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 NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 856. UPDATED 02/18/15*LJ UPDATED 9/12/2017*CN
2015 subaru Outback powertrain problems
severe 34 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500
Complaints
34
Recalls
0
Crashes
1
Avg fix
$2,500
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
WHILE DRIVING DOWN FREEWAY AT 75 MPH, TRANSMISSION MADE TWO CLUNKING SOUNDS, AND SPEED DECREASED - RPMS INCREASED. WE COULD SMELL OIL BURNING SMELL, BUT NO SMOKE OR LEAKS. WE WERE APPROXIMATELY 12 MILES OUTSIDE OF LAS VEGAS AND 22 MILES INTO OUR TRIP. THERE WAS NO WARNING AND NO DECREASE IN SPEED OR OTHER SIGNS PRIOR TO THE CLUNKS/CLANKS. VEHICLE TOWED TO SUBARU OF LAS VEGAS. FIRST SUBARU TRIE…
After a transmission replacement performed by Bud Clary Chevrolet, Inc. in Longview, WA on September 9, 2025, my vehicle was returned to me with critical components left unsecured. On November 19, 2025, an independent mechanic discovered loose suspension bolts connecting the ball joints to the spindles on both front wheels. On November 29, 2025, Subaru of Portland documented additional unsecured …
A transmission that was replaced in July of 2023 went bad un December of 2024 and dealership won't give reasons why transmission went bad or what caused a almost brand new transmission with less than 50,000 miles on it went bad. They are demanding we pay $5000.00 dollars on a transmission that was replaced under the extended warranty on cvt transmission from subaru. Which also extends to the brand…
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2015 subaru Outback?
It's a meaningful issue. 34 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $2,500.
At what mileage does the powertrain 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 $2,500 for powertrain 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 powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain 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.
Other problem areas on this vehicle
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. 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.
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