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.
Electrical system, Engine, Aug 17, 2023
#1. I replaced the battery in June of 2022 after all the dash warning lights came on. My eyesight safety feature was rendered in operative. After the battery was replaced, all the warning lights eventually went out. In July of 2023 the same scenario happened again. I returned to Advance Auto retailer and the store manager checked the battery. She replaced the battery with a new one of greater cold cranking amps. she was most knowledgeable and extraordinarily gracious. I asked her to check the alternator for proper function and was told it was functioning as it should. #2. On June 07, 2023, I took the automobile in for service: oil and filter change and brake pads and rotors on all four wheels. My Subaru had 68,482 miles on this date. The technician (who previously was employed by a local Subaru dealership) noticed that the engine was leaking oil and diagnosed the timing cover gasket was leaking oil. Oil leaking would contribute to the bad smells entering the passenger compartment. The gasket and three seals were replaced at a cost of $1329.94 plus 8% tax. Online research reveals that Subaru"s boxer engine suffers chronic oil consumption and seal problems. Subaru of America relies on the consumer to eat any repairs rather than fix the problem that has been going on for years.
Visibility, Jul 18, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while driving 50 MPH, the sunroof glass exploded. There was no impact to the sunroof that could have caused the sunroof glass to explode. The shards of glass from the sunroof fell onto the contact, his wife, and his son; however, no injuries were sustained, and medical attention was not received. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who replaced the sunroof glass. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Electrical system, Air bags, Jun 26, 2023
There's a problem in a part called (clock spring/roll connector) that is responsible for the horn on steering wheel. It affects almost all Subaru models, like Outback, Forester, Legacy... I've verified it in a mechanic shop, and after all the tests of fuses, horn, and everything. They say the problem is the clock spring, a part that goes after the air bag and costs around $130 plus service ($150 minimum) to change. Then I research on internet and found out it's a very common problem with a lot of videos on YouTube of people having the same issue and a lot of comments there of more people complaining about it that it should have a recall cause it's a security part. I couldn't use my horn when another driver almost hit me, that's how I figured out that my horn died. Those are just some of the videos with this related problem. There's a lot more on YouTube and a lot of posts on Internet forums as well: https://youtu.be/E73ao9zRCUM https://youtu.be/vDxvafmQ6Qg https://youtu.be/plbtVX2WZWw https://youtu.be/YIwl5AmhfQ0 https://youtu.be/ZR5Qq3zufRc
Lane departure, Back over prevention, Jun 23, 2023
SVRD disabled
Service brakes, Engine, Jun 22, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while driving 67 MPH with the cruise control activated, the vehicle suddenly decelerated to approximately 25-30 MPH while depressing the brake pedal. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled. After pulling over to the side of the roadway, the contact was able to restart the vehicle and drove to the residence. The vehicle was taken to the dealer however, the cause of the failure could not be determined. The contact's wife stated that the failure had occurred a year prior while driving approximately 55 MPH. The failure only lasted for several seconds. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 80,700.
Service brakes, May 26, 2023
The issue below has occurred previously and was addressed by a completed recall "EPB Reprogramming" - WTB63. However, issue has reappeared. Issue: The parking brake engages without engaging parking brake switch while parked and also blinks a red warning while driving. We had an issue a few days ago where brake engaged by itself in parking lot (even though parking brake light never came on). I managed to get the car out of park by turning the car on and off several times and also pressing parking brake switch. The car is scheduled for Subaru service on 5 June, they will be able to do more diagnostics after reading error codes. The dealer told me that parking brake should not engage while driving which is my main concern...but I'm also concerned about possibility of being stranded somewhere because I cannot turn off the parking brake.
Wheels, May 18, 2023
Wheel Lug bolts continue to snap off. Have had 5 so far and this could effect the ability of the wheel to stay attached to the vehicle. I have several friends with the same vehicle (different years) that have had the same issue multiple times. In 50 years of vehicle ownership have never had this happen once, let alone 5 times.
Steering, Power train, Lane departure, Apr 24, 2023
CONSTANT CHECK ENGINE, NO ADAS FUNCTIONS AND MULTIPLE CODES AND HUD INDICATORS INCLUDING CKENGNE, XMODE FLASHING, ADAS DISABLE AND MAJOR ELECRTICAL PARASITIC DRAW AND TRANSMISSION AND OVERHEATING. I believe the past major leg relay was replaced during first recall, it was not performed correctly and tied into accesssorry aux into same wiring. defrost/ ac failure and clutch hums upon shutting down
Other or unspecified, Apr 14, 2023
The child safety lock on the passenger side will not disengage. Our child is old enough now to operate the door safely but she cannot open the door from the inside. I feel that this is a great safety concern and the dealer should take care of the cost. When we asked if it could be fixed the dealer expressed that it would be on us for all charges. This is a manufacturer defect and should be rectified immediately. Thank you.
Electrical system, Apr 8, 2023
The battery has been in need of replacement at least every year if not twice a year since purchase. This has led to issues with the rear hatch and other fuses being blown.
Visibility, Apr 7, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Subaru Outback. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH and activating the windshield washer on intermittent mode, he noticed that the windshield was significantly dry as the washer mechanism was not supplying fluid to the windshield at the nozzle. The contact stated that as the failure impaired his visibility of the road, he veered to the side of the road. Upon investigating the failure, the contact discovered a puddle of fluid underneath the driver’s side fender of the vehicle and concluded there was a leak of windshield washer fluid through the windshield washer tubing. The contact manually cleaned the windshield and drove to his residence, where he noticed that the windshield washer tubing was fractured about 6 inches from the point at which it entered the cowl housing located at the base of the windshield. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000.
