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, Apr 9, 2015
PURCHASED CAR NEW FROM DEALER. CAR HAD BEEN SITTING IN DRIVEWAY FOR 4-5 DAYS. I WENT OUTSIDE AND NOTICED A LONG HORIZONTAL CRACK IN THE WINDSHIELD RUNNING FROM HALF WAY UP DRIVERS SIDE TO THE MIDDLE OF THE GLASS. I DID NOT SEE OR HEAR ANYTHING HIT THE WINDSHIELD AT ANY TIME WHILE I HAD BEEN DRIVING, AND I CAN SEE NO CHIPS, PITS OR SCRATCHES IN THE WINDSHIELD. THERE ARE NUMEROUS REPORTS OF THESE "SPONTANEOUS" WINDSHIELD CRACKS FROM NEW OUTBACK OWNERS ON THE SUBARU OWNERS WEBSITE, SO I KNOW THIS IS NOT SOME RANDOM UNLUCKY EVENT. SOME OWNERS HAVE REPORTED 2-3 WINDSHIELD REPLACEMENTS CRACKING. SUBARU DEALERS REFUSE TO TAKE BLAME. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED BY SUBARU!! *TR
Visibility/wiper, Apr 7, 2015
WHILE DRIVING ON THE ACCESS ROAD AT AROUND 38MPH. A ROCK HIT THE WINDSHIELD AND CAUSED A 8INCH CRACK AT THE LOWER PART OF DRIVERS SIDE AND GOES UP INTO DRIVERS VISIBILITY. I HAVE HAVE OWNED A SUBARU IN THE PAST AND HAVE HAD SEVERAL WINDSHIELD INCIDENTS AND NEVER SEEN THIS HAPPEN OR SEVERE. I FEAR THAT THEIR IS A DEFECT IN THE WINDSHIELD AND SPOKE WITH SUBARU AND THEY ARE UNWILLING TO REPAIR IT OR TAKE ACTION TO THE SAFETY OF MY VEHICLE. *TR
Visibility/wiper, Apr 2, 2015
WAS STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT THIS MORNING AND MY WINDSHIELD SPONTANEOUSLY DEVELOPED AN 8 INCH CRACK. NO ROCK OR IMPACT. THIS IS THE THIRD WINDSHIELD I WILL HAVE TO HAVE REPLACED ON THIS CAR IN FOUR MONTHS. *TR
Power train, Mar 28, 2015
.OF US AS TRAFFIC WAS CAUSING IT TO SPEED UP AND SLOW DOWN. WITH NO WARNING, OUR CAR SUDDENLY LURCHED AHEAD AS IF I HAD STEPPED HARD ON THE GAS PEDAL, THROWING US BACK IN OUR SEATS. AFTER A FEW SECONDS, IT HIT BRAKES AND THREW US FORWARD. IT DID NOT COMPLETELY STOP BUT RESUMED PREVIOUS SPEED. THIS CONTINUED TO HAPPEN EVERY COUPLE OF MINUTES. I TOOK THE FIRST EXIT THAT APPEARED, ABOUT TWO MILES AHEAD. I WAS VERY FRIGHTENED THAT WE MIGHT COLLIDE WITH THE VAN IN FRONT OR SWERVE INTO THE TRAFFIC IN THE LANE NEXT TO US, OR THAT IT MIGHT SUDDENLY STALL IN OUR LANE. I DID NOT TRY TO STOP THE CAR ALTHOUGH I HAD MY FOOT RESTING ON THE BRAKE PEDAL. IT BADLY FRIGHTENED MY WIFE AND I. THE CAR HAS A CVT TRANSMISSION. WE STOPPED IN A PARKING LOT AND THEN HAD CAR TOWED TO CLOSEST OF TWO SUBARU DEALERS IN THE AREA. I HAD BOTH OF THEM RUN EXTENSIVE CHECKS ON ENGINE, POWER TRAIN, COMPUTER, ETC. NEITHER COULD IDENTIFY ANY ISSUES THAT WOULD CAUSE THE PROBLEM. MY WIFE HAS SWORN SHE WILL NEVER DRIVE OR RIDE IN THE CAR AGAIN. I CAN'T BLAME HER. WE HAVE TO GO OVER A WINDING, HILLY ROAD OF ABOUT TEN MILES TO GO HOME. THERE IS HEAVY CAR AND TRUCK TRAFFIC OFF AND ON THROUGHOUT THE DAY. TO GET HOME, WE RENTED A CAR AS I NOW FEAR DRIVING THIS ROAD IN THIS CAR AT ANYTIME DAY OR NIGHT. THE DEALER WHERE WE BOUGHT THE CAR HAS OFFERED TO STORE THE CAR FOR US UNTIL WE DECIDE WHAT TO DO. I'VE TRIED CALLING SUBARU AND WILL TRY AGAIN. LONG WAIT PERIODS SO FAR. THIS IS OUR SECOND SUBARU. FIRST WAS A 2012 OUTBACK WHICH WE TRADED FOR THE CURRENT ONE WHICH WE HAVE LEASED. THE IRONY OF THIS IS THAT WE BOUGHT THE CURRENT ONE FOR ITS MANY SAFETY FEATURES! I'VE OWNED MANY CARS IN MY LIFE BUT HAVE NEVER EXPERIENCED ANYTHING LIKE THIS! *TR
