"THIS BULLETIN ANNOUNCES AVAILABILITY OF REPROGRAMMING FILES TO OPTIMIZE TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE (TCM) OPERATION AND ADDRESS THE FOLLOWING CUSTOMER CONCERNS: ENGINE RPM FLARE (SHARP RPM INCREASE WHEN CVT DOWNSHIFTS) WHEN USING CRUISE CONTROL ON UPHILL GRADES CANCELLATION OF CRUISE CONTROL AS A RESULT OF RPM FLARE (DRIVER MUST RESET DESIRED VEHICLE SPEED). THIS NEW LOGIC CHANGES THE CRUISE CONTROL SYSTEM OPERATION TO AVOID UNEXPECTED CANCELLATION. "
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2015 Subaru Outback cruise control problems
severe Owners of the 2015 Subaru Outback have filed 20 NHTSA complaints about the cruise control, typically surfacing around 25,000 miles at roughly $600 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See cruise control across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
20
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$600
| Model year | cruise control complaints |
|---|---|
| 2011 Outback | 12 |
| 2012 Outback | 4 |
| 2013 Outback | 11 |
| 2014 Outback | 10 |
| 2015 Outback (this page) | 20 |
| 2016 Outback | 15 |
| 2017 Outback | 25 |
| 2018 Outback | 17 |
| 2019 Outback | 19 |
4crashes
When does it fail?
Of the 20 cruise control complaints filed for the 2015 Subaru Outback, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
No new NHTSA cruise control complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 9 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering cruise control on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) is recalling certain 2015 model year Subaru Legacy, Subaru Outback, Subaru Impreza (4Door and 5Door) and Subaru XV Crosstrek vehicles and certain 2016MY Subaru WRX vehicles equipped with a Driver Assist System. The programming of the Driver Assist System will not detect a fault in one of the associated system components. In the event of Brake Lamp Switch (BLS) failure, the Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) correctly detects the BLS failure, but the Driver Assist System will be delayed in detecting the BLS failure. Therefore, it will take longer for the multi information display to inform the driver of a malfunction. In addition, VDC will not receive the brake reques
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners report sudden unintended acceleration in their 2015 Outbacks in multiple scenarios: while braking at stops, during parking maneuvers, and while turning into lots—often with the brake pedal pressed hard. Vehicles lurch forward, sometimes traveling 100+ feet before stopping, and in several cases crashed into structures or other vehicles. Some owners say it feels like cruise control resume mode engaging without being activated.
Power brake failures coincide with acceleration in a few cases; the engine revs hard even while in Park and brake pedal is held. One owner's computer update resolved the issue; another was unable to determine a fix despite dealer visits.
Cruise control defects appear in two forms: unclear two-position SET +/- buttons (half-press accelerates; full press changes set speed by 5 MPH increments, with the feature buried in auxiliary manuals), and the reverse-function problem where the minus button increases speed instead. Speed sensor failures also kill cruise control entirely and trigger ABS lights.
EyeSight-equipped models show sudden acceleration during low-speed garage and driveway situations, and intermittent emergency braking in clear conditions on straight roads. The CVT transmission jerks unpredictably at low speeds even with steady pedal pressure, and owners say they lose control feel. Dealers frequently report inability to reproduce issues or claim the behavior is normal operation.
Same Subaru Outback cruise control reports on nearby years: 2013 · 2014 · 2016 · 2017 · 2018
Failure modes owners describe
Sudden unintended acceleration with brake applied
Vehicle accelerates without driver input on accelerator pedal, often while brake is depressed. Occurs at low speeds during parking, turning, or approaching stops. Distance traveled varies from seconds to 100+ feet before stopping.
When: Occurs at various mileages (15k to 70k+ miles reported); some owners report after initial purchase, some intermittently throughout ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle accelerates despite foot on brake pedal; Continues accelerating even with hard brake pressure applied; Engine RPMs rev up, sometimes to 4000 RPM while in Park; Feels like cruise control resume mode engaging unintentionally; Can lurch forward or surge forward suddenly; Often happens at stops, red lights, intersections, or while parking
Codes mentioned: Speed sensor malfunction (Part #27540AL11B mentioned in one case), ABS light illumination reported with sensor failure
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers unable to reproduce issue in multiple cases. One owner reported computer system update resolved problem. Speed sensor replacement ordered but parts on national backorder (as of March 2019). Multiple owners report dealer claimed unable to fix or said behavior was normal.
