2014 Outback - Constantly Burned Out Headlights & Lights

Low beam bulbs are $5 online, and take only 2 minutes to replace. Are you really THAT pissed?

Oops...sorry. 2000-2009 are two minutes, Yes, 2010-2014 are a PITA to reach. I've sold a lot of these OB/Legs, and bulb life is normally at least a couple of years each. Not sure why yours is shorter lifespan....

In terms of being upset, YES! In order to change, have to take off tire, remove wheel well and go in. Trust me, if I could do it myself I would. Six lights out is VERY excessive. Clearly a bigger issue than just a blown bulb. But thanks for asking.

Wonder if your alternator's voltage regulator is allowing spiking to get through? Remanufactured and used alternators are cheap, and take only a half-hour to pop in. Were all your replacement bulbs from the same store, brand, production lot? I've seen batches of short-lived bulbs in the past (H1's, if I recall).

The RIGHT side (passenger) can be done from under the hood IF your fingers are nimble. But the driver's side is a PITA.

Check the bulb socket for bad connections or corrosion.

They're brass contacts with plastic plugs, using aligned bulbs with stainless bases and spring clips. Finally, there's a sealed, sturdy dust guard over the entire assy. Never seen any corrode...unlike ye olde rear hatch sockets.

My headlight just went out as well... again!!! Just bought the car new 4 years ago last month— 40,00” miles on it. This is my 5th headlight (3rd on driver’s side). Also got pulled over for the taillights out. I have not had any other problems other than needing new tires at 25,000 miles. My husband has the SAME car (his is gray, mine is white). He got his in March of 2014 new and has 20,000 miles on it. He has had no lights go out. It’s just me. Tired of it.

I had a 2006 with this problem and now have a 2012 with the problem. Every couple of months i have to replace one. Usually the front, but often the rear or brake lights. Pain in the butt and no one will acknowledge this as a known issue,

THYN, none of the Subaru bulbs are unusual, and are used by many other manufacturers. I think you're just experiencing an age-related (6 yrs) replacement of many of them for the first time. Note that you can replace the right front low beam from under the hood, but the left side indeed requires access from under the fender liner. All the rears are pretty easy.

I wish it was age related. This has been going on since day one (I purchased new) every couple of months. Mostly headlights but has also been every single other light on the car. I have just under 100,000 miles on car. To put in perspective my husband traded his Toyota Camry at 200,000 mikes and 6 years abd in all that time had only one headlight burn out

Check your alternator/voltage-regulator output voltage. You may be running much higher than 14.5v.

Trust you are not the only one!!! In 4yrs, I've had to replace ALL of my headlights at least once and 4 bulbs in back. They are NOT cheap and I don't appreciate service charges every damned time either!!! Subaru DOES NOT stand behind the recall and tells me my 2014 is just fine and won't cover replacement, repair, or service. And then they get pissy with you if you bring in your own bulbs!

Four years is about right on these generic bulbs. It's too bad that crash guards make replacement tedious. But these bulbs ARE cheap...so shop around, and maybe use a local wrench to install instead of the pricey Dealer, eh?

2014 Subaru Legacy. Knowing how much of a PITA the low beams are to replace I converted to leds for both the low and high beams. So far I’ve had the drivers side low beam burn out twice. Just happened again today. While in the wheel well with the car idoling and lights on trying to move the harness around just to see if that helped the engine fan kicked on and I noticed a sharp temp increase in the light housing like the heat was just dumping right in there. Idk if that could be an issue since I didn’t check the passenger side at the same time but there is obviously something wrong with this model if I’m on my third led lamp all with 50,000 hr life in under 4 years. Sad subie can’t see.

Melted plug at bulb?

UPDATE: Want to provide an update. After a going public, reaching out to HQs, posting photos on social media and CarGurus, . (Remember I went to dealer #2 who was amazing from the get go. While I didn't buy the car there, they really tried to make it work. When they told me they were done, I made them go back out and recheck every light before I left the lot, they worked. Sadly, next day a light next to the one replaced burned out. But the dealer was fantastic.) After much social media and responding to new and other Subaru owners on forums to watch out, Subaru HQs finally responded. They reached out to the dealer who replaced bulb #2 and had me come back in. They replaced every single bulb and charged me $0. Just saddened that it took so many months for them to do the right thing.

