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, Mar 16, 2020
SUDDEN OVERNIGHT CRACK ALONG THE TOP OF THE WINDSHIELD, ABOUT 2" DOWN FROM THE TOP, FULL WIDTH OF DRIVER'S SIDE. CAR WAS PARKED IN FRONT OF MY HOUSE ON A QUIET RESIDENTIAL STREET, NO IMPACT OR UNUSUAL WEATHER EVENTS.
Other or unspecified, Mar 10, 2020
LIFT GATE MOTOR NEEDS TO BE REPLACED, MAKING KNOCKING SOUND.
Other or unspecified, Mar 10, 2020, crash
I WAS PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE AND AS I WAS GRADUALLY HITTING THE BRAKES, THE CAR STARTED TO ACCELERATE ON ITS OWN AT HIGH SPEED HITTING THE FENCE IN FRONT. I AM SURE THAT I DID NOT HAVE MY FOOT ON THE GAS. I HIT THE BRAKES AND IT WAS OF NO USE. AFTER HITTING THE FENCE THE CAR STOPPED AS I SHIFTED TO NEUTRAL. I AM SCARED TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE.
Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Mar 7, 2020
ON FEBRUARY 25 I WAS DRIVING MY SUBARU ON A CITY STREET AND TRAVELING ABOUT 40 MPH. I NOTICED THAT A TRAFFIC LIGHT AHEAD OF ME WOULD BE TURNING RED SO I TRIED TO SLOW DOWN. THE POWER BRAKES DID NOT WORK AT ALL. NOT ONLY DID THE POWER BRAKES GO OUT BUT THE CAR BEGAN TO ACCELERATE ON IT'S OWN. I LOOKED AROUND FOR OPTIONS AND DECIDED I COULD TURN OFF INTO A PARKING LOT. THE BRAKES (NOT THE POWER BRAKES BUT THE BACK UP SYSTEM BRAKES) GRABBED JUST ENOUGH TO SLOW ME DOWN SO THAT I WAS ABLE TO PULL OFF SAFELY INTO THE PARKING LOT. I DROVE THROUGH THE PARKING LOT TO A PLACE WITH NO CARS AND WAS FINALLY ABLE TO GET THE CAR TO STOP. AS I PUT THE CAR IN PARK THE ENGINE RPMS REVVED UP TO 4000 SO THE CAR ENGINE WAS OBVIOUSLY STILL TRYING TO PROPEL THE CAR. I TURNED OFF THE CAR AND CALLED MY HUSBAND. WHEN HE CAME, HE GOT INTO THE CAR AND CHECKED THINGS LIKE THE CAR MAT POSITION WHICH WAS IN THE CORRECT PLACE. HE STARTED THE CAR AND IT WAS AS IF THE CAR HAD GOT IT'S BRAIN BACK. HE DROVE IT IMMEDIATELY TO THE DEALERSHIP. THE DEALERSHIP COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG BUT DID UPDATE OUR COMPUTER SYSTEM. WE HAVE NOT HAD ANY PROBLEMS SINCE THEN.
Visibility/wiper, Feb 26, 2020
WIND SHIELD CRACKED FOR NO REASON. NO ROCK IMPACT, NO DAMAGE, JUST CRACKED. HORIZONTAL CRACK ACROSS THE MIDDLE OF THE WIND SHIELD
Wheels, Feb 26, 2020
HAVE HAD 2 WHEEL BEARING FAIL AND NEED REPLACEMENT. THE FIRST AT 45000 MILES AND THE SECOND AT 65000 MILES.
Visibility/wiper, Feb 25, 2020
THIS MORNING I DROVE MY VEHICLE AND NOTHING WAS OUT OF THE ORDINARY. I CAME HOME AND THE CAR WAS PARKED IN MY DRIVEWAY FOR 1.5 HOURS AND WHEN I WENT BACK OUT I NOTICED ABOUT AN 8 INCH CRACK IN THE WINDSHIELD WITH NO SIGN OF ANY OTHER DAMAGE. IT IS A NICE, CLEAR DAY, AND THE CAR WAS NOT PARKED UNDER A TREE.
