a report was taken; no one was injured. The vehicle was then towed to an insurance lot where the contact was awaiting a diagnosis. The manufacturer was informed of failure and was awaiting a response. The failure mileage was approximately 64,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11435692, 2021 · fire

“SPONTANEOUS ENGINE FIRE WHILE DRIVING - MAR 07,2019 - 2014 SUBARU OUTBACK WITH CURRENT MAINTENANCE AND NO PRIOR HISTORY OF MALFUNCTION. DURING A 2.1 MILE DRIVE ON CITY STREETS ELECTRICAL DISTURBANCES OF THE RADIO/MEDIA CONSOLE WERE NOTED, FOLLOWED SHORTLY THEREAFTER BY BLACK SMOKE FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE CAR WAS IMMEDIATELY PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. UPON EXITING THE CAR, THE SMOKE HAD BECOME WHITE AND FLAMES WERE NOTED UNDER THE CAR. THE FRONT OF THE CAR SOON BECAME ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE ENTIRE FRONT OF THE CAR WAS BURNT/MELTED. NO ONE WAS INJURED.”
NHTSA complaint #11185999, 2019 · fire

“Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2014 Subaru Outback. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the mileage was 132,000. A Carfax report was not purchased. The contact stated that the mileage on the title from the DMV was 205,690.”
NHTSA complaint #11748032, 2026

Power Train 25 4 crash 1 injury

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 SUBARU OUTBACK. AFTER PARKING THE VEHICLE AND EXITING, THE CONTACT RE-ENTERED THE VEHICLE AND THE GEAR ROLLED OUT OF PARK. THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WAS NOT ENGAGED. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE BACK OF THE CONTACT'S HOUSE. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED BRUISES TO THE LEGS AND KNEES. THE CONTACT HELD ONTO THE DRIVER'S DOOR, BUT WAS UNABLE TO APPLY THE EMERGENCY BRAKE AS THE VEHICLE GAINED SPEED. NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. SUBARU OF LITTLE ROCK (12121 COLONEL GLENN RD, LITTLE ROCK, AR 72210, (501) 503-5454) WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE AN…”
NHTSA complaint #11129564, 2018 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“PULLING CAR INTO PARKING SPACE AT SLOW SPEED WHEN CAR, WITHOUT DRIVER INPUT, SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. HEAVY PRESSURE ON BRAKES, DRIVER FELT THE ABS CYCLING, DID NT STOP VEHICLE. FINALLY, AFTER COLLIDING WITH A PARKED CAR, NOSE TO NOSE AND PUSHING OTHER CAR OUT OF ITS PARKING SPOT, DRIVER WAS ABLE TO STOP THE CAR MY MOVING TRANSMISSION GEAR SELECTOR TO PARK”
NHTSA complaint #10884119, 2016 · crash

“SUBARU OUTBACK WAS STARTED IN A PARKING LOT IN ORDER TO COOL INTERIOR DOWN. DRIVER EXITED VEHICLE AND WALKED BEHIND AND AROUND TO OTHER SIDE. DRIVE OPENED FRONT PASSENGER DOOR RETRIEVED AN ITEM AND CLOSED DOOR. DRIVER THEN WALKED AWAY A FEW YARDS IN ORDER TO PROVIDE WATER FOR A DOG. DRIVER HEARD A LOUD CRASH AND TURNED AROUND TO FIND CAR HAD ROLLED BACKWARDS OUT OF PARKING SPOT AND HIT A VEHICLE PARKED BEHIND IT. CAR WAS STILL RUNNING AND FOUND TO BE IN REVERSE. NO ONE WAS IN EITHER CAR AND NO INJURIES. BOTH CARS WERE DAMAGED. SUBARU OUTBACK COULD NOT BE DRIVEN. CAR WAS PARKED ON A VERY SLIGHT…”
NHTSA complaint #10622659, 2014 · crash

Service Brakes 22 1 crash

“I was driving home on a road I drive on regularly at 40 mph. The car unexpectedly accelerated to a high rate of speed causing me to go off the road. I was unable to stop. The brake pedal went to the floor. The car went airborne, just missing a huge tree. It slammed into the ground & continued on to crash into 3 cars & someone’s garage! The car continued to rev & was bouncing back & forth between the 2 vehicles in the garage. The engine continued to rev after I got out. The homeowner shut it off. He said my brake lights were flashing on and off on the dash. The air bags never deployed. I have…”
NHTSA complaint #11481494, 2022 · crash

