Fifth generation (BS)
2015 Subaru Outback
The most reported problem on the 2015 Subaru Outback is windshield, with 137 complaints, usually around 12,000 miles.
- 504owner complaints
- 5recalls
- 20involved a crash
- 28,500median miles at failure
Newest report Aug 27, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
What is your Outback doing?
Each one opens a sheet built from the owner reports of that problem on the 2015 model year.
Is the 2015 Subaru Outback reliable?
The 2015 Subaru Outback has 504 owner complaints on file with NHTSA, 1.6 times the median of 314 for 2015 SUVs on this site. Of the 13 Outback model years since 2014, it has the 6th most complaints. Complaint counts rise with sales as well as faults, so read what owners report below before deciding.
At a glance
- Next to other model years
- Complaints filed before 2015 aren't in the files this site reads, so the 2015 count runs short and isn't compared with the model years next to it.
- Top problem
- Windshield leads with 137 of the 504 complaints (27%), ahead of dead battery at 87. Windshield tends to show up early. Of the 113 owners who gave a mileage for it, half were under about 12,000 miles and a quarter under about 4,000.
- Crash, fire and injury reports
- 30 of the 504 complaints (6%) report a crash, a fire or an injury, about the 6% typical of vehicles on this site. Counted separately (one report can carry more than one), 20 reports mention a crash, 5 mention a fire and 17 people were hurt. The most crash reports, 7 of 20, fall under airbag.
- Recalls behind the top problems
- No recall on file is on the same system as windshield, dead battery and infotainment. For those, the complaints are all there is.
- When owners filed
- Filings jumped in 2015, with 135 complaints, 2.2 times the next busiest year. So far in 2026, 14 more have come in. Filings on record start in 2015.
When each problem shows up
Each bar covers the middle half of the mileages owners reported for that problem. A quarter saw it earlier, a quarter later. The tick is the median. Most reported: windshield cracks or distorts, 137 complaints.
middle half of reports, median tick. The heavier grey bars have 75 or more reports.
Behind you
Around your mileage
Ahead of you
How this compares
504 complaints is 1.8 times the median 2015 model on this site and 1.6 times the median 2015 SUV. Among the 13 Outback model years here it ranks 6th for complaints. Counts follow sales volume as much as reliability, so a truck that sells 700,000 a year draws more reports than a sedan that sells 200,000.
Service bulletins for the 2015 Subaru Outback
Subaru filed 544 bulletins and other notices with NHTSA that list the 2015 Subaru Outback. 50 of them deal with a problem owners have reported on this car. Newest first.
Federal rules make a manufacturer send NHTSA a copy of any notice about a defect that goes to more than one dealer or owner. Most of these are service bulletins, the repair instructions manufacturers send to dealers. NHTSA generally leaves safety recall bulletins out of this file, and recalls are listed separately.
Windshield cracks or distorts 5 bulletins · 137 complaints
Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) Quality Assurance has identified an increase in the number of cracked windshields on some 2015 and 2016MY Legacy and Outback models. SOA has now further extended the warranty to 8 years / unlimited miles.
This bulletin provides a procedure for diagnosing and repairing customer concerns of a âpoppingâ or âsnappingâ -type sound heard when opening the sunroof.
3 more on this problem
THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES A SERVICE PROCEDURE TO ADDRESS CUSTOMER CONCERNS OF A WIND RUSHING-TYPE SOUND WHICH SEEMS TO COME FROM THE REAR DOOR GLASS SASH AREA. CUSTOMERS MAY REPORT A CONCERN WITH ONE OR BOTH REAR DOORS.
THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES A SERVICE PROCEDURE TO ADDRESS CUSTOMER CONCERNS OF A WIND RUSHING-TYPE SOUND WHICH SEEMS TO COME FROM THE FRONT DOOR GLASS SASH AREA. CUSTOMERS MAY REPORT A CONCERN WITH ONE OR BOTH FRONT DOORS.
SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC. WILL BE ISSUING A WARRANTY EXTENSION TO ADDRESS CRACKS OR BREAKAGE IN THE DEICER AREA OF THE WINDSHIELD ON 2015 AND EARLY PRODUCTION 2016 LEGACY AND OUTBACK MODELS EQUIPPED WITH THE ALL WEATHER PACKAGE THAT INCLUDED A WINDSHIELD WIPER ...
Battery dies or the car will not start 6 bulletins · 87 complaints
Subaru Battery Drain Product Liability Litigation.
Battery Drain Class Action Settlement- Warranty Extension Training.
