2015 Subaru Outback
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Visibility/wiper is the leading concern among 509 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 7th highest complaint count among 26 Outback model years with reports.
Of the 2015 reports, 19 involved a crash and 5 involved a fire. 16 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Steering, columnDo not drive until repairedMay 11, 2016
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.
The loss of steering ability would increase the risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign 16V292000 on NHTSA.gov
Electronic stability control (ESC)Apr 27, 2016
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."
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.
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.
Campaign 16V251000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, driveline, driveshaftAug 10, 2015
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.
If the transmission oil leaks onto the exhaust pipe, there is a possible risk of fire.
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.
Campaign 15V502000 on NHTSA.gov
Forward collision avoidance, crash imminent brakingJun 12, 2015
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.
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.
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.
Campaign 15V366000 on NHTSA.gov
Trailer hitchesSep 19, 2014
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.
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.
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.
Campaign 14V577000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
509 reports, newest first.
Visibility/wiper, Jul 23, 2015
A SMALL PEBBLE HIT THE WINDSHIELD ON 7/17/15 SHOWING A TINY CHIP AND 2-3 MM CRACK. WE HAD THE CHIP REPAIRED BY SAFELIGHT EARLY MORNING OF 7/18/15 AND IT LOOKED GOOD. THE NEXT DAY, 7/19/15, THERE WERE 2 CRACKS OVER 6 INCHES LONG AND THE WINDOW WILL HAVE TO BE REPLACED. WOULD HAVE CHALKED IT UP TO JUST BAD LUCK TO HAVE THE REPAIR FAIL UNTIL I CAME ACROSS REPORTS OF SIMILAR INCIDENTS ON THE INTERNET AND THEN CAME ACROSS THIS SITE.
Other or unspecified, Visibility/wiper, Jul 19, 2015
NAVIGATION SYSTEM SCREEN HAS SERIOUS GLARE DURING DAYLIGHT HOURS. ALMOST DROVE OFF ROAD INTO A DITCH YESTERDAY, WHILE TRYING TO SEE SCREEN. NO ONE ELSE ON ROAD. SYSTEM VIRTUALLY USELESS. ALSO SEVERE GLARE ON DRIVER-SIDE MIRROR FROM CAR INTERIOR, MAKES IT HARD TO SEE VEHICLES ON LEFT. SUBARU COULD FIX THIS PROBLEM WITH DESIGNING A PRE-CUT ANTI-GLARE SCREEN COVER OR SIMPLY REPLACING THE NAVIGATION SYSTEM SCREEN WITH A NEW ANTI-GLARE PLASTIC ONE. SOMEONE WILL EVENTUALLY GET HURT OR KILLED.
Visibility/wiper, Jul 19, 2015
FOUND A 2 FOOT CRACK ON MY BRAND NEW SUBARU OUTBACK. AFTER WASHING MY CAR YESTERDAY, I STOOD BACK TO ADMIRE HOW GREAT THE CAR LOOKED AND THEN WENT INSIDE. WHEN I CAME BACK OUTSIDE 2 HOURS LATER, I NOTICED A 2 FOOT CRACK IN THE WINDSHIELD WITH THE STARTING POINT IMMEDIATELY UNDER THE WIPER BLADE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. A ROCK COULD NOT HAVE POSSIBLY HIT THE CAR UNDER THE BLADE. THIS IS A BRAND NEW CAR AND I'VE TAKEN EXTRA PRECAUTIONS WITH IT. I CAN'T BELIEVE THAT THIS HAS HAPPENED.
