CarModelProblems.com

2015 Subaru Outback Problems & Recalls

Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/12/2026

High complaint levelIts most-reported problem — Visibility/wiper — runs 5.0× the fleet median for that category across the 325 model-years tracked on this site.
505Complaints
5Recalls
20Crashes
5Fires
17Injured
0Deaths

Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.

Is this problem acknowledged?

The most-reported problem — Visibility/wiper (25.7% of complaints) — recall and investigation status for this vehicle is currently unavailable.

Visibility/wiper complaints here are 5.0× the median for that category across the 325 model-years tracked on this site.

Complaint categoryReportsOfficial statusReference
Visibility/wiper130 · 25.7%not available
Electrical System119 · 23.6%not available
Engine47 · 9.3%not available
Power Train37 · 7.3%RecalledRecall 15V502000
Service Brakes27 · 5.3%not available
Vehicle Speed Control26 · 5.1%not available

Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Complaints by component

VISIBILITY/WIPER130 · 25.7%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM119 · 23.6%
Unspecified / other106 · 21%
ENGINE47 · 9.3%
POWER TRAIN37 · 7.3%
SERVICE BRAKES27 · 5.3%
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL26 · 5.1%
STRUCTURE:BODY22 · 4.4%
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM18 · 3.6%
AIR BAGS13 · 2.6%

Percentages are the share of the 505 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.

Recalls — 5 campaigns

Electronic Stability Control (ESC)

NHTSA campaign 16V251000 · 2016 · reported 04/27/2016

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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Trailer Hitches

NHTSA campaign 14V577000 · 2014 · reported 09/19/2014

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.… Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Power Train:driveline:driveshaft

NHTSA campaign 15V502000 · 2015 · reported 08/10/2015

If the transmission oil leaks onto the exhaust pipe, there is a possible risk of fire. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Steering:column

NHTSA campaign 16V292000 · 2016 · reported 05/11/2016

The loss of steering ability would increase the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

Park it  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Forward Collision Avoidance: Crash Imminent Braking

NHTSA campaign 15V366000 · 2015 · reported 06/12/2015

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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

What owners report

“FOR UNKNOWN REASONS, MY WINDSHIELD CRACKED ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE WHILE IT WAS PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY. THERE IS NO EVIDENCE OF ANY IMPACT DAMAGE.”NHTSA complaint 10761943 — filed 09/07/2015 · VISIBILITY/WIPER
“WE HAVE 7,100 MILES ON OUR NEW & VERY FIRST SUBARU OUTBACK. THIS PAST WEEK WE DEVELOPED A CRACK THAT BEGAN ON THE LOWER 4…”NHTSA complaint 10759757 — filed 08/27/2015 · VISIBILITY/WIPER
“WITHIN 9 DAYS OF RECEIVING A REPLACEMENT WINDSHIELD FOR MY SUBARU OUTBACK, MY WINDSHIELD WAS DAMAGED AGAIN. THE DEALER NOTED IT ON 8/8/15 AND THE…”NHTSA complaint 10759059 — filed 08/25/2015 · VISIBILITY/WIPER

Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.

Complaint trend by year filed

820141715120163844201851702020734620222918202431122026

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2015 Subaru Outback?

Visibility/wiper issues are the most-reported category, cited in 130 of 505 NHTSA complaints (25.7%), followed by electrical system (119), unspecified/other issues (106), engine (47). Complaints are unverified owner reports.

How many complaints does the 2015 Subaru Outback have?

505 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/12/2026. Of those, 20 involved a crash, 5 involved a fire, and 17 reported injuries. No deaths were reported.

Does the 2015 Subaru Outback have any recalls?

Yes — 5 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 16V251000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Has NHTSA acted on the 2015 Subaru Outback's reported problems?

Recall or investigation data is partly unavailable for this vehicle right now — check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the authoritative answer.

Is a complaint proof of a defect?

No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.

About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 07/12/2026.