“My 2014 Subaru Outback, with only 42,000 miles on it, is unfortunately among the 3% (per Consumer Reports) with undiagnosable, therefore, unrepairable, brake failure issues. The brake failures began in April 2023 as I pulled out of my driveway in the Tucson Mountains, headed into town. On the downhill, I pressed my brakes to slow down. My foot went to the floor - no brakes. Terror! I pumped the brakes and gradually they came back. Luckily, no one was ahead of me. The brake fluid was down a very slight bit, so I brought it back up. No problem for two weeks, until the exact same thing happened…”
NHTSA complaint #11552720, 2023

“Parking break did not disengage. It also blocked the key hole and car could not be moved. I called AAA and they could not even tow it because the gears would not switch from parking to neutral. While manipulating the car, the AAA technician does not know how, but was able to move the key and the gear, and then the car could start. After some online research, there has been recalls for this problem in Australia in Subaru Outbacks of around this year. Since AAA technician did not have to move in the end the car, there is no receipt of this event. It has happened twice by now.”
NHTSA complaint #11449124, 2022

Unknown Or Other 22 9 injury

“I BACKED OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY AND PUT THE CAR INTO DRIVE AND THERE WAS A LONG, ABOUT 7 SECOND DELAY BEFORE THE CAR MOVED FORWARD. IT WAS IN GEAR AND MY FOOT WAS ON THE GAS BUT NOTHING HAPPENED.”
NHTSA complaint #10705991, 2013 · 9 injury(ies)

“Failure of front subassembly while driving. Car pulled hard to right while driving. Scary and dangerous. Inspection showed severe rust has eaten thru the metal. Car inoperable. Research shows it is a known problem. Recall required immediately, THANK YOU”
NHTSA complaint #11716663, 2026

“1. The under carriage has corroded creating a safety hazard. Senior dealer representative indicated verbally that 2010-2014 models years are the most prone. 2. If the under carriage fails the engine and transmission could fall out of the car potentially creating a serious issue. 3. The dealer brought the issue to my attention after performing an inspection of the car. 4. I was unaware of the issue until the dealer brought the issue to my attention. 2014 Subaru Outback.  The car has been taken care of in a manner that exceeds the manual recommendations including always flushing the underside…”
NHTSA complaint #11711258, 2025

Steering 17 1 crash

“THE POWER STEERING SYSTEM FAILED. WHEN CAR STOPPED, THE STEERING CAN NOT TURN. THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED A NEW ONE, BUT THE STEERING IS STILL TOO HARD TO TURN AND FEEL EXHAUSTING TO DRIVE. AND THE DEALER SAID IT IS NORMAL. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10604884, 2014 · crash

“The contact owns a 2014 Subaru Outback. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH or above, the front end and the steering wheel were shaking abnormally. While driving at various speeds, there was a metallic grinding sound coming from the passenger side of the vehicle. The contact stated that while depressing the brake pedal, the brake pedal went to the floorboard and the braking distance became extended. The contact stated that the brakes were squeaking while the brake pedal was depressed. The contact stated that the brakes, check engine, power steering, and engine overheating warning lights we…”
NHTSA complaint #11635704, 2025

“The Roll Connector Harness failed, and use of the horn was disabled. It is due to the mechanical steering of the vehicle, and fails over time. As a multiple Subaru owner this has been a topic of safety with most of the owners with 2014 Subarus. Subaru changed the design/engineering of this part in 2016 due to the concern. Because they won't issue a recall, and the cost of repair is high ($400+), mainly due to the location of the part, many will not fix the issue. There is no way to warn other drivers or deer without use of the horn. This has put me in harm's way multiple times until I fi…”
NHTSA complaint #11455192, 2021