Other or unspecified, Visibility/wiper, Jul 17, 2015
WINDSHIELD FOUND CRACKED UNEXPECTEDLY WHEN COMING OUT FROM A STORE. 6" CRACK GREW QUICKLY OVER 2 WEEKS, SPREADING ALL OVER THE PASSENGER SIDE IN A BRANCHED FORMATION ABOUT 2X1'. YESTERDAY, ANOTHER CRACK DEVELOPED IN FRONT OF THE DRIVER'S SIDE AND IS COMPROMISING VISIBILITY WITH A GLARE FROM THE CRACK AND GROWING QUICKLY AGAIN. REPLACEMENT WINDSHIELD IS BACK-ORDERED FOR SEVERAL WEEKS. HAVE BEEN WAITING ABOUT 1 MONTH NOW, DRIVING WITH AN UNSAFE/UNSIGHTLY BRAND NEW CAR, AND I'M OUT A $500 DEDUCTIBLE. GOING TO CONTACT SUBARU AS WELL, BUT THEY NEED MORE PRESSURE TO REPLACE AND REIMBURSE THIS SEEMINGLY COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS BRAND NEW CAR. UPDATED 10/9/15 *LN.......UPDATED 10/19/15 *BF UPDATED 11/28/2017*CN
Power train, Jul 17, 2015
I HAD STOPPED TO DISEMBARK MYSELF AND PASSENGERS. I TURNED OFF THE ENGINE. I DID NOT REALIZE IT WAS NOT IN PARK. AS THE PASSENGER ON THE LEFT WAS GETTING OUT, THE CAR STARTED TO ROLL BACKWARDS. I WAS ABLE TO PUT ON THE BRAKE TO STOP IT AND PUT IT IN PARK. I HAVE A PUSH BUTTON IGNITION. ON PAGE 3-6 OF THE OWNER'S MANUEL IT SAYS " THE PUSH BUTTON SWITCH CANNOT BE SWITCHED TO "OFF" WHEN THE SELECT LEVER IS IN A POSITION OTHER THAN P". IN CONTACTING THE DEALER SHIP THEY CHECKED OTHER OUTBACKS WITH PUSH BUTTON STARTERS AND THEY ALSO HAVE THIS PROBLEM.
Visibility/wiper, Jul 14, 2015
ON JULY 9, I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE INTERSTATE I TAKE TO WORK AND HEARD A SMALL POP, LIKE A PEBBLE HITTING THE WINDSHIELD. THE WINDSHIELD INSTANTLY CRACKED IN AN L SHAPE DOWN AROUND THE REARVIEW MIRROR. BY THE TIME I GOT HOME FROM WORK THAT NIGHT, THAT CRACK HAD EXTENDED TO ABOUT 18 INCHES LONG. I HAVE BEEN DRIVING CARS A LONG TIME, AND HAVE HAD NUMEROUS PEBBLE STRIKES WITHOUT ANY OF MY PREVIOUS WINDSHIELDS CRACKING. I FEEL THAT THIS IS OBVIOUSLY DUE TO SOME SORT OF DEFECT IN THE WINDSHIELD, AS IS EVIDENCED BY MANY OTHERS WHO ARE HAVING THE SAME ISSUE. I LOVE THE CAR OTHERWISE, BUT AM WORRIED ABOUT HAVING TO REPLACE THE WINDSHIELD EVERY TIME I TURN AROUND. SOME PEOPLE THAT HAVE POSTED COMPLAINTS WERE ON THEIR THIRD WINDSHIELD THIS YEAR ON THEIR 2015 OUTBACKS. THIS IS NOT ACCEPTABLE! I EMAILED SUBARU AND DID GET A REPLY SUGGESTING I TAKE THE CAR TO THE DEALER AND LET THEM INSPECT IT, AND THAT THEY WERE "NOT AWARE" OF ANY PROBLEMS WITH THE WINDSHIELDS FOR THE 2015 OUTBACKS. INFORMATION ON THIS PAGE AND SEVERAL OTHERS SUGGESTS OTHERWISE. WE NEED TO SPEAK UP SO SUBARU KNOWS WHAT IS GOING ON AND IS FORCED TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE.
