This bulletin announces a design change made to the CVT Control Valve Body which incorporates an enhanced valve sleeve to improve durability. (This is an revised version of the orignal bulletin.)
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2014 Subaru Outback electrical problems
severe Owners of the 2014 Subaru Outback have filed 30 NHTSA complaints about the electrical, typically surfacing around 64,000 miles at roughly $850 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
30
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
| Model year | electrical complaints |
|---|---|
| 2010 Outback | 27 |
| 2011 Outback | 57 |
| 2012 Outback | 32 |
| 2013 Outback | 20 |
| 2014 Outback (this page) | 30 |
| 2015 Outback | 123 |
| 2016 Outback | 293 |
| 2017 Outback | 381 |
| 2018 Outback | 254 |
2fires
When does it fail?
Of the 30 electrical complaints filed for the 2014 Subaru Outback, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 30 electrical complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
No new NHTSA electrical complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 3 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering electrical on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
This bulletin announces a design change made to the CVT Control Valve Body which incorporates an enhanced valve sleeve to improve durability.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin announces the new procedure and Warranty Fail Code for FirstTime air conditioning (A/C) performance concerns possibly resulting from an undetected A/C refrigerant leak.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin contains information to help when attempting to complete the STARLINK Telematics subscription process, an Error Code 202 and / or 204 may occur preventing the process from completing successfully
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This Service Information Bulletin was developed to provide interim guidance for 2026 model year vehicles exhibiting DTC B2A20 with gen 4 Telematics.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Electrical gremlins plague this generation. The EyeSight adaptive cruise quits mid-highway without warning, leaving owners white-knuckled; Subaru issued a quiet warranty extension but denies it's a "known issue." Electronic parking brakes lock while the car's rolling—one owner was stranded twice and now won't use the brake at all. Dashboard warning lights flash in clusters (brake, check engine, cruise control together), and dealerships take multiple shots at different diagnoses, charging fees each time, with the problem returning within days.
Two owners reported engine fires: one while parked at standstill with flickering warning lights preceding the blaze, another mid-drive with smoke from the hood. A third saw a complete electrical shutdown at highway speed with zero warning.
Battery failures are frequent and premature, including the factory battery dying twice before 20,000 miles. Backup cameras die without notice—either going black, flickering out, or allowing moisture inside until they stop working. Horn failures, stuck ignition keys, non-functional remote liftgate openers, and excessive light bulb burnout across multiple systems round out a pattern that says the electrical architecture is unreliable. Dealerships often can't diagnose intermittent faults that vanish during testing, and Subaru engineers have told owners to "deal with it." This is not a vehicle to buy used without a full pre-purchase electrical and camera system inspection by an independent shop.
Same Subaru Outback electrical reports on nearby years: 2012 · 2013 · 2015 · 2016 · 2017
Failure modes owners describe
EyeSight Safety System Malfunction
EyeSight adaptive cruise control shuts off unexpectedly while driving, sometimes at highway speed. Owners report the system disables without warning and will not re-engage. Dealerships have difficulty diagnosing the problem intermittently, and Subaru has issued a warranty extension suggesting awareness of the defect.
When: 2-4 months after purchase; during highway operation
Symptoms owners cite: Adaptive cruise control shuts off at speed without warning; Intermittent warning lights that disappear during diagnostic testing; System disables completely while vehicle in motion
Repairs/costs cited: Partial warranty coverage only (75%); owner paid $1,098.34 out of pocket for remaining 25% after warranty extension applied. Multiple diagnostic attempts at dealership.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Subaru issued warranty extension; denied issue is 'known' despite extension eligibility
Trailer Hitch Wiring Loom Failure
Aftermarket dealer-installed trailer hitch wiring loom secured with single plastic cable tie through safety chain hole. Loom hangs freely, creating pinch point and creating risk of copper wire breakage from wind and abrasion. No proper mounting bracket provided.
When: Installation defect; failure would occur during use or storage
Symptoms owners cite: Wiring loom unsecured and hanging freely; Single plastic tie used as only support; Pinch point created 3-4 inches from connector plug; Potential brake and tail light failure
Repairs/costs cited: No repair noted; owner identified installation defect
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented
Battery Premature Failure
Factory battery and replacement batteries fail prematurely, leaving owners stranded. Subaru battery failed twice before 20,000 miles, replaced under warranty. Replacement battery failed again at 47,000 miles; dealer refused warranty replacement citing expiration.
