2015 Subaru Outback problems
The Subaru Outback is an automotive nameplate used by the Japanese automaker Subaru for two different SUV-themed vehicles: a Legacy-derived crossover station wagon, the Outback (1994–present, also sold as Legacy Outback (Japanese: スバル・レガシィアウトバック, Hepburn: Subaru Regashi Autobakku) in some markets), and an Impreza-derived off-road themed hatchback, the Outback Sport (1994–2011).
Most versions of the Outback wagon and Outback Sport have had all-wheel drive as standard equipment.
History
The original Outback station wagon was derived from the wagon variant of the second-generation Subaru Legacy. The first-generation Legacy, which made its debut in 1989, did not receive the cosmetic and suspension modifications to create an Outback version, although Subaru offered an Outdoor option package for the 1994 model year Legacy L all-wheel drive model, which added a compressed air strut height adjustable suspension, a luggage rack, a skidplate, and mud flaps.
Earlier, a raised-roof "Touring Wagon" variant had been offered on the preceding Subaru Leone for the 1988 and 1989 model years. Subaru also sold a raised-roof variant (chassis code BF) of the first-generation Legacy wagon outside the United States. North American Legacy wagons were only offered as the flat-roof variant (chassis code BJ) until a special "GT" model was marketed for the 1994 model year.
The second-generation Legacy wagon became the first generation of the Outback crossover series, called the "Legacy Grand Wagon" in Japan in 1995, and the "Legacy Outback" in most other markets. Compared to the existing Legacy wagon, the "Outback" variant added partial protective plastic side body cladding for off-road conditions, used a raised roof, and would later raise the suspension to provide additional ground clearance. It was introduced at the 1994 New York Auto Show. Aside from other small differences in trim, the Outback shares almost all of its components with the Legacy donor model.
When launched in Australia in 1996, the name "Legacy Outback" was shortened to "Outback", followed in other markets afterwards. In the United States, Subaru also retailed the Legacy SUS sedan between the 1997 and 2007 model years, with similar modifications to distinguish it from the equivalent Legacy model sedan. The Impreza Outback Sport was introduced at the 1996 New York Auto Show, but for the 1997 model year, the donor model names were dropped, and the cars were known as the "Outback" and "Outback Sport".
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Common 2015 Subaru Outback problems
Based on complaints from owners of the 2015 Subaru Outback, several common problems have been identified:
- Engine Failing to Start:
- Many Outback models experience problems with the engine failing to start within the first 35,000 miles. This issue is commonly caused by a faulty starter relay. Replacing the starter relay typically costs around $250, depending on local labor rates. Some owners have opted to replace the stock battery with a larger one, costing approximately $300.
- Cracked Windshields:
- Cracked windshields are a frequent complaint among owners at around 20,000 miles. The original glass in the Outback is reportedly weaker than in other midsize SUVs, making it more prone to cracking from small stone chips. Replacing the windshield can cost between $500 to $700.
- Recalls:
- The 2015 Subaru Outback has been subject to five serious recalls, with one leading the NHTSA to issue a "do not drive" warning. Recalls address issues such as a faulty steering column that can result in a complete loss of steering, problems with the stability control system, and issues with collision mitigation technology.
These common problems with the 2015 Subaru Outback highlight significant issues related to oil consumption, engine reliability, and windshield durability. Owners facing these challenges may incur substantial repair costs and should be aware of the potential safety implications associated with the recalls.
What is the problem with the 2015 Subaru Outback?
Common problems found on the 2015 Subaru Outback include excessive oil consumption, the engine failing to start, as well as cracked windshields. Overall, these problems are more severe than other midsize SUVs, leading to larger repair bills as they age.
Are 2015 Outbacks reliable?
How Reliable Is the 2015 Subaru Outback? J.D. Power gives the 2015 Outback a reliability rating of three out of five, which is about average.
What year was bad for Subaru Outback?
2010 and 2011 Subaru Outbacks Stand Out as the Worst Years Due to High Recall Count, Excessive Oil Consumption, Head Gasket Failures, and Transmission Problems.
What are the recalls on 2015 Subaru Outback?
2015 Subaru Outback Recalls
- Steering: Column. Recall date. 2016-05-10. Recall no. ...
- Electronic stability control. Recall date. 2016-04-26. Recall no. ...
- Power train: Automatic transmission. Recall date. 2015-08-09. Recall no. ...
- Exterior lighting: Brake lights: Switch. Recall date. 2015-06-11. ...
