2014 Subaru Outback: check engine light

Filed Jan 13, 2025 · Engine, Steering · 201,206 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2014 Subaru Outback. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH or above, the front end and the steering wheel were shaking abnormally. While driving at various speeds, there was a metallic grinding sound coming from the passenger side of the vehicle. The contact stated that while depressing the brake pedal, the brake pedal went to the floorboard and the braking distance became extended. The contact stated that the brakes were squeaking while the brake pedal was depressed. The contact stated that the brakes, check engine, power steering, and engine overheating warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer seven times; however, the dealer was unable to determine the cause of the failures. The contact stated that the dealer replaced the passenger’s side rear wheel bearing. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 201,206.

Filed Sep 10, 2020 · 138,858 miles · SC

I was on the highway, after driving a little more than two hours. The dash board lit up with many of the "trouble lights". The brake light began flashing, eye sight was lit, meaning that it was no longer engaged. At oil temp. Check engine transmission. All of the above. I am looking at a picture that I took showing the mileage and the warning lights. The car continued to operate, without any hesitation and I felt that it must "just be an electronic issue". It happened to me once before, about two years ago. I took it to an auto parts store for a quick diagnostic and the guy said it was fine to drive until I could get back home to the dealership. Two days later, the warning lights disappeared! I understand now from various threads on the internet, this is a common problem with the subaru's CVT. It is sad because they apparently have been informed of this issue and their only response is a repair to the CVT ($1500-2000) or a new transmission all together ($5- 8k). I bought this vehicle as new... I have not owned a subaru before but wanted the "security of a reliable car". I did purchase the extended warranty, but this happened after the 100k miles so I have no recourse. Please help all of the subaru owners out there!! It's not just the outback model, but several of their vehicles and it seems that it is something that has been happening over the years but they have not been made to address this design flaw. Safety wise-- I don't know if the vehicle will just quit in the middle of traffic, or what. We tried the "general fixes" .... Unplug the battery for a few hours; we purchased a new gas cap seal; but neither of those did the trick. I wanted to send my case to you but, also, this coming week, I will be dropping it off at the dealership to see what they have to say.

Filed Jan 10, 2020 · Electrical · NY

Since 5/2019 my subaru has been in for service 5 times due to the dashboard lights flashing while driving. The brake light, check engine light, and the cruise control light. My remote starter and radio do not work either. Each time it's brought in for the same problem I am given a different reason, charged a fee and sent on my way, until it happens again! Getting a little tired of having my chain yanked. Subaru needs to do a recall for this recurring problem.my car ran fine until the passenger air bag was changed, due to a recall.

Filed Aug 19, 2019 · Electrical · 17,195 miles · NY

While driving locally the indicator lights on the dashboard started flashing (cruise control, check engine and brake lights).parked car, checked gas cap and disconnected battery and cleaned terminals, problem continued. Took the car to our local auto mechanic (after some not so pleasant dealings with subaru) 7/22/19 he performed computer diagnostic and found faulty oxygen sensor. $601.38. Car worked well until today. Returning home from store the lights are flashing again back to the mechanic. 18,000 miles on the car!

Filed Sep 12, 2017 · Engine · 26,000 miles · IL

When at a stop either at a 4 way, traffic light, or waiting to make a turn, sometimes the car hesitates a few seconds before going and then surges forward. I also have had it stall for over 20 minutes and wouldn't start till after 20 minutes. The hesitation is dangerous when making turns across or into traffic because it doesn't go and you can get hit. It does not trip the engine light so the dealer can fix it.

Filed Sep 30, 2015 · Acceleration · 6,700 miles · WA

Three times engine has failed to respond to accelerator input. Duration, 3 to 15 seconds. Happens at low speed (<20mph) just after coasting for a few seconds and as engine is heating up. Last incident, 9/27/2015, backed out of parking space, then shifted into forward, did not use accelerator because cold engine speed was high enough to maintain 5mph through very congested parking lot. 20 seconds later attempted to accelerate to 35mph, engine speed never responded for the next 15 seconds, then engine started responding normally. No check engine light. These failures started 4 months ago, and happens when CVT transmission is in auto or manual mode. I checked internet and found several similar reports. Dealers and subaru corp., no help at all. In certain driving situations, loss of engine control could be just as dangerous as loss of brakes.

Filed Apr 4, 2015 · Brakes, Driver assistance · 10,050 miles · PA

On 3/22/15 while approaching a stop sign the electric parking brake locked on at 10 MPH. After pulling off to the side of the road and releasing and applying the parking brake several times it finally released while the check engine and flashing brake light remained on. After shutting the vehicle off for 10 minutes the system reset to normal. The system remained normal until arriving at a subaru dealer on 3/24/15 when the same problem occurred. The dealer took control, identified and replaced a relay and several sensors. The car performed normal until 4/1/15 when the same problem occurred while traveling 25 MPH. After stopping and releasing and applying the parking brake several times the system reset but the check engine, brake and cruise control lights remained steady or flashing. After letting the vehicle set for a period of time the system reset itself. Another appointment has been made at the dealer for 4/6/15. The concern is that if the parking brake locks at high speed or in heavy traffic it could cause a serious accident.

Filed Feb 20, 2015 · Brakes · 37,906 miles · WI

Having warmed up the car in the driveway for five minutes and having driven for approximately 10 minutes, braking several times, driver approached the stop sign at the top of the hill where the road intersects with a busy highway. She tried to depress the brakes and nothing happened. To stop the car, she threw the car into park. "check engine @ oil temp" light or something similar came on. She turned off the car, waited a short while and restarted car, shifted into drive and car wouldn't do anything. Turned off car. A short while later she stared again; after pushing gas hard, car started to slowly move forward. Put car in p and waited for assistance, leaving heat on. When assistance came 10-15 min later, car was able to be driven to a safe roadside spot around the corner. Condition: low temps. No ice on roads.

Filed May 23, 2014 · Brakes, Driver assistance · 815 miles · OH

This is the second incident where the electric parking brake light indicates the brake has been set & not released. The car was towed into dealership yesterday (5/22/2014) for same reason. Dealer stated they spoke with subaru & were unable to find any reason for the fault. They stated computer indicated the brakes were not engaged but that this same system does disable the electronic stability control when this fault occurs. We are very concerned the vehicle is safe to drive despite the assurances of the service manager ( [xxx]) that the vehicle is safe (no worries). The instrument light on the panel also flashes "check engine light at the same time light flashes indicating parking brake has been set & not released. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).