Visibility/wiper, Feb 25, 2020
MY FRONT WINDSHIELD KEEPS CRACKING ON THE DRIVER SIDE, FROM THE EDGE TOWARDS THE CENTER. I HAVE REPLACED IT MULTIPLE TIMES WITH IT CRACKING FROM THE EDGE. THIS HAS HAPPENED WHEN THE CAR WAS IN MY DRIVEWAY AND ALSO DRIVING ON CITY STREETS. I THINK THE BODY OF THE CAR BENDS AND PUTS TOO MUCH PRESSURE ON THE GLASS WHERE IT KEEPS CRACKING. I'VE INQUIRED WITH MULTIPLE LOCAL SUBARU DEALERSHIPS AFTER GETTING A NOTICE FROM SUBARU AND NONE OF THEM WILL FIX OR HONOR THE LETTER. DUE TO COSTS, I'VE STOPPED REPLACING IT AND AM SETTLING WITH CRACKS IMPAIRING MY VIEW.
Visibility/wiper, Feb 25, 2020
WINDSHIELD HAS CRACKED MULTIPLE TIMES
Visibility/wiper, Feb 22, 2020
SECOND WINDSHIELD TO SPONTANEOUSLY CRACK SINCE BUYING THE CAR NEW.
Electrical system, Feb 13, 2020
MY CAR HAS A DEAD BATTERY. I JUST REPLACED THE BATTERY IN NOVEMBER 2018 AND IT IS ALREADY DEAD. THIS ALSO HAPPENED IN NOVEMBER 2018 AND WHEN I BROUGHT IT TO THE DEALER THEY SAID EVERYTHING WAS FINE WITH THE BATTERY AND THEY COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG. THE CAR RUNS FOR A FEW DAYS AND THEN THE CAR BATTERY DIES AGAIN. I HAVE THE BATTERY SWAPPED OUT FOR ONE WITH A HIGHER CCA. THIS BATTERY I BOUGHT IN NOVEMBER 2018 HAS NO POWER AS OF FEBRUARY 2020 WHICH IS TOO SHORT OF A LIFESPAN. THERE MUST BE SOMETHING IN THE CAR DRAINING THE BATTERY AND SUBARU DOES NOT WANT TO FIX IT.
Visibility/wiper, Feb 11, 2020
LARGE CRACK IN WINDSHIELD ON PASSENGER SIDE EXTENDING OVER 15 INCHES ACROSS. SUBARU DEALER SAYS IT'S NOT COVERED UNDER THE EXTENDED WARRANTY. THEY SAY IT WAS CAUSED BY A MICROSCOPIC SIZE CHIP. REPORTING BECAUSE I SEE ONLINE THAT THIS IS A VERY COMMON OCCURRENCE WITH THIS MAKE AND YEAR. JUST CAME DOWN ONE MORNING AND THE HUGE CRACK WAS THERE. CAR WAS STATIONARY IN LOT. NO SIGNS OF VANDALISM. NO EVIDENT CHIPS BEFORE CRACK APPEARED.
Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Feb 8, 2020
AUTOMATIC BREAKING ACTIVATED FOR NO REASON BUT ONLY FOR A VERY SHORT TIME BUT VERY HARD. THEN RELEASED. THERE WAS A FLASH OF SOMETHING ON THE DASH I THINK A BREAKING WARNING AND BEEPING SOUND. MOVING APPROX 35MPH, NOT BREAKING, ON 2 LANE ROAD ( EAST PEA RIDGE RD. HUNTINGTON WV). NOTHING IN FRONT OF ME FOR QUITE A DISTANCE. NO ONE COMING TOWARD ME EITHER. ROAD CONDITIONS WERE GOOD. STRAIGHT ROAD. ( I HAVE INCLUDED A GOOGLE MAP PICTURE OF APPROXIMATELY WHERE IT HAPPENED) TIME: ABOUT 12:45PM CAR WAS PREVIOUSLY A "COMPANY CAR" OF MY BROTHERS. (WHEELS INC) I PURCHANED IT IN OCT 2017. MY BROTHER SAID THIS HAD HAPPENED TO HIM ONE TIME ALSO. FOUND SAME COMPLAINT AT: HTTPS://WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM/SUBARU/OUTBACK/2015/BRAKES/SERVICE_BRAKES.SHTML GOOGLE MAP LINK: HTTPS://WWW.GOOGLE.COM/MAPS/@38.4181887,-82.3074982,3A,75Y,91.28H,90.13T/DATA=!3M9!1E1!3M7!1S0VRICIFYQXPLAMXBA7Q8DW!2E0!7I13312!8I6656!9M2!1B1!2I41?HL=EN
Electrical system, Electronic stability control (ESC), Feb 6, 2020
I'VE HAD MY 2015 OUTBACK FOR 3 YEARS NOW (2020 NOW) I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE BATTERY EVERY YEAR. THE FIRST YEAR I BELIEVED IT WAS TIME FOR A NEW BATTERY, WITHIN 6 MONTHS MY CAR DIED WHILE I WAS DRIVING INTO A PARKING LOT. THE ENTIRE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM SHUT DOWN AND I HAD TO MANUALLY MOVE IT. MY MECHANIC TOOK APART MY ENGINE AND DISCOVERED LOOSE SEALS THAT HAD ALLOWED MANY PARTS TO RUST OVER INCLUDING BROKEN BRACKETS AND A TORQUE CONVERTER. WARRANTY WON'T COVER ANY RUST BUT DID COVER THE $84 BROKEN SEAL. I SPENT CLOSE TO $3,000 ON REPAIRS AND A NEW BATTERY THEN. I WAS INITIALLY QUOTED FROM THE DEALERSHIP $6K. IT HAS BEEN 11 MONTHS AND I LEFT MY CAR ALONE FOR 3 DAYS AND THE BATTERY IS COMPLETELY DEAD ONCE AGAIN.
Structure, Jan 29, 2020
2015 SUBARU OUTBACK. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO DAMAGE TO HOSES IN VEHICLE DUE TO RODENTS. *LD *JS
Visibility/wiper, Jan 22, 2020
UNDER NORMAL STRESS - A CRACK APPEARED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE WINDSHIELD STARTING AT THE BASE AND BEGAN TO SPREAD UPWARD AND OUTWARD FROM THERE.
Seats, Other or unspecified, Jan 10, 2020
AUTOMATIC FRONT SEATS. WHEN WIFE OPENS THE PASSENGER DOOR FIRST (BEFORE THE DRIVER) THE DRIVER SEAT ADJUSTS TO HER SET POSITION. AN D IF I DON'T PAY ATTENTION THE DRIVER SEAT WILL PUSH/CRUSH ME INTO THE STEERING WHEEL. I HAVE A BAD BACK AND DROP FOOT, SO I DON'T HAVE THE STRENGTH OF A YOUNGER PERSON. MY ONLY SALVATION IS TO SQUEEZE OUT OR HIT THE POSITION BUTTON ON THE DOOR PANEL. ALSO, THE PRESETS GO OUT ALL THE TIME. I HAVE ASKED IF THEY COULD DISABLE THE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR SENSOR. NOTHING. REAR GATE OPENING: IT HAS HAPPENED SO MANY TIMES. I HAVE COMPLAINED DIRECTLY TO SUBARU ABOUT THE SEAT AND GATE PROBLEM. NO RESULTS. THE REAR GATE HAS OPENED WHILE RAINING OUTSIDE DURING THE NIGHT. IT HAS OPENED WHILE IN THE GARAGE JAMMING THE OVERHEAD GARAGE DOOR. I AM AFRAID ON TRIPS TO HAVE STUFF STOLEN OUT OF MY CAR IS SUCH AN INCIDENT. HAPPENED ONCE. ALSO... THEY HAVE A CUTE PRESET SO YOU CAN SET THE MAX HEIGHT OF THE GATE OPENING. TWICE MY WIFE HAS WALKED INTO THE REAR GATE AND LITERALLY FLIPPED BACKWARDS TO THE PAVEMENT! SUBARU DENIES ANY PROBLEMS ABOUT THE GATE. FUNNY, ONE DAY I WAS HELPING A FRIEND AND HER MOM WAS THERE. AS THEY HELPED ME UNLOAD MY SUBARU WE DISCOVERED THAT MOM HAD ALSO A SIMILAR MODEL. THE FIRST QUESTION SHE ASKED ME "HAVE YOU ANY PROBLEM WITH YOUR REAR GATE"!!! IT'S NOT JUST ME. SUBARU NEEDS TO STEP UP AND FIX THESE PROBLEMS BEFORE SOMEONE REALLY GETS HURT OR HAVE LOSS OF ITEMS FROM THE CAR.