When: January 2017 (under 20K miles); November 2019 (47K miles)
Symptoms owners cite: Battery completely dead with no warning; Multiple failures in same vehicle within 2.5 years; No electrical warning lights before failure
Repairs/costs cited: Replacement under warranty initially; second replacement denied after warranty expiration
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No warranty coverage after factory warranty expires
Ignition Power Loss / Intermittent Start
Ignition switch loses power on initial turn; power gradually returns with each subsequent turn until engine finally starts. Issue occurs intermittently; Subaru service indicates problem is design-related and owners should 'deal with it.' Dashboard lights flashing reported concurrently.
When: November 2015; recurred January 2016 at 15,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: No power on first ignition turn; Progressive power return with repeated turns; Intermittent issue; not present during dealer testing; Dashboard lights flashing on and off
Repairs/costs cited: One dealership claimed technical bulletin exists (could not be located); another recommended not pressing gas pedal during start (vehicle starts with or without pedal engaged)
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Subaru engineers stated problem is 'intermittent' and owners should 'deal with it'; technical bulletin reportedly issued
Electrical System Shutdown / No-Start Condition
Engine stops completely during operation with no prior warning. Vehicle will not restart immediately; requires extended troubleshooting. Issue recurs despite fuse replacement and multiple shop visits. Root cause remains undiagnosed.
When: Multiple episodes; 2024 timeframe noted; one incident during client transport
Symptoms owners cite: Engine shuts down while driving; Vehicle will not start after shutdown; Dashboard lights illuminate but no starter engagement; Intermittent restart after delay; Fuse #13 replacement temporarily resolved one instance
Repairs/costs cited: Attempted starter replacement ($400) found to be unnecessary. Fuse #13 replacement temporarily fixed one episode. No permanent resolution; multiple shops unable to diagnose.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented; owner notes 2024-2025 electrical recall updates online but unclear applicability
Electronic Stability Control / Brake System Faults
Brake check and engine fault warnings trigger repeatedly while driving. Electronic stability control and traction control systems shut down when faults occur. Dealership unable to reproduce fault during multiple test drives and phone consultation with Subaru tech center.
When: May 2014; multiple occurrences over 2-day period
Symptoms owners cite: Brake-check and engine fault warnings illuminate; Electronic stability control system disables; Traction control system disables; Warnings trigger without clear cause
Repairs/costs cited: All standard dealership procedures exhausted; dealership unable to replicate issue
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Subaru tech center contacted by dealership; no resolution provided
Electronic Parking Brake Unexpected Engagement
Electric parking brake locks or engages while vehicle is moving at speeds ranging from 10 mph to 25 mph. System resets after multiple manual engage/disengage cycles or vehicle shutdown. Check engine and brake warning lights remain illuminated after fault. Relay and sensors have been replaced; problem recurs.
When: March 2015; recurred after relay/sensor replacement; multiple incidents over several weeks
Symptoms owners cite: Parking brake engages at low highway speed (10-25 mph); Check engine light illuminates; Brake warning light flashes; Cruise control light illuminates; System resets after manual cycling or shutdown
Repairs/costs cited: Relay and multiple sensors replaced by dealership; fault recurs. Manual release tool provided by manufacturer for emergency situations.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer provides mechanical release tool and owner manual instructions for manual disengagement; acknowledges recurring nature
Electronic Parking Brake Actuator Failure
Electronic parking brake actuator fails at startup during vehicle diagnostics. Owner cannot use parking brake, and EyeSight safety system disables when fault occurs. Vehicle becomes stranded twice with brake unable to disengage. Only manual reset methods (repeated starts or battery removal) restore temporary function. Subaru recalled manual transmission models but not automatic transmission models for this issue.
When: Startup; recurring throughout ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Parking brake will not disengage at startup; EyeSight safety system disabled; Vehicle stranded until brake resets; Brake resets temporarily after multiple start attempts or battery reset; Safety system remains disabled until vehicle reset
Repairs/costs cited: Owners report disabling parking brake usage and EyeSight system as workaround to avoid stranding
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Partial recall issued for manual transmission models only; automatic transmission models excluded despite identical symptoms
Oil Pressure Indicator Light False Activation
Red oil pressure warning light illuminates at safe operating speeds despite adequate oil level (only 1 cm low). Yellow low-oil indicator does not illuminate. Light remains on for 3 miles then extinguishes. Dealership scheduled full oil service; claims sensor resistance is high and part needs replacement.