Visibility/wiper, Jul 14, 2015
MY WIFE WAS DRIVING TO WORK AND A STONE HIT THE WINDSHIELD. SHE CHECKED IT WHEN SHE GOT TO WORK AND SAID THERE WAS A SMALL CHIP. BY THE TIME SHE GOT HOME THE CHIP HAD BECOME A CRACK AND WAS ALMOST A FOOT LONG. WE HAVE LIMITED OUR USE OF THE VEHICLE BUT THE CRACK CONTINUES TO GROW AND IS NOW OVER TWO FEET LONG. SAFELITE HAS SAID THAT THE WINDSHIELD IS ON NATIONAL BACK ORDER. I HAVE HAD STONE CHIPS BEFORE AND THEY WERE EASY TO REPAIR AND DID NOT REQUIRE REPLACEMENT. MY MAIN CONCERN IS THAT I NOT HAVE TO PAY FOR ANOTHER WINDSHIELD IF THERE IS A DESIGN FLAW.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Jul 13, 2015
I WAS GETTING GAS AT A STATION. WHEN I WAS FINISHED PUMPING GAS I ENTERED THE CAR, STARTED IT, PUT IT IN REVERSE, BRAKED, PUT IT IN DRIVE, IT ROLLED BACKWARDS, PUT ON THE BRAKE, IT CONTINUED TO ROLL BACKWARDS, GAVE IT SOME GAS SINCE IT WAS STILL IN DRIVE, CAR JUMPED FORWARD ALMOST HITTING CAR PARKED IN FRONT OF ME, MY FOOT WAS STILL ON BRAKE AND IN DRIVE WHILE I TRIED TO KEEP IT FROM ROLLING BACKWARDS. TRIED TO MANIPULATE BRAKE AND GAS TO STOP ROLLING BACKWARDS. EVENTUALLY I SWERVED AROUND PARKED CAR IN FRONT OF ME WITHOUT HITTING IT. THIS HAS HAPPENED 4 TIMES SINCE I PURCHASED NEW CAR. I WENT TO 2 SUBARU DEALERSHIPS AND THEY SAID THAT IS NORMAL.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jul 13, 2015
2015 SUBARU OUTBACK 2.5I LIMITED - MONDAY 6 JULY 2015 - WHILE DRIVING, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, COLLISION PREVENTION OFF LIGHT, LINE WARNING OFF LIGHT, AND X-MODE LIGHT MESSAGES DISPLAYED. I HAD NOT DISENGAGED THE COLLISION PREVENTION OR LINE WARNING LIGHTS AND HAD NOT ENGAGED THE X-MODE FEATURE. THERE WAS NO MESSAGE INDICATING NO BRAKE LIGHTS. MADE APPOINTMENT FOR THURSDAY MORNING 9 JULY. BASED ON SERVICE ADVISOR'S ADVICE THAT IT WAS OK TO DRIVE THE CAR UNTIL I BROUGHT IT IN, I DROVE THE CAR FOR TWO DAYS WITH NO BRAKE LIGHTS. (DISCOVERED THIS WHEN MY WIFE FOLLOWED ME TO THE DEALER.) THERE SHOULD BE A MESSAGE TO ALERT THE DRIVER BRAKE LIGHTS ARE NOT OPERABLE. AFTER SERVICE APPOINTMENT THURSDAY (FLASHED COMPUTER TO CLEAR CODES), NOTICED THE VEHICLE WAS SLUGGISH. WHILE DRIVING AT 60 MPH FRIDAY AFTERNOON 10 JULY SLUGGISHNESS CONTINUED TO INCREASE, GEAR SHIFTING BECAME ERRATIC, THEN THE COLLISION PREVENTION OFF LIGHT AND LINE WARNING OFF LIGHT MESSAGES DISPLAYED - BUT NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. SHORTLY THEREAFTER THE VEHICLE TOTALLY FAILED TO MAINTAIN SPEED OR ACCELERATE. COASTED OFF THE EXIT RAMP AND CALLED FOR A TOW TRUCK. DO NOT KNOW WHETHER BRAKE LIGHTS WERE OPERABLE WHILE THIS WAS OCCURRING. I AM AWARE THERE IS A RECALL WQS-54 ON THE EYE-SIGHT SYSTEM (WHICH WE SHOWED THE DEALER SERVICE ADVISOR). HAVING NO WAY TO KNOW IF BRAKE LIGHTS ARE OPERABLE IS A SEVERE SAFETY HAZARD. I HAVE NOT RECEIVED ANY NOTIFICATION FROM SUBARU REGARDING THIS RECALL. UPDATED 11/14/2017*CN
