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Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.

2015 Subaru Outback — Known Issues & Recalls

5 Recalls497 Owner Complaints16 Categories Affected
497
Total Complaints
5
Open Recalls
19
Crashes
5
Fires
16
Injuries

Complaints from Jan 2021 to Dec 2014

The most reported issue is visibility/wiper problems (112 complaints). 19 complaints involved crashes. 5 involved fires.

Open Safety Recalls (5)

Safety RecallFREE FIX AT DEALER
Invalid Date

NHTSA Campaign: 16V251000

Component: ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2015 Legacy and Outback vehicles manufactured on July 20, 2015. The brake fluid used in these vehicles may contain excess moisture which may adversely affect the performance of the electronic stability control system. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems."

Risk: Poor performance of the electronic stability control system when it is activated may result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will perform an ABS activation, then flush and replace the brake fluid, free of charge. The recall began on May 20, 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WTC-64.

Safety RecallFREE FIX AT DEALER
Invalid Date

NHTSA Campaign: 14V577000

Component: TRAILER HITCHES

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2015 Outback vehicles manufactured January 22, 2014, to August 18, 2014, and equipped with a Subaru accessory trailer hitch assembly. During installation, the trailer hitch mounting nuts may have been overtightened, potentially resulting in failure of the trailer hitch mounting studs.

Risk: The mounting nut(s) may not provide sufficient force to remain attached to the studs or the studs themselves might break. If this were to happen while a trailer is being towed, the driver might not be able to operate the vehicle as desired or the trailer may detach from the vehicle. Either situation could increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace all eight mounting nuts for the trailer hitch assembly, and will inspect all eight mounting studs for damage, free of charge. The recall began on October 7, 2014. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WQN-50.

Safety RecallFREE FIX AT DEALER
Oct 2015

NHTSA Campaign: 15V502000

Component: POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2015 and 2016 model year Subaru Legacy 4-Door and Outback vehicles manufactured July 3, 2015, to July 27, 2015. Transmission oil may leak from a deformed seal cap on the propeller shaft yoke.

Risk: If the transmission oil leaks onto the exhaust pipe, there is a possible risk of fire.

Fix: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the propeller shaft, free of charge. The recall began on August 28, 2015. Owners may contact 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WQU-56.

Safety RecallFREE FIX AT DEALER
Nov 2016

NHTSA Campaign: 16V292000

Component: STEERING:COLUMN

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Legacy and Outback vehicles manufactured February 29, 2016, to May 6, 2016. The steering column on the affected vehicles may have been improperly machined, and as a result, turning the steering wheel may have no effect on the direction of the wheels.

Risk: The loss of steering ability would increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the lot number on the steering column, replacing the steering column, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 13, 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783 or by visiting http://www.wtd65.service-campaign.com. Subaru's number for this recall is WTD-65. Note: Until the vehicles have been inspected, owners are advised not to drive their vehicles.

Safety RecallFREE FIX AT DEALER
Dec 2015

NHTSA Campaign: 15V366000

Component: FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: CRASH IMMINENT BRAKING

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2015 Legacy vehicles manufactured March 10, 2014, to April 16, 2015, Outback vehicles manufactured February 24, 2014, to April 16, 2015, Impreza vehicles manufactured September 9, 2014, to April 14, 2015, XV Crosstrek vehicles manufactured October 16, 2014, to April 15, 2015, and 2016 WRX vehicles manufactured March 23, 2015, and equipped with the Eyesight Driver Assist System. If the switch that activates the brake lights fails, the automatic pre-collision braking component of the driver assist system will not function.

Risk: If the automatic pre-collision braking system does not function as intended, the vehicle will not react to an obstacle in its path, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the driver assist system, free of charge. The recall began on July 20, 2015. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WQS-54.

Owner-Reported Issues (20 of 497)

Electrical System3 issues
highELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Feb 2025

Yesterday, my car would not start due to a dead battery. This happened last week, as well. Both times, my husband used a battery charger to enable me to start my car.

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NHTSA #: 11643675
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Jan 2025

Battery fails repeatedly even after several battery replacements and dealer fixing the software at a hefty cost, presumable to make sure the battery is charging. My insurance company (State Farm) dropped my roadside assistance coverage after repeated requests to get help to start the car. I continuously dread and fear that the car will not start after a drive to the grocery store.

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NHTSA #: 11635415
lowELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Jul 2025

Car unable to restart after sitting for several days. Battery and charging system test good after incident

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NHTSA #: 11671171
Structure2 issues
criticalSTRUCTURE
Filed: Jan 2025

Driver door interior, de-bonding of the horizontal crash protection from the outer door panel. Online research indicates this is a common issue.