Forgot to say, they never identified what was wrong. The alternator was fine according to Dealer #2.

Purchased a used 2014 2 years ago and I am going thru bulbs like crazy. Been to 4 different shops including Subaru. I think I will get them both working and dump it at CARMAX.

also have a 2014 outback and the low beams keep burning out. No it is NOT a simple thing to replace these low beam lights. the bulbs can be bought in pars and inexpensively, but installing them costs three times the price of the bulbs can you do it yourself? yes If you have a shop lift and air wrench to remove the wheel and the plastic does not break while you need to move it out of the way and then reassemble it without breaking it in the freezing weather *sadly mine only burn out in winter when its frozen. this time both low beams are out - sigh

I posted one of the comments above. Just wanted to say that since then I had 4 more lights go out. Subaru tells me that my car wasn't part of the problem vehicles. I told them it looks like I will be trading for a Toyota Highlander instead of the new Ascent I really want.

RE: 2010-2014 OBs/Legs: One can carefully replace the right side low beam bulb from on top, but you indeed need nimble fingers. The left side, alas, requires removing the wheel and fender liner.

To nolove, i to have had a ongoing issue with this model. In fact this is a very well known issue! It seems like the Subaruguru is a bit in the dark. Excuse the pun. After talking with many of subie owners and dealers and the only solution i have came up with is get rid of the car and buy a Toyota. It is sad that Subaru will not stand behind its product. To put it into prospective i have a Lexus suv my GF has the outback she bought new. My lex 2 yrs older, her car 8 head light bulbs and counting. Mine 0. The dealer gets between 75 and 150 $ to replace a bulb. Do the math.! So to answer Subaruguru question to nolove hell ya i am really that pissed!!!.

B9Z: Let me get that straight...your GF has gone through 8 headlights on a 2010-2014 extant? Since the low beams last about 2-3 years, and cost $7 each, that seems about right. It's a known problem, but if your solution is to dump her Legacy/OB and get "really that pissed" I might suggest an adjustment in either medication or GF!

I was having similar problems with both a 2005 Subaru Legacy and a 2006 Honda Pilot. Headlights would last about 3-4 months and then burn out. After going through this for about 18 months a friend said to try dielectric grease on the connectors/plugs. Apparently connections can loosen and cause voltage irregularities that weaken bulbs. It has now been 2 years and I have yet to replace any of the bulbs in put in after using the grease. It may also work for other bulbs too.

I'm having similar problems with my 2013 Legacy. I purchased this car in November 2015. Replacements as follows: 4/16/16 Drivers side marker bulb 7/5/16 Passenger side low beam 1/7/17 Passenger side marker bulb 2/22/17 Drivers side low beam 4/3/17 Passenger side low beam 8/17/17 Drivers side low beam 2/9/18 Passenger side low beam 5/5/18 Passenger side marker bulb 11/17/18 Drivers side high beam AND my car is going in today for the Passenger side high beam and drivers side low beam. I am beyond frustrated! This is my 4th Subaru. 1st one that I have not been able to change my own bulbs in and 1st one that has blown through so many bulbs!

I feel your pain Angie, if you read through the thread there are some good suggestions. If your taking your car in have rhem check the voltage and also try putting a dab of dielectric grease on the connectors.

No love here, either. I am done being a good natured sucker. 2014 Outback. I just returned from my dealer who replaced three or four lights only to get home and find a different light is out. Since Feb 2015 when purchased this car new, I've had 9 or 10 trips to the shop for various lights, some for multiple lights out. Yes, there is a problem (just google it) and there have been class action suits against Subaru for the issue, but as previously posted, the suit did not include 2014s. I was told at the dealers it's caused by the lights' or voltage intensity that helps obtain the 5 star safety rating. Well, I no longer feel safe in a car with lights that can't operate properly! I'm done being a "good sport" about this problem. It costs about $15 - 21.00 per HL or RL at our northern Virginia dealer. It's a shame; in all other ways the car suits me (even though I never felt it was a 28K car). Might be time to try a Toyota.

