This bulletin is for information purposes only.The bulletin adresses design changes of the headlamps and rear combination lamps, where moisture and or condensation may develop on the inside of the lamp lenses.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2015 Subaru Outback lighting problems
severe Owners of the 2015 Subaru Outback have filed 3 NHTSA complaints about the lighting at roughly $250 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See lighting across all vehicles →
Complaints
3
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$250
| Model year | lighting complaints |
|---|---|
| 2011 Outback | 97 |
| 2012 Outback | 14 |
| 2013 Outback | 6 |
| 2014 Outback | 4 |
| 2015 Outback (this page) | 3 |
| 2017 Outback | 5 |
| 2018 Outback | 5 |
| 2019 Outback | 3 |
1crash
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering lighting 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.
This bulletin announces a change to the operating software included in the Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) Control Module and Hydraulic Unit (VDCCM&H/U) on the models listed above. This change is in response to a very small number of customer inquiries regarding the Hill Holder system?s indicator lamp blinking once along with a single tone (chirp)being heard when starting the engine using the key, push-button or with use of a remote engine start.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin provides a measurement and adjustment procedure for the stop lamp switch. An improperly adjusted (or faulty) stop lamp switch can cause any of the DTCs listed above to set and result in the related system?s (e. g. VDC and/or EyeSight) warning lamp to illuminate.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗SUBARU: TSB CONTAINS AN OWNER'S NOTIFICATION LETTER. SELECT DOCUMENT SEARCH BUTTON BELOW. IN CERTAIN VEHICLES THERE IS A DELAYED IN DETECTING A FAILURE OF BRAKE LAMP SWITCH (BLS) BY DRIVER ASSIST SYSTEM AND TAKES LONGER FOR VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL (VDC) TO RECEIVE REQUEST, RESULTING IN NO AUTOMATIC BRAKING. MODEL 2015 LEGACY, OUTBACK, IMPREZA, XV CROSSTREK, 2016 WRX.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had lighting 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 lighting problem on the 2015 Subaru Outback?
It's a meaningful issue. 3 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $250.
At what mileage does the lighting typically fail?
Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $250 for lighting 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 lighting?
No active recalls currently cover lighting 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.