- Trailer hitches. Recall date. 2014-09-18.
What is the problem with the 2015 Subaru Outback?
Common problems found on the 2015 Subaru Outback include excessive oil consumption, the engine failing to start, as well as cracked windshields. Overall, these problems are more severe than other midsize SUVs, leading to larger repair bills as they age.
Are 2015 Outbacks reliable?
How Reliable Is the 2015 Subaru Outback? J.D. Power gives the 2015 Outback a reliability rating of three out of five, which is about average.
What is the most common problem with a Subaru Outback?
Some top Subaru Outback problems include weak windshields, poor cooling systems, oxygen sensor failure, excessive oil consumption due to oil leaks, and faulty airbags.
What year was bad for Subaru Outback?
2010 and 2011 Subaru Outbacks Stand Out as the Worst Years Due to High Recall Count, Excessive Oil Consumption, Head Gasket Failures, and Transmission Problems.
2015 Subaru Outback car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Subaru Outback problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Visibility/wiper problems
- Electrical system problems
- Unknown or other problems
- Engine problems
- Power train problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2015 Subaru Outback vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 2015 Subaru Outback
The NHTSA has received 474 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2015 Subaru Outback. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 2015 Subaru Outback vehicles.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-01
- VIN: 4S4BSBJC2F3
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: The horn stopped working on my vehicle. This puts my safety and other driver's safety at risk since I can not alert them if they are coming into my lane. I contacted Subaru Customer Advocacy but they are not willing to fix this problem. I checked the online forums and this seems to be a common problem.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-08
- VIN: 4S4BSAFC7F3
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: The dealer found significant rusting on the front subframe and some on the rear subframe. The front was enough there's a hole in it. I was told it was not safe to drive as it would not hold in an accident.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-02
- VIN: 4S4BSALC8F3
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: Been having issues with my Subaru Outback dying for years now. I’ve gone through 5 battery’s the last 6 years. No amount of driving seems to fix the issue, the replacement batteries only work for so long until it gets cold or I don’t drive my car for a week and suddenly it dies. I believe there is a parasitic drain somewhere, I can’t figure out what. I have nothing obstructing the hatch locking mechanism, I turn all my lights off and air system off before turn turning the car off. It’s becoming a serious issue, I have to jump my car almost everyday or every other day and am driving for over 40 minutes a day. Subaru has been unhelpful and I’m now not trusting of their help.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-01
- VIN: 4S4BSAJCXF3
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: The contact owns a 2015 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while making a right turn into a parking space, the vehicle experienced unintended acceleration and lunged forward. The contact stated that the failure had occurred on several occasions. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 70,000.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-08
- VIN: 4S4BSACC5F3
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: The car horn is unable to be used when driving straight. It only works when setting the alarm and only when you steer the wheel left or right. There are no warning lights on the instrument panel.
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-23
- VIN: 4S4BSENC7F3
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: While driving the Parking Brake warning light came on and the Subaru Eyesight system shut down. On stopping the car and restarting, the car got harder to drive. I pulled over again immediately as the parking brake was locking the wheels up. I got a tow truck to take the car to the Subaru dealer. By this time the rear wheels were completely locked up. If the car had to stop at a railroad crossing, the immobile car would be in a dangerous spot. The dealer service shop said there was Code C1411, C1194, C1956, C1942 and "Electronic Parking Brake Connector Failure". This was repaired under Warranty Extension Repair indicating that Subaru knew this was a serious problem but refused to do an emergency recall. Instead they intentionally allowed people to drive a dangerously defective vehicle.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-04-11
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: See attached document for complaint
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-04-01
- VIN: 4S4BSAHCXF3
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: The contact owns a 2015 Subaru Outback. The contact stated while driving at approximately 55 MPH, the front windshield suddenly developed a crack which quickly extended approximately 8 inches horizontally and later extended more than 35 inches across the windshield. The contact stated that the crack began on the passenger’s side and extended to the driver’s side of the windshield. The contact stated that the failure had occurred approximately 15 minutes after having the original windshield replaced after the same failure. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local service center and manufacturer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 71,000.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-03-13
- VIN: 4S4BSAFC4F3
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: Ignition inhibitor switch causing car to stay in neutral, fried the starter and battery 8 months after getting a brand new transmission under subaru warrenty
