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ProblemsByVin File / 2015-SUBARU-OUTBACK
2015 · subaru

subaru Outback problems

1 safety recall. 499 owner complaints. We mapped every trouble spot before you sign the papers.

0 5 10
Reliability score
6.8 / 10

Average for the segment. Some recurring trouble spots worth knowing about.

0
Critical
1
Severe
0
Moderate

Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints

visibility
125 reports · avg $350
moderate
electrical
119 reports · avg $850
moderate
powertrain
34 reports · avg $2,500
severe
body
29 reports · avg $1,500
moderate
engine
23 reports · avg $3,100
severe
cruise control
20 reports · avg $600
severe
brakes
16 reports · avg $450
severe
steering
13 reports · avg $700
severe

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2015 Outback · powertrain
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE AT A COMPLETE STOP, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS FUNCTIONING AS DESIGNED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT…
12/31/2014 · NHTSA ODI #10669374.0
2015 Outback · body
WE WERE DRIVING OUR 2015 SUBARU OUTBACK AT ABOUT 55MPH ON US20, THE TEMPERATURE WAS IN THE MID 30'S, IN EAST OREGON WHEN OUR SUNROOF SPONTANEOUSLY EXPLODED. THERE WERE NO OTHER VEHICLES AROUND AND THERE WAS NO IMPACT FROM FOREIGN OBJECTS. THERE WAS A LOUD, DISTRACTING, BANG…
12/30/2018 · NHTSA ODI #11164079.0
2015 Outback · steering
The clock spring that controls the steering wheel, horn and other electrical accessories doesn’t work. This put my life and family’s lives at risk. This is a known issue for Subarus 2015-2019. There’s multiple videos online, I have spoken to multiple owners personally that have…
12/29/2024 · NHTSA ODI #11632999.0
2015 Outback · brakes
INVALID BRAKING INCIDENTS WITH SUBARU OUTBACK'S EYESIGHT PRE-COLLISION BRAKING SYSTEM. MY CAR HAS BRAKE SUDDENLY, WITHOUT CAUSE ON 3 OCCASIONS. 1) SUNNY MORNING ON A CROWDED RESIDENTIAL STREET GOING LESS THAN 25MPH WITH NO CARS DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF ME, CAR GAVE WARNING AND…
12/29/2016 · NHTSA ODI #10938672.0

Estimate your repair exposure

Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.

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Active recalls showing 1 of 1

severe NHTSA 14V577000 19/09/2014

Subaru of America, Inc

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.

Fix: 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.

Common questions

Is the 2015 Subaru Outback reliable?

It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 6.8 out of 10 based on 499 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2015 Subaru Outback has a higher-than-average rate of reported issues. The areas to watch are listed above. Whether it's worth owning depends on price, condition, and how much repair exposure you can absorb.

What's the most common problem on the 2015 Subaru Outback?

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is visibility, with 125 complaints filed. Average repair cost runs about $350 at an independent shop.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

The visibility is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $350 at an independent shop. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.

How do I check if my Subaru Outback has open recalls?

Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.

Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2015 Subaru Outback?

Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 499 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $350, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans aren't always better value.

Related vehicles

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 3 days ago. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with subaru. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.
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