2014 Subaru Outback Electrical System Problems
NHTSA lists 37 Electrical System complaints for the 2014 Subaru Outback, 18% of its 208 total complaints, with 2 fires and 1 crash reported. A related ignition switch recall (19V297000) covers this model year.
- Electrical System complaints
- 37
- 18% of 208
- Crashes reported
- 1
- Fires reported
- 2
- Injuries reported
- 0
- Median mileage
- 43,000 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical electrical symptoms owners report
- Owners report sudden fires under the hood, sometimes preceded by flickering warning lights or radio/media console electrical disturbances.
- The electronic parking brake spontaneously engages while driving, then re-engages after being cleared, requiring a manual release tool described in a dealer procedure.
- Some owners report the engine hesitates or jerks for several seconds when accelerating from a stop, occurring around 2000-3000 RPM.
- Others describe an ignition switch that fails to deliver power on the first several turns, needing repeated attempts before the car starts.
- A few owners say headlights provide insufficient illumination at night despite dealers confirming the lights test as normal.
When 2014 Subaru Outback electrical complaints were filed
First complaint May 23, 2014, latest Jul 2, 2026.
Electrical System recalls for the 2014 Subaru Outback
- NHTSA 19V297000Apr 11, 2019Electrical System511 vehicles
Electrical system:ignition:switch
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester vehicles, 2008-2011 Impreza vehicles, 2008-2014 WRX vehicles, 2005-2014 Legacy vehicles, 2005-2014 Outback vehicles and 2006-2008 Tribeca vehicles equipped with a mechanical key ignition switch installed as a replacement part. The ball spring inside the switch may break, reducing the strength of the ignition switch. If this occurs, the weight on the key ring and certain road conditions could cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position to the accessory position, turning off the engine.
Risk: The engine turning off unexpectedly can increase the risk of a crash. If a crash occurs under this condition, the air bag may not deploy, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the ignition switch, replacing the ignition switch, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 10, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUF-91.
Electrical System complaints by Outback model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How many electrical complaints does NHTSA have for the 2014 Subaru Outback?
- NHTSA lists 37 Electrical System complaints for the 2014 Outback, which is 18% of the 208 total complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a recall for electrical problems on the 2014 Subaru Outback?
- Yes. Recall 19V297000, reported April 11, 2019, covers an ignition switch inspection and replacement on 2005-2014 Outback vehicles among other Subaru models.
- Have any fires been reported for the 2014 Outback's electrical system?
- NHTSA data shows 2 fires and 1 crash linked to complaints in the Electrical System category for the 2014 Outback.
- At what mileage do electrical problems typically show up on the 2014 Outback?
- The median mileage at failure for Electrical System complaints on the 2014 Outback is 43,000 miles.
- How does the 2014 Outback compare to other model years for electrical complaints?
- The 2014 Outback's 18% share of complaints tied to electrical issues is lower than the 2016 (48%), 2017 (43%), and 2019 (35%) model years, but higher than 2013 (10%).