Severe Issues

2015 SUBARU OUTBACK Problems

Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2015 Subaru Outback. This model year has 499 NHTSA complaints β€” top issue: Visibility/Wiper.

499
Complaints
19
Crashes
5
Fires
16
Injuries
β€”
Deaths
5
Recalls

Before you buy β€” check the actual VIN

This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about the specific car β€” accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls.

Worst 2015 Subaru Outback Problems

Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.

#1
130
complaints

Visibility/Wiper

Injuries:1
#2
122
complaints

Electrical Faults

Fires:3
#3
106
complaints

Uncategorized Issues

Crash-related:6
Injuries:9

Considering a 2015 Subaru Outback?

This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about this specific car β€” accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99 (vs. Carfax $44.99).

All Problems by Category

Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2015 Subaru Outback. A single complaint may appear in multiple categories.

ComponentComplaintsCrashesFiresAvg MileageVolume
Visibility/Wiper130β€”β€”β€”
Electrical Faults122β€”3β€”
Uncategorized Issues1066β€”β€”
Engine Problems4822β€”
Transmission / Drivetrain371β€”β€”
Structural Problems3311β€”
Brake System285β€”β€”
Unintended Acceleration266β€”β€”
Fuel/Propulsion System171β€”β€”
Visibility14β€”1β€”
Steering Defects132β€”β€”
Airbag Malfunctions137β€”β€”
Wheel Issues8β€”β€”β€”
Lane Departure51β€”β€”
Equipment5β€”β€”β€”
Suspension Failures4β€”β€”β€”
Seat-Related Issues4β€”β€”β€”
Headlight/Taillight Failures41β€”β€”
Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB31β€”β€”
Back Over Prevention3β€”β€”β€”
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)3β€”β€”β€”
Seat Belt Issues21β€”β€”
Equipment Adaptive/Mobility2β€”β€”β€”
Hydraulic1β€”β€”β€”
Child Seat1β€”β€”β€”

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.

Search Owner Complaints

Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2015 Subaru Outback. Type a keyword (e.g. β€œtransmission”, β€œstalling”, β€œbrakes”) to filter.

πŸ”

Showing 400 most recent complaints of 499 total. View all on NHTSA β†—

Electrical FaultsApr 25, 2026

The infotainment unit has failed leading to awful disruptions. The unit will push its own buttons, change volume, make phone calls, etc without any human input. It’s an ongoing problem and even happens when the radio is turned off.

Electrical FaultsMar 31, 2026

The contact owns a 2015 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing intermittent horn failure, and the failure mostly occurred while driving straight with limited steering input. The horn was operable while turning the steering wheel. Upon investigating t…

Visibility/WiperMar 26, 2026

Cracked windshield out of nowhere, starts from the bottom passenger side.

Unintended AccelerationJan 25, 2026

January 25th, 2026 13:30 I was coming to a stop at an intersection with my foot on the brake pedal when suddenly my vehicle lurched forward potentially causing rear end collision with the truck in front of me that was stopped at the red light. My vehicle finally came to a stop w…

Transmission / DrivetrainDec 18, 2025

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 bal…

Unintended AccelerationDec 10, 2025

A particular corner where the arterial has a y turn. With cruise engaged the vehicle will do the emergency braking even though the lane is clear. Has occurred several times at this same location.

Brake SystemNov 21, 2025

The contact owns a 2015 Subaru Outback. The contact stated while the vehicle was at the dealer for an oil change and snow tire replacement, the contact was informed that the sub frame and the brake lines were severely corroded and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to a…

Engine ProblemsOct 31, 2025

The contact owns a 2015 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, and while at a stop light, there was an abnormal exhaust fumes odor inside the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, wher…

Steering DefectsOct 16, 2025

The clock spring (steering roll connector) component has failed, confirmed by the resulting complete loss of the horn function. SAFETY HAZARD: The component failure has resulted in the loss of the electrical connection to the Driver's Airbag System, rendering the primary airbag …

Engine ProblemsSep 25, 2025

The contact owns a 2015 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal exhaust odor entering the cabin of the vehicle through the vents. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive a…

Unintended AccelerationπŸ’₯ CrashSep 22, 2025

I was within the town limits so I was driving slowly. When I approached the first stop light in town I saw that it was red. There were of three or four vehicles stopped at that light. At that point I was probably only going 5mph. I took my foot off of the gas pedal and put my…

Electrical FaultsJul 3, 2025

Car unable to restart after sitting for several days. Battery and charging system test good after incident

Suspension FailuresMay 21, 2025

When braking the car shuts down!!!