Vehicle Speed Control 14 4 crash

“I was driving home on a road I drive on regularly at 40 mph. The car unexpectedly accelerated to a high rate of speed causing me to go off the road. I was unable to stop. The brake pedal went to the floor. The car went airborne, just missing a huge tree. It slammed into the ground & continued on to crash into 3 cars & someone’s garage! The car continued to rev & was bouncing back & forth between the 2 vehicles in the garage. The engine continued to rev after I got out. The homeowner shut it off. He said my brake lights were flashing on and off on the dash. The air bags never deployed. I have…”
NHTSA complaint #11481494, 2022 · crash

“WE HAVE HAD THREE ACCIDENTS INVOLVING THE SAME THING. YOU CAN'T SEEM TO SLOW THE CAR DOWN ENOUGH TO STOP IT. TWO OF THE TIMES, WE HAVE PULLED INTO A PARKING PLACE,GOING AT A LOW SPEED,AND WHEN YOU STEP ON THE BRAKE,THE CAR ACCELERATES AND JUMPS FORWARD INSTEAD OF STOPPING. ALSO THE AIR BAGS DOESN'T COME ON.”
NHTSA complaint #11002734, 2017 · crash

“PULLING CAR INTO PARKING SPACE AT SLOW SPEED WHEN CAR, WITHOUT DRIVER INPUT, SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. HEAVY PRESSURE ON BRAKES, DRIVER FELT THE ABS CYCLING, DID NT STOP VEHICLE. FINALLY, AFTER COLLIDING WITH A PARKED CAR, NOSE TO NOSE AND PUSHING OTHER CAR OUT OF ITS PARKING SPOT, DRIVER WAS ABLE TO STOP THE CAR MY MOVING TRANSMISSION GEAR SELECTOR TO PARK”
NHTSA complaint #10884119, 2016 · crash

Fuel/Propulsion System 12 1 crash

“PULLING CAR INTO PARKING SPACE AT SLOW SPEED WHEN CAR, WITHOUT DRIVER INPUT, SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. HEAVY PRESSURE ON BRAKES, DRIVER FELT THE ABS CYCLING, DID NT STOP VEHICLE. FINALLY, AFTER COLLIDING WITH A PARKED CAR, NOSE TO NOSE AND PUSHING OTHER CAR OUT OF ITS PARKING SPOT, DRIVER WAS ABLE TO STOP THE CAR MY MOVING TRANSMISSION GEAR SELECTOR TO PARK”
NHTSA complaint #10884119, 2016 · crash

“Driving at highway speeds with over half a tank of gas and car just shut down, no warning lights, no noise just shut down and lost all control. Fortunately was able to safely move to shoulder. Sat there for a few minutes, called subaru dealer (no suggestions though i now know there is a recall (NHTSA 21V587000) for an identical problem in newer subaru outbacks and also plenty of online sites suggesting this has happened to other outbacks. Car restarted and we were able to complete our ride home, very scary to think of what could have happened if we were in a different situation of traffic o…”
NHTSA complaint #11431152, 2021

“AT APPROXIMATELY 50K MILES, A YEAR OR SO AGO, THIS CAR DEVELOPED A SERIOUS HESITATION WHEN TAKING OFF FROM A STANDSTILL OR TRYING TO GAIN SPEED FROM ANYWHERE FROM 20 TO 40 MPH. TRIED SEVERAL METHODS TO CORRECT THIS SUGGESTED BY OUR MECHANIC WHICH INCLUDED INJECTOR CLEANER, HIGH OCTANE GAS, MORE CLEANER, BETTER QUALITY GAS AND NOTHING HAS WORKED, WE HAVE READ THAT THERE NUMEROUS CUSTOMERS WITH THIS SAME PROBLEM BUT SUBARU DOES NOTHING. THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL ORE BUY-BACK. WE ARE CONCERNED WE WILL BE IN AN ACCIDENT BECAUSE IT WON'T MANEUVER PROPERLY WHILE IN TRAFFIC. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #11324815, 2019

