SubaruOutback20142.5L/subaru/outback/2014/2-5l/

2014 Subaru Outback — 2.5L

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2014 Outback 2.5L. Covers both the standard and High Output 2.5L.

Body SUVEngine 2.5LTransmission Automatic (variable gear ratios)

The 2014 Subaru Outback 2.5L is an SUV that uses a 2.5‑liter engine and holds 4.4 qt of 5W‑30 API oil. Its EPA estimates read 24/30/26 mpg and it is paired with an automatic transmission that employs variable gear ratios. The model records 208 total owner complaints, with air‑bag issues as the primary complaint area and ten recalls documented, placing it below the peak complaint year of 2019 but above the low‑complaint baseline of 1995.

Model year201420132012201120102009200820072006

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity4.4 qtOEM · verified
Engine oil type5W-30 APIOEM · verified
Lug nut torque89 ft-lbsOEM · verified
EPA fuel economy24/30/26 mpgEPA · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 25 · 490 CCA battery. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI 25 · 490 CCAOEM · verified

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Engine & drivetrain NHTSA vPIC

TransmissionAutomatic (variable gear ratios)

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length189 in
Overall width71.7 in
Overall height65.7 in
Wheelbase107.9 in
Curb weight3574 lb
Track (front / rear)61 / 61 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)53/47

Ratings & economy EPA / vPIC

EPA city / highway / combined24 / 30 / 26 mpg
DrivetrainAll-Wheel Drive
Recommended fuelRegular Gasoline

Performance & power Independent road tests

0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.

No 2014 road test on record; the results below are same-engine tests from nearby model years, each shown under its own year.

9.7–10.1 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 9.70 sec — 2010 2.5i Limited
170 hpHorsepower (as tested)
170 lb-ftTorque (as tested)
YearTrim / engine0–60¼ mileHPDrivetrain
20102.5i Limited 2.5L F-49.70 sec17.40 sec170 hpAWD
20102.5i Limited 2.5L F-410.10 sec17.80 sec170 hpAWD

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 4.4 qt of 5W-30 API engine oil, DOT 3 brake fluid. Torque lug nuts to 89 ft-lbs, the oil drain plug to 33.0 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-6-3-2-5-4. Note the cylinder-head bolts finish on a torque angle (torque-to-yield) — they stretch permanently and should be replaced, not reused, during any head service.

Lubricants & capacities

Automatic Transmission FluidSubaru Lienartronic CVT fluid
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity13.4
Brake FluidDOT 3
Engine Oil5W-30 · API
Engine Oil Capacity4.4 qt
Manual Transmission Fluid75W-90 · GL-5
Manual Transmission Fluid Capacity7.0-9.0

Engine torques

Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings44.3 ft-lbs
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts44 ft-lbs
Engine Flywheel Bolts66.4 ft-lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts6 ft-lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts22 ft-lbs
Engine Oil Pan Drain Plug33.0 ft-lbs
Oil Pump to Cylinder BLock Bolts/Studs10 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Lug Nuts89 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Fill Plug37.0 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Drain PlugMetal
Front Wheel Hub162 ft-lbs
Rear Wheel Hub177 ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order1-3-2-4
Cylinder Firing Order1-6-3-2-5-4
Curb Idle Speed (No Load)MT: 650, AT: 675, CVT: 675 rpm
Curb Idle Speed Variance (No Load)100 rpm

Battery & A/C

RefrigerantR134a
Refrigerant Capacity0.88-1.00 lbs
Oil GroupPAG
Oil Type46
Standard BCI Group Number25
Standard BCI Cranking Performance490 cca
Standard BCI Group Number25
Standard BCI Cranking Performance490 cca

Service checks

Injector Primary Resistance12.0 ohms
Engine Compression152-203 psi. 14 variance psi.

Brakes

Brake ApplicationWITH SOLID ROTOR / WITH VENTED ROTOR
Torque Caliper to Bracket20 ft-lbs / 88.5 ft-lbs
Torque to Knuckle48.7 ft-lbs / 88.5 ft-lbs
OtherSTANDARD WHEELS
Wheel Application17 inch WHEELS
Minimum Pad ThicknessFront: 0.059; Rear: 0.059 in
Brake ApplicationWITH SOLID ROTOR / WITH VENTED ROTOR
Rotor Runout Limit0.002 in

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 10 stages
129 ft. lbs.29 ft. lbs
270.1 ft. lbs.70.1 ft. lbs
3Loosen 180 degrees in the reverse order of installing.180 degrees
4Loosen 180 degrees in the reverse order of installing.180 degrees
57.4 ft. lbs.7.4 ft. lbs
622 degrees.22 degrees
751.6 ft. lbs.51.6 ft. lbs
880-90 degrees.80–90 degrees
940-45 degrees.40–45 degrees
1040-45 degrees; do not exceed 90 degrees.; Apply sufficient engine oil to bolt threads and washer.40–45 degrees
Main Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
19 ft. lbs., Step 2: 13 ft. lbs., Step 3: 909 ft. lbs

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the engine oil and filter every 1,200 mi; spark plugs every 60,000 mi; coolant at 137,500 mi. The big-interval services (at 137,500 mi for coolant, and the transmission fluid) are the ones owners most often skip — on a lower-mileage example, assume the original fluids are still in it and check them first.