I'm wondering if the low beam bulbs in 2010-2014 are getting too hot inside those small protective rear cups. Maybe venting theese cups with drilled holes isn't a bad idea? Fortunately the open design of 2015-2019 completely eliminated this short-life tendency.

Such headaches, tired of being stopped by law enforcement due to this constant, unexpected, undependable, issue. Subaru should step up to the plate and re-call ALL 2014 Outback vehicles and give it a thorough fix! Enough with the shananagans!!

been through 2 headlights and 1 marker light, just made an appointment for an airbag recall and the dealer who did the last recall light denied any knowledge about a headlight recall. like my 2011 outback, no more subaru for me after this one.

Two headlights in 7-8 years? Given the average bulb life of 3-4 years aren't you lucky?!

I have a 2014 outback. In for oil change... $200.00 in bulb changes. Less than a month ago. Now both headlamps - out. It was bad enough the service desk told me there’s a documented problem with 2014 year outback “losing oil” about a quart between changes. And....., now I find out it’s a regular thing with the bulbs burning out????? Is there any recourse??

I do not care if anybody can or cannot replace the bulbs by themselves (I cannot), but the frequency of failure is annoying and creates unsafe driving conditions for many drivers.

B7MM6: long-life bulbs, as well switching to the international spec 5w30 oil instead of the super-skinny 0w20. It will help.

I was researching headlights for my subaru 2014 outback. How very sad to find this thread. I have had multiple issues with lights. And I have had the issue of loosing oil as well. Will likely consider different make when time for new car. :(

I've had to repace the lowbeam bulbs a half a dozen times in my 2013 Outback. I wouldn't mind so much if the process was easier. The gray plastic plates behind the bulb are difficult to access, remove and reinstall. The most frustrating part (for me) is that Subaru doesn't want to acknowledge the issue and/or offer a solution.

2014 Outback has burned out no less than 8 bulbs. Battery has gone bad twice. It left me stranded at the airport after a week long trip in 2017. Sounds like hell when you start it on a cold morning. We have brought it in several times with audio/video recording. Can't duplicate it. Supposedly starter and alternator are fine. They did change my bulbs and battery at no charge today. Husband has done it himself in the past. Headlights are awful!

SOLUTION; fix your ground points. Subaru skimped on grounding and it causes an incredible range of issues, most obvious in high current, high sensitivity components that are on during the wild voltage spikes and drops at startup, like headlights. Multimeter readings will verify this; even though your alternator and voltage regulator are good they just can't handle the erratic input and high draw from a cold start with accessories and lights on. I fixed the grounds on my 2011 outback. Pre-fix, voltage was 12.2- 14.2 during startup, after the fix it was a much cleaner 13.9-14.4. The headlights visibly flicker less on startup, no more burned bulbs... yet. Google 'big 3 ground diy' for hundreds of tutorials, should cost you maybe $30 if you have to buy crimping tools as well, and should take maybe 2 hours total. The big 3 ground points: battery, alternator, and starter to frame. But you can never have too many. Some folks even go as far as grounding the transmission, rear differential, and suspension components, and multimeter readings do show it has a beneficial effect. https://legacygt.com/forums/showthread.php/bad-grounds- can-lead-wheel-bearing-failure-234672.html? s=a9b0e6ede9bead539a46c0a82d325704&

Been having this issue too. Love my 2014 Outback but frig is it annoying replacing these bulbs... Went to leave for work tonight (I work overnights) and BOTH my low beams went out at the same time. Real safe. Banged on the housing and one came on. Made it to work without getting pulled over. That would be the third time since buying the car two years ago. Thank God I never got a ticket... Gonna buy some dielectric grease and look into fixing my ground points. Don’t want to have to get rid of it but I’m almost to that point. NOT looking forward to replacing both of the bulbs in the morning...

Stephanie, you MAY be able to replace the passenger side low beam bulb from under the hood if you're nimble, but as you know the driver's side requires replacement from underneath. Try using longer-life bulbs, too.