Structure 11 4 crash 1 injury

“I WAS IN HEAVY TRAFFIC ON I-17 NORTH OF PHOENIX AZ. ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL (ACC) WAS SET AND I WAS FOLLOWING THE CAR AHEAD AT THE MAXIMUM DISTANCE SET BY ACC. MY FOOT WAS NOT ON THE ACCELERATOR OR THE BRAKE. I SAW THE PRECEDING CAR'S BRAKE LIGHTS COME ON, AND I FELT MY CAR START TO SLOW. THE PRECEDING CAR STOPPED AND IT BECAME APPARENT THAT MY CAR WAS NO LONGER BRAKING, OR IF IT WAS, NOT HARD ENOUGH TO STOP. I APPLIED THE BRAKES BUT IT WAS TOO LATE AND WE HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF US AT A SPEED GREAT ENOUGH TO DO $7000 OF DAMAGE TO THE FRONT OF MY CAR. CURIOUSLY THE AIR BAGS DID NOT D…”
NHTSA complaint #11083319, 2017 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“I WAS DRIVING AT ABOUT 65 MILES/HOUR ON HIGHWAY 17 NEAR APALACHIN, NY, WHEN A DEER JUMPED FROM THE RIGHT SIDE AND HIT THE FRONT OF MY CAR. BOTH FRONT AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. IMMEDIATELY, THE GAS RELEASED FROM THE AIRBAGS COMPLETELY FOGGED THE WINDSHIELD REDUCING VISIBILITY ZERO, SO I COULD NOT SEE WHERE I WAS GOING DURING THE BRAKING PERIOD. FORTUNATELY, I ONLY SHIFTED TO THE OTHER LINE AND THERE WERE NO OTHER CARS AROUND. THE GAS DEPOSIT REMAINED ON THE WINDSHIELD AND I HAD TO USE A CLOTH TO CLEAN IT. IN MY OPINION, THE FOGGED WINDSHIELD RESULTING FROM THE AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT WAS A MUCH HI…”
NHTSA complaint #11255919, 2019 · crash

“I WAS PULLING UP TO PARK BEHIND A TOYOTA PRIUS ON A ROAD THAT WAS PARTIALLY COVERED WITH SNOW & ICE. THE WHEELS ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE VEHICLE WERE ON SNOW & ICE AND THE WHEELS ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE CAR WERE ON DRY ROADWAY. I WAS DRIVING SLOWLY TO PARK WHEN THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED INTO THE REAR BUMPER OF THE TOYOTA PRIUS. THE ENGINE WAS RACING WILDLY AND MY ATTEMPT TO BRAKE WERE INEFFECTIVE. THERE WAS DAMAGE TO THE REAR TRUNK & BUMPER OF THE PRIUS AND DAMAGE TO THE FRONT OF THE SUBARU. I SUSPECT THAT THE SUBARU TRACTION/SPEED/STABILITY/ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROLS HAD MALFUNCTION…”
NHTSA complaint #10692840, 2015 · crash

Visibility/Wiper 8 1 crash

“I WAS DRIVING AT ABOUT 65 MILES/HOUR ON HIGHWAY 17 NEAR APALACHIN, NY, WHEN A DEER JUMPED FROM THE RIGHT SIDE AND HIT THE FRONT OF MY CAR. BOTH FRONT AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. IMMEDIATELY, THE GAS RELEASED FROM THE AIRBAGS COMPLETELY FOGGED THE WINDSHIELD REDUCING VISIBILITY ZERO, SO I COULD NOT SEE WHERE I WAS GOING DURING THE BRAKING PERIOD. FORTUNATELY, I ONLY SHIFTED TO THE OTHER LINE AND THERE WERE NO OTHER CARS AROUND. THE GAS DEPOSIT REMAINED ON THE WINDSHIELD AND I HAD TO USE A CLOTH TO CLEAN IT. IN MY OPINION, THE FOGGED WINDSHIELD RESULTING FROM THE AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT WAS A MUCH HI…”
NHTSA complaint #11255919, 2019 · crash

“WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY WINDSHIELD CRACKED IN AN ARC PATTERN STARTING FROM THE DRIVERS SIDE TO PASSENGER SIDE RESULTING IN A PERFECT SYMMETRICAL PATTERN. IT WAS AROUND 10 DEGREES OUTSIDE AND THE VEHICLES DEFROST AND HEAT WERE ON HIGH. NO OBJECT HIT WINDSHIELD BEFORE CRACK FORMED. VERY LOUD CRACKING NOISE AND SLOW FROM LEFT TO RIGHT FORMATION. I WENT TO THE DEALERSHIP TO HAVE THEM LOOK AT WHAT CAUSED CRACK AND THEY SAID "MUST HAVE BEEN CAUSED BY A ROCK". AT THAT TIME THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE OF A CHIP IN WINDSHIELD, JUST THE CRACK. LATER IN THE YEAR I AGAIN WENT TO THE DEALERSHIP BECAUSE OF THE…”
NHTSA complaint #11291766, 2019

