2014 Subaru Outback Transmission & Powertrain Problems
NHTSA lists 25 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2014 Subaru Outback, 12% of its 208 total complaints, with a median failure mileage of 17,500 miles. A related recall (13V336000) covers 5-speed automatic transmission replacement on some 3.6R models.
- Transmission & Powertrain complaints
- 25
- 12% of 208
- Crashes reported
- 4
- Fires reported
- 0
- Injuries reported
- 1
- Median mileage
- 17,500 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical transmission symptoms owners report
- Owners describe a delay of several seconds when accelerating from a stop or slow speed, especially while turning left into traffic.
- Some reported the vehicle stalling or losing drive power completely in the middle of an intersection before power suddenly returned.
- One owner described a roughly 2-second lag when shifting out of reverse into drive, with the car rolling backward on a hill during the delay.
- A gear selector reportedly rolled out of park after the driver exited the vehicle, leading to a crash into a house.
- One complaint mentioned the transmission had no fluid, which the owner suspected was drained accidentally during an oil change.
- Dealers reportedly told at least one owner the CVT lag was normal operation, despite the owner viewing it as a safety hazard.
When 2014 Subaru Outback transmission complaints were filed
First complaint Jan 17, 2014, latest Mar 4, 2024.
Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2014 Subaru Outback
- NHTSA 13V336000Aug 1, 2013Transmission & Powertrain202 vehicles
Power train:automatic transmission
Subaru of America is recalling certain model year 2014 Legacy 3.6R and Outback 3.6R and 2013 Tribeca vehicles manufactured June 12, 2013, through June 28, 2013 and equipped with 5-speed automatic transmissions. In the affected vehicles, the parking rod may come loose inside the automatic transmission.
Risk: As a result of the parking rod detaching, the transmission may not be able to be moved from the "park" position preventing the vehicle from being moved or driven. Furthermore, even with the transmission shifted into the 'park' position, the parking mechanism may not engage, and the vehicle may roll away while in the "park" position, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the transmission, free of charge. The recall began during August 2013. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's recall number is WQJ-46.
Transmission & Powertrain 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 transmission complaints does the 2014 Subaru Outback have?
- NHTSA records 25 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2014 Outback, which is 12% of the 208 total complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a transmission recall for the 2014 Subaru Outback?
- Yes, recall 13V336000 covers certain 2014 Outback 3.6R models with 5-speed automatic transmissions built between June 12 and June 28, 2013; Subaru replaced the transmission free of charge.
- At what mileage do transmission problems typically show up on the 2014 Outback?
- The median mileage at failure for Transmission & Powertrain complaints on the 2014 Outback is 17,500 miles.
- Did the 2014 Outback's transmission issues cause any crashes?
- NHTSA data links 4 crashes and 1 injury to Transmission & Powertrain complaints on the 2014 Outback, with no fires reported.
- How does the 2014 Outback compare to other years for transmission complaints?
- The 2014 Outback's 12% share of complaints in this area is lower than 2010 through 2013, which ranged from 20% to 37%, but higher than most years from 2015 onward, which mostly stayed at or below 7%.