2014 Subaru Outback Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 3%of 208 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 51,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2014 Subaru Outback, 3% of the 208 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 51,500 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
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“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“Rearview camera stopped working. It appears to be in wet climate, moisture is penetrating through the rear view camera and corrosion happens to camera wiring and stops to display the image while taking reverse/back. Camera does not display any image (black screen) but shows only the colored lines. Its been noticed that its happening in most of the outbacks, kindly verify and recommend for necessary recall notice as this relates to safety feature which comes as standard feature.”
NHTSA complaint #11113849, filed 2018-07, 39,000 miles“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #10622659, filed 2014-08, 7,000 miles“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #11540352, filed 2023-08Related service bulletins
- 11012260Dec 13, 2024This bulletin is for information purposes only.The bulletin adresses design changes of the headlamps and rear combination lamps, where moisture and or condensation may develop on…
- 10130273Jan 26, 2018This bulletin provides a measurement and adjustment procedure for the stop lamp switch. An improperly adjusted (or faulty) stop lamp switch can cause any of the DTCs listed above…
Exterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 3 | 4% |
| 2024 | 3 | 3% |
| 2023 | 6 | 7% |
| 2022 | 3 | 1% |
| 2021 | 4 | 1% |
| 2020 | 16 | 2% |
| 2019 | 11 | 1% |
| 2018 | 10 | 1% |
| 2017 | 7 | 1% |
| 2016 | 5 | 1% |
| 2015 | 4 | 1% |
| 2014 | 7 | 3% |
| 2013 | 8 | 3% |
| 2012 | 18 | 6% |
| 2011 | 117 | 18% |
| 2010 | 35 | 10% |
| 2009 | 10 | 9% |
| 2008 | 15 | 7% |
| 2007 | 6 | 5% |
| 2006 | 4 | 1% |
| 2005 | 30 | 11% |
| 2003 | 2 | 2% |
| 2002 | 3 | 2% |
| 2000 | 4 | 2% |
| 1998 | 3 | 2% |
| 1997 | 1 | 1% |
| 1996 | 1 | 2% |
Other parts of the 2014 Subaru Outback
38 complaintsEngine
35 complaintsElectrical system
32 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 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 30, 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