“SPONTANEOUS CRACK IN WINDSHIELD, BEGINNING AT THE BOTTOM CENTER, WHILE CAR WAS PARKED OVERNIGHT.”
NHTSA complaint #11210595, 2019

Exterior Lighting 7 1 crash

“SUBARU OUTBACK WAS STARTED IN A PARKING LOT IN ORDER TO COOL INTERIOR DOWN. DRIVER EXITED VEHICLE AND WALKED BEHIND AND AROUND TO OTHER SIDE. DRIVE OPENED FRONT PASSENGER DOOR RETRIEVED AN ITEM AND CLOSED DOOR. DRIVER THEN WALKED AWAY A FEW YARDS IN ORDER TO PROVIDE WATER FOR A DOG. DRIVER HEARD A LOUD CRASH AND TURNED AROUND TO FIND CAR HAD ROLLED BACKWARDS OUT OF PARKING SPOT AND HIT A VEHICLE PARKED BEHIND IT. CAR WAS STILL RUNNING AND FOUND TO BE IN REVERSE. NO ONE WAS IN EITHER CAR AND NO INJURIES. BOTH CARS WERE DAMAGED. SUBARU OUTBACK COULD NOT BE DRIVEN. CAR WAS PARKED ON A VERY SLIGHT…”
NHTSA complaint #10622659, 2014 · crash

“The innermost taillight located on the liftgate melted the taillight housing and burned the socket in which it sits. This could have started a fire putting the safety of those in the vehicle and on the road at risk. The problem has not been inspected by a dealer or any other party. The taillights are available for inspection and the bulbs as well. there was no warning. The problem was noticed because the bulbs burned out and needed replaced. they have been replaced by me with LED bulbs to reduce the risk of fire or more damage. the problem was discovered on 8/23/2023. It is unknown when this p…”
NHTSA complaint #11540352, 2023

“LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS KEEP BURNING OUT EVERY FEW MONTHS.”
NHTSA complaint #11208459, 2019

Seat Belts 6 1 crash 2 injury

“my air bags didn't deploy when I hit a tree, and the seat belt gave loose. A police report was filed, and the car was evaluated by a collision center. The insurance company has not yet evaluated the vehicle. The air bag indicator light indicated the air bags were in good working order. I slid off the road in snow and hit a tree dead on and my entire front end crumpled, but my air bags didn't deploy and my seat belt was fully extended when I exited the vehicle to get into the ambulance.”
NHTSA complaint #11445596, 2021 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“I WAS HIT BY A 1979 DODGE PICKUP THAT RAN A RED LIGHT ON 6TH STREET WHILE I WAS DRIVING 30 MPH HEADED NORTH ON JACKSON STREET IN TOPEKA, KANSAS. IT IMPACTED MY SUBARU ON THE PASSENGER SIDE IN THE AREA OF THE FRONT FENDER AND FRONT DOOR. UPON IMPACT, NONE OF MY AIRBAGS DEPLOYED NOR DID MY SEAT BELT RESTRAIN ME. I HIT THE STEERING WHEEL WITH MY CHEST....UPDATED 12/03/15 *BF UPDATED 04/25/18 *JB *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10806202, 2015 · 1 injury(ies)

“THE SEAT SENSOR FOR THE PASSENGER SIDE IS NOT WORKING IN COLD WEATHER, CAUSING THE AIRBAG TO BE DEACTIVATED. THE SEATBELT INDICATOR SIGNAL BEEPS REGARDLESS OF WHETHER SOMEONE IS SITTING IN THE SEAT WITH THE SEATBELT ON OR NO ONE IS SITTING IN THE SEAT. THIS HAPPENS WHEN THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION AND HAPPENS ANY TIME THE TEMPERATURE IN THE VEHICLE IS BELOW FREEZING.”
NHTSA complaint #11154069, 2017