Vehicle speed control, Mar 25, 2015
CRUISE CONTROL: WHEN THE CRUISE CONTROL (+/-) TOGGLE SWITCH ON THE STEERING WHEEL , WHICH IS USED TO SET OR CHANGE THE SPEED SETTING OF THE CRUISE CONTROL, IS PRESSED DOWN TO THE MINUS OR SET SIDE, IT INTERMITTENTLY AND IN VARIABLE CONDITIONS EITHER DOES NOT REACT AT ALL (I.E. NO CHANGE TO THE SPEED SETTING), FLASHES THE SPEED SETTING ON THE SCREEN DISPLAY, BUT DOES NOT CHANGE IT OR MORE IMPORTANTLY IT INCREASES THE SPEED SETTING AND IN SOME CASES HAS CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO ACCELERATE WHILE THE DRIVER IS ATTEMPTING TO DECREASE THE SPEED SETTING OF THE CRUISE CONTROL. *TR
Engine, Mar 24, 2015
DEAR SIR, ON FEBRUARY 11,2015 WE PURCHASED A NEW 2015 OUTBACK 2.5 PREMIUM AT SELLER DEALER 400106 VIN [XXX] AND THE ODOMETER READING WAS 10 MILES. THIS WAS OUR DREAM CAR THAT WE SAVED FOR A FEW YEARS TO FINALLY PURCHASE. IT DEVELOPED AN ENGINE KNOCKING NOISE AT ONLY 1000 MILES ON THE ODOMETER. SO I TOOK IT TO THE SUBARU DEALER FOR EVALUATION ON 3/18/15 AND AFTER 2 DAYS THERE THEY DETERMINED THAT THE ENGINE HAD A PROBLEM AND WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED ACCORDING TO SUBARU EXPERTS. I REALLY RESPECT SUBARU??S AND THEIR HISTORY, BUT WE NO LONGER CONSIDER THIS ONE OUR DREAM CAR. IF THE POWER PLANT IS FAULTY WE WONDER WHAT ELSE IS GOING TO GO WRONG WITH IT. MY FAMILY WILL NO LONGER FEEL SAFE. THOUGH THE CAR MAY OR MAY NOT FALL UNDER THE SONG-BEVERLY CONSUMER WARRANTY ACT WE WANT A REPLACEMENT FOR THE SAME TYPE VEHICLE, NOTHING MORE AND NOTHING LESS. I FEEL THE ENGINE SHOULD NOT OF FAILED AT ONLY 1,000 MILES ON IT AND I'M SURE [XXX] WOULD STRONGLY AGREE. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Seats, Mar 22, 2015
I HAVE A NEW 2015 SUBARU OUTBACK LIMITED. WITHIN A MONTH OF PURCHASE, IT STARTED GIVING ME LOWER BACK PAIN. SEVERAL OWNERS OF NEW 2015 OUTBACK INCLUDING PROFESSIONAL REVIEWERS ARE ALSO REPORTING BACK PAIN AND INJURIES BECAUSE OF OVER EXTENDING LUMBAR SUPPORT - SOME EXAMPLES ATTACHED BELOW. WHEN CONTACTED SUBARU, I WAS ADVISED THAT NOTHING CAN BE DONE TO REDUCE THE LUMBAR SUPPORT. DEALER ALSO ADVISED ME THAT NOTHING CAN BE DONE FROM THEIR SIDE. IT WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED IF THIS CAN BE INVESTIGATED. HTTP://WWW.SUBARUOUTBACK.ORG/FORUMS/138-GEN-5-2015-PRESENT/210521-TOO-AGGRESSIVE-LUMBAR-SUPPORT-KILLING-MY-BACK.HTML HTTP://WWW.KBB.COM/CAR-NEWS/ALL-THE-LATEST/2015-SUBARU-LEGACY-FINALLY-A-CONTENDER/2000010841/. *TR
Other or unspecified, Mar 22, 2015