Fuel/Propulsion SystemMay 12, 2025

Within the last few months, my 2015 Outback has been unreliable with the fuel gauge indicator, causing me to run out of gas three times, stranded roadside, with supposedly 30 miles in rank. Fortunately, there were no accidents, but two out of three times, I was left stranded on h…

Suspension FailuresApr 1, 2025

The front subframe on my 2015 subaru 3.6r has rapidly rusted in a few years to the point of a safety concern. The vehicle is lightly driven, with 91,000 miles on it after almost 10 years. We live in the Northeast. I take this car in for regular inspections and service every six …

Electrical FaultsFeb 19, 2025

Yesterday, my car would not start due to a dead battery. This happened last week, as well. Both times, my husband used a battery charger to enable me to start my car. I have had this issue multiple times in the past, as well, and previously replaced the battery in 2022. I am a…

Airbag MalfunctionsFeb 6, 2025

My HORN only works if car is stopped steering wheel turned to the left. Subaru Dealer says it’s in the steering column mechanism that affects airbag and cruise control also. Says it will cost over $600 to repair. If it preventsthe airbag working, wouldn’t it be a car defect and c…

Structural ProblemsJan 24, 2025

Driver door interior, de-bonding of the horizontal crash protection from the outer door panel. Online research indicates this is a common issue.

Uncategorized IssuesJan 24, 2025

Exhaust manifold bellows crack Exhaust coming into car when idling

Structural ProblemsJan 20, 2025

My sunroof glass just shattered spontaneously while I was driving. Thankfully the door was closed or me and my daughter would have been showered by glass while in the road. Nothing hit the car , I just heard a loud bang over my heard and when I stopped to see what happened my s…

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Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2015 Subaru Outback.

Recalls for 2015 Subaru Outback

5 campaigns

NHTSA recall campaigns for the 2015 Subaru Outback. Recalls are free to fix at any authorized dealer. Run a VIN check below to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.

16V251000Invalid Date
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

14V577000Invalid Date
TRAILER HITCHES

15V502000Oct 8, 2015
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT

16V292000Nov 5, 2016
STEERING:COLUMN

15V366000Dec 6, 2015
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: CRASH IMMINENT BRAKING

2015 Subaru Outback β€” FAQ

Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.

Is the 2015 Subaru Outback reliable?β–Ύ

Severe Issues. The 2015 Subaru Outback has 499 NHTSA owner complaints, 19 crash-related, and 5 recall campaigns. The most reported issue is Visibility/Wiper (130 complaints). Source: NHTSA via VinSpector AI.

What are the most common problems with the 2015 Subaru Outback?β–Ύ

#1: Visibility/Wiper (130 complaints). #2: Electrical Faults (122 complaints). #3: Uncategorized Issues (106 complaints)

At what mileage do problems start on the 2015 Subaru Outback?β–Ύ

Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.

How safe is the 2015 Subaru Outback?β–Ύ

The 2015 Subaru Outback has 19 crash-related complaints and 5 fire reports out of 499 total NHTSA complaints. 16 injuries were reported. For NCAP lab crash test star ratings, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Does the 2015 Subaru Outback have any recalls?β–Ύ

Yes β€” 5 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2015 Subaru Outback. The largest issue: ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC). Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.

Should I buy a 2015 Subaru Outback?β–Ύ

The 2015 Subaru Outback has severe issues β€” review the top problems before buying. Pay particular attention to Visibility/Wiper issues. Always run a VIN check on the specific car you're considering to check for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.

Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.

Wider context: See the full Subaru Outback reliability report with year-by-year comparison.

Check Your Specific 2015 Subaru Outback

Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car β€” accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99.