Electronic Stability Control (Esc) 5 1 crash

“I WAS PULLING UP TO PARK BEHIND A TOYOTA PRIUS ON A ROAD THAT WAS PARTIALLY COVERED WITH SNOW & ICE. THE WHEELS ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE VEHICLE WERE ON SNOW & ICE AND THE WHEELS ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE CAR WERE ON DRY ROADWAY. I WAS DRIVING SLOWLY TO PARK WHEN THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED INTO THE REAR BUMPER OF THE TOYOTA PRIUS. THE ENGINE WAS RACING WILDLY AND MY ATTEMPT TO BRAKE WERE INEFFECTIVE. THERE WAS DAMAGE TO THE REAR TRUNK & BUMPER OF THE PRIUS AND DAMAGE TO THE FRONT OF THE SUBARU. I SUSPECT THAT THE SUBARU TRACTION/SPEED/STABILITY/ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROLS HAD MALFUNCTION…”
NHTSA complaint #10692840, 2015 · crash

“I AM UNABLE TO REMOVE MY VEHICLE KEY FROM THE IGNITION AFTER PLACING MY 2014 SUBARU OUTBACK INTO THE PARK POSITION WHILE THE VEHICLE IS STATIONARY AND I WANT TO GET OUT OF IT. THIS IS ALSO HAPPENING TO MY FATHER'S 2016 SUBARU OUTBACK. I DON'T WANT TO LEAVE THE KEY IN THE IGNITION WHEN IT IS PARKED ON A STREET. I CAN'T LOCK THE VEHICLE WITH THE KEY IN THE IGNITION BECAUSE I WOULDN'T BE ABLE TO GET BACK INTO IT UNLESS I CARRIED A SECOND KEY. PLEASE POST THIS FOR OTHER USERS. IT SEEMS A VEHICLE DEFECT AT LEAST WITH A SUBARU OUTBACK AS ANOTHER FRIEND ALSO HAD THIS HAPPEN TO HER. IT COST OVER…”
NHTSA complaint #11354171, 2020

“ON 3/22/15 WHILE APPROACHING A STOP SIGN THE ELECTRIC PARKING BRAKE LOCKED ON AT 10 MPH. AFTER PULLING OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND RELEASING AND APPLYING THE PARKING BRAKE SEVERAL TIMES IT FINALLY RELEASED WHILE THE CHECK ENGINE AND FLASHING BRAKE LIGHT REMAINED ON. AFTER SHUTTING THE VEHICLE OFF FOR 10 MINUTES THE SYSTEM RESET TO NORMAL. THE SYSTEM REMAINED NORMAL UNTIL ARRIVING AT A SUBARU DEALER ON 3/24/15 WHEN THE SAME PROBLEM OCCURRED. THE DEALER TOOK CONTROL, IDENTIFIED AND REPLACED A RELAY AND SEVERAL SENSORS. THE CAR PERFORMED NORMAL UNTIL 4/1/15 WHEN THE SAME PROBLEM OCCURRED WHIL…”
NHTSA complaint #10703711, 2015

Suspension 5

“1. The under carriage has corroded creating a safety hazard. Senior dealer representative indicated verbally that 2010-2014 models years are the most prone. 2. If the under carriage fails the engine and transmission could fall out of the car potentially creating a serious issue. 3. The dealer brought the issue to my attention after performing an inspection of the car. 4. I was unaware of the issue until the dealer brought the issue to my attention. 2014 Subaru Outback.  The car has been taken care of in a manner that exceeds the manual recommendations including always flushing the underside…”
NHTSA complaint #11711258, 2025

“The contact owns a 2014 Subaru Outback. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH or above, the front end and the steering wheel were shaking abnormally. While driving at various speeds, there was a metallic grinding sound coming from the passenger side of the vehicle. The contact stated that while depressing the brake pedal, the brake pedal went to the floorboard and the braking distance became extended. The contact stated that the brakes were squeaking while the brake pedal was depressed. The contact stated that the brakes, check engine, power steering, and engine overheating warning lights we…”
NHTSA complaint #11635704, 2025

