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Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)Part report

2014 Subaru Outback Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) Problems

Complaints
10about this part
Share
5%of 208 total for the year
Median mileage
43,175miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 10 complaints about the visibility of the 2014 Subaru Outback, 5% of the 208 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 43,175 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.

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.

“I was driving at about 65 miles/hour on highway 17 near apalachin, ny, when a deer jumped from the right side and hit the front of my car. Both front airbags deployed. Immediately, the gas released from the airbags completely fogged the windshield reducing visibility zero, so I could not see where I was going during the braking period. Fortunately, I only shifted to the other line and there were no other cars around. The gas deposit remained on the windshield and I had to use a cloth to clean it. …”

NHTSA complaint #11255919, filed 2019-09, 54,000 miles

“The interior windows will suddenly get covered with fog. This has happened over twenty five times to my car. It doesn't matter what the weather, or outside temp is. This, causes a serious problem trying to see out of the car. The first time it happened I caled the dealership. I was told to run the AC. It can happen even when the AC , is already on. I've had it into the dealership five times in the 14 months I've had the car. They can't find the problem. I've taken clear photographs 3 times showing clear images of how bad the interior fogging gets. …”

NHTSA complaint #10731625, filed 2015-07, 500 miles

“Backup camera allows water to seep in and fry the camera which presents a safety hazard when backing up (small children, pets, etc you couldn't see otherwise if directly behind -in the most dangerous place). Subaru is aware of this defect but has not corrected it, so if you have them install a new camera for approximately $350.00) you're getting another leaky camera that is doomed to fail. The dealer said replacement camera is the same one as original.”

NHTSA complaint #11180651, filed 2019-02, 38,000 miles

“While driving on highway windshield cracked in an arc pattern starting from the drivers side to passenger side resulting in a perfect symmetrical pattern. It was around 10 degrees outside and the vehicles defrost and heat were on high. No object hit windshield before crack formed. Very loud cracking noise and slow from left to right formation. I went to the dealership to have them look at what caused crack and they said must have been caused by a rock . At that time there was no evidence of a chip in windshield, just the crack. …”

NHTSA complaint #11291766, filed 2019-12, 58,000 miles

“Sunroof drains clog causing water to leak into car. This occurs when raining or washing car. Interior windows become very foggy and often times it is necessary to wipe them down with a cloth. Dealer was willing to remove standing water from car and seats as a one time courtesy and indicated that they would clear drains during each car service performed by them. Recently had the drains cleaned, we have had 4 flash flood warnings since then and water continues to leak into the interior (both when driving or stationary). This is a known problem to Subaru but I have yet to see a recall. …”

NHTSA complaint #11216994, filed 2019-05

Related recalls

Related service bulletins

Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
202567%
20242322%
20231921%
202228060%
202110736%
202038343%
201938737%
201827333%
201723325%
20169114%
201514328%
2014105%
2013145%
201293%
2011234%
201082%
200998%
200884%
200722%
200652%
200583%
200456%
200333%
200264%
200132%
200063%
199944%
199876%
199779%
199612%

Other parts of the 2014 Subaru Outback

Air bags
38 complaints
Engine
35 complaints
Electrical system
32 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
25 complaints
Brakes
22 complaints
Other or unknown
22 complaints
Steering
17 complaints
Vehicle speed control
14 complaints
Fuel system
13 complaints
Body and structure
11 complaints
Exterior lighting
7 complaints
Seat 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