Every 1,200 miEngine Oil (inspect fluid level)
Every 6,000 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Body Latches, Locks & Hinges (lubricate) · CV Joint Boot (inspect) · Differential (inspect fluid level) · Engine Oil Filter (replace) · Exterior Lighting (inspect)
Every 12,000 miBrake System (inspect) · Engine Air Filter Element (inspect) · Engine Coolant System (inspect fluid level) · Engine Coolant System Hoses (inspect)
Every 15,000 miBrake Line (inspect) · Brake Linings (inspect) · Brake Rotor (inspect) · Cabin Air Filter (replace) · Clutch Assembly (inspect) · Power Steering System (inspect)
Every 30,000 miFuel Line (inspect) · Transmission Assembly (inspect fluid level)
Every 36,000 miBattery (inspect) · Brake Hydraulic System (drain, refill & bleed) · Fuel Evaporative Emission Control System Lines (inspect) · Fuel Injector (inspect) · PCV Valve (inspect) · Parking Brake System (inspect)
Every 60,000 miDrive Axle Assembly (drain & refill) · Fuel Filter (replace) · Spark Plugs (replace) · Wheel Bearing (inspect)
At 137,500 miEngine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill)

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

The 2014 Outback saw 208 complaints and 10 recalls, a drop from 295 complaints and 12 recalls in 2013, but still higher than the 208 complaints but fewer 10 recalls in 2015. Across the generation, complaints peaked in 2019 at 1029 and then fell sharply to 291 in 2021, while recalls remained low after 2016, never exceeding 6. The 2014 year sits near the bottom of the complaints arc but above the recall decline, indicating a moderate risk relative to surrounding years. Air bags, engines, power trains, and electrical systems accounted for 28, 26, 19, and 15 complaints respectively, with only 14 crash and 2 fire complaints. Given the comparatively low recall count and moderate complaint level, 2014 represents a reasonable purchase year, though buyers should review the specific complaint categories noted.

10
Open recalls
NHTSA campaigns
357
Service bulletins
Manufacturer communications
0
ODI investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
208
Owner complaints
14 involved a crash · 2 a fire
NHTSA crash-test rating federal NCAP · out of 5 stars
Overall★★★★★
Frontal★★★★★
Side★★★★★
Rollover★★★★

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 208 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Air Bags28
Engine26
Power Train19
Electrical System15
Unknown Or Other15
Service Brakes12
Steering11
Vehicle Speed Control7

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 10 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

18V626000Parking BrakeReported 13/09/2018

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2010-2014 Subaru Legacy and Outback vehicles equipped with a manual transmission. The electronic parking brake (EPB) may not engage as intended, allowing the vehicle… Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the EPB actuator assembly, free of charge. The recall began July 19, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at…

19V009000Air Bags:Frontal:Passenger Side:Inflator ModuleReported 09/01/2019

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2010-2014 Tribeca, WRX, Legacy and Outback vehicles, 2010-2011 Impreza vehicles and 2010-2013 Forester vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alaska… Remedy: Subaru is notifying owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on January 25, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 357 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

BulletinDateComponentSummary
SubaruNet Annoucement (E2026-06-11Unknown Or OtherThis announcement is requesting retailer staff to retain the EyeSight protective hood…
16-156-25R2026-06-02Power TrainThis bulletin announces a design change made to the CVT Control Valve Body which…
01-167-08R2026-05-18Unknown Or OtherThis bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the…
16-156-25R2026-05-13Power TrainThis bulletin announces a design change made to the CVT Control Valve Body which…
SubaruNet Announcement (R2026-05-04Power TrainThis announcement provides information on the remanufactured CVT transmission program.

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420
Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1
P0300
Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected
P0171
System too lean — Bank 1
P0455
Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak
P0128
Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature
P0442
Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN
Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific Outback. OEM
Build data
Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.
Recalls
Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 2014 Outback 2.5L take?

4.4 qt of 5W-30 API SM, per the factory manual.

Does the 2014 Outback have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 10 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.

What gas mileage does the 2.5L get?

EPA figures are 24 city / 30 highway / 26 combined mpg.