YearToAvoid

2015 Subaru Crosstrek Problems, Recalls & Reliability

Verdict

Best

Complaint Index

8/100

#13 most-complained of 14 Crosstrek years

Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology

The 2015 Subaru Crosstrek ranks 13th of 14 model years for reported problems, with a complaint index of 8 and only 17 complaints logged with NHTSA. It carries a "Best" verdict among Crosstrek years, with 1 recall and no crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths reported.

Complaints
17
Recalls
1
Crashes / fires
0 / 0
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0
NHTSA overall rating
Not rated
EPA combined MPG
—

Top 2015 Subaru Crosstrek problems

NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Engine6 (35%)
  2. Transmission & Powertrain6 (35%)
  3. Brakes4 (24%)
  4. Other4 (24%)
  5. Steering2 (12%)
  6. Airbags1 (6%)
  7. Electrical System1 (6%)
  8. Collision Avoidance & Cameras1 (6%)
  9. Fuel System1 (6%)
  10. Structure & Body1 (6%)

What owners report

  • Owners report the brake switch failing and locking the car in park, sometimes requiring a bolt inserted into the gear shift panel to override it.
  • Some describe the CVT stalling or hesitating when accelerating from a stop, especially when merging into traffic.
  • Several mention the ABS, hill assist, and vehicle dynamics control lights illuminating together and locking the car so it will not shift into drive or reverse.
  • One owner reported the steering system disabling itself intermittently at startup, preventing the wheel from turning.
  • One driver reported the engine stalling and losing power at highway speed, requiring a tow after it would not restart.
  • One owner described a delay of about 1.5 seconds between pressing the gas pedal and engine response at low speeds.
2015 Subaru Crosstrek complaints: complaints filed per month5Jul 2017Nov 2017Feb 2018Sep 2018Dec 2018Feb 2019Aug 2019
27 complaints filed with NHTSA from Jul 2017 to Aug 2019; peak Aug 2018 (5).

2015 Subaru Crosstrek recalls

1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.

  1. NHTSA 19V149000Feb 28, 2019Electrical System1,303,530 vehicles

    Exterior lighting:brake lights:switch

    Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Forester, 2008-2016 Impreza sedans, 2012-2016 Impreza station wagons, 2008-2014 WRX sedans (including STI), and 2013-2017 Crosstrek vehicles. Exposure to certain contaminants may cause the brake light switch to malfunction, preventing the brake lights from illuminating and also preventing keyless ignition vehicles from starting and CVT/automatic transmissions from being able to be shifted out of Park.

    Risk: Brake lights that do not illuminate properly will not alert other drivers that the vehicle is slowing or stopping, increasing the risk of crash.

    Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake light switch, free of charge. The recall began April 15, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUE-90.

2015 compared with other Crosstrek years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)0255075100’12’13’14’15’16’17’18’19’20’21’22’23’24’25
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2013Best23261—
2014Best15161—
2015Best8171—
2016Caution541311—
2017Good3894127.5

All Subaru Crosstrek years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2015 Subaru Crosstrek reliable?
Among Crosstrek model years, 2015 has a "Best" verdict, ranking 13th of 14 years with a complaint index of 8 and just 17 NHTSA complaints logged.
What problems does the 2015 Subaru Crosstrek have?
Owners most often reported engine issues (6 complaints, 35% share) and transmission/powertrain issues (6 complaints, 35% share), followed by brake problems (4 complaints, 24% share).
Does the 2015 Subaru Crosstrek have a recall?
Yes, NHTSA lists 1 recall (campaign 19V149000) covering the electrical system, involving replacement of the brake light switch. It is not a do-not-drive recall.
At what mileage do problems appear on the 2015 Crosstrek?
The median mileage at failure across reported issues is 50,000 miles, with engine complaints at a median of 56,000 miles and brake complaints at 47,500 miles.
Should I avoid the 2015 Subaru Crosstrek?
No. Compared to other Crosstrek years, 2015 performs well, with a complaint index of 8 versus much higher figures for years like 2019 (92) and 2024 (100).

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.