AFTER JUST PICKING UP MY NEW 2015 SUBARU OUTBACK AND DRIVING IN BRIGHT SUNLIGHT, I REALIZED THERE IS A HAZARDOUS CONDITION RELATED TO THE CAR'S INFOTAINMENT CENTER. THE AREA SURROUNDING THE DISPLAY SCREEN IS AN EXTREMELY GLOSSY BLACK MIRROR-LIKE REFLECTIVE SURFACE. WHILE DRIVING, THE SUN REFLECTS OFF OF THIS SURFACE INTO THE EYES OF THE DRIVER. THIS INTENSITY IS ENOUGH TO CAUSE EYE PAIN, AS WELL AS DISTRACT THE DRIVER. NOW WHEN DRIVING ON A SUNNY DAY, RATHER THAN KEEPING BOTH HANDS ON THE WHEEL, I NEED TO USE MY RIGHT HAND TO SHIELD MY EYES FROM THIS DISTRACTING REFLECTED GLARE. I ATTEMPTED TO PURCHASE AN ANTI-GLARE SHIELD, BUT THEY ONLY COVER THE DISPLAY AREA (WHICH ACTUALLY IS NOT REFLECTIVE). I NEED TO COVER THE REFLECTIVE PERIMETER TRIM AREA. SUBARU NEEDS TO PROVIDE AN ANTI-GLARE SHIELD THAT COVERS THE ENTIRE INFOTAINMENT CENTER. *TR
Electrical system, Visibility, Mar 18, 2015, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS ON, THE FRONT WINDOW DEFROSTER CAUSED THE FRONT WINDSHIELD TO CRACK. THE CRACK WAS LOCATED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE WINDSHIELD AND EXTENDED UPWARD. ALSO, THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE PLASTIC EXTERIOR PANEL NEAR THE WINDOW MELTED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,400...UPDATED 06/09/15*BF UPDATED 9/28/2017*CN
Exterior lighting, Mar 18, 2015
2015 SUBARU OUTBACK. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE TAIL LIGHT ISSUES. CONSUMER HAS PREVIOUS COMPLAINT WITH A DIFFERENT VEHICLE LISTED IN ARTEMIS. *SMD THE CONSUMER NOTICED WHILE DRIVING IN THE SNOW, THE HEAT FROM THE TAIL LIGHTS WAS NOT SUFFICIENT ENOUGH TO KEEP SNOW FROM ACCUMULATING ON THE TAIL LAMP. *JB
Visibility/wiper, Mar 11, 2015
4 MONTH OLD 2015 SUBARU OUTBACK: MOONROOF EXPLODED, FROM THE INSIDE OUT, WHILE ON INTERSTATE; WEATHER WAS CLEAR AND ABOUT 60DEGREE DAY AROUND 2:30PM EST; NOTHING HIT THE CAR, SUNROOF EXPLODED,VERY LOUDLY, UP THEN THE SHATTERED GLASS WENT EVERYWHERE INSIDE THE CAR AND OVER ME, AS WELL AS OVER THE TOP OF THE CAR, LEAVING SCRATCHES AND DENTS, REQUIRING BODY SHOP WORK TO THE OUTSIDE. THE CLOTH COVER WAS OPEN; THE DRIVER SIDE WINDOW HAD JUST BEEN ROLLED UP; HAD BEEN ON THE ROAD FOR ABOUT 10MINS BEFORE IT OCCURRED, AFTER HAVING BEEN PARKED IN UNCOVERED PARKING LOT FOR SEVERAL HOURS; WAS MERGING ONTO THE INTERSTATE; I CAN SUPPLY PICTURES IF NEEDED. ALSO, THIS SAME CAR HAS A SEAL GAP ISSUE IN THE TRIANGULAR WINDOW ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW. AN INITIAL RESEALING DONE WEEKS AFTER DELIVERY OF THE CAR DID NOT STAY SEALED. SUBARU HAS ISSUED A 'KIT' NOW TO FIX THE SEAL PROBLEM OF THE TRIANGULAR WINDOW, WHICH I AM CURRENTLY ON A WAIT LIST FOR. *TR
Structure, Equipment, Visibility/wiper, Mar 7, 2015
THE TOUCH SCREEN THAT CONTROLS THE SYSTEM'S RADIO/NAVIGATION IS VERY GLOSSY AND WHILE DRIVING HOME, THE SUN HIT IT AT AN ANGLE AND BLINDED ME. WAS BARELY ABLE TO DRIVE, HAD TO PLACE MY HAND OVER THE 7" SCREEN TO REDUCE THE BRIGHT SUN GLARE WHICH WAS IMPEDING MY VISIBILITY AND MADE IT VERY UNSAFE TO DRIVE THE CAR. THIS NEEDS TO BE RECALLED AS IT WILL CAUSE ACCIDENTS IF DRIVERS ARE BLINDED BY THE LIGHT THAT BOUNCES BACK.