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-02-15
- VIN: 4S4BSEJC8F3
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: When shifted into drive or reverse, with brakes applied, and after initial start the vehicle will surge forward or reverse with force enough to overcome standard braking.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-01-29
- VIN: 4S4BSBNC2F3
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: Our 2015 Subaru Outback occasionally accelerates sharply without the driver's foot being on the gas peddle. It always happens when decelerating and applying the brakes. Suddenly, the engine roars and revs up, all while the driver is depressing the brake pedal, desperately trying to bring the vehicle to a safe stop. In our case, we've always been able to stop without hitting anything, but we've had some near misses. It seems to happen in the winter. The Subaru dealer we purchased the vehicle from denies any knowledge of this particular problem, even though numerous drivers have reported similar incidents.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-03-01
- VIN: 4S4BSAFC5F3
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: The cam carrier has a leak that is causing oil to slowly leak out of the car. The current issue is causing me to have to regularly add oil to the car. My safety is at risk as the car engine could fail while driving which would be me and others at risk. My understanding is that the leaking oil could also cause other parts to fail such as the O2 sensor. The recommended repair from the local Subaru dealer is to reseal the cam carrier at an estimated cost of $4,744. I attempted to contact Subaru after reading that many others have had this same issue and some have received monetary compensation to get the repair completed after complaining. Subaru has been very difficult to get in touch with and doesn't seem to want to respond to the issue. The only warning I have had was the oil engine light coming on multiple times to which I proceeded to add oil to the car.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-08-01
- VIN: 4S4BSELC9F3
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: iNFOMATION UNIT STOPPED WORKING AND HAS MOISTURE FOG INSIDE OF IT. I WAS USING IT FOR THE MAP ROUTE IN AN AREA THAT I WAS NOT FAMILIAR WITH WHEN IT STOPPED WORKING. I DO NOT KNOW HOW MOISTURE COULD GET IN A SEALED UNIT BUT IT IS OVER $22,000. TO REPLACE IT. PERHAPS THIS DOES NOT QUALIFY AS A SAFETY ISSUE BUT IT WAS FOR ME SINCE I NEEDED DIRECTIONS AS TO HOW TO GET HOME.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-05-25
- VIN: 4S4BSANC0F3
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: The car had a recall on it for the catalytic converter and front pipe and bellows being cracked. It was replaced under a service bulletin put out by Subaru at 104,000 miles in 2020. I just went to get the vehicle inspected in 5/2023 and the exact same part is failing once again. It will not pass inspection. This causes exhaust to leak back into the car (including carbon monoxide) given the converter/bellows are parts that come off the engine right under the driver/passenger's front seat. I have called corporate Subaru to see what could be done and they refuse to do anything since they told me the car is a 2015 and had 167,000+ miles. At this point, it will cost me a few thousand dollars to fix at which point has to be done by Subaru and they will replace it with the exact same parts that have proven time and time again to be a poor design and fail. Or I can take it to an exhaust specialist to be fixed.
STEERING,POWER TRAIN,SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-08-31
- VIN: 4S4BSBNC2F3
- Components: STEERING,POWER TRAIN,SEATS
- Summary: Driver's seat started peeling off approximately a year after purchase. Notified dealer, they said to contact Subaru of America via social media. Now almost all peeled off, have to cover with towel possibly interfering with airbags. Steering column lock will not lock in top position. Dealer repaired once under warranty, now out of warranty. Unsafe when column moves when driving. Transmission started slipping or behaving strangely around 90,000 miles. Never received notice of extended warranty I read about on Subaru forums [XXX] ) Paid $531.43 for fluid change at dealership because of the problem on 7/27/23 and no mention was made about extended warranty. It has not solved the problem. If transmission fails, that is a safety problem. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-06-07
- VIN: 4S4BSANC5F3
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
- Summary: #1. I replaced the battery in June of 2022 after all the dash warning lights came on. My eyesight safety feature was rendered in operative. After the battery was replaced, all the warning lights eventually went out. In July of 2023 the same scenario happened again. I returned to Advance Auto retailer and the store manager checked the battery. She replaced the battery with a new one of greater cold cranking amps. she was most knowledgeable and extraordinarily gracious. I asked her to check the alternator for proper function and was told it was functioning as it should. #2. On June 07, 2023, I took the automobile in for service: oil and filter change and brake pads and rotors on all four wheels. My Subaru had 68,482 miles on this date. The technician (who previously was employed by a local Subaru dealership) noticed that the engine was leaking oil and diagnosed the timing cover gasket was leaking oil. Oil leaking would contribute to the bad smells entering the passenger compartment. The gasket and three seals were replaced at a cost of $1329.94 plus 8% tax. Online research reveals that Subaru"s boxer engine suffers chronic oil consumption and seal problems. Subaru of America relies on the consumer to eat any repairs rather than fix the problem that has been going on for years.