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 7, 2015
THE VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH THE 3.6R ENGINE AND A CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE TRANSMISSION. WHEN DESCENDING A LONG HILL IN A FIXED GEAR RATIO (USUALLY 2ND OR 3RD) THE VEHICLE SLOWS NORMALLY UNTIL THE RPM REACHES APPROXIMATELY 1200 RPM AT WHICH POINT THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY BEGINS ACCELERATING UNTIL THE RPM REACHES APPROXIMATELY 2500 RPM AT WHICH POINT THE PROCESS REPEATS. I OBSERVE THE "MPG" SUDDENLY DROP AT THE SAME TIME TO AROUND 25 MPG WHEN THE VEHICLE ACCELERATES. IT RISES BACK TO "99" WHEN IT SLOWS. NOTE THAT DURING THE ENTIRE SEQUENCE MY FOOT IS OFF THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND THE THROTTLE ANGLE DISPLAY SHOWS ZERO. I FIND THIS VERY HAZARDOUS AS THE UNINTENDED ACCELERATION CAN OCCUR WHEN ENTERING OR WITHIN A TURN CREATING A CRASH RISK. UPADTE 9/15/15*CW
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 7, 2015
WHEN THE ENGINE IS COLD, THE IDLE SPEED IS 1600 RPM WHEN STARTED. WHEN PLACED IN REVERSE OR DRIVE IT REDUCES TO A NOMINAL 900-1000 RPM. WHEN THE VEHICLE STARTS TO MOVE IT SUDDENLY DROPS TO 600 RPM. WHEN BRAKING TO A STOP AFTER MOVING VEHICLE THE RPM SUDDENLY JUMPS TO 900-1000 RPM JUST BEFORE VEHICLE HALTS. THIS CAUSES SUDDEN UNEXPECTED ACCELERATION OF THE VEHICLE AND PRESENTS A SAFETY HAZARD. I BELIEVE THIS IS DUE TO AN ENGINE/TRANSMISSION SOFTWARE ISSUE. THIS HAS OCCURRED SINCE NEW. UPDATED 9/15/15*CW UPDATED 11/07/2017*CN
Visibility/wiper, Jul 3, 2015
DROVE THROUGH A CONSTRUCTION ZONE ON A MILITARY BASE (30 MPH) AND PARKED AT THE BANK. NO NOISE INDICATION OF A ROCK HITTING THE WINDSHIELD. CAME OUT OF THE BANK AND THERE WAS A 6-8 INCH CRACK STARTING UNDER THE PASSENGER SIDE WIPERS, THAT EXTENDED FROM THE EDGE UP INTO THE PASSENGERS VIEW. DROVE THE CAR ANOTHER APPROXIMATELY 10 MINUTES TO GET HOME, CRACK BECAME 12-16 INCHES. PARKED THE CAR IN THE DRIVEWAY AND MARKED IT WITH A WINDOW MARKER. THE NEXT DAY THE CRACK WAS 3 INCHES LONGER....FROM SITTING IN THE DRIVEWAY?? EITHER WAY, HERE IT IS JULY AND STILL WAITING ON A NEW WINDSHIELD. CRACK EXTENDS HALFWAY UP AND INTO THE MIDDLE OF THE WINDSHIELD...AND THE CAR HAS NOT BEEN DRIVEN. IT HAS BEEN PARKED SINCE THE 19TH OF JUNE BUT THE CRACK IS STILL GETTING BIGGER.
