CarBrief

NHTSA has 108 owner complaints for the 2014 Impreza/Outback Sport, and the biggest group, 38, names air bags[1][2]. The model also has three recalls with free dealer repairs, so confirm each one was done before you buy[3][4][5]., so confirm each one was done before you buy[3][4][5].

108owner complaints[1]
3recalls[6]
19–30MPG combined (EPA)[7]
5★NHTSA overall rating[8]

Most reported problems

NHTSA lists 108 complaints for this model year[1]. Sixteen mention a crash, none a fire, Sixteen mention a crash, none a fire, and 6 injuries and no deaths are reported[1].[1]. These are unverified owner reports. One complaint can name more than one component group, so the group counts below add up to 114, more than 108[1]..

Component group Complaints Crashes Injuries
Air bags[2] 38 5 4
Engine[9] 20 2 0
Electrical system[10] 17 2 1
Power train[11] 9 1 0
Unknown or other[12] 9 1 0
Speed control[13] 8 4 1
Structure[14] 8 3 0
Suspension[15] 5 2 0

We read a small sample of the complaint texts in each of the top groups. What owners describe in that sample:

Speed control has only 8 complaints, but 4 of them mention a crash[13]. The groups are small, so read this as a list of things to ask about, not a ranking of how likely each problem is.

Recalls

NHTSA lists three recalls for this model year[6]. All three have a free dealer repair.

Fuel economy

EPA ratings depend on the engine and gearbox. All versions in our data are all-wheel drive. Annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel prices, not prices from when the car was new.

Version City / highway / combined MPG Annual fuel cost
2.0L, automatic (variable gear ratios), regular[7][16] 27 / 35 / 30 $2,250
2.0L, 5-speed manual, regular[17] 24 / 33 / 28 $2,400
2.0L, 5-speed manual, regular, wagon[18] 24 / 33 / 27 $2,500
2.5L turbo, 5-speed manual, premium[19][20] 19 / 25 / 21 $3,900
2.5L turbo, 6-speed manual, premium[21][22] 17 / 23 / 19 $4,350

The 2.0L versions cost far less to fuel. The turbo versions need premium fuel and cost between $3,900 and $4,350 a year in EPA's estimate[19][21].

Safety ratings

NHTSA gives the 4 DR AWD and the SW AWD the same scores[8][23]. Overall 5 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars and rollover 5 stars, with a rollover risk of 9.9%[8][23]. NHTSA also lists the sedan and wagon under the Impreza WRX name, and those entries are not rated[24][25].

Engine and size

EPA lists the 2.0L four-cylinder at 148 hp[26]. The 2.5L four-cylinder is listed at 265 to 305 hp depending on version[27].

Dimensions below are Canadian-market specifications from Transport Canada via NHTSA, converted to inches and pounds. They can differ slightly from US models.

Variant Length Width Height Wheelbase Curb weight
4DR sedan 2.0i[28] 180 in 69 in 58 in 104 in 2,976 lb
5DR hatch 2.0i[29] 174 in 69 in 58 in 104 in 2,976 lb
WRX/WRX Limited 4DR sedan AWD[30] 180 in 71 in 58 in 103 in 3,208 lb
WRX/WRX Limited 5DR hatch AWD[31] 174 in 71 in 58 in 103 in 3,208 lb
WRX STI/Sport-Tech 4DR sedan AWD[32] 180 in 71 in 58 in 103 in 3,384 lb
WRX STI/Sport-Tech 5DR hatch AWD[33] 174 in 71 in 58 in 103 in 3,373 lb

How 2014 compares with other years

1995: 46 complaints, 1 recalls19951996: 20 complaints, 0 recalls1997: 30 complaints, 0 recalls19971998: 30 complaints, 0 recalls1999: 22 complaints, 0 recalls19992000: 41 complaints, 0 recalls2001: 11 complaints, 0 recalls20012002: 292 complaints, 6 recalls2003: 62 complaints, 6 recalls20032004: 96 complaints, 8 recalls2005: 75 complaints, 6 recalls20052006: 60 complaints, 10 recalls2007: 68 complaints, 9 recalls20072008: 213 complaints, 14 recalls2009: 119 complaints, 14 recalls20092010: 46 complaints, 15 recalls2011: 58 complaints, 14 recalls20112012: 243 complaints, 6 recalls2013: 251 complaints, 4 recalls20132014: 108 complaints, 3 recalls10820142015: 79 complaints, 2 recalls20152016: 75 complaints, 1 recalls2017: 125 complaints, 7 recalls2017
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each Impreza/Outback Sport model year. The 2014 is highlighted[6].
Show the numbers
Model yearComplaintsRecalls
1995461
1996200
1997300
1998300
1999220
2000410
2001110
20022926
2003626
2004968
2005756
20066010
2007689
200821314
200911914
20104615
20115814
20122436
20132514
20141083
2015792
2016751
20171257

NHTSA counts for neighboring model years of the Impreza/Outback Sport[6]:

Model year Complaints Recalls
2012 243 6
2013 251 4
2014 108 3
2015 79 2
2016 75 1
2017 125 7

Of these six years, 2014 has the third lowest complaint count, behind 2016 and 2015. Its recall count sits in the middle. These counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so treat them as a rough guide only.

Should you buy a used 2014 Impreza/Outback Sport?