Electrical system, Mar 3, 2015
I HAVE HAD 3 INTERMITTENT START UP ISSUES WHEN THE TEMPERATURE IS BELOW 0 DEGREES ON MY NEW 2015 OUTBACK. IT OCCURS AFTER A SHORT TRIP, LESS THAN 10 MILES. WHEN I WENT BACK TO TRY AND START THE CAR THE FIRST TIME THE DOOR IS OPEN BELL CHIMED, BUT THE CAR WOULD NOT START UP.THE HEATER, RADIO AND OTHER ELECTRONICS WERE NOT SHOWING ON THE SCREEN. THE THIRD TIME THE CAR KEY WOULD NOT EVEN TURN IN THE IGNITION. I LEFT THE KEY IN THE IGNITION AND 10 MINUTES LATER THE CAR WOULD START. BEING STRANDED IN BELOW 0 CONDITIONS IS A SCARY PROPOSITION! I HAVE READ ON THE SUBARU.ORG THREAD THAT THERE IS A RELAY SWITCH ISSUE. *TR
Electrical system, Engine, Feb 26, 2015
TWO ISSUES; THE SIMILARLY REPORTED ELECTRICAL STOP. STARTED CAR ON COLD MORNING, DROVE SHORT DISTANCE, DROPPED KIDS OFF AT SCHOOL. WENT TO RESTART, AND CAR WAS COMPLETELY DEAD. HAD TO JUMP IT. SECOND ISSUE; BURNING OIL SMELL IN CABIN. OIL LEVEL WAS FINE, AND SMELL NOT COMING FROM TAIL PIPE. TOOK CAR TO SHOP TODAY FOR THE OIL SMELL, AND I TOLD THEM ABOUT THE ELECTRICAL STOP. THEY SAID THE ELECTRICAL ISSUE IS RELATED TO NEEDING TO REPLACE 4 RELAYS. THE OIL SMELL, HOWEVER, IS DUE TO A BAD CRANKCASE SEAL THAT THEY SAID FAILED MOST LIKELY DUE TO THE COLD. I FOUND SIMILAR REPORTS ON SUBARUOUTBACK.ORG/FORUMS/
Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Feb 26, 2015, crash
I HAVE 2015 SUBARU OUTBACK WITH EYESIGHT AND BLIND SPOT DETECTION. I HAD STOPPED THE VEHICLE IN THE DRIVEWAY, ABOUT 10 FT FROM THE GARAGE, WAITING FOR MY HUSBAND TO CLEAN THE FLOOR. THE ENGINE WAS RUNNING. WHEN MY HUSBAND CAME OUT OF THE GARAGE AND SIGNALED ME TO PARK THE VEHICLE INSIDE, I WAS ABOUT TO MOVE THE VEHICLE SLOWLY IN THE GARAGE. HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STARTED LIKE A BULLET, AS IF IT WAS TRYING TO ACCELERATE TO THAT SET SPEED, QUICKLY. MY HUSBAND HEARD THE WHEELS SCREECHING AND THE VEHICLE ACCELERATING. HE JUMPED ON THE SIDE AND SURVIVED BY AN INCH OR SO. WITHIN A FRACTION OF A SECOND, THE VEHICLE HIT THE CENTER SUPPORT WHICH SUPPORTS THE GARAGE DOORS, THEN THE SNOW BLOWER AND FURTHER STRUCK THE ITEMS KEPT AGAINST THE WALL BETWEEN THE HOUSE AND THE GARAGE, BEFORE COMING TO A STOP. IT APPEARS THAT, IN ADDITION TO THE BRAKE I APPLIED, EYESIGHT MAY HAVE HELPED STOP THE VEHICLE. I HAVE BEEN DRIVING IN THE US FOR OVER 18 YEARS WITHOUT A SINGLE INCIDENT. PARKING IN THE GARAGE IS THE SIMPLEST OF ALL THE TASKS. I STRONGLY BELIEVE THAT THE VEHICLE MAY HAVE ACCELERATED ON IT'S OWN DUE TO SOME MALFUNCTION.