Other or unspecified, Visibility/wiper, Jul 2, 2015
WE HAD THE SAME EXPERIENCE WITH OUR WINDSHIELD THAT OTHERS HAVE HAD -- SEE, EG, COMPLAINT # 10730819. ABOUT TWO WEEKS AFTER BUYING A NEW 2015 OUTBACK, WHILE DRIVING OUT OF OUR SOMEWHAT STEEPLY-ANGLED GARAGE, THE WINDSHIELD CRACKED. I SAW NO EVIDENCE OF A STONE HITTING THE WINDSHIELD AND THOUGHT THERE WAS A STRUCTURAL DEFECT. TOOK THE CAR TO OUR DEALER WHO DID A "PEN TEST" ON THE EXTERIOR OF THE WINDSHIELD. THE PEN TIP, INDEED, CAUGHT IN THE CRACK AND THE REPAIR PERSON SAID THAT INDICATED A ROCK HIT AND WE JUST HAD UNFORTUNATE LUCK. THE CRACK GREW QUICKLY, SNAKING AROUND THE WINDSHIELD, WHILE WE WAITED A FEW WEEKS FOR THE REPLACEMENT WINDSHIELD TO BECOME AVAILABLE VIA SAFELITE. BASED ON THIS AND OTHER COMMENT SITES, I'M CONCERNED ABOUT A REPEAT CRACK. ALSO, OF COURSE, WONDERING IF IT WAS REALLY JUST "BAD LUCK." OUR SUBARU DEALER'S SERVICE DEPARTMENT HAS BEEN NON-COMMUNICATIVE. I CONTACTED SUBARU CORPORATE WITH A COMPLAINT AND RECEIVED NO RESPONSE. DEEPLY DISAPPOINTED - AND WE'VE BEEN A "SUBARU FAMILY" FOR A LONG TIME.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jun 28, 2015
WE RECENTLY PURCHASED A NEW 2015 SUBARU 3.6 R OUTBACK (CURRENTLY LESS THAN 600 MILES) AND THE SRVD (BLIND SPOT & REAR CROSS TRAFFIC DETECTION) SYSTEM KEEPS MALFUNCTIONING. THIS HAPPENS WHEN THE VEHICLE IS STARTED AND DOES NOT GO AWAY WHEN DRIVING. A SMALL YELLOW " I " ICON DISPLAYS IN THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER BUT IS EASY TO OVERLOOK SINCE THERE IS NO AUDIBLE WARNING. THE SYSTEM STARTS WORKING AGAIN IF THE CAR IS STOPPED, AND THE ENGINE IS TURNED OFF AND ON - UNTIL OF COURSE THE NEXT RANDOM FAILURE. THIS IS A CASE OF A "FALSE NEGATIVE" ERROR, BECAUSE THE THE SIDE BLIND-SPOT MIRRORS INDICATE THAT THE SIDES ARE CLEAR TO PASS, WHEN THEY MAY BE NOT. IT WOULD HAVE BEEN PREFERABLE WITH A "FALSE POSITIVE" ERROR, NAMELY THE SIDE BLIND-SPOT MIRRORS INDICATE THAT THE SIDES ARE NOT CLEAR TO PASS EVEN IF THEY ARE! WHAT IS TRULY ALARMING IS THAT THE DEALER WAS NOT ABLE TO REPLICATE THE PROBLEM CODES EVEN AFTER KEEPING THE CAR OVERNIGHT FOR FURTHER TEST DRIVES. SINCE MY FAMILY HAS COME TO RELY ON THIS SAFETY SYSTEM IT IS POTENTIALLY A VERY SERIOUS HAZARD. I HOPE SUBARU TAKES THIS MATTER SERIOUSLY AND (UNLIKE TOYOTA) ALERTS ALL THEIR CUSTOMERS IMMEDIATELY BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE, AND COMES UP WITH A FIX ASAP.
Visibility/wiper, Jun 24, 2015
CAR WAS PARKED IN A PARKING LOT AWAY FROM TREES OR ANY OTHER VEGETATION. WAS GONE FROM CAR FOR APPROXIMATELY 10 MINUTES. UPON RETURN, THERE WAS A 12 INCH CRACK DESCENDING FROM UPPER RIGHT HAND CORNER OF WINDSHIELD. BY MORNING, AFTER HAVING BEEN PARKED INSIDE A LOCKED GARAGE, AND WITH LESS THAN 2 MORE MILES DRIVEN, CRACK HAD GROWN ANOTHER 12 INCHES (APPROXIMATELY.)
