2015 Subaru Outback Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
CautionComplaint Index
53/100
#8 most-complained of 16 Outback years
The 2015 Subaru Outback carries a Complaint Index of 53 and ranks 8th worst out of 16 model years, earning a Caution verdict. NHTSA lists 510 complaints, 5 recalls including 1 do-not-drive recall, and top issues in Visibility & Wipers and Electrical System.
- Complaints
- 510
- Recalls
- 5
- incl. Do Not Drive
- Crashes / fires
- 20 / 5
- Injuries / deaths
- 17 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 25
- 22.5 city / 29.5 hwy
Top 2015 Subaru Outback problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Visibility & Wipers142 (28%)
- Electrical System130 (25%)
- Other116 (23%)
- Engine74 (15%)
- Structure & Body37 (7%)
- Transmission & Powertrain37 (7%)
- Brakes31 (6%)
- Fuel System18 (4%)
- Airbags14 (3%)
- Steering13 (3%)
What owners report
- Owners report the front windshield cracking near the defroster area, in one case with a nearby exterior panel melting.
- Some describe a chemical odor inside the cabin that dealers could not trace to a source.
- Electrical connectors in the HVAC system reportedly overheated and fused together, in one case starting a fire in a parked car.
- Several owners report sudden unexpected acceleration or engine surges while slowing to park, sometimes ending in a collision.
- Brake pedals reportedly went to the floor with no stopping power, even after using the parking brake.
- Front airbags reportedly failed to deploy in low-speed frontal collisions.
2015 Subaru Outback recalls
5 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 16V292000May 11, 2016Steering48,819 vehiclesDo Not Drive
Steering:column
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.
Risk: 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 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.
- NHTSA 16V251000Apr 27, 2016Brakes766 vehicles
Electronic stability control (esc)
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."
Risk: 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 recall is WTC-64.
- NHTSA 15V502000Aug 10, 2015Transmission & Powertrain2,893 vehicles
Power train:automatic transmission
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.
Risk: 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.
2015 Subaru Outback fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 22.5 MPG
- Highway
- 29.5 MPG
- Combined
- 25 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,625
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2015 compared with other Outback years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2015 Subaru Outback reliable?
- Compared with other Outback model years, 2015 ranks 8th worst of 16 with a Complaint Index of 53 and a Caution verdict. It has fewer complaints than 2016-2020 model years but more than 2012-2014.
- What are the most common problems with the 2015 Subaru Outback?
- NHTSA data shows Visibility & Wipers issues account for 28% of complaints (142 cases) and Electrical System issues account for 25% (130 cases), the two largest problem areas.
- Does the 2015 Subaru Outback have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2015 Outback, including 1 do-not-drive recall covering the steering column, plus recalls for brake fluid, a transmission oil seal, driver assist software, and a trailer hitch.
- How does the 2015 Outback compare to newer Outback years?
- The 2015 Outback's Complaint Index of 53 is lower than 2017-2020 (Complaint Index 67-100, all Avoid), but higher than 2021-2025 (Complaint Index 0-73, mostly Good or Best).
- Were there any fires reported in the 2015 Subaru Outback?
- NHTSA lists 5 fire incidents for the 2015 Outback, with sample complaints describing electrical connector fires and a case where the vehicle burst into flames after being parked.