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ProblemsByVinFile / 2015-SUBARU-OUTBACKNHTSA data synced 1 day ago
Subaru
2015 Subaru Outback problems
The 2015 Subaru Outback has 506 NHTSA owner complaints on file — not a small number. 5 active recall campaigns.
The 2015 Subaru Outback has 506 NHTSA owner complaints and 5 recalls on file (U.S. federal records, as of August 2026). The most-reported system is visibility at 125 complaints, typically surfacing around 27,484 miles (~$350 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
The problems owners report most, open recalls, and the mileage where failures cluster — straight from the NHTSA record, in seconds.
Reliability score
6.0 / 10
Average for the segment. Some recurring trouble spots worth knowing about.
0
Critical
5
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2015 Outback?
Avoid — the powertrain
The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the powertrain was repaired or replaced.
Powertrain: 34 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 23,000–45,000 mi
Engine: 25 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 45,110–110,000 mi
Reliability score 6.0/10 — around the segment average
5 recall campaigns on file
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model —
not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
NHTSA crash-test safety ratings
5 / 5 overall
Overall★★★★★5/5
Frontal crash★★★★★5/5
Side crash★★★★★5/5
Rollover★★★★★4/5
Driver-assist features on the tested model:
Electronic stability control: Standard · Forward collision warning: Optional · Lane departure warning: Optional
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program — tested configuration: 2015 Subaru Outback SUV AWD. Stars rate crash protection in NHTSA's tests, not overall reliability — see the owner-complaint data below for what actually goes wrong.
Buying a used 2015 Subaru Outback? Check these first
Here's what this model is known to do — so you can inspect for it, price it in, or
make the seller fix it before you sign.
What to inspect on this specific car
visibility — 125 owner reports
· tends to show around 27,484 mi · ~$350 to fix
electrical — 123 owner reports
· tends to show around 42,282 mi · ~$850 to fix
powertrain — 34 owner reports
· tends to show around 37,924 mi · ~$2,500 to fix
body — 29 owner reports
· tends to show around 28,751 mi · ~$1,500 to fix
⚠ The one to take seriously: powertrain is flagged
severe on this model
, showing up around 37,924 mi.
Inspect it closely on a test drive.
Recalls to confirm are done
Run the VIN from the listing — 5 active recalls on this model. Recall repairs are always free.
Verdict for buyers: 6.0/10 model. The priciest documented failure is
engine (~$3,100) — get the
seller's service records for it or inspect closely. Otherwise an average-risk used buy at a fair price.
We tell you what this model is known for and what to inspect — a vehicle-history report
tells you what this exact car has been through. Smart buyers get both.
A noise, a warning light, a repair quote, "should I buy this?" — get an answer grounded in
this vehicle's actual NHTSA record, not generic advice.
Dash light, leak, worn part — snap it and we'll read it against this car's record.
Photo attached — type a question or just hit Ask.
Answers use this vehicle's NHTSA complaint & recall record — owner-reported and unverified, not a diagnosis. Verify anything safety-critical with a mechanic.
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When owners report each system failing, in actual miles — so you can see what's likely behind you,
what's due around now, and what to budget for next. Enter your mileage to mark where you are.
"Typical" = median owner-reported failure mileage from the NHTSA complaint record for this exact
year and model. Not a maintenance schedule — a heads-up on where this model's failures cluster.
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…
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…
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…
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…
Had a problem with your 2015 Subaru Outback?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free and official — owner filings are what build the federal safety record behind this page.
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
The loss of steering ability would increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
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.
Fix: 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.
If the transmission oil leaks onto the exhaust pipe, there is a possible risk of fire.
Fix: 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.
It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 6.0 out of 10 based on 506 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.
Should you avoid the 2015 Subaru Outback?
On the NHTSA data, the 2015 Subaru Outback is one to avoid unless a specific vehicle proves otherwise. The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the powertrain was repaired or replaced. The record behind that call: Powertrain: 34 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 23,000–45,000 mi; Engine: 25 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 45,110–110,000 mi; Reliability score 6.0/10 — around the segment average; 5 recall campaigns on file. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What should I check before buying a used 2015 Subaru Outback?
Inspect the visibility first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 125 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 27,484 miles. Average repair cost runs about $350 at an independent shop. Also confirm any open recalls have been completed by running the VIN, and ask for service records covering the problem areas listed above.
Is the 2015 Subaru Outback a good used car to buy?
It scores 6.0 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 506 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is visibility. Typical failure occurs around 27,484 miles. Priced fairly and clean on inspection, it's a reasonable used buy. Our data covers what this model is known for — pair it with a vehicle-history report on the VIN to see what that specific car has been through.
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. Typical failure occurs around 27,484 miles. 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. Typical failure occurs around 27,484 miles. 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 506 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 are not always better value.
Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database, last synced 1 day ago. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2015/Subaru/Outback.
Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics.
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