2014 Subaru Legacy

The 2014 Subaru Legacy is a mid-size sedan known for its standard all-wheel drive, a feature that sets it apart from many of its competitors. Engine options for the 2014 Legacy include a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 173 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.6-liter six-cylinder engine rated at 256 horsepower and 247 lb-ft of torque. The 2.5-liter engine could be paired with either a six-speed manual transmission or a continuously variable transmission (CVT), while the 3.6-liter engine was exclusively paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. Owners often praise the Legacy for its reliability, all-weather capability, and comfortable ride. Common complaints include the somewhat bland interior styling and the CVT transmission’s performance in the 2.5L model.

Engine

2.5L 4-Cylinder

• Excessive Oil Consumption
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported excessive oil consumption, requiring frequent top-offs between oil changes. Symptoms include low oil level warnings and the need to add oil more often than expected. This is common with earlier model years like this.
  • Solution: Monitoring oil levels and addressing any leaks. In severe cases, piston ring replacement may be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

3.6L 6-Cylinder

No Issues Found

Transmission

CVT (2.5L Engine)

• CVT Jutter/Harsh Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have experienced shuddering, hesitation, or harsh shifting with the CVT, especially at lower speeds or during acceleration.
  • Solution: A CVT fluid change may resolve minor issues. If the problem persists, the CVT may need to be rebuilt or replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300+ for fluid change; $3,000 - $8,000+ for rebuild/replacement
  • Recalls: None Found

5-Speed Automatic (3.6L Engine)

No Issues Found

Suspension

No Issues Found

Electrical

• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners report issues with the battery draining prematurely, especially if the car sits unused for a few days.
  • Solution: Diagnosing parasitic drain, checking the charging system, and potentially replacing the battery.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Head Unit Issues (Navigation/Audio)
  • Description/Symptoms: Reports of the head unit freezing, crashing, or experiencing issues with the navigation system.
  • Solution: Software updates or replacement of the head unit may be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100+ for software, $200 - $1,000+ for replacement
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

No Issues Found

Interior

• Cracked Dashboard
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported cracks forming on the dashboard, particularly in areas exposed to direct sunlight.
  • Solution: Dashboard replacement or installation of a dashboard cover.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50+ for a cover, $500-$1500+ for replacement.
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2014 Subaru Legacy, while generally reliable, does have some potential issues owners should be aware of. The 2.5L engine with the CVT transmission may experience problems with oil consumption and CVT performance. Electrical issues like battery drain and head unit malfunctions can also occur. Interior cracking is an issue that can be annoying to deal with. While some repairs may be relatively inexpensive, others like CVT rebuilds or dashboard replacements can be costly. It’s important to have a trusted mechanic inspect the car before purchasing to identify and address any existing problems.