2014 Subaru Outback: Reliability, Recalls, Known Issues & Cost to Own
Data last updated 2026-07-04 · sources listed throughout · based on public NHTSA data
Fourth-gen; FB25 oil consumption persists (covered by the same settlement) but reports taper, with Takata airbag exposure. Reasonable AWD value if the oil consumption was addressed. 2 known issue patterns are documented below, with frequency and the mileage windows where they typically appear. New, the 2014 Subaru Outback ranged from $23,495 to $32,095 depending on trim (base MSRP, before options and destination).
This listing
Context from the listing you were viewing, not a market-price judgement.
Fourth-gen; FB25 oil consumption persists (covered by the same settlement) but reports taper, with Takata airbag exposure. Reasonable AWD value if the oil consumption was addressed.
Sources (2)
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=subaru&model=outbac…
- repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/subaru/outback
Known issues
-
FB25 2.5-liter excessive oil consumption, high oil burn between changes that prompted a class-action settlement and an 8-year/100,000-mile warranty extension.
widespread · 44 NHTSA complaints · typically 30k–100k miles · engine
-
Takata-era frontal passenger-airbag inflator exposure.
occasional · other
Based on public NHTSA complaint data and AI synthesis: patterns, not guarantees.
Sources (3)
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=subaru&model=outbac…
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=subaru&model=outbac…
- classlawgroup.comhttps://www.classlawgroup.com/subaru-oil-consumption-class-action-lawsuit
Recalls & safety
Recall history hasn't been loaded for this model year yet.
Whether a recall is still open on a specific car depends on its VIN. Check it free at NHTSA's VIN lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls), or ask the seller for proof the repair was done.
Pros & cons
Pros
- Roomy, comfortable cabin with a smooth ride and standard all-wheel drive.
- Improved fuel economy from the CVT and the later FB engine.
- Strong crash-safety ratings and good visibility.
Cons
- Repeated low-beam headlight burnout on the early cars.
- Early Lineartronic CVT behaviour and reliability is the main worry on these years.
- 2013-2014 FB25 oil consumption can be a significant ownership cost.
Trims & original pricing
| Trim | Original base MSRP | New today | Engine | MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5i | $23,495 | discontinued | — | — |
| 2.5i Premium | $25,795 | $34,995 | — | — |
| 2.5i Limited | $29,095 | $41,715 | — | — |
| 3.6R Limited | $32,095 | $41,715 | — | — |
Prices are base MSRP for each trim's standard configuration. Options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.
Sources (2)
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/2014-subaru-outback-price
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/subaru-outback-price
Depreciation
Move your cursor along the line to see the estimated value for any year.
This listing sits above the typical depreciation curve. Common for heavily-optioned cars and for 2021-2023 model years (pandemic-era pricing); the curve is anchored at base MSRP, which excludes options.
Curve anchored at the entry-trim base MSRP ($23,495). Higher trims started higher (up to $32,095), and options added more.
The curve's data ends 10 years in, so the line levels off after that. Treat the tail as a floor, not a forecast: asking prices for older cars depend mostly on condition, mileage, and the current market, and often sit well above it.
Sources (1)
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/subaru-outback/resale-value
Cost to own
| Repairs (rises with mileage) | ≈ $600–650/yr |
| Insurance (medium tier) | ≈ $1,600–1,700/yr |
| Expected lifespan | ~250k miles |
National-average estimates based on public data. Your costs vary by region, driver, and condition.
Sources (2)
- repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/subaru/outback
- moneygeek.comhttps://moneygeek.com/insurance/auto/subaru-outback-insurance/
Frequently asked questions
What problems does the 2014 Subaru Outback have?
Documented issue patterns include: FB25 2.5-liter excessive oil consumption, high oil burn between changes that prompted a class-action settlement and an 8-year/100,000-mile warranty extension; Takata-era frontal passenger-airbag inflator exposure. Frequency is based on public NHTSA complaint data: patterns, not guarantees.
Is the 2014 Subaru Outback reliable?
Fourth-gen; FB25 oil consumption persists (covered by the same settlement) but reports taper, with Takata airbag exposure. Reasonable AWD value if the oil consumption was addressed.
How much did the 2014 Subaru Outback cost new?
Between $23,495 and $32,095 depending on trim. Those are base MSRPs for each trim's standard configuration; options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.
Is the Subaru Outback expensive to maintain?
Estimated repairs run roughly $600–650/year as mileage climbs.
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Estimates are based on public data: patterns, not guarantees. CarVitals is not affiliated with NHTSA, CarMax, AutoTrader, or Cars.com. Issue frequencies come from public NHTSA complaint data, which has no denominator, so they describe reporting patterns, not failure probabilities. Always have a used car inspected before buying. How we build these reports.