Parts for your 2014 Subaru Outback-Thermostat

2014 Subaru Outback Thermostat

Per the Subaru Factory Service Manual for the 2014 Outback (Cooling System section) and Subaru’s genuine parts catalogue for MY14 Outback, both the 2.5i FB25 and 3.6R EZ36 engines are fitted with a wax‑pellet thermostat located at the water pump outlet on the lower radiator hose side. So yes—the thermostat is absolutely used and relevant on a 2014 Subaru Outback.

On this model, the thermostat’s job is to help the engine warm up quickly and then hold it right in the sweet spot once it’s at temperature. It does that by staying closed while the engine’s cold, then opening around the factory spec temperature (typically about 78–82°C) to let coolant flow through the radiator. The result is stable running, decent fuel economy, and reduced wear—especially on cooler mornings across Aus and NZ.

While Subaru doesn’t call for thermostat replacement on a strict time basis, it’s smart to inspect it whenever there are cooling concerns or the coolant is being renewed. If the vehicle is approaching high kilometres, or the water pump is being replaced, fitting a new genuine‑quality thermostat and seal is cheap insurance. Always use Subaru Super Coolant (blue, long‑life) or an approved equivalent, and stick to proper fill and bleed procedures to avoid air pockets.

• Common signs it’s time to check or replace: slow warm‑up, temp gauge creeping or swinging, heater performance dropping off, radiator hose temperatures mismatched, or fans running constantly. A stuck‑closed unit can cause overheating, stuck‑open leads to cool running and poor economy.
• Basic service tips: work on a cold engine, drain enough coolant to drop the level below the housing, replace the O‑ring/gasket, fit the thermostat in the correct orientation (jiggle pin/bleed hole as specified in the manual), snug the housing bolts to factory spec—not gorilla tight—and refill slowly.
• Bleeding: set the heater to hot, run the engine with a spill‑free funnel, squeeze the upper hose to burp air, and wait for fans to cycle. Top up the radiator and the overflow bottle, then recheck after a day’s driving.

Done right, a fresh thermostat restores stable temps and takes the stress out of summer climbs and winter commutes under the bonnet of a 2014 Outback.

Popular questions

Where is the thermostat on a 2014 Subaru Outback?
It’s mounted in the thermostat housing at the water pump outlet on the lower radiator hose side of the engine. Access is usually from underneath after removing the undertray. Have a drain pan handy—some coolant will spill.

What temperature does the thermostat open?
For the 2014 Outback engines, the factory opening spec is typically around 78–82°C, with full opening reached higher up. Using a correct‑spec, genuine or OE‑quality unit keeps the ECU happy and the gauge steady.

Do I need to replace all the coolant when changing the thermostat?
You don’t have to if the coolant is fresh, but many techs take the opportunity to renew it. If reusing, catch it cleanly, keep dirt out, and always bleed the system thoroughly to avoid air locks.