When: Intermittent; at various speeds from 55 mph to 20 mph
Symptoms owners cite: Red (zero pressure) oil indicator illuminates; Yellow low-oil indicator does not illuminate; Oil level only slightly low (1 cm above minimum); Light remains on for extended period
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership claims sensor has 'high resistance' and will replace; no empirical oil pressure PSI readings provided to verify
Dashboard Screen Blackout / Navigation Camera Failure
Navigation, camera, and radio screen goes black at random intervals with no warning or pattern. Screen only resumes when vehicle is powered off and restarted. Backup camera feed fails without warning during driving. Dealership refuses to diagnose without payment; independent Subaru service provider identified pattern of similar complaints.
When: Random intervals during driving; recurring throughout ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Touchscreen goes black without warning; Navigation system unavailable; Radio display unavailable; Backup camera feed fails; No warning messages or error codes precede failure
Repairs/costs cited: Owner states dealership refused to look without payment; no repair completed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Independent service provider indicated service campaign likely exists
Unplanned Engine Shutdown While Driving
Vehicle shuts down completely at highway speed with no warning lights or audible noise. All control lost. After sitting briefly and restarting, vehicle resumes normal operation. Owner notes identical problem exists in newer Subaru Outback models under NHTSA recall 21V587000.
When: Highway operation; over half tank of fuel
Symptoms owners cite: Complete engine shutdown without warning; No warning lights prior to shutdown; Loss of all vehicle control; Successful restart after brief delay
Repairs/costs cited: No repair completed; owner identified NHTSA recall 21V587000 for identical issue
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA recall 21V587000 issued for similar 2014 Outback models
Vehicle Electrical Fire
Vehicle caught fire while parked at standstill. Unknown warning lights flickering prior to fire. Owner parked vehicle, went into store; vehicle was fully engulfed when noticed. Fire department extinguished fire; no injuries. Vehicle sent to insurance lot pending diagnosis.
When: 64,000 miles; parked at standstill
Symptoms owners cite: Unknown warning lights flickering on and off; Fire ignition with no prior mechanical indication of danger; Complete vehicle engulfment
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle sent to insurance lot pending diagnosis
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer informed; awaiting response
Engine Fire While Driving
Engine fire while driving on city streets with current maintenance and no prior malfunction history. Radio and media console displayed electrical disturbances, followed by smoke from hood. Black smoke became white; flames appeared under vehicle. Front of car completely engulfed. Entire front section burnt and melted.
When: March 7, 2019; during 2.1-mile city street drive
Symptoms owners cite: Radio/media console electrical disturbances; Black smoke from under hood; White smoke, then flames visible under vehicle; Front of vehicle fully engulfed
Repairs/costs cited: No repair; vehicle total loss
Transmission / Cruise Control Failure with Warning Lights
Traction control, brake, and ATM oil temperature warning indicators illuminate simultaneously. Gears and cruise control fail to function. Vehicle was not repaired due to high repair cost. Diagnostic code P0971 identified as failed component.
When: 95,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Traction control light illuminates; Brake warning light illuminates; ATM oil temperature warning light illuminates; Gears fail to function; Cruise control fails to function
Codes mentioned: P0971
Repairs/costs cited: Code P0971 identified as failed component; repair not completed due to cost
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer not made aware of failure
Dashboard Warning Lights Flashing / Electrical Function Loss
Dashboard brake light, check engine light, and cruise control light flash repeatedly while driving. Problem recurs after multiple repair attempts by dealership, each time given different diagnosis and charged service fee. Remote starter does not work; radio does not work. Owner suspects issue began after passenger airbag recall service.
When: May 2019 onward; 5 service visits required
Symptoms owners cite: Brake light flashing; Check engine light flashing; Cruise control light flashing; Remote starter non-functional; Radio non-functional; Recurring within days of repair
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple different diagnoses given; charged fee each visit; issue recurs within days
Oxygen Sensor / Electrical Warning Cascade
Brake, check engine, and cruise control lights flashing while driving. Owner performed basic troubleshooting (gas cap, battery terminals). Mechanic diagnostic identified faulty oxygen sensor ($601.38 repair). Problem recurred within days of repair. Vehicle had only 18,000 miles.
When: 18,000 miles; July 2019
Symptoms owners cite: Brake light flashing; Check engine light flashing; Cruise control light flashing; No engine performance issues noted
Repairs/costs cited: $601.38 oxygen sensor replacement by independent mechanic; problem recurred within days
Backup Camera Moisture Damage
Rear view camera allows moisture ingress into camera housing. Over time, camera develops fuzzy image quality and eventually becomes non-functional. Multiple complaints reported online for identical issue. Unsafe for backup operations, especially at night.