Electrical system, Equipment, Feb 26, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE NAVIGATION VOICE COMMANDS FAILED TO ACTIVATE. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT HAD TO CONSTANTLY LOOK AT THE SCREEN, WHICH WAS A DISTRACTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE CONTACT WAS UNSURE ABOUT WHAT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE RECURRED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT ALL PERSONAL DATA NEEDED TO BE CLEARED OUT AS A TEMPORARY REMEDY. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THERE WAS NO REMEDY FOR THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,500.
Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 17, 2015
I WARMED THE CAR UP AND DROVE TO SHOPRITE. TWENTY MINUTES LATER I RETURNED TO THE CAR TO PUT THE STUFF AWAY TO GO HOME. WHEN I PRESSED THE BUTTON TO START THE CAR ONLY THE RADIO STARTED AND THE MESSAGE FLASHED KEYLESS START UP DEACTIVATED SEE MANUAL. I SAW THE MANUAL COULD, JUST ABOUT UNDERSTAND IT, DID WHAT IT TOLD ME NOTHING CHANGED. I CALLED ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE AT SUBARU AND THE LADY SAID IT WAS MY BATTERY EVEN THOUGH I TOLD HER WHAT THE MESSAGE SAID ON THE SCREEN. SHE SENT SOMEONE TO JUMP THE BATTERY .WHEN HE ARRIVED 50 MINUTES LATER THE CAR STARTED PERFECTLY. I CALLED SUBARU SERVICE AT MY DEALERSHIP ,THAT I HAVE USED SINCE 1979. THE PERSON I SPOKE TO SAID HE KNOWS NOTHING ABOUT IT. I LOOKED ON LINE AT THE SUBARU FORUM AND FOUND OTHERS EXPERIENCING THE SAME OR SIMILAR MESSAGE. I AM INCLUDING THEIR WEBSITE HTTP://WWW.SUBARUOUTBACK.ORG/FORUMS/66-PROBLEMS-MAINTENANCE/220162-2015-OUTBACK-NOT-STARTING. I WANT TO KNOW IF THE CAR RESETS ITSELF. NO ONE CAN TELL ME AT SUBARU (GLANNZMANS) I HAVE DRIVEN SUBARU SINCE 1979 AND THEY STARTED ALL THE TIME. THIS IS THE EYESIGHT MODEL SUPPOSEDLY REALLY SAFE BUT I DO NOT KNOW WHEN I LEAVE MY HOUSE IF THE CAR WILL START . I MAKES ME FEEL NOT VERY SAFE. *TR
Electrical system, Visibility/wiper, Feb 17, 2015
TWO INCIDENTS RELATED TO THE IGNITION/ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FOR THIS CAR HAPPENED DURING A SECOND START AFTER A SHORT TRIP IN COLD WEATHER. BOTH INCIDENTS OCCURRED IN TEMPERATURES AT OR BELOW 5 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT. THE CAR STARTED AND RAN NORMALLY, THEN AFTER I DROVE FOR SHORT TRIP (BETWEEN 5 AND 10 MINUTES LONG) I PARKED THE CAR, TURNED IT OFF AND LEFT IT FOR ABOUT 5-10 MINUTES. FOR THE FIRST INCIDENT: THE CAR WOULD NOT START. THE ACCESSORIES, INCLUDING THE HEAT/FAN SYSTEM AND RADIO WORKED, BUT THE CAR WOULD NOT CRANK. THE DASHBOARD "SECURITY IMMOBILIZER" INDICATOR FLASHED AS IF THE KEY WAS NOT IN THE IGNITION. AFTER LEAVING THE KEY IN THE "ON" POSITION FOR 5 MINUTES, ALL OF THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS BRIEFLY ILLUMINATED AND THE CAR WAS ABLE TO START AGAIN. THE SECOND INCIDENT: THE CAR STARTED, BUT THE ACCESSORIES, INCLUDING THE HEAT/FAN SYSTEM WOULD NOT TURN ON. I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE, BUT BECAUSE THERE WAS NO HEAT OR FAN, THE WINDSHEILD SOON BEGAN TO FOG-OVER, DIMINISHING VISIBILITY, DISABLING THE EYESIGHT SYSTEM, AND FORCING ME TO FIND A SAFE PLACE TO PULL OVER. AFTER THE CAR RAN FOR ABOUT 4 MINUTES TOTAL, THE ACCESSORIES TURNED ON AGAIN. I HAVE CONTACTED BOTH MY DEALER AND SUBARU OF AMERICA OF THIS PROBLEM, AND HAVE NOT YET BEEN ADVISED OF A SOLUTION OTHER THAN TO AVOID SHORT TRIPS IN COLD WEATHER. *TR
Visibility/wiper, Feb 16, 2015
AFTER OWNING CAR ROUGHLY 1.5 MONTHS, FRONT WINDSHIELD DEVELOPED A ROUGHLY 15 - 20 INCH CRACK STARTING FROM TOP LEFT SIDE STARTING FROM THE EDGE, WORKING DOWN AND ACROSS. CRACK APPEARS TO HAVE STARTED IN THE EDGE HEATING ELEMENT. POSSIBLE MINOR ROCK SCRAPE, BUT NO "PIT" OR "STAR." *TR
Electrical system, Air bags, Feb 16, 2015
WE TOOK DELIVERY OF THIS VEHICLE ON 1/2/2015. IT IS A 2.5 LIMITED MODEL WITH EYESIGHT, NAVIGATION AND KEYLESS IGNITION. ON THE DAY OF DELIVERY, THE ENTIRE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILED AND THE IGNITION DID NOT WORK. THE CAR WAS RETURNED TO THE DEALER WHO CHECKED THE BATTERY AND FOUND NOTHING WRONG. A FEW WEEKS LATER, THE SAME PROBLEM OCCURRED. AFTER FIVE MINUTES, THE PROBLEM RESOLVED ITSELF. THE CAR WAS AGAIN TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO INDICATED THAT THE PROBLEM HAD BEEN FIXED (LOOSE WIRE/FUSE). TODAY (2/16/2015), THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PARTIALLY FAILED. WHILE THE IGNITION WORKED AND SOME WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED (INCLUDING THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT). THE ENTIRE CENTER PANEL OF CONTROLS (RADIO, NAVIGATION, CLIMATE CONTROL, ETC.) WAS DISABLED. WE ARE CONCERNED BECAUSE THE EYESIGHT SYSTEM CONTROLS BRAKING, ACCELERATION, ETC. THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATION IS ALSO A CONCERN. WE HAVE SEEN THAT OTHER SUBARU OWNERS ARE REPORTING SIMILAR CHRONIC ISSUES WITH THEIR NEW SIMILARLY CONFIGURED VEHICLES. *TR
Structure, Feb 13, 2015
NOTE: NO ACCIDENT - REPORTING SAFETY ISSUE!!! INCIDENT DATE = DATE ISSUE IDENTIFIED: AS THE DRIVER, I AM SEEING LIGHT UNDER THE HOOD IN THE SPACE BETWEEN THE EDGE OF THE DASHBOARD AND THE OPENING UNDER THE HOOD. OUTSIDE LIGHT AND ROAD IMAGES ARE VISIBLE THROUGH THE OPENING FOR THE DRIVERS WIPER, DUE TO THE WIDE GAP BETWEEN THE DRIVERS FRONT FENDER AND HOOD. I FOUND THIS SHORTLY AFTER PURCHASE WHEN I ADJUSTED MY