SubaruGuruBoston, do you find these long life bulbs to fix the issue or merely temporarily avoid the underlying problem? You have responded with this 'solution' a few times on this site yet I can't see how long life bulbs will do anything other than waste people's money. We are talking about low beam bulbs having to be replaced within a 6 month interval. Sorry, but that is not normal. There has to be an engineering flaw of some sort which no one has uncovered. Or to which. FUJI heavy refuses to sort out. Bad grounding straps? Poor or no venting in the bulb housing? All possible. Bottom line no real solution on this or any other site. FRUSTRATING.

I believe lack of venting results in overheating. Some long-life bulbs simply have lower- temp filaments that aren't quite as high lumens/watt but simply don't overheat...or withstand the heat. The problem completely disappeared in 2015 with the open-back architecture of the light assemblies. I haven't measured voltages at harnesses of 2010- 2014 Legs and OBs to see if there's a chronic problem, but usually a lower voltage due to wire resistance results in longer life, as predicted by voltage/lifespan curves? If I remember it's even a 3rd order effect. Venting those silly beige rear hemispheric "caps" may help, ensuring that you drill a bottom drainage hole in case they pick up water. I dunno....

I picked up another supply of low beam bulbs for my wife’s outback yesterday. I’ve learned to keep plenty on hand. I had noticed the right side was out again and also another tail light out. Was going replace them today. Now I notice the left side fog light is out, again! If I have not replaced at least a dozen bulbs in this 2012 POS I will eat the old ones! Be the last Subaru in this garage!

Famly member has a 2014 too. It only has 20k. Same issue bubls quit a random. Seams like head lights and litte 168 bulbs only last 6 months.

Apologize for side commentary with this 2014 Outback - the issues just keep on coming. Went out in morning (May '19) to discover puddles in my trunk, mileage = 50,000. Colleague said this has happened since buying his 2011 Outlook and Subaru says not their problem. Sometimes I get a puddle on passenger side floor mat, but didn't think much of it. And also, the drivers door, window seal started ripping apart this past month. And after just 18 months of ownership of this brand-new car, fuse blew on trunk plug with a small tire inflator for a bike. I've owned MANY cars and have never had so many issues as with this one. Unacceptable. I take care of my cars driving only to work and occasional trip - no offroading.

I have changed my bulbs many times. Drivers side, take out the battery and you can get to it without having to take off tire, etc. So disappointing! Head gasket blew, $2K repair.

HG on a '14 DOHC 2.5i motor? More details if you'd share, as this is very rare. Thanks Ern TSG/B

The problem is with the shovel connectors within the plastic housing of the plug. They are not crimped tight enough. This caused increased resistance so the voltage drops. Ohms law states the when the voltage drops the current goes up which raises the temperature. This increases the oxidation, which raises the resistance. A viscous cycle. The tell tale is the bulb contact is dis-colored. The fix is to carefully squeeze the shovel connector to make a tighter connection with a pair of needle nose. The dealers are making a killing on this as replacing the bulb temporarily fixes the problem by exercising the contacts.

@GuruSW818 - Yes, 2014 HG 2.5. Presented as overheating, addressed it by thermostat and staying on top of fluids. Found out it is extremely common issue with inferior head gaskets. They disintegrated and engine was overheating and boiling water internally. Should be a recall. Heads up (pun intended), costly repair and looks like no way to avoid it. Do like the fix for the head lights, PITA to change, what a ridiculous design.

Well, it's NOT common with the new DOHC 2.5i introduced in 2013, unless the motor is overheated. Note that Subaru t-stats are wide-mouthed, and NEVER fail. If you're rebuilding the HGs make sure the t-stat in there matches Subie's spec, as some aftermarket ones have a narrower orifice that WILL provoke overheating! Be careful there....

Nobody is talking about what type (Brand) of bulbs they are using. For example, some of the Sylvania Silverstar headlights say right on the package that the life span is only about 145 hours. If you drive a lot in the dark, or put a lot of miles in, they will burn out quickly. I've had much better luck with the Vision X bulbs, but I'm looking to find some LED headlights that can fit without having to drill through the dust cap.

