What are the safety features of the 2014 Subaru Legacy?
The 2014 Subaru Legacy emphasizes safety through standard symmetric all-wheel drive, a strong passive protection package, and available driver-assist technology that can help prevent collisions. In short, it pairs solid crash protection with options that assist the driver in everyday driving and in adverse conditions.
Beyond the basics, the Legacy's safety package spans a robust passive system—airbags and a reinforced body structure—along with an optional EyeSight Driver Assist Technology that adds advanced active safety features such as adaptive cruise control and pre-collision braking. On higher trims, EyeSight can also bring lane-keeping and blind-spot monitoring into the mix, enhancing protection and driver awareness.
Core safety systems
The following elements are standard or widely included across most Legacy trims, forming the backbone of its safety approach.
- Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (standard): improves stability and traction in rain, snow, and slick surfaces.
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist.
- Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) with Traction Control.
- Airbag system including front airbags, side airbags for front seats, full-length curtain airbags, and a driver's knee airbag.
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) to alert if a tire is under-inflated.
- LATCH child-seat anchors for easier and safer installation of child seats.
These features work together to protect occupants in frontal and side impacts while helping to maintain vehicle control during emergency maneuvers or slippery conditions.
EyeSight Driver Assist Technology
EyeSight is a driver-assist system offered on select Legacy trims that uses stereo cameras to monitor traffic and road conditions ahead. When equipped, it adds a suite of active safety features designed to help prevent or mitigate crashes.
- Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) maintains a set distance from the vehicle ahead, adapting to traffic flow.
- Pre-Collision Braking applies braking to help reduce the likelihood or severity of a collision when a potential impact is detected.
- Lane Departure Warning (LDW) alerts if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane without signaling.
- Lane Keep Assist (LKA) can help steer the vehicle back toward the center of its lane on some configurations.
- Blind-Spot Detection with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (available on certain trims) warns of vehicles in blind spots and approaching traffic when backing out of parking spaces.
Together with the Legacy’s passive safety features, EyeSight-equipped models offer an enhanced shield against crashes and provide drivers with proactive aids that can reduce the chances of an incident in everyday driving and highway conditions.
Summary
The 2014 Subaru Legacy combines standard all-wheel drive and a comprehensive passive safety package with optional EyeSight Driver Assist Technology to deliver a well-rounded safety proposition. Core features include a solid airbag lineup, stability and traction control, a tire-pressure monitoring system, and child-seat anchors, while EyeSight adds adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking, lane-keeping aids, and blind-spot/rear-cross-traffic monitoring on higher trims. For buyers, this means robust protection plus practical, learnable driver aids in a mid-size sedan that emphasizes safety as a core value.
What is the most common problem with Subaru Legacy?
Top Subaru Legacy Problems
- Cooling System Problems Cause Head Gasket Failure.
- Subaru Front O2 Sensor Recall.
- Failure in ABS causes pump to run continuously and wear down battery.
- Failure in ABS causes pump to run continuously and wear down battery.
- Engine Oil May Leak From Camshaft/Crankshaft Front Seals.
What years to stay away from Subaru Legacy?
Years to avoid for the Subaru Legacy include 2010–2014, primarily due to transmission issues and headlight problems, and 2005–2009, which are known for head gasket and other engine-related issues. Other problematic years include 2011 for its headlights and 2018 for infotainment problems.
Subaru Legacy years to avoid
- 2010–2014: These years can have issues with the continuously variable transmission (CVT), which can cause hesitation, shuddering, or stalling. The 2011 model year is also notorious for headlights burning out very quickly.
- 2005–2009: These models can be prone to head gasket failure, especially on the 2.5L engine, leading to coolant and oil leaks. Other problems can include catalytic converter and rear hub failures.
- 2018: This model year has been associated with infotainment system glitches, such as the display freezing or refusing to shut down.
- Other years:
- 2000–2006: Reported issues with faulty oxygen sensors.
- 2011–2012: Have been cited for frequent headlight burnout.
- 2021–2023: Recall issued for a transmission parking rod issue.
- 2023: Recalled for display screen issues and other electronic problems.
How safe is a 2014 Subaru Legacy?
The 2014 Subaru Legacy has a score of 78, implying a 0.044% chance of driver death (4% chance of injury). If equipped with optional advanced driver safety features, the chance of death falls to 0.038%, and the chance of injury falls to 3.4%.
Is the Subaru Legacy a safe car?
The Subaru Legacy has a strong safety record, receiving awards like the 2022 IIHS Top Safety Pick+ and a 5-Star Overall Safety Rating from NHTSA. Standard safety features include Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, EyeSight Driver Assist Technology (with automatic pre-collision braking, advanced adaptive cruise control, and lane keep assist), and a reinforced steel frame. It also includes eight standard airbags for comprehensive protection.
Structural and passive safety
- Reinforced steel frame: The Legacy has a body structure designed to protect occupants in a crash.
- Airbag system: It includes eight standard airbags, including front, side, and side-curtain airbags with rollover sensors.
- Whiplash protection: Height-adjustable head restraints and seatbelts with pretensioners and force limiters are designed to help prevent whiplash.
Active and driver-assistance features
- EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology: This is a standard suite of safety features that includes:
- Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centering: Adjusts speed to maintain a set distance from the vehicle ahead and helps keep the car centered in its lane.
- Automatic Pre-Collision Braking: Alerts the driver to potential frontal impacts and can apply the brakes to help avoid or reduce the severity of a collision.
- Lane Keep Assist and Sway Warning: Provides alerts if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane.
- Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive: Provides constant power to all four wheels, which helps maintain traction and control in various road conditions, including bad weather.
- Other available features: Depending on the trim, other available safety features can include blind spot detection and rear automatic braking.