The record is mixed. NHTSA reports no deaths and no fires for this model year, and the car earns 5 stars overall[1][8]. Air bags is the largest complaint group, and in the sample of texts we read owners describe the passenger air bag status light, so test that light with an adult in the seat[2]. with an adult in the seat, including on a damp day if you can[2]. Confirm that the brake light switch and valve spring recalls were done, and the air injection pump relay recall too if the car has the turbo engine[3][4][5]. Fuel cost depends heavily on the engine, so pick the version with that in mind[17][21]. Complaint texts are a small sample and cannot tell you how likely any problem is.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2014 Subaru Impreza?
Air bags have the most complaints on file with NHTSA, at 38 of 108[1][2]. In the sample of texts we read, owners describe the passenger air bag switching off with an adult seated[2]. Engine complaints are next at 20[9].
Does the 2014 Subaru Impreza have recalls?
Yes, three are on file: brake light switch 19V149, valve springs 18V772 and air injection pump relay 16V738[3][4][5]. Each has a free dealer repair.
How good is the gas mileage on a 2014 Impreza?
The 2.0L with the automatic is rated 27 city, 35 highway and 30 combined MPG[7]. The 2.5L turbo with a 6-speed manual is rated 17 city, 23 highway and 19 combined[21].
Is the 2014 Subaru Impreza safe?
NHTSA gives the sedan and wagon 5 stars overall, with 4 stars for frontal crashes[8][23].
Is 2014 a good year for the Impreza?
Among 2012 to 2017 it has the third lowest complaint count, behind 2016 and 2015, with 108 complaints[6]. The counts are not adjusted for sales.

Facts and sources

  1. NHTSA has 108 owner complaints on file for the 2014 Subaru Impreza/Outback Sport (16 mention a crash, 0 a fire, 6 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  2. 38 complaints name the air bags component group (5 crashes, 0 fires, 4 injuries, median mileage at failure 36,500). NHTSA vehicle records
  3. Recall 19V149, filed February 28, 2019: Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights › Switch. NHTSA recall database
  4. Recall 18V772, filed November 1, 2018: Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine. NHTSA recall database
  5. Recall 16V738, filed October 13, 2016: Electrical System. NHTSA recall database
  6. Owner complaints and recalls for every Subaru Impreza/Outback Sport model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
  7. EPA rating for Impreza AWD, 2.0L 4-cyl, Automatic (variable gear ratios), Regular, All-Wheel Drive: 27 city / 35 highway / 30 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,250. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  8. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR AWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 5 stars; rollover risk 9.9%. NHTSA vehicle records
  9. 20 complaints name the engine component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 46,250). NHTSA vehicle records
  10. 17 complaints name the electrical system component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 38,250). NHTSA vehicle records
  11. 9 complaints name the power train component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  12. 9 complaints name the unknown or other component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  13. 8 complaints name the speed control component group (4 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 4,900). NHTSA vehicle records
  14. 8 complaints name the structure component group (3 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 75,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  15. 5 complaints name the suspension component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  16. EPA rating for Impreza Wagon AWD, 2.0L 4-cyl, Automatic (variable gear ratios), Regular, All-Wheel Drive: 27 city / 35 highway / 30 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,250. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  17. EPA rating for Impreza AWD, 2.0L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, All-Wheel Drive: 24 city / 33 highway / 28 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,400. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  18. EPA rating for Impreza Wagon AWD, 2.0L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, All-Wheel Drive: 24 city / 33 highway / 27 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,500. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  19. EPA rating for Impreza AWD, 2.5L 4-cyl turbo, Manual 5-spd, Premium, All-Wheel Drive: 19 city / 25 highway / 21 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,900. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  20. EPA rating for Impreza Wagon AWD, 2.5L 4-cyl turbo, Manual 5-spd, Premium, All-Wheel Drive: 19 city / 25 highway / 21 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,900. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  21. EPA rating for Impreza AWD, 2.5L 4-cyl turbo, Manual 6-spd, Premium, All-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 23 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,350. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  22. EPA rating for Impreza Wagon AWD, 2.5L 4-cyl turbo, Manual 6-spd, Premium, All-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 23 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,350. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  23. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SW AWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 5 stars; rollover risk 9.9%. NHTSA vehicle records
  24. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SW AWD: not rated. NHTSA vehicle records
  25. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR AWD: not rated. NHTSA vehicle records
  26. EPA Test Car List, 2014 Subaru Impreza/Outback Sport with 2.0L 4-cylinder: rated 148 hp. www.epa.gov
  27. EPA Test Car List, 2014 Subaru Impreza/Outback Sport with 2.5L 4-cylinder: rated 265 to 305 hp depending on version. www.epa.gov
  28. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, IMPREZA 4DR SEDAN 2.0i: length 180 in, width 69 in, height 58 in, wheelbase 104 in, curb weight 2,976 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  29. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, IMPREZA 5DR HATCH 2.0i: length 174 in, width 69 in, height 58 in, wheelbase 104 in, curb weight 2,976 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  30. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, IMPREZA WRX/WRX LIMITED 4DR SEDAN AWD: length 180 in, width 71 in, height 58 in, wheelbase 103 in, curb weight 3,208 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  31. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, IMPREZA WRX/WRX LIMITED 5DR HATCH AWD: length 174 in, width 71 in, height 58 in, wheelbase 103 in, curb weight 3,208 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  32. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, IMPREZA WRX STI/SPORT-TECH 4DR SEDAN AWD: length 180 in, width 71 in, height 58 in, wheelbase 103 in, curb weight 3,384 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  33. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, IMPREZA WRX STI/SPORT-TECH 5DR HATCH AWD: length 174 in, width 71 in, height 58 in, wheelbase 103 in, curb weight 3,373 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.