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-07-08
- VIN: 4S4BSENC4F3
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: The contact owns a 2015 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while driving 50 MPH, the sunroof glass exploded. There was no impact to the sunroof that could have caused the sunroof glass to explode. The shards of glass from the sunroof fell onto the contact, his wife, and his son; however, no injuries were sustained, and medical attention was not received. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who replaced the sunroof glass. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-06-26
- VIN: 4S4BSALC7F3
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS
- Summary: There's a problem in a part called (clock spring/roll connector) that is responsible for the horn on steering wheel. It affects almost all Subaru models, like Outback, Forester, Legacy... I've verified it in a mechanic shop, and after all the tests of fuses, horn, and everything. They say the problem is the clock spring, a part that goes after the air bag and costs around $130 plus service ($150 minimum) to change. Then I research on internet and found out it's a very common problem with a lot of videos on YouTube of people having the same issue and a lot of comments there of more people complaining about it that it should have a recall cause it's a security part. I couldn't use my horn when another driver almost hit me, that's how I figured out that my horn died. Those are just some of the videos with this related problem. There's a lot more on YouTube and a lot of posts on Internet forums as well: https://youtu.be/E73ao9zRCUM https://youtu.be/vDxvafmQ6Qg https://youtu.be/plbtVX2WZWw https://youtu.be/YIwl5AmhfQ0 https://youtu.be/ZR5Qq3zufRc
LANE DEPARTURE,BACK OVER PREVENTION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-01-13
- VIN: 4S4BSEJC0F3
- Components: LANE DEPARTURE,BACK OVER PREVENTION
- Summary: SVRD disabled
SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-06-19
- VIN: 4S4BSANCXF3
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2015 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while driving 67 MPH with the cruise control activated, the vehicle suddenly decelerated to approximately 25-30 MPH while depressing the brake pedal. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled. After pulling over to the side of the roadway, the contact was able to restart the vehicle and drove to the residence. The vehicle was taken to the dealer however, the cause of the failure could not be determined. The contact's wife stated that the failure had occurred a year prior while driving approximately 55 MPH. The failure only lasted for several seconds. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 80,700.
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-05-26
- VIN: 4S4BSADC2F3
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: The issue below has occurred previously and was addressed by a completed recall "EPB Reprogramming" - WTB63. However, issue has reappeared. Issue: The parking brake engages without engaging parking brake switch while parked and also blinks a red warning while driving. We had an issue a few days ago where brake engaged by itself in parking lot (even though parking brake light never came on). I managed to get the car out of park by turning the car on and off several times and also pressing parking brake switch. The car is scheduled for Subaru service on 5 June, they will be able to do more diagnostics after reading error codes. The dealer told me that parking brake should not engage while driving which is my main concern...but I'm also concerned about possibility of being stranded somewhere because I cannot turn off the parking brake.
WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-05-17
- VIN: 4S4BSAHCXF3
- Components: WHEELS
- Summary: Wheel Lug bolts continue to snap off. Have had 5 so far and this could effect the ability of the wheel to stay attached to the vehicle. I have several friends with the same vehicle (different years) that have had the same issue multiple times. In 50 years of vehicle ownership have never had this happen once, let alone 5 times.
STEERING,POWER TRAIN,LANE DEPARTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-05-22
- VIN: 4S4BSENC1F3
- Components: STEERING,POWER TRAIN,LANE DEPARTURE
- Summary: CONSTANT CHECK ENGINE, NO ADAS FUNCTIONS AND MULTIPLE CODES AND HUD INDICATORS INCLUDING CKENGNE, XMODE FLASHING, ADAS DISABLE AND MAJOR ELECRTICAL PARASITIC DRAW AND TRANSMISSION AND OVERHEATING. I believe the past major leg relay was replaced during first recall, it was not performed correctly and tied into accesssorry aux into same wiring. defrost/ ac failure and clutch hums upon shutting down
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-11-10
- VIN: 4S4BSAHC3F3
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: The child safety lock on the passenger side will not disengage. Our child is old enough now to operate the door safely but she cannot open the door from the inside. I feel that this is a great safety concern and the dealer should take care of the cost. When we asked if it could be fixed the dealer expressed that it would be on us for all charges. This is a manufacturer defect and should be rectified immediately. Thank you.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-07-07
- VIN: 4S4BSALC3F3
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: The battery has been in need of replacement at least every year if not twice a year since purchase. This has led to issues with the rear hatch and other fuses being blown.
