Every 2015 Subaru Outback recall
Each campaign as NHTSA published it: what is wrong, what can happen, and the fix. Newest first.
Steering · NHTSA 16V292000
Nov 5, 2016Steering:ColumnDo not drive
- Problem
- 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
- The loss of steering ability would increase the risk of a crash.
- 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. 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.
Full recall details for 16V292000 →Electronic Stability Control (Esc) · NHTSA 16V251000
Apr 27, 2016Electronic Stability Control (Esc)
- Problem
- 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
- 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.
- 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. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WTC-64.
Full recall details for 16V251000 →Forward Collision Avoidance · NHTSA 15V366000
Dec 6, 2015Forward Collision Avoidance: Crash Imminent Braking
- Problem
- 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
- 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.
- Fix
- 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.
Full recall details for 15V366000 →Power Train · NHTSA 15V502000
Oct 8, 2015Power Train:Driveline:Driveshaft
- Problem
- 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
- If the transmission oil leaks onto the exhaust pipe, there is a possible risk of fire.
- Fix
- 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.
Full recall details for 15V502000 →Trailer Hitches · NHTSA 14V577000
Sep 19, 2014Trailer Hitches
- Problem
- 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
- 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.
- 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. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WQN-50.
Full recall details for 14V577000 →
2015 Subaru Outback complaints and service bulletins
Owners filed 510 complaints with NHTSA about the 2015 Subaru Outback, reporting 20 crashes, 5 fires, 17 injuries. Subaru has issued at least 550 technical service bulletins (repair instructions to dealers) for this model year. Complaints are unverified owner reports; a recall is the manufacturer’s admission of a safety defect.
Most-reported components
- Visibility/Wiper130
- Electrical System127
- Unknown Or Other108
- Engine47
- Power Train37
- Structure34
Service bulletins by component
- Equipment (228)
- Electrical System (206)
- Power Train (43)
- Engine and Engine Cooling (39)
- Engine (36)
- Unknown Or Other (29)
Read Subaru Outback owner complaints and bulletins, every year
NHTSA defect investigations covering the 2015 Subaru Outback
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation lists this model year in one investigation. An investigation is not a recall; it is how NHTSA decides whether one is needed.
What people reported
Owners have filed 510 complaints with NHTSA about the 2015 Subaru Outback. A few in their own words, shortened. Complaints are unverified and are not proof of a defect or of any recall.
Crash
“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.”
2015 SUBARU OUTBACKSep 22, 2025
Complaint filed with NHTSA, not verified by the agency · NHTSA complaint 11689049
Injury reportedCrash
“My Subaru is equipped with "Eye Sight". The major safety device failed. It didn't even slow me down. I had a crash that involved two vehicles and my own. Both other vehicles were seriously damaged. Mine was totaled.”
2015 SUBARU OUTBACKFeb 28, 2024
Complaint filed with NHTSA, not verified by the agency · NHTSA complaint 11574554
Crash
“Entering a residential garage to park; experienced sudden acceleration while braking. Vehicle went through drywall/wall about 2 feet. Placed vehicle in park to stop vehicle. No airbags went off.”
2015 SUBARU OUTBACKSep 10, 2022
Complaint filed with NHTSA, not verified by the agency · NHTSA complaint 11483793
Injury reportedFire
“The contact owned a 2015 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, he was alerted by another driver that the vehicle was smoking and flames were coming from under the vehicle. The contact stated that warning lights flashed off and on.”
2015 SUBARU OUTBACKJun 1, 2022
Complaint filed with NHTSA, not verified by the agency · NHTSA complaint 11467050
Injury reportedCrash
“The contact owns a 2015 Subaru Outback. The contact stated while driving at 20 mph, the brakes would not engage as the brake pedal was depressed. As a result, the vehicle rear-ended a parked vehicle on the side of the road. The air bags failed to deploy. A police report was not filed.”
2015 SUBARU OUTBACKJun 4, 2021
Complaint filed with NHTSA, not verified by the agency · NHTSA complaint 11419687
Check your Outback by VIN
Not every 2015 Subaru Outback is in every recall. Enter your 17-character VIN to see the recalls on record for your exact vehicle, then confirm which are still open at NHTSA.gov or with any Subaru dealer.
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