SubaruOutback20143.6L/subaru/outback/2014/3-6l/

2014 Subaru Outback — 3.6L

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2014 Outback 3.6L.

Body SUVEngine 3.6LTransmission Automatic (S5)

The 2014 Subaru Outback 3.6L is an SUV powered by a 3.6-liter engine and an Automatic (S5) transmission, carrying EPA ratings of 18/24/20 mpg and requiring 6.9 quarts of 5W-30 API engine oil. Its reliability record includes 208 owner complaints and 10 recalls, with air bags standing out as the top complaint area. Within the Outback's 1995–2026 complaint history — which ranges from a low of 2 complaints in 1995 to a high of 1,029 in 2019 — the 2014 lands far below the peak years yet well above the earliest, low-volume entries, marking it as a moderate-reference year rather than an outlier.

Model year20142013201220112010

Quick specs

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

Engine oil capacity6.9 qtOEM · verified
Engine oil type5W-30 APIOEM · verified
Lug nut torque89 ft-lbsOEM · verified
EPA fuel economy18/24/20 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 (S5)

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 / combined18 / 24 / 20 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.

7.1–7.4 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 7.10 sec — 2010 3.6R Limited
256 hpHorsepower (as tested)
247 lb-ftTorque (as tested)
YearTrim / engine0–60¼ mileHPDrivetrain
20103.6R Limited 3.6L F-67.10 sec15.50 sec256 hpAWD
20103.6R Limited 3.6L F-67.40 sec15.70 sec256 hpAWD

Service quick specs OEM factory data

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

This engine holds 6.9 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 Capacity6.9 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 Bolts144 ft-lbs
Engine Flywheel Bolts66.4 ft-lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts18.4 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)700 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 Compression185-213 psi. 7 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 9 stages

Prep Bolts 1-8:

114.8 ft. lbs.14.8 ft. lbs
236.9 ft. lbs.36.9 ft. lbs
3Loosen 180 degrees.180 degrees
4Loosen 180 degrees.180 degrees
514.8 ft. lbs.; Bolts 1-4:14.8 ft. lbs
635.4 ft. lbs.; Bolts 5-8:35.4 ft. lbs
632.5 ft. lbs.; All Bolts:32.5 ft. lbs
790 degrees.; Bolts 1-4:90 degrees
845 degrees.45 degrees
9Install seal bolt 94.7 ft. lbs
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.

Every 1,200 miEngine Oil (inspect fluid level)
At 3,000 miEngine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace)
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 7,500 miEngine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace)
Every 12,000 miBrake System (inspect) · Engine Air Filter Element (inspect) · Engine Coolant System (inspect fluid level) · Engine Coolant System Hoses (inspect)
At 15,000 miEngine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace)
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)

Reliability & federal safety record

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

In the federal record, the 2014 Subaru Outback logged 208 complaints, 10 recalls, zero investigations and 357 TSBs. This complaint total is notably lower than the 295 complaints in 2013 and the 505 complaints in 2015, placing 2014 in a relative trough of the complaint trend that generally rises from the mid‑2000s to a peak near 2019. Recall activity for 2014 (10) sits between the higher 2013 figure (12) and the lower 2015 figure (5), while investigations remained absent, consistent with many years in the dataset. The TSB count of 357 is also below the 2013 (509) and 2015 (539) marks, indicating fewer service bulletins issued for that model year. Taken together, the 2014 year shows comparatively fewer field issues than its immediate neighbors, suggesting a relatively stable period within the generation’s overall upward trend in complaints. For a buyer seeking a used Outback with fewer reported problems, the 2014 model year represents a favorable choice.

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 3.6L take?

6.9 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 3.6L get?

EPA figures are 18 city / 24 highway / 20 combined mpg.