When: Progressive failure over time
Symptoms owners cite: Fuzzy picture quality; Moisture visible in camera; Complete loss of image; No warning prior to failure
Ignition Key Will Not Turn to Off / Engine Stalling
Engine starts but stalls immediately when key returns to 'ON' position after starting from 'START' position. Vehicle stranded twice with this issue. After 20-30 minutes, vehicle starts again. Problem occurs during hot weather (+85°F).
When: Recurring; hot weather conditions
Symptoms owners cite: Engine starts but stalls when key returns to ON position; Vehicle unable to stay running; Restart possible only after 20-30 minute delay; Pattern correlates with high ambient temperature
Rear Tail Light Housing Charring / Fire Risk
Rear tail light bulbs and plastic housing are charred and cracked. Bulbs burned out and plastic interior shows evidence of excessive heat. Owner concerned about fire hazard despite vehicle not catching fire to date.
When: During bulb replacement inspection
Symptoms owners cite: Bulbs burnt out; Plastic housing charred; Plastic housing cracked; Evidence of excessive heat
Rear Liftgate Remote Lock Failure
Rear liftgate will not open using remote or vehicle proximity sensor. Manual opening requires crawling inside vehicle and accessing latch from interior. Owner is 66 years old and disabled, creating accessibility hazard.
When: Intermittent failure
Symptoms owners cite: Remote liftgate open does not function; Proximity sensor liftgate open does not function; Manual interior latch access required
Horn Malfunction
Horn stops working; unable to determine if related to airbag recall replacement or separate electrical issue. Repair cost $529.58. Second complaint: sporadic horn function; works only after panic button on key activates alarm.
When: Timing uncertain for first instance; second instance sporadic
Symptoms owners cite: Horn completely inoperative; Horn functions only after panic alarm activated; Sporadic operation
Repairs/costs cited: First instance: $529.58 repair cost. Second instance: no repair noted.
Excessive Light Bulb Failures
Owner reports abnormal rate of light bulb failures across multiple systems: 4 headlamps, 2 fog lamps, both front marker lights, both rear stop lights and turn signals. Vehicle purchased new in May 2014. Owner replaced more lights on this vehicle than on five previous vehicles combined.
When: Throughout ownership from 2014 onward
Symptoms owners cite: Multiple headlamp failures; Fog lamp failures; Front marker light failures; Rear stop light failures; Turn signal light failures
Backup Camera Complete Failure
Backup camera stops working completely without warning. Vehicle does not switch into backup camera mode when shifted into reverse; screen remains on previous display.
When: Sudden failure; no prior symptoms
Symptoms owners cite: Backup camera display does not activate; Vehicle remains on previous screen when in reverse; No warning prior to failure
Backup Camera Flickering and Failure
Backup camera flickers during parking lot backing maneuver (twice). Next use, camera stops working completely. Screen does not indicate reverse mode engagement.
When: Progressive failure over 2-3 uses
Symptoms owners cite: Camera display flickers during operation; Complete camera failure after flickering; No reverse mode indication on screen
Ignition Key Stuck in Lock
Ignition key cannot be removed after turning vehicle off when transmission is in park. Jiggling transmission shifter resolves the issue temporarily.
When: Intermittent; post-shutdown
Symptoms owners cite: Key locked in ignition cylinder; Occurs with transmission in park; Temporary resolution by shifting transmission
Synthesized from 30 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
I noticed when driving that my horn had stopped working. I am unsure if this is related to the airbag replacement or some other issue. The concern is that most people do not check their horns for functionality before it is really needed. I was able to get it repaired at a cost of 529.58
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.
Battery failing prematurely even new. Leaving drivers and occupants stranded in winter freezing , or summer hot weather. I had total of 4 episodes of battery failure in my 2014 outback bought new on 8/12/2014. Subaru factory battery failed twice when car was less then 20k miles in january 2017, replaced under warranty, then again failed twice again with the replaced battery 11/26/2019 at 47k…
Had electrical trouble with your 2014 Subaru Outback?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the electrical problem on the 2014 Subaru Outback?
It's a meaningful issue. 30 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $850.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Across the 20 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 17,195 and 94,456 miles, with the median around 64,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 17,195; a quarter make it past 94,456. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $850 for electrical repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2014/Subaru/Outback.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.