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NHTSA #: 11638205
mediumSTRUCTURE
Filed: Jan 2025

2015 Subaru Outback Premium. Took in to a very helpful local Subaru Dealer and they discovered that the front subframe has rusted out seemingly prematurely. The vehicle just turned 10 years old with and upon doing research it seems to be a widely known commonly occurring problem.

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NHTSA #: 11634024
Engine And Engine Cooling2 issues
mediumENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Filed: Oct 2025

The contact owns a 2015 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, and while at a stop light, there was an abnormal exhaust fumes odor inside the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated.

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NHTSA #: 11696838
mediumENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Filed: Sep 2025

The contact owns a 2015 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal exhaust odor entering the cabin of the vehicle through the vents. No warning lights were illuminated.

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NHTSA #: 11689788
Vehicle Speed Control,service Brakes1 issue
criticalVEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Jan 2026

January 25th, 2026 13:30 I was coming to a stop at an intersection with my foot on the brake pedal when suddenly my vehicle lurched forward potentially causing rear end collision with the truck in front of me that was stopped at the red light. My vehicle finally came to a stop when I pressed hard on the brake pedal. This problem happened today, so I have not reproduced it.

NHTSA #: 11713284
Steering,electrical System,air Bags1 issue
criticalSTEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS
Filed: Oct 2025

The clock spring (steering roll connector) component has failed, confirmed by the resulting complete loss of the horn function. SAFETY HAZARD: The component failure has resulted in the loss of the electrical connection to the Driver's Airbag System, rendering the primary airbag inoperable. This creates an unreasonable, life-threatening risk in the event of a collision.

NHTSA #: 11693803
Vehicle Speed Control,service Brakes,engine1 issue
criticalVEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE
CrashFiled: Sep 2025

I was within the town limits so I was driving slowly. When I approached the first stop light in town I saw that it was red. There were of three or four vehicles stopped at that light.

NHTSA #: 11689049
Fuel/propulsion System1 issue
criticalFUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Filed: May 2025

Within the last few months, my 2015 Outback has been unreliable with the fuel gauge indicator, causing me to run out of gas three times, stranded roadside, with supposedly 30 miles in rank. Fortunately, there were no accidents, but two out of three times, I was left stranded on highways, that put me at risk of being struck.

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NHTSA #: 11660515
Visibility/wiper1 issue
highVISIBILITY/WIPER
Filed: Mar 2026

Your windshield developed a crack that started at the bottom passenger side without any impact or accident. The crack appeared unexpectedly while the vehicle was in use. Replacing the windshield will likely be necessary to restore visibility and structural integrity.

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NHTSA #: 11727307
Power Train1 issue
mediumPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Dec 2025

After a transmission replacement performed by Bud Clary Chevrolet, Inc. in Longview, WA on September 9, 2025, my vehicle was returned to me with critical components left unsecured. On November 19, 2025, an independent mechanic discovered loose suspension bolts connecting the ball joints to the spindles on both front wheels.

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NHTSA #: 11705980
Service Brakes, Hydraulic,structure1 issue
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,STRUCTURE
Filed: Nov 2025

The contact owns a 2015 Subaru Outback. The contact stated while the vehicle was at the dealer for an oil change and snow tire replacement, the contact was informed that the sub frame and the brake lines were severely corroded and needed to be replaced.

NHTSA #: 11700816
Air Bags,vehicle Speed Control,unknown Or Other1 issue
mediumAIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Feb 2025

My HORN only works if car is stopped steering wheel turned to the left. Subaru Dealer says it’s in the steering column mechanism that affects airbag and cruise control also. Says it will cost over $600 to repair.

NHTSA #: 11641047
Vehicle Speed Control,forward Collision Avoidance1 issue
lowVEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
Filed: Dec 2025

A particular corner where the arterial has a y turn. With cruise engaged the vehicle will do the emergency braking even though the lane is clear. Has occurred several times at this same location.

NHTSA #: 11704294
Suspension,vehicle Speed Control,service Brakes1 issue
lowSUSPENSION,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES
Filed: May 2025

When braking the car shuts down!!!

NHTSA #: 11662405
Suspension,structure1 issue
lowSUSPENSION,STRUCTURE
Filed: Apr 2025

The front subframe on my 2015 subaru 3.6r has rapidly rusted in a few years to the point of a safety concern. The vehicle is lightly driven, with 91,000 miles on it after almost 10 years. We live in the Northeast.

NHTSA #: 11652007
Unknown Or Other1 issue
lowUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Jan 2025

Exhaust manifold bellows crack Exhaust coming into car when idling

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NHTSA #: 11638265
Structure,unknown Or Other1 issue
lowSTRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Jan 2025

My sunroof glass just shattered spontaneously while I was driving. Thankfully the door was closed or me and my daughter would have been showered by glass while in the road. Nothing hit the car , I just heard a loud bang over my heard and when I stopped to see what happened my sunroof was in pieces!

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NHTSA #: 11637190

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