2015 Subaru Outback recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 5 recalls for different components of the 2015 Subaru Outback.
- Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.
- Park It: 1
- Components: STEERING:COLUMN
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: The loss of steering ability would increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: 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.
- Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.
- Components: ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
- Summary: 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."
- Consequence: 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.
- Remedy: 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.
- Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.
- Components: POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: If the transmission oil leaks onto the exhaust pipe, there is a possible risk of fire.
- Remedy: 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.
- Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.
- Components: FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: CRASH IMMINENT BRAKING
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: 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.
- Remedy: 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.
- Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.
- Components: TRAILER HITCHES
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: 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.
- Remedy: 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.
Negative 2015 Subaru Outback car reviews
Positive 2015 Subaru Outback car reviews
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Hi there! I hope you're doing well. I wanted to take a moment to share my thoughts on this amazing car. I recently purchased the 3.6 R (6 cylinder) and I am absolutely thrilled with it! The car drives so smoothly and the acceleration is wonderful. The engine is super quiet, making for a peaceful ride. The leather seats are firm yet comfortable, making you feel like you're sitting in a leather recliner. The interior layout is nice and easy to read, and the cargo space is more than adequate. This car feels solid and sure-footed in all types of conditions. I even drove it through some very muddy conditions and it rolled through the mud without one tire slipping! The acceleration onto the interstate while merging into traffic was a breeze. The outback 3.6R performed extremely well. Some people talk about the lower MPG for the 3.6 compared to the 2.5, but I got 23 city and 29 highway, which I don't think is bad at all, especially for a 6 cylinder. Overall, I am extremely happy with my purchase and I would urge you to consider the 3.6R if you're in the market for a new car. You won't be disappointed!
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I read about how the 2015 Outback was improved over the 2014 and earlier versions. We decided to take a look and drove off the lot with a new Premium model (4 cyl). Everything is better on the 2015. The stereo, speaker quality, suspension/handling and interior materials have all been upgraded. Most importantly, the CVT auto trans is greatly improved. The car's acceleration is far more responsive and the previous CVT engine drone and 'mushiness' are gone.
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This vehicle is the luxurious athlete of the crossover crowd. The 2015 styling and consumer features are superior to the 2014 model, and the new CVT tuning is excellent. The ride is quiet and there are lots of technology features, including Eyesight adaptive cruise control, lane departure/collision avoidance, and blind spot detection. We added popular package 5, which amps up the utilitarian touches of an already practical design. After 20,000 miles, the highway mileage exceeds 30 mpg at 75 MPH. On one tank, we got 34 MPG with all-day highway travel without crosswinds. However, crosswinds and hilly conditions on cruise can cut MPG to 28. We did have to have the rear hatch struts replaced at only 30 months, as the electric lift gate was not opening or staying open. Fortunately, Subaru has been good on extending the transmission warranty and took care of the rear lift gate problem at no cost within 36 months of ownership, although at 37,000 miles service.
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Our car has been running flawlessly with 12,000 miles on it. We only had to take it back to the dealer for a couple of oil changes. It's a very comfortable car to drive with great visibility, tracking, and minimal road or wind noise. The driver's seat has plenty of adjustment and fits both my petite wife and me, who is 6'2I hope that Subaru can update the software to include Google Auto. As vehicle owners, we should expect software updates, especially considering the premium we pay for some features and how quickly they become outdated. I am continually impressed with the engineering of this vehicle and keep discovering new features that make it even easier to use. For instance, it automatically pauses the radio when you receive a call and resumes playing afterward. As for the 24,000-mile update, the car is still running flawlessly, and the tires have even wear with plenty of tread remaining. They have been rotated every oil change.
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I recently purchased my first Subaru at the age of 61. As a self-employed individual who drives an average of 25,000 miles per year, I have never had to replace a windshield before. Unfortunately, six weeks ago, my windshield developed a crack for no apparent reason. However, I was pleasantly surprised when Subaru replaced it for free, although it was a bit of an inconvenience. Last week, a rock hit my windshield and caused it to crack. Fortunately, my insurance covered the cost and the repair was done at my house. However, due to the eyesight technology, I had to go to the dealer to get it recalibrated. After driving the 40 minutes back home, I noticed that the car was indicating that the eyesight was not working. Although I love the eyesight technology, it had a recall in August and now this issue has arisen. It seems like I am spending a lot of time at the dealer.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2015 Subaru Outback problems:
Quality Concerns With 2015/16 Outback : r/subaruoutback
Mar 26, 2022 ... But would not tackle larger engine work. I used to hear a lot about Subaru reliability but I fell like it's not as good as it used to be. Thanks ...