I’ve used Philip’s and Sylvania.. For me brand hasn’t made much of a difference. What has (although I'm about a month premature) Is drilling the holes on the covers. I know this isn’t what you want to hear however, this seems to be the hack. Knock on wood.

I might suggest leaving the silly dustcaps off and perhaps flooding the coonected plug-bulb area with silicone? That's decide the thermal load theory?

I have a 2014 legacy with 128,000 miles on it. Since I bought it new, I've replaced the driver side low beam 4x, the passenger side 5x, and the driver side low beam just burnt out again on my way to work this morning. On the upside, I'm at the point where it only takes me 10 minutes to change one.

I'm going to recommend omitting the dust-caps and sealing the connectors on with silicone to prevent contamination and greatly reduce thermal load. A little late in the game, perhaps, but it can't hurt. So glad the succeeding gen doesn't have this nonsense.

Installed new Low Beam 2014 Impreza 55k. Recently replaced at 40k Dealership charged 43 bucks with 1 year warranty on bulb. Got vehichle back home and back up light is out now on driver side. Wife relays this story of Older couple in lobby greeted by Service Manager. “Did you know you have a bunch of lights out” Older lady visibly irritated “Yeah, We Know!” Just gonna end up going back to Toyota never had electrical issues like this in any automobile I have ever owned.

Bought my 2014 outback new in 2013. Had it six years. One headlight change to Sylvania top bulb at autozone. That was 2.5 years ago. Dust covers still on. Had fog light go out 3 times , but that was each time after i ran through high water covering the grill. I changed all the rear bulbs to led( not the blinkers or brake lights) for brighter output. Had one rear bulb go out a year ago that is when i made the change. I have not issues with the car. About to add gtr ultra 2 led low beams for brighter lights since I tinted my windsheild. I really don't know what the difference is. I drive on the beach, go on trails, have been mudding several times, It rains 125 days out the year in North Florida. My car is fine. Still on stock rims and all season tires. Dunno.

Jesse, you tinted your windshield? All of it? And compensate by blinding oncoming drivers? You're kidding, right? Or maybe you just "dunno".... Good luck. Ern

Yes...and thank you for that luck...

Haha the outback blinding people...no its my bronco with the sylvnia ultras and original reflectors that blinds people...truing the lights on the truck sucks...on the outback its easy.

This is not an answer but I only Subaru 2011 Outback I've had a year-and-a-half to two years replaced driver side five times passenger wants locked up

My 2013 Outback was fine to start, but 3 years ago I have had to start changing all headlights ght and taillight bulbs on an annual basis if that. Average life is about 10-12 months and headlights are a HUGE PIA to change. Also, driver side power window has had to be addressed several times and lumbar support for driver's seat stopped right after warranty. Not sure I'm going with Subaru again

I had the same issue. I actually solved it!! My bulbs last way longer now. If you leave you lights on auto, when you crank it the headlights and markers stay on during cranking ( this is not normal for other makes btw) This surge is REALLY hard on bulbs. The solution?? ALWAYS turn your headlights off when parking.

Hmmm....Methinks either pure idiosyncracy, perhaps laced with expectation bias, as voltage is REDUCED to accessories when the starter's current needs are being sourced by the battery. Nice idea, but not apt to be borne out in practice as you've the science backwards....

i took my 2014 Outback in for oil change and headlight replacement. I'm being told I have 9 (yes NINE) bulbs total that are out and need to be replaced. Is this even possible? Where are all these lights?!

No!

I have to say this.....and I quote "Check your alternator/voltage-regulator output voltage. You may be running much higher than 14.5v.", ..but, you would think that dealers would do this automatically when a documented case comes in of excessive replacement of bulbs in the same vehicle

I think that the way Subaru enclosed/mounted the low-beams in the 2014 Outback is poor design practice. They run way too hot, have no ventilation, insubstantial heat sinking. Any law firm looking for an experienced expert witness for a class-action suit, call or write, I'm in. Stuckinbuckhead on Insta.

I have a 2014 outback and I kid you not a headlight burnout every 90 days it is no fun.