2015 Subaru Outback: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2015 Subaru Outback: 5 recalls, 510 owner complaints and up to 28 mpg combined.
_2.5i_Premium_station_wagon_(2015-06-23).jpg){kind=link}
Recalls
5 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Trailer hitch Vehicle recall #14V577000 · 2014 · 56 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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…
The 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. The recall began on October 7, 2014.
Forward collision avoidance, Exterior lights Vehicle recall #15V366000 · 2015 · 71,710 vehicles
What's wrong: 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…
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the driver assist system, free of charge. The recall began on July 20, 2015.
Transmission & drivetrain, Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #15V502000 · 2015 · 2,893 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: If the transmission oil leaks onto the exhaust pipe, there is a possible risk of fire.
The fix: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the propeller shaft, free of charge. The recall began on August 28, 2015.
Stability control Vehicle recall #16V251000 · 2016 · 766 vehicles
What's wrong: 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…
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: 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.
Steering Vehicle recall #16V292000 · 2016 · 48,819 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: The loss of steering ability would increase the risk of a crash.
The 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. The recall began May 13, 2016.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 5 mention a fire, 17 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Visibility/Wiper (130): the most common themes are electrical failure (7), noise or vibration (6), stalls / loses power (4).
- Electrical (127): the most common themes are electrical failure (97), won't start (17), stalls / loses power (16).
- Other / unknown (108): the most common themes are electrical failure (17), noise or vibration (9).
- Engine (47): the most common themes are leaks (12), stalls / loses power (10), noise or vibration (10).
The 2015 Subaru Outback has 510 owner complaints, ranking #7 of 32 Outback model years for complaints (1.7× the average Outback year). Complaints peaked in 2015 (135 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 3 years old, at a median of 20,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2014 (208 complaints, 10 recalls), 2016 (643 complaints, 4 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5 L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 25 | 32 | 28 | Regular |
| 3.6 L 6-cyl | Automatic (AV-S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 20 | 27 | 22 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2015 Subaru Outback.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/moHeads up: we may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Prices checked 2026-10 and can change. We never host or link to pirated manuals. Disclosure
FAQ
Does the 2015 Subaru Outback have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 5 vehicle recalls for the 2015 Subaru Outback. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2015 Subaru Outback problems?
Owners have filed 510 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are visibility/wiper (130), electrical (127), other / unknown (108).
What gas mileage does the 2015 Subaru Outback get?
EPA ratings run up to 28 mpg combined (2.5 L, Automatic (AV-S6)), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2015 Subaru Outback repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.