“THERE IS NO EMERGENCY BRAKE ON A 2014 OUTBACK,THE PARKING BRAKE DOES NOT WORK WHEN THE CAR IS MOVING.UNSAFE, IF ANYTHING HAPPENS WITH BRAKES THERE IS NOTHING TO STOP CAR FOR SAFETY THE HAND EMERGENCY BRAKE SHOULD BE IN THE CENTER CONSOLE, SO PASSENGER COULD ALSO PULL IT ON. .FRONT SPRINGS BOTTOM OUT FOR THE SLIGHTEST DIP IN THE ROAD.. I COMPLAINED TO SUBARU ABOUT THE BRAKE AND THEY TOLD ME BUY ANOTHER CAR”
NHTSA complaint #11019553, 2014

Tires 3

“INSPECTION NOTED BELT SEPERATION ON GOODYEAR ASSURANCE TIRES, VEHICLE STATIONARY”
NHTSA complaint #11088340, 2018

“MY 2014 SUBARU OUTBACK 3.6R CAME WITH CONTINENTAL PRO CONTACT GX P225/60 R17 TIRES. NOTICE ONE OF THE TIRES WAS SIGNIFICANTLY DEFLATED. TOOK TO DEALER AND I WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS A SMALL HOLE BUT NO NAIL AS THE CAUSE. NOW MY PASSENGER SIDE REAR TIRE HAS DEVELOPED SIDE WALL BUBBLE. I TOOK TO SUBARU DEALER WHO DID NOTHING AND TOLD ME TO CALL CONTINENTAL TIRES ABOUT WARRANTY (DIDN'T EVEN WARN ME OF THE DANGER NOR DID THEY PUT THE SPARE TIRE ON) CONTINENTAL SAID PASSED RESPONSIBILITY BACK TO DEALER. I THEN WENT TO DISCOUNT TIRES THEN AMERICAS TIRES. ALL SAID (BEFORE EVEN LOOKING AT THE TIRE) THA…”
NHTSA complaint #10735635, 2015

“WE PURCHASED OUR OUTBACK ON APRIL 28,2014. ON MAY 1, 2014 WE BROUGHT INTO THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT BECAUSE IT WAS PULLING TO THE RIGHT. THEY APPARENTLY FIXED IT. THE NEXT DAY I WAD BACK AGAIN, THE CAR WAS STILL PULLING TO THE RIGHT. AFTER SEVERAL TIMES TRYING TO REALIGN THE CAR, IT WAS "FIXED". I HAD TO BRING IT BACK IN TODAY, IT IS PULLING AGAIN. THEY CAN'T FIX THE ISSUE BECAUSE NOW THEY SUSPECT IT IS A DEFECTIVE TIRE ISSUE. THEY ARE GOING TO REPLACE ALL 4 TIRES ON TUESDAY. I GET THE FEELING THERE IS SOMETHING MORE WRONG WITH MY CAR. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10594708, 2014

Seats 2

“THE SEAT SENSOR FOR THE PASSENGER SIDE IS NOT WORKING CAUSING THE AIRBAG TO BE DEACTIVATED. THE SEATBELT INDICATOR SIGNAL BEEPS REGARDLESS OF WHETHER SOMEONE IS SITTING IN THE SEAT WITH THE SEATBELT ON OR NO ONE IS SITTING IN THE SEAT. IT IS FAILING TO SENSE ANY WEIGHT. I BOUGHT THIS CAR BRAND NEW ON 9/9/13 AND THIS SHOULD NOT BE FAULTY.”
NHTSA complaint #10904435, 2016

“I USED THE OPTIONAL SEAT WARMERS AND TURNED THE ENGINE OFF AT THE END OF A TRIP. WHEN I STARTED THE ENGINE AGAIN LATER THAT DAY, THE SEAT WARMERS WERE ON. WHEN I FELT THE HEAT, I WAS CONFUSED, AND THOUGHT THERE MIGHT BE A FIRE, UNTIL I NOTICED THE SEAT WARMER LIGHT WAS ON. I THINK WHEN THE CAR IS STOPPED AND TURNED OFF, THE SEAT WARMER FUNCTION SHOULD BE CANCELLED.”
NHTSA complaint #10717483, 2014