Electrical system, Engine, Mar 21, 2023
Oil consumption issues. The oil is burning more then it should. Oil light would come after 2 to 3 more after an oil change. The dealership has been notified and is working on ordering new parts for the engine. Replacing the small block of the engine. Had less the 100k miles when this problem accured. Electrical issues. The battery is being drained after the car is turned off. Car would not start in the morning and need to be jumped. Additionally, battery eventually dies and needs to be replaced. Dealership has been notified.
Other or unspecified, Mar 9, 2023
On my drive in to work this morning, the sunroof on my outback shattered with a loud bang. Fortunately the inside sun shade was closed, otherwise I would have been showered with glass while driving 50mph on the expressway. How does this happen? There were no trees overhead, no cars or trucks near me, the temperature was not especially hot or cold. And, I would think the glass would have a film or something that would hold the pieces together in the unlikely event that it would break!
Electrical system, Feb 26, 2023
The horn in my car quit working about a month ago. I have checked the fuses and relay involved in the horn fiction. I have also tested the horns themselves and they are working. All signs point to the clock spring in the steering column being bad.
Visibility/wiper, Jan 7, 2023
Around 8 am on 1/4/2022, driving the car on I85 in Durham County, NC, at a normal highway speed, the sunroof glass shattered suddenly and without warning. The sunroof was fully closed at the time, but the inside cover was open. Shards of glass were sprayed within the cabin. This was a dangerous distraction to the driver, and could have been much more serious if he had gotten glass in his eyes from looking up to see what had happened. There was no apparent impact to the sunroof glass from a rock or other object outside the car, and the sunroof was not being opened or closed at the time. We contacted Subaru of America and our local dealer. The car is no longer under warranty, and Subaru refused to cover the cost of repair (though I see online we are not the only ones to have this problem). The local dealer could not perform the repair for another week, so we bought a new sunroof glass and installed it ourselves. There was no apparent damage to the surrounding metal frame or roof. The car and shattered sunroof were not examined by anyone else. I have the damaged sunroof, but was planning to discard it. I am attaching an email we received from Subaru of America, along with photos of the sunroof.
Visibility/wiper, Dec 12, 2022
My sunroof exploded. Sounded like a gunshot. On the highway, 12/12 1pm. 50+- degrees partly sunny day.
Vehicle speed control, Dec 7, 2022
while attempting to come to a complete stop, depressing the brakes, the vehicle continued to accelerate even though the brake was depressed to the floor. At no time was the driver's foot on the accelerator. This is one of 2 incidents with the vehicle.
Electrical system, Nov 8, 2022
I am on my 3rd battery since May 2015 when the Outback was purchased in El Cajon, California. There have been multiple instances when I prepare to venture out and am unable to as the result of a dead battery. In every instance there was not an obvious instigating factor such as a light inadvertently left on. This situation is extremely disruptive resulting in my belief that I have an unreliable vehicle that has caused me to miss appointments and meetings. There is also a significant monetary loss in that this is a known and well- publicized issue that will render me unable to recoup market value upon sale of the vehicle. '
Structure, Other or unspecified, Oct 23, 2022
While driving on 55mph road, sunroof suddenly shattered for no apparent reason (no sudden impact from rock or other debris), producing a loud bang, startling driver. Driver momentarily swerved due to being startled by noise from next to head before correcting. No other cars were around on the road at the time and driver is sure no rocks or other objects fell onto sunroof (covered by rooftop cargo box, no trees near street to drop debris). Pieces of glass went upwards and ended up on roof of vehicle.
Electrical system, Oct 18, 2022
I have had to replace battery sooner than it should have. Also, it seems to be causing an electrical issue with the computer board where all the dashboard warnings are blanking. I have been disconnecting the battery and reconnecting to reset the computer board.
Electrical system, Oct 17, 2022
1st time battery died when car was not in use at least for three days, back in Jan 2022. was replaced. on 10/11/22, after the car was not in use for 4 days, 8 month old battery was died, had to replace, again. Recently received a Subaru Battery settlement letter of a design defect that cuase battery drain.
Service brakes, Engine, Sep 30, 2022
Intermittant engine acceleration or engine surge while braking at very low speeds.
Electrical system, Sep 26, 2022
I am reporting this deficiency as it is related to: Subaru Battery Drain Products Liability Litigation, No. 1:20-cv-03095-JHR-MJS Deficiency: Battery will discharge to an unusable degree within a relatively short amount of time (10 to 20 min.) when any power is used (radio, cabin lights) while engine is off. This has happened 4 times since my purchase of my new 2015 Subaru Outback. I now carry an emergency battery jump starter power unit so as to not be stranded. As the amount of power used is so small there is no warning from the car's system that the discharge is causing such a power drain as to make starting the car not possible. Although I have been contacted by the above class action suit sponsors I am mostly interested in Subaru fixing the electrical system from this obvious deficiency.
Electrical system, Sep 25, 2022
On multiple occasions I have had the tailgate open and the light has drained the battery to the point that it needs a jump start or a battery charging to get it to start back up. On one occasion the tailgate was only left open for 30 minutes and the car would not start due to the battery being drained from it. The battery is in perfect condition as it would start fine any other time.
Other or unspecified, Sep 21, 2022
The car experienced sudden reverse acceleration when the gear was switched to reverse. I had to floor the brake pedal to have the car stop. I was fortunate behind me was enough of grassy area for the car to stop. Yes, I am sure I wasn't pushing gas because eventually after hard pressing the brakes the car stopped. Afterwards I tried pushing both and it was impossible to push both hard as the foot slips off the brake pedal.