2015 Subaru XV Crosstrek recalls and problems

The 2015 Subaru XV Crosstrek has 1 safety recall and 79 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Subaru dealer.

Recalls
1
Complaints
79
Crashes / fires
6 / 1
Injuries / deaths
3 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2015 Subaru XV Crosstrek vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2015 Subaru XV Crosstrek recalls

Recall 15V-366: Forward Collision Avoidance, Exterior Lighting

Reported Jun 12, 2015 · 71,710 vehicles affected · Subaru of America, Inc.

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.

2015 Subaru XV Crosstrek problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Unknown or Other20
Power Train18
Electrical System15
Engine13
Service Brakes7
Vehicle Speed Control6
Structure5
Air Bags4
Fuel/Propulsion System3
Exterior Lighting3
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)2
Steering2

Most reported parts

  • Structure › Body — 5
  • Vehicle Speed Control › Cruise Control — 1
  • Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights › Switch — 1
  • Tires › Tread/Belt — 1
  • Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator Pedal — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 37,801 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 XV Crosstrek complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Service Brakes · reported Oct 2, 2026
I started the car up in a parking spot located in [XXX]. When I shifted it into drive, it immediately took off, and when I repeatedly hit the brake, it wouldn't stop. It hit a parked car about a car and a half length in front of me, which hit another parked car in front of it; both were damaged. The front of my car was severely damaged, and the engine shut down. I was able to start it up and move it back to its original parking spot and shut it down. A police report was filed by a [XXX] police officer at the scene of the accident, Incident number: XXX It has been towed to V&J Auto Body in…
Power Train · at 59,900 miles · reported Sep 2, 2026
The contact owns a 2015 Subaru XV Crosstrek. The contact stated that while driving 72 MPH, the vehicle stalled and bucked, with a grinding sound coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road. Additionally, there was a burning odor coming from the vehicle, and there was fluid leaking from the front of the vehicle. The vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that…
Power Train · reported May 14, 2026
I am filing a complaint regarding a major CVT transmission failure in my 2015 Subaru Crosstrek at approximately 117,318 miles. Prior to failure, there were no warning lights, dashboard messages, or significant indications of impending transmission failure. The only noticeable symptom was a slight whistling noise coming from the vehicle shortly before the transmission issue became severe. The sudden nature of the failure created a safety concern because the vehicle’s ability to accelerate and respond reliably while driving was compromised without meaningful warning. A sudden loss of reliable…
Engine · reported Dec 23, 2025
While driving at normal operating speed, the vehicle experienced a sudden and complete loss of engine power with no prior warning. There were no dashboard alerts, warning lights, or check engine indicators before the failure occurred. The vehicle became immediately unsafe to operate and had to be pulled over in a main highway center lane divide. After inspection by a licensed mechanic, it was determined that the engine suffered catastrophic internal failure due to oil and engine coolant mixing. This resulted in complete engine failure and rendered the vehicle inoperable. The vehicle has been…
Suspension · reported Nov 10, 2025
UNKNOWN exact cause. Rear end of vehicle suddenly appears lower than normal. Suspension seems to be issue. Feels as though vehicle lost suspension in rear with no obvious outward cause. Awaiting inspection at dealership. Does not seem safe to drive in current condition with unknown cause of issue at this time. having vehicle towed to dealership for further diagnostics today.

Other Subaru XV Crosstrek years

Compare all Subaru XV Crosstrek years · All Subaru models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2015 Subaru XV Crosstrek have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2015 Subaru XV Crosstrek: 15V-366 (forward collision avoidance, exterior lighting). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2015 Subaru XV Crosstrek?

Owners report unknown or other problems most often (20 reports), followed by power train (18). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 37,801 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.