4 more on this problem
Announcement to Subaru Retailers regarding the preliminary settlement in a class action lawsuit regarding battery drain in certain Subaru vehicles.
This bulletin announces availability of reprogramming files to optimize the ECM for control of battery charging functions. Depending on vehicle use conditions, the battery state of charge value may differ slightly from the actual value.
This bulletin announces the availability of reprogramming files to optimize the ECM and address the following customer concerns: ? Check Engine light coming on (with DTC P05A0 stored in memory).
THIS BULLETIN ANNOUNCES A CHANGE TO THE BATTERY SENSOR TO PREVENT UNNECESSARY OCCURRENCE OF DTC P1C00 BEING SET / STORED IN THE ECM MEMORY.
Infotainment, screen or backup camera fails 20 bulletins · 37 complaints
This Bulletin has been developed to outline the steps for gathering basic but essential information during diagnosis of Infotainment concerns. (This is an revised version of the original bulletin.)
This bulletin has been developed to outline the steps for gathering basic essential information during diagnosis and repair of the Infotainment concerns. (Applicable to all models with Harman or Denso CP1 Infotainment).
18 more on this problem
This bulletin provides information to help diagnose and address different conditions relating to customer concerns which may arise when operating the new-generation âGen 2â and âGen 2.1â F10 Navigation and Display Audio systems.
This bulletin announces new reprogramming file availability and the software installation procedure to address additional operational concerns received from the field and listed involving âGen 2â F10 Navigation and Display Audio units with 7â display.
This bulletin announces reprogramming file availability and the software installation procedure to address a group of operational concerns received from the field and listed below involving the Clarion Display Audio unit with 6.2" display.
All 2015-2017 MY vehicles with Fujitsu TEN (F10) 7in. Multimedia Navigation (AVN) & Display Audio Units. This bulletin provides information to help diagnose and address different conditions relating to customer concerns which may arise when operating the ...
Models with FujitsuTEN (F10) Gen 2.0 / 2.1 Navigation or Display Audio Head Units ONLY. This bulletin provides a repair procedure to address specific, confirmed customer concerns of: ? Audio output interruption every 2-3 seconds when listening to AM or FM ...
The SRVD system diagnostic software was updated as part of the July, 2016 SSM version. One change in particular involves the location of the display screen to check for DTC B2328, ?Rear Radar Internal Failure (Radar Misalignment)?.
Revised TSB: This bulletin announces reprogramming file availability and the software installation procedure to address a group of operational concerns received from the field listed below involving ?Gen 2? F10 Navigation and Display Audio units with 7? ...
Models with Fujitsu-TEN / FTEN / (F10) Gen2 Navigation System only. Fujitsu-TEN / FTEN / (F10) Navigation: Voice Recognition Concerns with Finding Addresses in Some Metro Areas.
Models Equipped with 6.2? Clarion Display Audio only. This bulletin announces the reprogramming file availability and installation procedure to address various customer concerns when operating the Clarion 6.2? Display Audio unit.
Models with Fujitsu-Ten (F10) 7? Display Audio Systems (without navigation) This bulletin announces a procedure for updating the 7? Display Audio unit?s operating system software for various customer concerns.
Plus 8 older ones not listed here.
Brakes grind, pulse or wear early 6 bulletins · 28 complaints
This bulletin provides diagnosis and procedure information to be applied when diagnosing potential fluid leaks on front and rear brake calipers. This information has been developed to reduce unnecessary brake caliper replacement.
This Service Information bulletin announces availability of a new front brake pad shim kit to specifically address customer concerns of a squeaking or squealing sound on the models listed above.
4 more on this problem
This Service Information bulletin announces instruction for application of additional lubrication between the brake caliper support and pad clips.
This bulletin announces a design change made to the rear ABS wheel speed sensor on the models listed above. The change involves the addition of an additional shielding cover to protect the harness from damage caused by road debris.
The brake fluid used during the production of the potentially affected vehicles may have contained excess moisture. Excess moisture in brake fluid may cause a gelatinous material to form in the brake system.
Memo to retailers: Owner Notification - Subaru Recall Campaign: WTC-64 VDC System Filter Clogged. The brake fluid used during the production of the potentially affected vehicles may have contained excess moisture.
Car won't start 2 bulletins · 15 complaints
This Service Information Bulletin outlines a systematic procedure for diagnosing parasitic draw (dark/standby current) in vehicles experiencing battery drain when the ignition is off, leading to no-start conditions or frequent jump-starts.This is an revised ...
