Does the 2015 Subaru Outback have a transmission recall?

Yes. Recall 15V502000 covers 2015-2016 Outback and Legacy models built between July 3, 2015 and July 27, 2015 for a transmission oil leak caused by a deformed seal cap; Subaru replaces the propeller shaft free of charge.

How many transmission complaints does NHTSA have for the 2015 Outback?

NHTSA lists 37 transmission & powertrain complaints for the 2015 Outback, which is 7% of the 510 total complaints filed for that model year.

At what mileage do 2015 Outback transmission problems usually show up?

The median mileage at failure for transmission & powertrain complaints on the 2015 Outback is 30,000 miles, according to NHTSA data.

Is the transmission problem rate worse in 2015 than other Outback years?

No. The 7% share for 2015 is lower than 2010 through 2013, which ranged from 20% to 37%, though it is roughly similar to 2016 and 2017.

Were there any crashes or injuries linked to these complaints?

NHTSA data for this problem area on the 2015 Outback lists 1 crash and 2 injuries, with 0 fires reported.

2015 Subaru Outback Transmission & Powertrain Problems

NHTSA lists 37 transmission & powertrain complaints for the 2015 Subaru Outback, 7% of that year's 510 total complaints, with a median failure mileage of 30,000. A related recall (15V502000) covers a transmission oil leak from a deformed seal cap.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints: 37; 7% of 510
Crashes reported: 1
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 2
Median mileage: 30,000 mi
Related recalls: 1

Typical transmission symptoms owners report

Owners report the CVT hesitates or delays acceleration from a stop or when turning, sometimes lurching forward suddenly once power engages.
Some describe the vehicle rolling backward briefly after shifting from reverse into drive before the transmission engages.
Several owners report transmission oil leaking near the seal cap area, tied to the recall for the deformed seal cap.
Cold-start behavior includes the transmission staying in a lower gear than normal for several miles, causing higher than expected engine RPM.
A few owners report wheel bearing (hub unit) failures on both sides of the vehicle, replaced under warranty.

When 2015 Subaru Outback transmission complaints were filed

First complaint Dec 31, 2014, latest Dec 18, 2025.

37 complaints filed with NHTSA from Dec 2014 to Dec 2025; peak Jul 2015 (3).

Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2015 Subaru Outback

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.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints by Outback model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

201093 (26%)
2011216 (33%)
2012107 (37%)
201360 (20%)
201425 (12%)
201537 (7%)
201645 (7%)
201747 (5%)
201814 (2%)
201915 (1%)
202046 (5%)
202112 (4%)
202218 (4%)
20235 (6%)
20246 (6%)
20254 (5%)

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2015 Subaru Outback have a transmission recall?: Yes. Recall 15V502000 covers 2015-2016 Outback and Legacy models built between July 3, 2015 and July 27, 2015 for a transmission oil leak caused by a deformed seal cap; Subaru replaces the propeller shaft free of charge.
How many transmission complaints does NHTSA have for the 2015 Outback?: NHTSA lists 37 transmission & powertrain complaints for the 2015 Outback, which is 7% of the 510 total complaints filed for that model year.
At what mileage do 2015 Outback transmission problems usually show up?: The median mileage at failure for transmission & powertrain complaints on the 2015 Outback is 30,000 miles, according to NHTSA data.
Is the transmission problem rate worse in 2015 than other Outback years?: No. The 7% share for 2015 is lower than 2010 through 2013, which ranged from 20% to 37%, though it is roughly similar to 2016 and 2017.
Were there any crashes or injuries linked to these complaints?: NHTSA data for this problem area on the 2015 Outback lists 1 crash and 2 injuries, with 0 fires reported.