2015 SUBARU OUTBACK — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data
5/5
Safety Rating
632
Owner Complaints
5
Recalls
125
Service Bulletins
0
Investigations
Overview of the 2015 SUBARU OUTBACK
The 2015 SUBARU OUTBACK has received a total of 632 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). It earned an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program crash tests. There have been 7 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC), STEERING:COLUMN, POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT. 125 technical service bulletins have been issued by Subaru of America, Inc. for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Visibilitywiper (129 complaints), Electrical System (117 complaints), and Unknown Or Other (106 complaints).
Recalls for the 2015 SUBARU OUTBACK
NHTSA has recorded 7 recalls for the 2015 SUBARU OUTBACK, potentially affecting up to 198,847 vehicles.
Recall 16V251000 — ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
| 766 vehicles affected
Defect: 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)...
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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...
View full details →Recall 16V292000 — STEERING:COLUMN
| 48,819 vehicles affected
Defect: 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.
Consequence: The loss of steering ability would increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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...
View full details →Recall 15V502000 — POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT
| 2,893 vehicles affected
Defect: 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.
Consequence: If the transmission oil leaks onto the exhaust pipe, there is a possible risk of fire.
Remedy: 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.
View full details →Recall 15V502000 — POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
| 2,893 vehicles affected
Defect: 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.
Consequence: If the transmission oil leaks onto the exhaust pipe, there is a possible risk of fire.
Remedy: 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.
View full details →Recall 15V366000 — FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: CRASH IMMINENT BRAKING
| 71,710 vehicles affected
Defect: 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,...
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
View full details →Recall 15V366000 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
| 71,710 vehicles affected
Defect: 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,...
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
View full details →Recall 14V577000 — TRAILER HITCHES
| 56 vehicles affected
Defect: 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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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...
View full details →Owner Complaints for the 2015 SUBARU OUTBACK
632 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2015 SUBARU OUTBACK. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.
Most Recent Complaints
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. I have not had it checked by a dealer (today is Sunday) I have a Low Tire Pressure light that came on two days ago when the temperatures suddenly dropped here in Tulsa, OK.
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. I have not had it checked by a dealer (today is Sunday) I have a Low Tire Pressure light that came on two days ago when the temperatures suddenly dropped here in Tulsa, OK.
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. On November 29, 2025, Subaru of Portland documented additional unsecured and unattached components related to the prior transmission replacement, including loose mounting hardware and a disconnected PCV hose. Subaru of Portland’s written inspection states that the loose bolts would have been unsafe if left uncorrected. These conditions were present after a major repair and created a potential safety hazard while the vehicle was being driven. This complaint concerns an unsafe condition caused by improper workmanship during a vehicle repair.
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.
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.
Safety Rating for the 2015 SUBARU OUTBACK
The 2015 SUBARU OUTBACK received an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).
| Test Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall Rating | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Frontal Crash | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Side Crash | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Rollover | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
Safety ratings are based on controlled crash tests conducted by NHTSA. A 5-star rating indicates the highest level of occupant protection.
Technical Service Bulletins for the 2015 SUBARU OUTBACK
Subaru of America, Inc. has issued 125 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2015 SUBARU OUTBACK. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.
07-233-25R — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
This Bulletin provides details on a new formal testing, charging, and tracking procedure for all 12-volt batteries in new vehicle inventory.
07-223-23R — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
This bulletin announces the availability of a new Genuine Subaru Replacement Battery introduced to replace the current battery (SOA821B400). The new battery (SOA821B950) has a higher capacity and is slightly different in size.
07-223-23 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
This bulletin announces the availability of a new Genuine Subaru Replacement Battery introduced to replace the current battery (SOA821B400) once current inventory is depleted.
09-103-23 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
This bulletin the announces diagnostic procedures and availability of new Engine Control Module (ECM) reprogramming files to address DTC P2404 (Evap System Leak Detection Pump Sensor Circuit Range/Performance) detection.
09-103-23 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECU/ECM):SOFTWARE
This bulletin the announces diagnostic procedures and availability of new Engine Control Module (ECM) reprogramming files to address DTC P2404 (Evap System Leak Detection Pump Sensor Circuit Range/Performance) detection.
09-103-23 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECU/ECM)
This bulletin the announces diagnostic procedures and availability of new Engine Control Module (ECM) reprogramming files to address DTC P2404 (Evap System Leak Detection Pump Sensor Circuit Range/Performance) detection.
09-103-23 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
This bulletin the announces diagnostic procedures and availability of new Engine Control Module (ECM) reprogramming files to address DTC P2404 (Evap System Leak Detection Pump Sensor Circuit Range/Performance) detection.
SubaruNet Announ — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY
Battery Class Action Settlement Resources. (2)
16-102-16R — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
This bulletin provides a new flow chart and additional diagnostic tools to assist technicians with troubleshooting DTC P0841- SECONDARY OIL PRESSURE SENSOR PERFORMANCE.
05-80-20 — EQUIPMENT
This bulletin announces availability of new Front Stabilizer Link assemblies equipped with a new dust boot material having enhanced durability and grease retention characteristics.
Showing 10 of 125 technical service bulletins.
NHTSA Investigations for the 2015 SUBARU OUTBACK
There are no NHTSA defect investigations on record for this vehicle.
Other Model Years of the SUBARU OUTBACK
- 2010 SUBARU OUTBACK — 463 complaints
- 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK — 853 complaints
- 2012 SUBARU OUTBACK — 366 complaints
- 2013 SUBARU OUTBACK — 402 complaints
- 2014 SUBARU OUTBACK — 275 complaints
- 2015 SUBARU OUTBACK (current)
- 2016 SUBARU OUTBACK — 757 complaints
- 2017 SUBARU OUTBACK — 1,087 complaints
- 2018 SUBARU OUTBACK — 957 complaints
- 2019 SUBARU OUTBACK — 1,273 complaints
- 2020 SUBARU OUTBACK — 1,120 complaints
Other SUBARU Models
- SUBARU FORESTER — 8,432 total complaints
- SUBARU LEGACY — 4,117 total complaints
- SUBARU IMPREZA — 3,406 total complaints
- SUBARU CROSSTREK — 1,431 total complaints
- SUBARU ASCENT — 1,230 total complaints
- SUBARU WRX — 1,207 total complaints
- SUBARU SVX — 373 total complaints
- SUBARU XV CROSSTREK — 354 total complaints