2015 Subaru Outback Safety Report
2015 SUBARU OUTBACK Safety Report
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2015 Subaru Outback
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2015 Subaru Outback. It connects recall campaigns, owner complaint patterns, service bulletins, sibling model years, component issue hubs, and the model buying guide so a shopper or owner can move from a single report into the wider safety graph.
| Signal | Value | What to inspect next |
|---|---|---|
| Recall burden | High (5) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | High (496) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 24 | Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item. |
| Primary component hub | Visibility/Wiper | Compare visibility/wiper issues across vehicles. |
| Cleaner nearby model year | 2021 | Compare against the 2021 Subaru Outback with 283 complaints and 4 recalls. |
| Riskier nearby model year | 2019 | Check the 2019 Subaru Outback before buying across this generation. |
Subaru Outback Year-by-Year Comparison
The safest purchase decision usually comes from comparing neighboring model years, not reading a single page in isolation. The table below uses only validated Subaru Outback years already present in the cleaned NHTSA dataset, so each comparison links to a real vehicle safety report rather than a generated combination.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 Subaru Outback | 630 | 4 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2017 Subaru Outback | 909 | 4 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2018 Subaru Outback | 784 | 3 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2019 Subaru Outback | 1023 | 3 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2020 Subaru Outback | 886 | 6 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2021 Subaru Outback | 283 | 4 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
2015 Subaru Outback Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2015 Subaru Outback, these are the component areas with the clearest NHTSA complaint signals. Use each link to jump from this single vehicle into broader component hubs and make-specific issue pages.
Visibility/Wiper
111 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Visibility/Wiper issues Subaru onlyElectrical System
89 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Electrical System issues Subaru onlyUnknown Or Other
66 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Unknown Or Other issues Subaru onlyPower Train
20 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Power Train issues Subaru onlyEngine
18 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Engine issues Subaru onlyStructure
16 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Structure issues Subaru onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2015 Subaru Outback
Reliability Score
The 2015 Subaru Outback receives a reliability score of 89 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates above-average reliability relative to comparable vehicles.
NHTSA Safety Ratings for the 2015 Subaru Outback
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) evaluates vehicles through controlled crash tests and assigns star ratings from 1 to 5, with 5 being the safest.
Known Issues for the 2015 Subaru Outback
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2015 Subaru Outback:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steering Column Subaru is recalling certain 2016-2017 Legacy and Outback vehicles due to a steering column issue that could lead to loss of steering assist. |
Medium | Rare | 30k-60k miles |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) Subaru is recalling certain 2015 Legacy and Outback vehicles for ESC issues that could affect vehicle stability and control. |
Medium | Rare | 30k-60k miles |
| Driveshaft Subaru is recalling certain 2015 and 2016 model year Subaru Legacy 4-Door vehicles for driveshaft issues that could lead to loss of power. |
Medium | Rare | 30k-60k miles |
| Vehicle Speed Control The vehicle speed control system has malfunctioned, causing unexpected braking in clear conditions. |
Medium | Rare | 30k-60k miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2015 Subaru Outback:
Issues with the steering column have been reported, particularly in the first 60,000 miles.
Recalls for ESC issues have been issued, affecting the first 60,000 miles.
Driveshaft problems have been reported, particularly in the first 60,000 miles.
Unexpected braking issues have been reported, particularly in the first 60,000 miles.
Recall Details for the 2015 Subaru Outback
The following 5 recalls have been issued for the 2015 Subaru Outback by NHTSA:
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 ar...
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.
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.
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, ...
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.
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.
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2015 Subaru Outback
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2015 Subaru Outback with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 1 complaint involved crashes.
January 25th, 2026 13:30 I was coming to a stop at an intersection with my foot on the brake pedal when suddenly my vehicle lurched forward potentially causing rear end collision with the truck in front of me that was stopped at the red light. My vehicle finally came to a stop when I pressed hard on the brake pedal. This problem happened today, so I have not reproduced it. I have not had it check...
After a transmission replacement performed by Bud Clary Chevrolet, Inc. in Longview, WA on September 9, 2025, my vehicle was returned to me with critical components left unsecured. On November 19, 2025, an independent mechanic discovered loose suspension bolts connecting the ball joints to the spindles on both front wheels. On November 29, 2025, Subaru of Portland documented additional unsecured ...