Other or unspecified, Jan 9, 2020
DURING THE FALL OF 2019, I NOTICED AN EXHAUST SMELL WHEN STARTING MY 2015 SUBARU OUTBACK IN MY GARAGE. THIS SMELL COINCIDED WITH THE CAR RUNNING ROUGH WHEN STARTING AND THE EXHAUST SMELL ENTERING THE CABIN WHEN THE HEATER WAS TURNED ON. I DID NOT NOTICE THIS CABIN EXHAUST SMELL IN THE SUMMER DUE TO USING THE AC ON RECIRCULATE. THE EXHAUST SMELL WAS ESPECIALLY NOTICEABLE WHEN I WAS IDLING WAITING TO PICK UP MY KIDS AND SITTING AT TRAFFIC STOPS. I BROUGHT MY VEHICLE IN TO A SUBARU DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT MY CATALYTIC CONVERTER WAS CRACKED AND SHOULD BE REPLACED. THIS WAS WHEN MY CAR WAS AT 80,829 MILES AND THEY ACTUALLY HAD THE PART ON HAND. I AM ASSUMING THAT THIS HAPPENS TO THEM QUITE FREQUENTLY SINCE STOCKING A $1500 ON HAND WOULD NOT BE THE BEST USE OF INVENTORY. THE REPAIR COST $1940 SINCE MY EMISSION WARRANTY WAS BARELY OUT DUE TO THE 829 MILES. I EXPLAINED TO THEM THAT THIS WAS HAPPENING WAY BEFORE THE 80,000 MILES, BUT THEY REFUSED TO COVER IT UNDER WARRANTY. I FEEL THAT HAVING EXHAUST ENTERING THE CABIN SHOULD BE AN EXCEPTION TO THE WARRANTY, ESPECIALLY WHEN KIDS LIVES ARE INVOLVED. ALSO, BY HAVING THIS PART ON HAND TELLS ME THAT I AM NOT THE ONLY OWNER HAVING THIS TYPE OF PROBLEM WITH MY SUBARU.
Electrical system, Dec 14, 2019
WE HAVE OWNED THE VEHICLE SINCE MAY 2015 AND HAD A DEAD BATTERY 4 TIMES WITH NO APPARENT REASON. WE HAVE REPLACED THE BATTERY EACH TIME. SUBARU DOESN'T SEEM TO ADMIT THERE IS AN ISSUE.
Vehicle speed control, Dec 13, 2019, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE AT LOW SPEEDS WITH THE BRAKE PEDAL DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED, JUMPED THE CURB, AND CRASHED INTO A HOUSE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED AT THE SCENE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE CONTACT CALLED STOHLMAN SUBARU OF STERLING (21736 AUTO WORLD CIR, STERLING, VA 20166, (888) 811-7714) AND INFORMED THEM OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15,000. THE VIN WAS INVALID.