IF YOU RECEIVE A CUSTOMER CONCERN OF A NO CRANK / NO START CONDITION DURING VERY COLD TEMPERATURES, THE IG1, IG2, ACC1, ACC2 AND/OR THE EGI MAIN RELAYS MAY BE THE ROOT CAUSE AND REQUIRE REPLACEMENT.
Transmission shudders, slips or shifts hard 1 bulletin · 8 complaints
THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES A PROCEDURE FOR DIAGNOSING A CUSTOMER CONCERN OF A DELAYED AND / OR HARSH ENGAGEMENT OF THE CVT (MODEL TR580) WHEN SHIFTING INTO REVERSE OR DRIVE FROM NEUTRAL. ALL 2013-16MY, 4-CYLINDER, N/A MODELS WITH CVT
Check engine light or misfire 8 bulletins · 7 complaints
This bulletin provides a new flow chart and additional diagnostic tools to assist technicians with troubleshooting DTC P0841- SECONDARY OIL PRESSURE SENSOR PERFORMANCE.
This bulletin announces the availability of reprogramming files to optimize the Engine Control Module (ECM) for hard starting in sub-freezing temperatures, DTC P0400, and surging in high altitudes.
6 more on this problem
This Service Information bulletin announces availability of a new control valve assembly (valve body) designed to prevent false detection of DTC P0841 and / or illumination of the AT Temp light.
This Service Information Bulletin announces design changes to the engine?s knock sensor which will help improve vehicle assembly line efficiency and increase durability.
This bulletin provides a service procedure for installation of additional foam packing to enhance performance of the Ambient Air Temperature Sensor.
THIS BULLETIN ANNOUNCES AVAILABILITY OF REPROGRAMMING FILES TO OPTIMIZE THE ECM FOR DTC P0137. THESE FILES WILL ALSO ADDRESS CUSTOMER CONCERNS OF ENGINE IDLE RPM DROP AFTER A HOT ENGINE RESTART ON 2.5L MODELS AND WHEN SHIFTING FROM REVERSE TO DRIVE AFTER A ...
THIS BULLETIN ANNOUNCES AVAILABILITY OF REPROGRAMMING FILES TO ADDRESS DTCS P000A AND P000C. THESE DTCS MAY SET AND CAUSE THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE WHEN VOLTAGE SUPPLIED TO THE ENGINES OIL CONTROL VALVES (OCV) IS REDUCED.
DTC P0456 / Clamps Added to Canister Purge Control Solenoid Valve Hose
Adaptive cruise or lane keeping misbehaves 2 bulletins · 7 complaints
This bulletin announces availability of reprogramming files to optimize the EyeSight camera unit. In some cases, when using the Adaptive Cruise Control feature, the EyeSight system may stop functioning, enter a fail-safe mode and store DTC B280B- VDC ...
THIS BULLETIN ANNOUNCES AVAILABILITY OF REPROGRAMMING FILES TO OPTIMIZE TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE (TCM) OPERATION AND ADDRESS THE FOLLOWING CUSTOMER CONCERNS: ENGINE RPM FLARE (SHARP RPM INCREASE WHEN CVT DOWNSHIFTS) WHEN USING CRUISE CONTROL ON ...
Complaints filed by year
135 complaints came in 2015. Owners file in waves when a problem gets press or an investigation, so a spike measures attention as much as failures.
NHTSA investigations
Desiccated air bag inflator rupture. Open.
NHTSA summary
Recalls that include the 2015 Subaru Outback
Whether your car is included depends on its VIN. Check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
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.
Risk and remedy
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.
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."
Risk and remedy
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.
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.
Risk and remedy
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.
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.
Risk and remedy
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.
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.
Risk and remedy
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.
All 5 recalls on the 2015 Subaru Outback, with the owner complaints on each recalled system
Guide One recall here carries a do-not-drive warning. What that means
Questions
What is the most common problem on the 2015 Subaru Outback?
Windshield, with 137 of the 504 complaints. Owners who gave a mileage for it put the median at about 12,000 miles.
At what mileage do 2015 Subaru Outback problems start?
Of the 329 complaints that give a mileage, a quarter came by about 8,000 miles and half by about 28,000.
How many 2015 Subaru Outback complaints involve a crash, fire or injury?
30 of them (6%). The typical vehicle on this site is at 6%.
Is there a recall for windshield on the 2015 Subaru Outback?
No recall on file for the 2015 Subaru Outback is on the same system as windshield. Another recall may still cover your car, so check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.