Other or unspecified, Jun 24, 2015
THERE ARE TWO PROBLEMS. ONE HAPPENED TWICE. WHEN IN DRIVE AND FOOT ON THE BRAKE FOR A LONG TIME -ABOUT 3 OR 4 MINUTES. THE BRAKE GOES SOFT, THE ENGINE SPEEDS UP AND THE CAR TAKES OFF. IF SOMEONE OR CAR IS IN FRONT OF ME THE CRASH WHEN BE BAD. THE SECOND PROBLEM IS WHEN TURNING LEFT INTO A PARKING SPACE THE SAME THING HAPPENED ABOUT 5 TIMES. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT HAS LOOKED FOR THE PROBLEM BUT DID NOT FIND ANYTHING. A FIELD ENGINEER HOOK UP A COMPUTER AND RODE WITH ME FOR ABOUT 2 HOURS. OF COURSE NOTING HAPPENED. ALSO THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT KEPT THE CAR OVER NIGHT AND DROVE IT WITH NO PROBLEMS. AS THEY ALL HAVE TOLD ME IF NO PROBLEM HAPPENS WHEN THEY HAVE IT THEY CAN NOT FIX IT. NOW I MAY TURN THE CAR BACK IN (A LEASE CAR) AND BE OUT MANY THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS OR DRIVE WITH FEAR AND HOPE NOTHING BAD HAPPENS.
Steering, Jun 24, 2015
NEW 2015 SUBARU OUTBACK STEERING WANDERING LEFT AND RIGHT PREVENTING THE CAR FROM BEING STEERED STRAIGHT. WITHOUT CONSTANT DRIVER ATTENTION VEHICLE WANDERS ACROSS LANES OR OFF ROAD.
Visibility/wiper, Jun 18, 2015
OUR SUBARU OUTBACK WAS IMPACTED BY A SMALL PEBBLE THAT CRACKED OUR WINDSHIELD. I PUT IN A CLAIM WITH OUR INSURANCE COMPANY IMMEDIATELY AND SETUP A REPLACEMENT WITH SAFELITE. GOT A CALL LATER INDICATING THAT THE PART IS NOT IN STOCK AND NEEDS TO BE ORDERED. THAT WAS 4 WEEKS AGO AT THIS POINT AND STILL NO INDICATION OF WHEN THIS WILL BE RESOLVED. THE CRACKS CONTINUE TO SPREAD AND NOW IS A SAFETY ISSUE SINCE THE CRACKS ARE IN THE DRIVER'S LINE OF SIGHT. I (AND I ASSUME MANY OTHER PEOPLE) HAVE TRIED CONTACTING SUBARU AND I FOR ONE AM NOT GETTING ANY RESPONSE FROM THEM ON THIS ISSUE THUS WE NEED TO CONTINUE DRIVING AN UNSAFE CAR DUE TO THE FACT WE DO NOT HAVE THE MONEY TO HAVE A RENTAL AND AGAIN BECAUSE NO ONE CAN PROVIDE AN ETA WE WOULDN'T KNOW HOW LONG WE'D NEED ONE ASSUMING WE COULD GET ONE. BASED ON WHAT I READ HERE THIS COULD HAPPEN AGAIN WITHIN A SHORT TIME ONCE WE DO GET THE WINDSHIELD REPLACED. SOME TYPE OF INVESTIGATION NEEDS TO BE CONDUCTED AND A RECALL ISSUED. I THINK THERE IS ENOUGH EVIDENCE TO SHOW THERE IS SOME KIND OF DEFECT WITH THE WINDSHIELDS OF THIS CAR AND WHEN SAFETY IS THREATENED, STEPS SHOULD BE TAKEN TO PROTECT US. I APOLOGIZE IF THIS DOESN'T FIT THE CRITERIA OF WHAT SHOULD BE POSTED HERE BUT NOT HAVING A REPLACEMENT WINDSHIELD IN A TIMELY FASHION IN ITSELF IS A SAFETY HAZARD.
Visibility, Jun 16, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE PARKED, THE VEHICLE DEVELOPED A CRACK IN THE WINDSHIELD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,250.