A particular corner where the arterial has a y turn. With cruise engaged the vehicle will do the emergency braking even though the lane is clear. Has occurred several times at this same location.
The contact owns a 2015 Subaru Outback. The contact stated while the vehicle was at the dealer for an oil change and snow tire replacement, the contact was informed that the sub frame and the brake lines were severely corroded and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to a second dealer, 802 Toyota (30 Berlin Mall Rd, Berlin, VT 05602) for a Trade-In, and it was confirmed that the sub frame...
The contact owns a 2015 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, and while at a stop light, there was an abnormal exhaust fumes odor inside the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with a cracked exhaust pipe. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and confirm...
The clock spring (steering roll connector) component has failed, confirmed by the resulting complete loss of the horn function. SAFETY HAZARD: The component failure has resulted in the loss of the electrical connection to the Driver's Airbag System, rendering the primary airbag inoperable. This creates an unreasonable, life-threatening risk in the event of a collision. The problem has been diagn...
The contact owns a 2015 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal exhaust odor entering the cabin of the vehicle through the vents. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of fuel. Before the contact purchased the vehicle, the contact became aware that the vehicle had been repaired und...
I was within the town limits so I was driving slowly. When I approached the first stop light in town I saw that it was red. There were of three or four vehicles stopped at that light. At that point I was probably only going 5mph. I took my foot off of the gas pedal and put my foot on the brake to make a slow stop. Instead, the car accelerated rather quickly. I continued to brake but the car ...
Car unable to restart after sitting for several days. Battery and charging system test good after incident
When braking the car shuts down!!!
Within the last few months, my 2015 Outback has been unreliable with the fuel gauge indicator, causing me to run out of gas three times, stranded roadside, with supposedly 30 miles in rank. Fortunately, there were no accidents, but two out of three times, I was left stranded on highways, that put me at risk of being struck.
The front subframe on my 2015 subaru 3.6r has rapidly rusted in a few years to the point of a safety concern. The vehicle is lightly driven, with 91,000 miles on it after almost 10 years. We live in the Northeast. I take this car in for regular inspections and service every six months and the service center I work with has not alerted me of any issues until this past march when they found the sub...
Yesterday, my car would not start due to a dead battery. This happened last week, as well. Both times, my husband used a battery charger to enable me to start my car. I have had this issue multiple times in the past, as well, and previously replaced the battery in 2022. I am also aware of a previous class action lawsuit, and several customer complaints about parasitic drain and poor battery per...
My HORN only works if car is stopped steering wheel turned to the left. Subaru Dealer says it’s in the steering column mechanism that affects airbag and cruise control also. Says it will cost over $600 to repair. If it preventsthe airbag working, wouldn’t it be a car defect and considered dangerous?
Exhaust manifold bellows crack Exhaust coming into car when idling
Driver door interior, de-bonding of the horizontal crash protection from the outer door panel. Online research indicates this is a common issue.
My sunroof glass just shattered spontaneously while I was driving. Thankfully the door was closed or me and my daughter would have been showered by glass while in the road. Nothing hit the car , I just heard a loud bang over my heard and when I stopped to see what happened my sunroof was in pieces!
Battery fails repeatedly even after several battery replacements and dealer fixing the software at a hefty cost, presumable to make sure the battery is charging. My insurance company (State Farm) dropped my roadside assistance coverage after repeated requests to get help to start the car. I continuously dread and fear that the car will not start after a drive to the grocery store. I dear not think...
2015 Subaru Outback Premium. Took in to a very helpful local Subaru Dealer and they discovered that the front subframe has rusted out seemingly prematurely. The vehicle just turned 10 years old with and upon doing research it seems to be a widely known commonly occurring problem. Would be handy if Subaru of America could do a recall on the front subframe as it is a very high cost repair to have it...
The clock spring that controls the steering wheel, horn and other electrical accessories doesn’t work. This put my life and family’s lives at risk. This is a known issue for Subarus 2015-2019. There’s multiple videos online, I have spoken to multiple owners personally that have encountered the same issue. I spoke to the Subaru dealer and they said due to no recall has been issued for the vin numbe...
Showing 20 of 496 complaints. Additional complaints are available via the NHTSA database.
