Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2014 Subaru Outback owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2014 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while driving the oil warning light illuminated and he added more oil. The contact stated that the oil level was low. The contact noticed that several times the oil level was low prior to the normal mileage interval to change the oil. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that the oil was low. The failure was not diagnosed or repaired, however, the independent mechanic stated that the failure could be related to a mechanical engine issue. The contact stated that he found a Technical Service Bulletin Number: 02-157-14R; NHTSA ID Number: 10188219 (Power Train, Engine) which he related to the failure. The contact stated that he recently had an oil change at 88,000 and the oil warning light illuminated at 91,217. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. …
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 were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer seven times; however, the dealer was unable to determine the cause of the failures. The contact stated that the dealer replaced the passenger's side rear wheel bearing. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. …
Suburu Outback had been showing signs of needing more oil between routine changes and frequent top-offs. When took to a Suburu Dealer in September 2021, prior to reaching 100,000 miles, Suburu said it was normal. Now at 118,000 miles as of November 2022, the engine jerks and makes noises. Upon taking to Suburu, short engine block repair was recommended, which would cost over $6,000. The issues of needing repair align with the 2016 extended warranty bulletin put out for other Suburu Outbacks, which goes through 100,000, but we were told that the VIN is outside of the extended bulletin and we are out of warranty. Being told our oil consumption is normal but suddenly experiencing a deterioration in the engine so suddenly is concerning; the jerky engine is not safe for the passengers or others on the road.
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 Outbacks have required recalls for head gasket problems.
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.
On or about nov 24, 2015, an ignition problem developed. When turning the ignition switch there was no power. With each turn, more and more power turned until it finally started. According to sheehy Subaru, springfield, va, there was nothing wrong with the vehicle and stated "I needed to start the car ever couple of days." about 2 weeks later, reynolds GMC Subaru came and picked up the car and said there was technical bulletin out for this problem (I was not able to locate) and they have fixed twenty other cars with this same problem. The car was fine until January 11, 2016, the car started exhibiting the same ignition issues. I contacted reynolds who contacted Subaru engineers who said not to have my foot on the gas pedal when I turn the ignition key. The vehicle starts with a foot on the gas pedal or not. They stated the car was designed not to start with a foot on the pedal. …
Vehicle began using oil after approximately 29,000 miles. Low oil pressure light was illuminated on the dashboard. Contacted the dealer and was told to bring the vehicle in immediately. The oil and filter were changed and I was instructed to bring the vehicle back after 1200 miles for a "oil consumption test" . The test was performed at the dealership, patrick Subaru and the results, 1/3 qt. Of oil was consumed and the information was sent to Subaru of America. My claim was denied. I have since driven the car 2789 miles and have consumed 1.1qts of oil. I contacted the dealership and was told another oil consumption test must be performed to determine if the vehicle is eligible for repair. Please note that a class action suite was awarded against Subaru for 2012 to 2014 vehicles using excessive oil. This vehicle carries the "prez" emblem for particle zero emissions. …
My vehicle keeps burning engine oil after 3,000 to 4,000 miles driving. I have had the issue since November 2017 and went to Subaru dealer to check it and they said as long as engine oil is the same level after 1,200 miles, engine oil burning is normal. When I asked Subaru dealer to add the oil, they changed the engine oil and charged me by saying that it is a normal condition. Even Subaru issued technical bulletin for the engine oil burning issue, they treat the complaining customers in a sneaky way. The synthetic oil should run over 5,000 miles without burning in the engine and I had no issues with other brand cars such as Ford. NHTSA should warn Subaru to manage customer complaints in a proper way. It is related to driver's safety as I find only 1/4 quart oil left after 4,000 miles driving, which I don't think is not a normal condition for the passenger vehicles. …
At approximately 29000 mileage on the my 2014 Subaru Outback, I was driving on the highway and the oil level lamp illuminated. I pulled over and checked the oil level and found it to be not readable on the dipstick. I added a quart, which brought the level to half. I then reported to the dealer, beardmore Subaru in bellevue, ne. They updated the software and replaced the oil level switch. They also initiated a an oil consumption test and I have to return in 1200 miles to have level recorded. However, when I left the dealership, I checked the oil a few weeks later (approx 400 miles driven), while the engine was cool, and noticed the oil level was well above the full mark. Clearly they overfilled the engine. Additionally, the mechanic left open the top of the coolant resevoir (which I did not ask them to even check). I will be calling them on Monday to report this issue.
When I purchased the vehicle new, I was told that the oil change needed to be completed every 7,500 miles. Almost immediately, the low engine oil light would come on short of 7,500 miles. Subaru changed when the oil needed to be changed from 7,500 to 6,000 miles due to the oil usage with the engine in this Outback year. Recently, I cannot drive much beyond 3,000 miles without the low engine oil coming on after new oil changes by the dealership!! It appears as the vehicle ages the engine oil light is coming on sooner and sooner!! I checked the oil level and it is low when the light does come on. I feel something is very wrong and Subaru needs to rectify the problem which is becoming very serious. This is my first Subaru and I've not experienced these issues with any other vehicle that I've owned for the past 30+ years. Thank you for your time.
Engine complaints in other Outback years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2014 Subaru Outback?
NHTSA has 36 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2014 Subaru Outback, 17% of the model year's 208 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2014 Subaru Outback engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2014 Subaru Outback, though it has 10 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2014 Subaru Outback engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 34,000 miles, and 39% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 1 fire and 0 injuries to engine & cooling problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.