Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.
2015 Subaru Outback — Known Issues & Recalls
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)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 System →3 issues
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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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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Car unable to restart after sitting for several days. Battery and charging system test good after incident
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Structure →2 issues
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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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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Engine And Engine Cooling →2 issues
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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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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Vehicle Speed Control,service Brakes →1 issue
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.
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Steering,electrical System,air Bags →1 issue
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.
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Vehicle Speed Control,service Brakes,engine →1 issue
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.
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Fuel/propulsion System →1 issue
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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Visibility/wiper →1 issue
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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Power Train →1 issue
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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Service Brakes, Hydraulic,structure →1 issue
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.
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Air Bags,vehicle Speed Control,unknown Or Other →1 issue
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.
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Vehicle Speed Control,forward Collision Avoidance →1 issue
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.
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Suspension,vehicle Speed Control,service Brakes →1 issue
When braking the car shuts down!!!
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Suspension,structure →1 issue
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.
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Unknown Or Other →1 issue
Exhaust manifold bellows crack Exhaust coming into car when idling
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Structure,unknown Or Other →1 issue
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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