NHTSA Defect Investigations for the 2015 Subaru Outback
NHTSA defect investigations are higher-signal than ordinary complaints because they indicate the agency opened a formal review of a potential safety defect. Some investigations later connect to recall campaigns; others close without a recall after review.
Component: Air Bags:Frontal:Driver Side:Inflator Module
Opened 2021-09-17
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 20...
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2015 Subaru Outback
Has the 2015 SUBARU OUTBACK been recalled?
Yes, the 2015 SUBARU OUTBACK has 5 recalls on record with NHTSA. Each recall addresses a specific safety defect identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA.
How many complaints does the 2015 SUBARU OUTBACK have?
The 2015 SUBARU OUTBACK has 496 complaints filed with NHTSA. Of these, 19 involved crashes. 16 injuries and 0 deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2015 SUBARU OUTBACK?
The 2015 SUBARU OUTBACK received an overall NHTSA safety rating of excellent (5/5). Frontal crash: 5/5. Side crash: 5/5. Rollover: 4/5.
What are the most common problems with the 2015 SUBARU OUTBACK?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2015 SUBARU OUTBACK involve visibility/wiper (111 complaints), electrical system (89 complaints), unknown or other (66 complaints). Other affected components include power train, engine, structure.
How many crash reports does the 2015 SUBARU OUTBACK have?
There are 19 crash reports associated with the 2015 SUBARU OUTBACK out of 496 total complaints (3.8% of complaints involved crashes).
How many fire reports does the 2015 SUBARU OUTBACK have?
There are 5 fire reports for the 2015 SUBARU OUTBACK out of 496 total complaints. Fire reports are among the most serious safety concerns tracked by NHTSA.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2015 SUBARU OUTBACK?
No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2015 SUBARU OUTBACK.
How many injuries are reported for the 2015 SUBARU OUTBACK?
16 injuries have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2015 SUBARU OUTBACK. These are self-reported by vehicle owners as part of their safety complaints.
Should I buy a 2015 SUBARU OUTBACK?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2015 SUBARU OUTBACK is research thoroughly before purchasing. It has 496 complaints, 5 recalls, and a excellent (5/5) safety rating. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.
What components fail most on the 2015 SUBARU OUTBACK?
The components with the most failures on the 2015 SUBARU OUTBACK are: 1. VISIBILITY/WIPER (111 complaints), 2. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (89 complaints), 3. UNKNOWN OR OTHER (66 complaints), 4. POWER TRAIN (20 complaints), 5. ENGINE (18 complaints). VISIBILITY/WIPER is the single most-reported problem area with 111 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2015 SUBARU OUTBACK?
Be aware of potential steering and electronic stability control issues, and ensure regular maintenance to avoid unexpected problems. The 2015 SUBARU OUTBACK has 496 NHTSA complaints and 5 recalls on record. NHTSA rates it excellent (5/5).
How reliable is the 2015 SUBARU OUTBACK?
The 2015 SUBARU OUTBACK receives a reliability score of 89/100, indicating above-average reliability. This is based on 496 owner complaints, 5 recalls, and 24 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Steering Column and Electronic Stability Control (ESC).
What are the known issues with the 2015 SUBARU OUTBACK?
Known issues with the 2015 SUBARU OUTBACK include: Steering Column, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Driveshaft, Vehicle Speed Control. These are based on patterns found across 496 NHTSA complaints. 5 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.
Are there any recalls for the 2015 Subaru Outback?
Yes, recalls have been issued for steering column, electronic stability control, and driveshaft issues.
What are the common issues with the 2015 Subaru Outback?
Common issues include steering column problems, electronic stability control malfunctions, and driveshaft issues.
Can the vehicle speed control system cause unexpected braking?
Yes, the vehicle speed control system has malfunctioned, causing unexpected braking in clear conditions.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Be aware of potential steering and electronic stability control issues, and ensure regular maintenance to avoid unexpected problems.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2015 Subaru Outback
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2015 Subaru Outback. The data includes 496 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 5 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 19 reported crashes, 5 fire incidents, 16 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2015 Subaru Outback an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 5 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.
Disclaimer: This analysis is AI-generated from NHTSA public data and does not constitute professional automotive or safety advice. Always verify recall status at NHTSA.gov and consult a qualified mechanic.
Analysis last updated: 2026-05-16