Cruise control SET +/- button dual-function design defect
Cruise control increment/decrement buttons have two distinct activation levels not adequately documented. Half-press increases speed traditionally; full press changes set speed by 5 MPH increments. Owner pressed button thinking half-way engagement occurred but full press activated 5 MPH increment mode.
When: Occurred while cruising at 40 MPH on highway
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle accelerated unexpectedly from 43 MPH to 70 MPH; Driver thought releasing button at 43 MPH would stop acceleration but vehicle continued to 70 MPH; Feature not mentioned in quick reference guide or regular manual; only in auxiliary option package manual
Power brake failure combined with unintended acceleration
Power brake system fails to respond or responds only after hard depression. Simultaneously, vehicle accelerates on its own. Engine rev-up occurs even with foot on brake in Park.
When: Occurred during routine driving at 40 MPH (one case)
Symptoms owners cite: Power brakes did not work at all initially; Backup brake system (mechanical brakes) engaged when engine-driven power assist failed; Car accelerated while power brakes were inoperative; Engine revved to 4000 RPM while in Park with brake pedal depressed; Issue resolved after turning engine off and restarting; Dealer found no mechanical obstruction (floor mat was correct position)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership performed computer system update; no further issues reported after update. One case had backup mechanical brakes engage to prevent collision.
Eyesight adaptive cruise control unintended acceleration in low-speed situations
Vehicle with EyeSight system accelerates suddenly at low speeds while in driveway or garage with brake applied, or engages emergency braking unexpectedly in clear conditions.
When: Occurs during parking maneuvers in driveways and garages; one case of emergency braking at specific road location
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle accelerates suddenly from stopped or near-stopped position like 'a bullet'; Wheels screech during unintended acceleration; Engine attempts to accelerate to set speed quickly; EyeSight emergency braking engages intermittently in clear conditions on straight road; Windshield clear, not raining, vehicle in straight line when braking occurs
Repairs/costs cited: One owner noted that EyeSight may have contributed to stopping vehicle after collision with garage support.
Cruise control malfunction—speed setting buttons unresponsive or opposite function
Cruise control +/- toggle switch on steering wheel intermittently fails to change speed or changes speed in opposite direction. Button intended to decrease speed instead increases it or does not respond at all.
When: Intermittent; occurs under variable conditions
Symptoms owners cite: Button does not react at all when pressed; Speed setting flashes on display but does not change; SET - (minus) button increases speed instead of decreasing; Causes vehicle acceleration while driver attempts to decrease cruise speed
Speed sensor failure and cruise control system dropout
Speed sensor malfunction causes cruise control system to stop functioning entirely. Also triggers ABS light and other instrument cluster warning lights.
When: At 58,000 miles; intermittent dropout and restart pattern
Symptoms owners cite: Cruise control will not activate or engage; System stops functioning briefly, then resumes; ABS light illuminates along with other instrument lights; Speed sensor failure confirmed by mechanic
Codes mentioned: Speed sensor malfunction (Part #27540AL11B)
Repairs/costs cited: Speed sensor part ordered but placed on national backorder as of March 2019. Vehicle unsafe to operate, particularly in mountainous terrain. Owner questioned if failure should be warranty coverage.
CVT transmission uncontrolled acceleration with constant pedal pressure
Continuously variable transmission jerks and changes acceleration unpredictably even when driver maintains constant pressure on gas pedal at low speeds. Vehicle accelerates faster than intended without additional pedal input.
When: Occurs at low speeds (1st and 2nd gear equivalent ranges)
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission jerks or 'cannot find the right gear'; Acceleration changes despite constant pedal pressure; Feels like transmission seeking correct gear continuously; Vehicle accelerates faster on its own; Driver reports loss of vehicle control feeling
Synthesized from 20 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
While braking to turn into a parking lot from a highway, the car suddenly accelerated and the brakes would not hold the car. Accident was avoided. Symptom only lasted 2-3 seconds.
Had cruise control trouble with your 2015 Subaru Outback?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the cruise control problem on the 2015 Subaru Outback?
It's a meaningful issue. 20 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $600.
At what mileage does the cruise control typically fail?
Across the 15 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most cruise control failures cluster between 3,000 and 55,000 miles, with the median around 25,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 3,000; a quarter make it past 55,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $600 for cruise control repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to cruise control?
No active recalls currently cover cruise control issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2015/Subaru/Outback.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.