Visibility 2

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 SUBARU OUTBACK. DURING A RAINSTORM, WATER ENTERED THE VEHICLE THROUGH THE SUN ROOF AND DRENCHED THE CABIN. THE FAILURE CAUSED $1,769 WORTH OF DAMAGE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED BECAUSE A DRAIN TUBE ON THE SUN ROOF BECAME CLOGGED AND CAUSED THE WATER TO BACK UP AND ENTER THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO CHATHAM PARKWAY SUBARU (7 PARK OF COMMERCE WAY, SAVANNAH, GA 31405, (888) 430-0231) WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE DRAINS WERE CLOGGED. THE DEALER CLEANED THE DRAINS, REPLACED THE CARPET, AND REPLACED THE AMPLIFIER AT THE CONTACT'S EXPENSE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT N…”
NHTSA complaint #11245404, 2019

“2014 SUBARU OUTBACK. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO SUNROOF DRAINS BEING CLOGGED WHICH CAUSED WATER TO LEAK INTO VEHICLE WHEN RAINING. *LD *JS”
NHTSA complaint #11089369, 2018

Wheels 2

“INSPECTION NOTED BELT SEPERATION ON GOODYEAR ASSURANCE TIRES, VEHICLE STATIONARY”
NHTSA complaint #11088340, 2018

“I HAVE HAD SEVERAL INSTANCES WHERE WHEN DRIVING IN SNOW ON INTERSTATE THE SNOW GETS PACKED IN THE WHEELS IT CAUSES SEVERE PROBLEMS STEERING. ON MORE THAN ONE INSTANCE I HAVE HAD TO PULL OFF THE ROAD AND FIND A CAR WASH TO CLEAN THE SNOW IN ORDER TO BE ABLE TO DRIVE SAFELY. FRONT END VIBRATES SO MUCH I HAD TO REDUCE SPEED TO BELOW 45 MPH AND TO PULL OFF THE ROAD. I HAVE ASKED SUBARU THROUGH THEIR NATIONAL SUPPORT HOTLINE HOW TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM. THEIR RESPONSE WAS THAT THEY HAD NEVER HEARD THIS COMPLAINT AND DID NOT HAVE A SOLUTION. I ASKED THAT THEY EMAIL THEIR RESPONSE SO I WOULD HAVE IT IN…”
NHTSA complaint #10940052, 2016

Engine And Engine Cooling 1

“The contact owns a 2014 Subaru Outback. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH or above, the front end and the steering wheel were shaking abnormally. While driving at various speeds, there was a metallic grinding sound coming from the passenger side of the vehicle. The contact stated that while depressing the brake pedal, the brake pedal went to the floorboard and the braking distance became extended. The contact stated that the brakes were squeaking while the brake pedal was depressed. The contact stated that the brakes, check engine, power steering, and engine overheating warning lights we…”
NHTSA complaint #11635704, 2025

Forward Collision Avoidance 1

“I purchased this vehicle in May 2024 within 2 months of purchase the eyesight function malfunctioned. I took it back to the dealership where I purchased it and they attempted to diagnose it at cost of parts and I ended up paying a few hundred dollars for that repair. That didn’t work and they offered to attempt something else but this was just guessing. Then a few months down the line I receive a post card in the mail for a ‘warranty extension’ on the exact issue I am having. I take it to the Subaru dealership once and they had me return a second time saying they couldn’t diagnose it at tha…”
NHTSA complaint #11686531, 2025

Fuel System 1

“IN TANK ELECTRIC FUEL PUMP CONTINUED RUNNING AFTER CAR WAS SHUT OFF AND KEY WAS REMOVED. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10572771, 2014

Parking Brake 1

“MY E-BRAKE HAS NOT BEEN WORKING FOR THE PAST YEAR. THE RED BRAKE LIGHT COMES ON AT RANDOM TIMES WHEN PARKED AND IN MOTION AND I CANNOT ENGAGE THE E-BRAKE. SUBARU IS SAYING THAT I NEED TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE ELECTRONIC BRAKE MECHANISM FOR A COST OF $1,000.00 - THIS FOR A 2014 CAR.”
NHTSA complaint #11115213, 2017