2015 Subaru Outback problems
What owners report to NHTSA, grouped by component, with the recalls that cover them.
NHTSA has 509 owner complaints on file for the 2015 Subaru Outback, filed between 2014-09-23 and 2026-08-27. The most common problem areas are the visibility/wiper (130, 26%), electrical system (127, 25%) and engine (47, 9%). Owners reported 19 crashes, 5 fires and 16 injuries in these complaints. NHTSA lists 5 recalls for this model year.
Last updated: · Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases
2015 Subaru Outback complaints by component
| Component | Complaints | Share | Crashes | Fires | Injuries |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visibility/wiper | 130 | 26% | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Electrical system | 127 | 25% | 0 | 3 | 0 |
| Unknown or other | 108 | 21% | 6 | 0 | 9 |
| Engine | 47 | 9% | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Power train | 37 | 7% | 1 | 0 | 2 |
| Structure | 33 | 6% | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 27 | 5% | 5 | 0 | 3 |
| Vehicle speed control | 26 | 5% | 6 | 0 | 2 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 18 | 4% | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Air bags | 14 | 3% | 7 | 0 | 6 |
| Visibility | 14 | 3% | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Steering | 13 | 3% | 2 | 0 | 1 |
| Wheels | 8 | 2% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Back over prevention | 5 | 1% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Equipment | 5 | 1% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
A complaint can name several components, so shares can add up to more than 100%. Crashes, fires and injuries are as reported by owners.
The top problem areas, in plain English
Each summary is built from the complaint counts and NHTSA recall notices, not from individual owner stories.
Visibility/wiper: 130 complaints
- 130 complaints of 509 (26%) name the visibility/wiper — the windshield, windows, mirrors, wipers and defrosters.
- 10 of them also name the unknown or other; owners reported 1 injury in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2015 Subaru Outback covers this system.
Electrical system: 127 complaints
- 127 complaints of 509 (25%) name the electrical system — wiring, battery and charging, fuses, control modules and in-car electronics.
- 12 of them also name the unknown or other; owners reported 3 fires in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2015 Subaru Outback covers this system.
Engine: 47 complaints
- 47 complaints of 509 (9%) name the engine.
- 9 of them also name the electrical system; owners reported 2 crashes, 2 fires and 2 injuries in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2015 Subaru Outback covers this system.
Power train: 37 complaints
- 37 complaints of 509 (7%) name the power train — the transmission, transfer case, driveshafts and axles.
- 7 of them also name the engine; owners reported 1 crash and 2 injuries in these complaints.
- One NHTSA recall covers this system on the 2015 Subaru Outback; the recall, campaign 15V502000, says: “Transmission oil may leak from a deformed seal cap on the propeller shaft yoke.”
Structure: 33 complaints
- 33 complaints of 509 (6%) name the structure — the body and frame structure.
- 7 of them also name the visibility/wiper; owners reported 1 crash and 1 fire in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2015 Subaru Outback covers this system.
Service brakes: 27 complaints
- 27 complaints of 509 (5%) name the service brakes — the foot-brake system: pads, rotors, calipers, lines and ABS.
- 6 of them also name the vehicle speed control; owners reported 5 crashes and 3 injuries in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2015 Subaru Outback covers this system.
When the complaints were filed
| Year filed | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2014 | 6 |
| 2015 | 135 |
| 2016 | 46 |
| 2017 | 33 |
| 2018 | 33 |
| 2019 | 38 |
| 2020 | 53 |
| 2021 | 61 |
| 2022 | 39 |
| 2023 | 19 |
| 2024 | 14 |
| 2025 | 18 |
| 2026 | 14 |
What is counted
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the model names OUTBACK, model year 2015. Complaints are unverified owner reports; a recall is NHTSA's confirmed safety defect. See the 2015 Subaru Outback recalls.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2015 Subaru Outback?
By NHTSA owner complaints, the 2015 Subaru Outback's most common problem areas are the visibility/wiper (130 of 509 complaints), electrical system (127 of 509 complaints) and engine (47 of 509 complaints).
How many complaints does the 2015 Subaru Outback have?
NHTSA has 509 owner complaints on file for the 2015 Subaru Outback, including 19 reported crashes and 5 reported fires.
Is there a recall for the 2015 Subaru Outback's problems?
NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2015 Subaru Outback; 1 of the top 6 complaint areas have a matching recall. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN for open recalls.