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 2019-05Related recalls
- 16V694000Sep 27, 2016Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Legacy vehicles manufactured November 26, 2008, to June 7, 2013, and 2010-2014…Covers: Subaru Outback 2010–2014, Legacy 2010–2014
Related service bulletins
- 10171105Jan 31, 2020This bulletin announces availability of new power window switch assemblies.
- 10163526Jul 12, 2019"This bulletin announces availability of new power window switch assemblies developed to address the following customer concerns: ⢠Power windows inoperative from the…
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 6 | 7% |
| 2024 | 23 | 22% |
| 2023 | 19 | 21% |
| 2022 | 280 | 60% |
| 2021 | 107 | 36% |
| 2020 | 383 | 43% |
| 2019 | 387 | 37% |
| 2018 | 273 | 33% |
| 2017 | 233 | 25% |
| 2016 | 91 | 14% |
| 2015 | 143 | 28% |
| 2014 | 10 | 5% |
| 2013 | 14 | 5% |
| 2012 | 9 | 3% |
| 2011 | 23 | 4% |
| 2010 | 8 | 2% |
| 2009 | 9 | 8% |
| 2008 | 8 | 4% |
| 2007 | 2 | 2% |
| 2006 | 5 | 2% |
| 2005 | 8 | 3% |
| 2004 | 5 | 6% |
| 2003 | 3 | 3% |
| 2002 | 6 | 4% |
| 2001 | 3 | 2% |
| 2000 | 6 | 3% |
| 1999 | 4 | 4% |
| 1998 | 7 | 6% |
| 1997 | 7 | 9% |
| 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 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