2015 Subaru Outback Review, Problems, Reliability, Value, Life ...
Oct 25, 2022 ... Overall Rating 6/10 – 2015 is a bad year for the Subaru Outback since there are serious reliability issues with the engine, giving it a low ...
2015 Outback plagued with problems - Subaru Outback Forums
Sep 2, 2017 ... Hard shifts and a ridiculous rough idle at a light when the AC is on. All dealers say "everything looks fine." Now, the driver's seat is coming ...
2015 Subaru Outback Problems | Kelley Blue Book
How reliable is the 2015 Subaru Outback? See the most common repairs performed and learn if your vehicle is at risk for major repairs in the next 12 months.
6th Generation (2015-2019) Outback Problems
Common 2015-2019 Subaru Outback Problems · Denso Fuel Pump Failure · CAN System Parasitic Drain on the Battery · Unintended Acceleration · Cracked Windshields.
Other years of Subaru Outback
Are you having problems with your 2015 Subaru Outback?
Camden Schultz 2024-09-25
Hello! I hope you're doing well. I wanted to share my experience with the car. I have a long commute of 65 miles each way to work, and I've found that I usually get around 25mpg on average, which isn't too bad. The interior is lovely, and I especially enjoy the Harmon Kardon Sound system, although there have been a few instances of random blown speaker-like sounds. Unfortunately, there is quite a bit of wind noise and rattling, which can be a bit annoying. The 2.5i motor is a bit underpowered, but I was willing to sacrifice some power for better fuel economy (which I didn't really end up getting). On cold mornings, the motor can be a bit sluggish while it's still warming up, so it's important to be realistic with your expectations when pulling into oncoming traffic. I did have a scary experience recently when I slid off the road in snowy conditions. I didn't have snow tires, just the factory set, so I can't completely blame the car. However, I did realize that the AWD system isn't as powerful as I thought it would be. It's difficult to generate enough power to turn the tires in a situation where you need to pull out of a mess, and the AWD system senses tire slip and shuts down. Unfortunately, there's no way to shut off the system and let me spin my tires until I get down into some dirt. Overall, I'm still happy with the car, but I'll definitely be more cautious in snowy conditions in the future. Stay safe out there!
Jovany Blanda 2024-09-04
The repeated battery failures in my 2015 Outback Wagon have been a persistent issue, despite multiple visits to the dealership. While they have not detected any electrical problems, I have experienced 11 battery failures in just 9 months of ownership. I suspect that there may be a design flaw with the battery size. Despite this frustration, I do appreciate the safety features of the car, particularly the Eye Sight blind spot warnings. I have had a few instances where the Eye Sight has failed, but restarting the car has resolved the issue. I am currently pursuing a return of the car under the California Lemon Law.
Lucious Wyman 2024-03-25
The purchase of a new car is a significant investment for us, as we are not particularly wealthy. After conducting two years of research, we decided to purchase our 2015 Outback, mainly due to its advertised gas mileage. Despite driving the car carefully, we have only been able to achieve 20 mpg in the city and, at best, 26-27 mpg on the highway. This has been a major disappointment for us. It is frustrating to think that the advertised gas mileage was not accurate. Have you experienced something similar?
Tom Schmitt 2024-03-10
Hi there! I wanted to share my experience with my Outback. Unfortunately, I had to bring it in twice to the carwash because of a leaking moon roof. Even after they installed a new one, it still leaked and caused my left leg to freeze due to air coming in at the bottom. It was quite frustrating, so I decided to trade it in. I was originally considering a Crosstrek, but after that experience, I decided to go with a different make. Thanks for listening!
Cleveland Walter 2024-02-24
We are fond of our 2015 Outback, but we initially had some issues with the MPG. At first, we were only getting 18 MPG overall, and we also experienced an intermittent hard start condition. After several trips to the dealer and observing a recommended break-in period of 3K miles, a firmware/software update was performed, and our car's MPG improved to 23. Although it still falls short of the advertised mileage (which is why we purchased it), we are pleased with the improvement. However, we were disappointed with the response we received from the dealer and Subaru of America, who told us that this was a 'normal and satisfactory condition' for our region. If you are buying for the 'advertised' MPG, we would advise caution and not to expect any assistance.