Visibility/wiper, Jun 15, 2015
WE SENT A SIMILAR EMAIL TO SUBARU OF AMERICA JUNE 5. THEY HAVE BEEN RESPONSIVE...BUT WE STILL HAVE A CRACKED WINDSHIELD AND IT REMAINS A DRIVING DISTRACTION....WE PURCHASED OUR 2015 OUTBACK IN JANUARY FROM SUBARU OF LAS VEGAS. IN APRIL A WINDSHIELD CRACK APPEARED -WE DIDN'T SEE THE ROCK, SAW NO CHIP TO CAUSE IT BUT THE DEALER SAID HE COULD FEEL ONE, SO SORRY, NO WARRANTY, SO WE CLAIMED IT ON THE INSURANCE -REPLACED A FEW WEEKS AGO FOR THE $500 DEDUCTIBLE. CHANGED TO A $100 DEDUCTIBLE THE FIRST OF JUNE AND TWO DAYS LATER ANOTHER CRACK-INSTANT AND BIGGER. SAW THE ROCK THIS TIME. CLAIMED ON THE INSURANCE, AGAIN, BUT SAFELIGHT HAD TO CANCEL THE APPOINTMENT DUE TO A SHORTAGE OF SUBARU WINDSHIELDS -THE AFTERMARKET ONES ARE OUT, AND DEALER IS APPARENTLY HAVING TO RATION OUT THE OEMS!!! SO WE GET TO DRIVE WITH A GLARING, HAZARDOUS CRACK...I CHECKED ON THE INTERNET AND FOUND PAGES OF NEW SUBARU WINDSHIELD CRACK PROBLEMS SIMILAR TO OURS -SOME SEEMED TO INDICATE SOA HAD COVERED REPLACEMENT UNDER WARRANTY WHICH SHOULD HAVE HAPPENED THE FIRST TIME AS THERE TRULY WAS NO CHIP TO START THE CRACK. SUBARU NEEDS TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS -MAYBE THICKER GLASS? MAYBE A RECALL? WE'VE DRIVEN SUBARU'S FOR MANY YEARS AND HAVE NOT HAD THIS TYPE OF PROBLEM. PLEASE ADVISE AS TO REPAIRS, REIMBURSEMENTS, ETC., AND WHAT YOU ARE DOING TO FIX THE PROBLEM FOR THE FUTURE -WE CANNOT BE REPLACING THE WINDSHIELD EVERY FEW MONTHS! NOW IT IS GOING ON THREE WEEKS AND NO WINDSHIELD, WHILE THE CRACK KEEPS GETTING BIGGER THANKS
Visibility/wiper, Jun 15, 2015
WHILE WASHING MY CAR, THE PASSENGER SIDE WIPER BLADE WAS EXTENDED AND RETRACTED INTO THE WINDSHIELD. I FINISHED BY DRYING THE CAR, INCLUDING THE WINDSHIELD, WITH A CHAMOIS CLOTH. NO DAMAGE WAS NOTICEABLE AT THAT TIME. AFTER DRIVING TO THE GROCERY STORE AND BACK HOME, NEVER GOING OVER 40 MPH, I LOOKED OVER AND NOTICED AN 18 INCH CRACK HAD DEVELOPED ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE WINDSHIELD. CLOSE INSPECTION REVEALS A POSSIBLE VERY SMALL IMPACT MARK DIRECTLY UNDER ONE OF THE METAL BLADE RETENTION PIECES ON THE WIPER BLADE FRAME. THERE WERE NO ROCKS THAT HIT THE WINDSHIELD BETWEEN THE CAR WASH, THE GROCERY STORE, AND HOME. I WAS TOLD BY THE DEALERSHIP THAT I WOULD NEED TO PAY TO REPLACE IT, AND THAT I COULD JUST GET SAFELITE TO DO IT. SAFELITE ORDERED THE GLASS FOR ME AND CONFIRMED WHAT THE DEALERSHIP HAD SAID, THAT I WOULD HAVE TO WAIT INDEFINITELY FOR THE GLASS, AS IT IS ON BACK ORDER. THIS NO DOUBT IS DUE TO THE HIGH NUMBER OF FAILURES AS SEEN ON THIS WEBSITE AND ELSEWHERE ON THE INTERNET. THE LOCAL SAFELITE REPAIR SHOP EVEN HAD 5 SUBARU VEHICLES WITH REPLACEMENT GLASS ON ORDER. MY RESEARCH HAS UNCOVERED NUMEROUS CUSTOMERS WHO HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE GLASS ON THESE 2015 VEHICLES