Electrical system, Dec 4, 2019
THIS IS APPROXIMATELY THE 5TH TIME I HAVE HAD TO HAVE MY BATTERY JUMPED WITHIN THE LAST TWO YEARS. NO VISUAL DRAIN (NO LIGHTS LEFT ON FOR EXAMPLE) IS SUSPECTED. VEHICLE HAD BEEN IN USE ON VARIOUS TRIPS PRIOR TO CAR NOT STARTING. I HAVE KEY FOB AND COULDN'T EVEN OPEN THE BACK HATCH TO GET TOOLS OUT OF CAR. WHEN CAR WAS FAIRLY NEW, HAD PROBLEM WHERE KEY FOB COULD NOT START THE CAR (HAPPENED THREE TIMES) BUT FELT THAT WAS AN ELUSIVE KEY FOB PROBLEM. NOW I AM NOT SURE WHAT PROBLEM IS BUT I AM SUSPECTING THERE IS SOME SORT OF SHORT OR SYSTEM DRAIN ON BATTERY THAT HAS SURFACED. VEHICLE WAS IN DRIVEWAY, PARKING LOT AND IN PARKING SPACE ON STREET WHEN THESE LAPSES OCCURRED. READING ONLINE ABOUT NUMEROUS SIMILAR PROBLEMS WITH DEAD BATTERY AND SUSPICIOUS ELECTRICAL DRAINAGE OF BATTERIES. MOST RECENT PROBLEM HAPPENED 11/29 AND AGAIN 12/4. CAR WAS IN GARAGE (NOT USED) BETWEEN 11/29 AND 12/4.
Power train, Engine, Nov 18, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE, LOST POWER, AND THE CHECK AUTOMOTIVE TRANSMISSION AND CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE TRANSMISSION FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO SUBARU OF PUYALLUP (720 RIVER RD, PUYALLUP, WA 98371, (253) 286-5900) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE INCORRECT TRANSMISSION FLUID WAS PLACED IN THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: 150070620183. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 74,000.
Structure, Nov 5, 2019
PASSENGER SIDE "CHILD LOCK" WILL NOT DISENGAGE. DOOR IS PERMANENTLY LOCKED FROM THE INSIDE BECAUSE OF A FAULTY CHILD LOCK. WE SET THE CHILD LOCK OUR CHILD WAS A TODDLER BUT NOW IT'S STUCK IN THE ON POSITION.
Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Oct 30, 2019
WINDOWSHIELD CRACKED JUST OUT OF THE BLUE BRAKE LIGHT FLASHES ON DASH WHEN DRIVING
Service brakes, Oct 29, 2019
BRAKES WERE MOMENTARY APPLIED BY SUBURU EYESIGHT BRAKING ASSIST SYSTEM WHILE DRIVING (IN MOTION AT APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH) ON A STRAIGHT PORTION OF AN INTERSTATE HIGHWAY WITH NO OBSTRUCTION APPARENT. THIS HAD ALSO HAPPENED ONE OTHER TIME IN THE SAME VEHICLE SEVERAL MONTHS BEFORE IN SIMILAR CIRCUMSTANCES. ON BOTH INSTANCES THE DRIVER HAD HER FOOT ON THE ACCELERATOR AND THE BRAKES RELEASED AFTER ONLY A SHORT DECELERATION. A QUICK FLASH OF THE BAS WARNING LIGHT WAS ALSO OBSERVED IN THE SECOND INSTANCE. A SECOND PERSON IN THE CAR AT THE TIME ALSO STATES THAT THERE WAS NO OBSTRUCTION SEEN ON THE ROAD AND THE DISTANCE TO ANY CAR AHEAD IN THE SAME LANE SHOULD NOT HAVE CAUSED THE PROBLEM BEING REPORTED. THERE WAS A REAL CONCERN THAT CARS FOLLOWING US ON THIS BUSY HIGHWAY COULD HAVE EASILY CAUSED A REAR-END COLLISION IF THE BRAKES HAD NOT RELEASED QUICKLY. THE DRIVER HAD NEVER TAKEN HER FOOT OFF THE ACCELERATOR AND WAS CAUGHT COMPLETELY BY SURPRISE.