2015 Subaru Outback recalls and problems
The 2015 Subaru Outback has 5 safety recalls and 510 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Subaru dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2015 Subaru Outback vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2015 Subaru Outback recalls
Recall 16V-292: Steering
Problem: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Legacy and Outback vehicles manufactured February 29, 2016, to May 6, 2016. The steering column on the affected vehicles may have been improperly machined, and as a result, turning the steering wheel may have no effect on the direction of the wheels.
Risk: 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.
Recall 16V-251: Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
Problem: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2015 Legacy and Outback vehicles manufactured on July 20, 2015. The brake fluid used in these vehicles may contain excess moisture which may adversely affect the performance of the electronic stability control system. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems."
Risk: 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.
Recall 15V-502: Power Train
Problem: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2015 and 2016 model year Subaru Legacy 4-Door and Outback vehicles manufactured July 3, 2015, to July 27, 2015. Transmission oil may leak from a deformed seal cap on the propeller shaft yoke.
Risk: 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.
Recall 15V-366: Forward Collision Avoidance, Exterior Lighting
Problem: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2015 Legacy vehicles manufactured March 10, 2014, to April 16, 2015, Outback vehicles manufactured February 24, 2014, to April 16, 2015, Impreza vehicles manufactured September 9, 2014, to April 14, 2015, XV Crosstrek vehicles manufactured October 16, 2014, to April 15, 2015, and 2016 WRX vehicles manufactured March 23, 2015, and equipped with the Eyesight Driver Assist System. If the switch that activates the brake lights fails, the automatic pre-collision braking component of the driver assist system will not function.
Risk: If the automatic pre-collision braking system does not function as intended, the vehicle will not react to an obstacle in its path, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the driver assist system, free of charge. The recall began on July 20, 2015. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WQS-54.
Recall 14V-577: Trailer Hitches
Problem: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2015 Outback vehicles manufactured January 22, 2014, to August 18, 2014, and equipped with a Subaru accessory trailer hitch assembly. During installation, the trailer hitch mounting nuts may have been overtightened, potentially resulting in failure of the trailer hitch mounting studs.
Risk: The mounting nut(s) may not provide sufficient force to remain attached to the studs or the studs themselves might break. If this were to happen while a trailer is being towed, the driver might not be able to operate the vehicle as desired or the trailer may detach from the vehicle. Either situation could increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace all eight mounting nuts for the trailer hitch assembly, and will inspect all eight mounting studs for damage, free of charge. The recall began on October 7, 2014. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WQN-50.
2015 Subaru Outback problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Visibility/Wiper | 130 | |
| Electrical System | 127 | |
| Unknown or Other | 108 | |
| Engine | 47 | |
| Power Train | 37 | |
| Structure | 34 | |
| Service Brakes | 27 | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 26 | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 18 | |
| Air Bags | 14 | |
| Visibility | 14 | |
| Steering | 13 |
Most reported parts
- Structure › Body — 22
- Visibility › Windshield — 9
- Lane Departure › Blind Spot Detection — 4
- Back Over Prevention › Rearview System Braking — 3
- Forward Collision Avoidance › Warnings — 3
- Equipment › Electrical › Navigational System(Global Positioning System) — 2
- Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly — 2
- Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking — 2
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 20,000 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2015 Subaru Outback complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other Subaru Outback years
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2015 Subaru Outback have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2015 Subaru Outback: 16V-292 (steering), 16V-251 (electronic stability control (esc)), 15V-502 (power train), 15V-366 (forward collision avoidance, exterior lighting), 14V-577 (trailer hitches). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2015 Subaru Outback?
Owners report visibility/wiper problems most often (130 reports), followed by electrical system (127). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 20,000 miles.
Are Subaru recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Subaru dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.