MULTIPLE TIMES. IN MY 37 YEARS OF DRIVING, I HAVE HAD WINDSHIELD WIPER BLADES RETRACT AGAINST THE WINDSHIELD UNTOLD NUMBERS OF TIMES, AND THIS IS THE FIRST TIME IT HAS EVER CAUSED A FAILURE. I THINK SUBARU NEEDS TO INVESTIGATE THIS ISSUE, FIND OUT WHY IT IS OCCURRING, AND REIMBURSE THOSE CUSTOMERS WHO HAVE BEEN IMPACTED. THIS IS MY FIRST SUBARU. OTHER THAN THIS ISSUE, I LIKE THEIR PRODUCT VERY MUCH. MY CONTINUED ALLEGIANCE TO THEM WILL DEPEND ON HOW THEY HANDLE THIS ISSUE.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Visibility/wiper, Jun 15, 2015
VEHICLE WAS PARKED OUTSIDE OVERNIGHT. IN THE MORNING A 12" S SHAPED CRACK HAD APPEARED IN THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE WINDSHIELD. THERE WAS NO DETECTABLE PRIOR DAMAGE AND NO KNOWN IMPACT TO CAUSE THE CRACK. THE CRACK HAS CONTINUED TO GROW AND BRANCH. DEALER STATES THE WINDSHIELD FAILS THE "PEN TEST," I.E. THERE IS A TINY NICK AT ONE POINT OF THE CRACK WHICH, THEY SAY, PROVES THE CRACK IS DUE TO IMPACT DAMAGE. I BELIEVE THE CHIP APPEARED AFTER THE CRACK FORMED, BUT CANNOT PROVE THIS (NOR CAN THE DEALER PROVE THE OPPOSITE). ONLINE RESEARCH SUGGESTS THERE IS A DESIGN DEFECT IN 2015 SUBARU OUTBACK WINDSHIELDS, WHICH FAIL AT REMARKABLE RATE.
Equipment adaptive/mobility, Jun 11, 2015
DRIVING IN A HEAVY THUNDERSTORM, EYESIGHT AUTOMATICALLY WENT OFF BUT AUTOMATICALLY CAME BACK ON AS THE RAIN DIMINISHED. SO DID THE ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL. THIS IS EXPECTED. HOWEVER, THE SRVD (BLIND SPOT MONITOR, ETC.) TOTALLY SHUT DOWN. THE CAR NO LONGER HAS WORKING BLIND SPOT MONITOR OR REAR BACK UP ALERT WARNING. CONTACTED DEALER SAID THAT THE RADAR IN THE REAR BUMPER SHUT DOWN. TWO WEEKS AND THE DEALER NOR SUBARU HAS NOT FOUND THE PART TO REPAIR THIS FEATURE. CAR WAS PURCHASED IN SEPT. 2014 NEW.
Service brakes, Jun 10, 2015
THE 2015 SUBARU OUTBACK 2.5I LIMITED W EYESIGHT SYSTEM HAD BEEN PARKED ON A SURFACE PARKING LOT NEAR MARSHALL BWI AIRPORT FOR ABOUT 12 DAYS. THE PARKING BRAKE HAD BEEN APPLIED AT THE TIME OF ORIGINAL PARKING. THIS ELECTRONIC BRAKE COULD NOT BE DISENGAGED AFTER REPEATED STARTS OF THE CAR. BRAKES WERE APPARENTLY LOCKED. A TOW TRUCK WAS CALLED. THE CAR HAD TO BE MOVED WITH THE BRAKES ON TO GET IT OUT OF THE PARKING SPACE AND ON TO A FLATBED TOW TRUCK. THE DEALER FOUND THAT THE LEFT REAR WHEEL BRAKE WAS LOCKED IN POSITION. APPARENTLY THE OTHER THREE WHEELS WERE FREE TO MOVE. THE EYESIGHT SYSTEM MALFUNCTION LIGHT WAS ON THE DRIVERS SCREEN. THE SERVICE ADVISOR RECOMMENDED THAT THE PARKING BRAKE NOT BE APPLIED WHEN THE VEHICLE IS PARKED FOR A NUMBER DAYS, PARTICULARLY ON A FLAT SURFACE.
Other or unspecified, Jun 9, 2015
WAS DRIVING AND A SMALL ROCK HIT THE WINDSHIELD. I DIDN'T THINK ANY THING OF IT AT THE TIME. I PARKED CAR IN THE DRIVEWAY. WHEN I CAME OUT A COUPLE OF HOURS LATER THERE WAS A HUGE CRACK.