SEAT TO THE POSITION MOST COMFORTABLE FOR DRIVING. THIS WAS REPORTED TO MY DEALER AND SUBARU. IN ADDITION, I PRESENTED A VIDEO AND PICTURES THAT SHOWS FROM THE DRIVERS SEAT, INSIDE THE VEHICLE, I CAN CLEARLY SEE OUTSIDE LIGHT AND IMAGES WHICH IS DISTRACTING WHEN I DRIVE AND TO ME A SAFETY ISSUE. PLEASE REVIEW VIDEO AND PICTURES LINKS FOR FULL DETAILS: VIDEO: HTTP://YOUTU.BE/6EHUCZNJW2U STANDARD FORMAT VERSION (LOWERCASE ALL CHARACTERS EXPECT FOLLOWING /----CZN--2U) HD PICTURES: HTTPS://DRIVE.GOOGLE.COM/OPEN?ID=0BY5M44GNHDECFLLFADM0VMRNTM9PNS1KBEZIBEJ6EWSYCVJLEXRLSUFVTHNIWUPQRXHKR1K&AUTHUSER=0
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Feb 10, 2015
ACCELERATOR SUDDENLY BECAME UNRESPONSIVE RESULTING IN COMPLETE SLOWDOWN TO STOP IN TRAFFIC. HAD TO SHUT OFF VEHICLE AND RESTART NUMEROUS TIME TO GET TO SAFE LOCATION. RESULTED IN EXPENSIVE FIX AND COULD HAVE BEEN DISASTROUS IF OCCURRED DURING HIGHWAY/HEAVY TRAFFIC SITUATION. APPARENTLY WAS A SENSOR OF SOME SORT. HAPPENED A WHILE AGO, SO DATE PROVIDED IS APPROXIMATE, BUT I JUST BECAME AWARE OF THIS SITE. *TR
Structure, Visibility/wiper, Feb 9, 2015
WINDSHIELD DEVELOPED A CRACK WITH NO NOTICEABLE IMPACT FROM DEBRIS. FIRST INCIDENT DECEMBER 1, 2014, WINDSHIELD REPLACED WITH IDENTICAL MODEL BY CARLEX (MINUS THE SUBARU OEM STICKER). THE REPLACEMENT WINDSHIELD HAS EXHIBITED THE SAME SYMPTOMS (DEVELOPED A CRACK WITH NO NOTICEABLE IMPACT) ON JANUARY 15, 2015. THIS SEEMS LIKE A SAFETY ISSUE FOR STRUCTURAL AND VISIBILITY REASONS. BOTH CRACKS BEGAN IN THE WINDSHIELD WIPER HEATER AREA. *TR
Structure, Feb 7, 2015
THIS CAR HAS SUFFERED FROM, AS HAVE MANY OTHER 2015 SUBARU OUTBACKS FROM EXCESSIVE WIND NOISE. THE CAR HAS HAD 2 FIXES SO FAR AND THE PROBLEM PERSISTS. *JS
Exterior lighting, Feb 4, 2015
PROJECTOR BEAM HEADLIGHTS WITH SHARP CUT OFF..... LOW BEAM LIGHTS ARE BRIGHT AND GREAT ON LEVEL STRAIGHT ROAD AT MODERATE SPEEDS, DEVIATE FROM THAT AND IT IS DANGEROUS. NEED FURTHER PENETRATION FOR HIGH SPEED DRIVING.. GOING DOWNHILL OR ON ANY SLOPE AND AROUND CURVES LIMITED VISIBILITY;;; . DOWNHILL FREEWAY CLOVERLEAF ON RAMP, IMPOSSIBLE TO NEGOTIATE SAFELY WITH LOW BEAM.. DEPTH OF FIELD 20 TO 25 FEET, EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. LIGHTS JUST CUT OFF RIGHT IN FRONT OF YOU. HAVE TO TURN ON HIGH BEAM TO SEE... ALSO LIGHTS DO NOT LIGHT UP THE SIDES OF ROADS VERY WELL, WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO SEE WILDLIFE VERY WELL. LIMITED VISIBILITY TURNING CORNERS IN RESIDENTIAL DRIVING, HARD TO SEE PEDESTRIANS AT SIDE CROSSWALKS. HARD TO SEE PROJECTED PATH.. LIGHTS DO NOT PROJECT HIGH ENOUGH TO THE RIGHT TO PROPERLY LIGHT UP STREET SIGNS. SELF LEVELING MAY HELP WITH SOME OF THE ISSUES, BUT NOT ALL OF THEM. *TR