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Electrical systemPart report

2014 Subaru Outback Electrical system Problems

Complaints
32about this part
Share
15%of 208 total for the year
Median mileage
47,217miles
Trend
FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 32 complaints about the electrical system of the 2014 Subaru Outback, 15% of the 208 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 47,217 miles. 2 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“Rear tail running light bulbs inside the lift/tail gate were burnt out and when replacing the bulbs the plastic housing the bulbs press into were charred and cracked. I fear this is a potential fire hazard given the state of charring. My vehicle did not experience a fire, but I am submitting this complaint in case similar vehicles have caught fire from this area.”

NHTSA complaint #11161081, filed 2018-12, 64,000 miles

“My back-up camera completely stopped working. The car doesn't even switch into a mode where I can see the camera when I shift the car into reverse; it stays on whatever screen it was on. Nothing happened to the vehicle, it just quit working yesterday afternoon.”

NHTSA complaint #11306786, filed 2020-02, 98,000 miles

“4 headlamps changed. 2 fog lamps, both front marker lights, both rear stop lights and turn signals. Unit was purchased in may of 2014 from dealer showroom. I have changed more lights on this vehicle than my last 5 cars combined. Is there an electrical or wiring issue here?”

NHTSA complaint #11128206, filed 2018-09, 85,004 miles

“Battery failing prematurely even new. Leaving drivers and occupants stranded in winter freezing , or summer hot weather. I had total of 4 episodes of battery failure in my 2014 Outback bought new on 8/12/2014. Subaru factory battery failed twice when car was less then 20k miles in january 2017, replaced under warranty, then again failed twice again with the replaced battery 11/26/2019 at 47k miles. Subaru dealer refused to replace the battery this time stating warranty had expired. …”

NHTSA complaint #11287633, filed 2019-12, 47,434 miles

“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. …”

NHTSA complaint #10820411, filed 2016-01, 1,400 miles

Related recalls

Related service bulletins

Electrical system: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2026629%
20251316%
20241615%
20231719%
20225211%
20217626%
202025929%
201936435%
201826733%
201739243%
201630948%
201512725%
20143215%
2013238%
20123713%
20116710%
2010339%
20092322%
20083415%
20072015%
20064215%
20052810%
200489%
200378%
200243%
200132%
200084%
199987%
199865%
199745%
199612%

Other parts of the 2014 Subaru Outback

Air bags
38 complaintsEngine
35 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
25 complaintsBrakes
22 complaintsOther or unknown
22 complaintsSteering
17 complaintsVehicle speed control
14 complaintsFuel system
13 complaintsBody and structure
11 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
10 complaintsExterior lighting
7 complaintsSeat belts
6 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2014 Subaru Outback

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology