2015 Subaru Outback Problems
What owners have reported about the 2015 Subaru Outback, which problems come up most, at what mileage, and which recalls to check.
From NHTSA owner complaints and recalls. Updated Oct 17, 2026.
Is the 2015 Subaru Outback a good year?
It's about average for this model. Owners have filed 510 complaints with NHTSA, the 7th most of 18 Outback model years. The most reported problems involve the wipers and visibility, electrical system and engine.
510 complaints 5 recalls, 1 do not drive 7th worst of 18 Outback years
Top 2015 Subaru Outback problems
Wiper and visibility problems
143 complaints (28%) name the wipers and visibility, most often the windshield and sun / moon roof assembly.
Electrical problems
127 complaints (25%) name the electrical system, most often the 12v / 24v / 48v battery and horn.
Engine problems
50 complaints (10%) name the engine, most often the catalytic convertor and exhaust system.
Transmission problems
37 complaints (7%) name the transmission.
Which parts fail most
Share of complaints that name each system. One complaint can name several.
Mileage when it failed
Each dot is a complaint that gave a mileage (327 of 510). The amber line is the middle value, about 24,000 miles.
When problems were reported
Complaints by the year the problem happened.
2015 Subaru Outback recalls
Column
Do not driveThe 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. 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. Note: Until the vehicles have been inspected, owners are advised not to drive their vehicles.
Recall 16V292000 · May 2016Brake fluid may impair stability control
Crash riskBrake fluid in these vehicles may contain too much moisture, which can weaken the electronic stability control system. When it activates, this can cause a loss of vehicle control and raise the risk of a crash.
Fix: The dealer will activate the ABS, then flush and replace the brake fluid at no cost to you.
Recall 16V251000 · Apr 2016Transmission oil leak can cause fire
Fire riskA deformed seal cap on the propeller shaft yoke can let transmission oil leak out. If that oil drips onto the exhaust pipe, it can start a fire.
Fix: The dealer will replace the propeller shaft free of charge.
Recall 15V502000 · Aug 2015Brake light switch failure disables automatic braking
Crash riskIf the switch that turns on the brake lights fails, the automatic pre-collision braking system will stop working. Without it, the car may not react to an obstacle in its path, which raises the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will reprogram the driver assist system at no charge to you.
Recall 15V366000 · Jun 2015Towing
During installation, the trailer hitch mounting nuts may have been overtightened, potentially resulting in failure of the trailer hitch mounting studs. 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.
Recall 14V577000 · Sep 2014Get an email when your 2015 Subaru Outback gets a new recall
We check NHTSA every month. If a new recall or safety investigation covers the 2015 Subaru Outback, you'll hear about it the same week.
One email per new recall. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
Outback years to avoid
Total NHTSA complaints by model year. Newer years have had less time on the road, so their totals will keep climbing. See the full comparison.
2015 Subaru Outback problems by system
Common questions
Is the 2015 Subaru Outback a reliable year?
It's about average for this model. Owners have filed 510 complaints with NHTSA, the 7th most of 18 Outback model years. The most reported problems involve the wipers and visibility, electrical system and engine.
What are the most common 2015 Subaru Outback problems?
Owners most often report problems with the wipers and visibility, electrical system, engine and transmission. 143 complaints (28%) name the wipers and visibility, most often the windshield and sun / moon roof assembly.
At what mileage do 2015 Subaru Outback wipers and visibility problems start?
Reported mileage ranged widely, but most complaints fell between about 3,000–35,000 miles, with a middle value near 11,000 miles.
How many recalls does the 2015 Subaru Outback have?
5. Column (16V292000); Brake fluid may impair stability control (16V251000); Transmission oil leak can cause fire (15V502000). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if the work was done.
Should I buy a used 2015 Subaru Outback?
Ask for service records covering the wipers and visibility, confirm the recall work was done, and compare with the 2025, 2023 and 2024 models, which have the fewest complaints.
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases. Complaints are unverified owner reports. Counts include each complaint once per model year.