CarComplaints.com Notes: The 2014 Outback is showing an early trend of problems with hesitation when accelerating.

The vast majority of owners experiencing this problem have reported that Subaru has not been able to find the cause of the engine hesitation, or fix the problem.

Especially because this is a potential safety defect, we are flagging the 2014 Outback as a model year to watch out for.

6.9

fairly significant
Typical Repair Cost:
$6,000
Average Mileage:
34,200 miles
Total Complaints:
9 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (7 reports)
  2. replace a short block assembly (2 reports)
2014 Subaru Outback engine problems

engine problem

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2014 Subaru Outback Owner Comments

problem #9

Sep 292021

Outback

  • Automatic transmission
  • 98,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Subaru 2014, it constantly needs oil topped off. Outside of VIN for the excessive oil consumption/ extended 100,000 warranty, but it faces the same issues. Not even 120,000 miles and needs short block repair. Oil has been meticulously maintained and constantly topped off but I still face same issues. The longevity of this car is absolutely disappointing. Dealer will offer no assistance but $1000 goodwill purchase.

- Danchi N., Phoenix, AZ, US

problem #8

Nov 162017

Outback Limited 2.5L

  • CVT transmission
  • 53,000 miles

When I first reported the problem, Subaru dealer said my car was a normal condition and they kept topping the engine oil whenever I asked them to check.

Later, I found out the issue is not only for my car and that there was a class action settlement for other vehicle models, which doesn't include my vehicle. I contacted Subaru America. Subaru America just said that they could not help me as my car is not included in the settlement.

It looks like Subaru vehicles have the same issues but they wait until the class action starts and settles. Subaru says they love customers but they don't, or they love dumb customers who are easily cheated by their trick as VW did for their emission software cheating.

I hope NHTSA investigates this issue more deeply and gives Subaru America a recall order for all the vehicles before anyone gets hurts.

- Youn Whan P., Rochester, MI, US

problem #7

Jan 312015

Outback 2.5L

  • Manual transmission
  • 2,400 miles

Ding! You need oil! WTF? That’s right, this thing eats oil. There’s even a class action settlement, although of course, Subaru admitted no fault. The process Subaru makes you go through to prove your car eats oil is not practical. So you wind up always carrying extra oil, and topping things up every 1,000 miles.

- Matthew L., Hastings, US

problem #6

Jan 012014

Outback Limited 2.5L

  • CVT transmission
  • 1,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

At motor oil change I was notified twice by technicians that the oil level was low. On one occasion the low oil level light turned on and I had to add oil into the motor. I do not think it is acceptable for a new vehicle.

- mikeg62, Buffalo Grove, US

problem #5

Apr 012017

Outback Legacy 2.5L 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 60,000 miles

Subaru should recall these engines and install the new block PERIOD. What is this sh*t, that a quart of oil consumption is acceptable at 1200 miles. Fill the oil Sir and check the gas on this Expensive Subaru (Outback). I believe the dealership in Santa Fe, New Mexico knew this car had an oil consumption problem all along and did not say crap because we had the maintenance program.

- Michae T., Los Alamos, US

problem #4

Feb 012017

Outback Premium 2.5L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 40,000 miles

As with many others, this car is using way too much oil. We did all of the proper break in (my husband is a motorhead), oil was changed well before we reached the recommended mileage on the first 3 or 4 changes. After that it was changed at every 5,000 miles. The oil is now sucking over a quart of oil before the 5000 mile mark. So if Subaru had said change the oil at 3000 miles and used standard oil, I probably would have never known the difference. But, they say 7,000 miles and it it the $10 a quart synthetic stuff. I feel that I was misled to say the least. No one said "yea change it every 7,000 miles but expect to add oil in between" Wouldn't that have been a great selling point. I can tell you I will never buy another Subaru because I do feel misled, ok that, and I HATE the road noise. I HATE this car.

- Cynthia M., New Castle, CO, US

problem #3

Jul 012016

Outback Premium 2.5L

  • CVT transmission
  • 29,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Most unreliable car I have owned and I got it brand new. This car will nickle and dime you to death. Can't take it on long trips without having to add oil because the check oil light comes on

- Al P., Romeoville, IL, US

problem #2

Jul 102015

Outback Premium 2.5L

  • CVT transmission
  • 18,000 miles

On a trip to Houston check oil light came on. This was on the way back to Chicago. They did an oil consumption test and said all was fine. What a surprise. This would happen again later on.

- Al P., Romeoville, IL, US

problem #1

Sep 152014

Outback Limited 2.5L

  • CVT transmission
  • 6,000 miles

Car has used oil from the first oil change. Was told that it was not coincided to be too much. I commended that I have owned more then 10 subarus and this is the first one to use more then a quart between oil changes. It is still that way have make suite you check oil offen.

- hoppie51, Mount Vernon, MO, US

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