Is the 2015 Subaru Outback reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2015 Subaru Outback is rated "significantly worse".

What are the most common problems with the 2015 Subaru Outback?

The most-reported component is visibility/wiper, accounting for 26% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2015 Subaru Outback have?

5 recalls on file for this model year.

2015 Subaru Outback

■ Significantly worse — known issue year

2015 Subaru Outback
BUILT 2026-10-10

This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 509
Recalls: 5
Investigations: 1
Top problem: Visibility/wiper

Complaints per year

2015: 509 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
1995	2
1996	46
1997	79
1998	127
1999	111
2000	207
2001	171
2002	143
2003	93
2004	90
2005	273
2006	277
2007	129
2008	226
2009	106
2010	360
2011	652
2012	292
2013	297
2014	208
2015	509
2016	642
2017	918
2018	813
2019	1,034
2020	899
2021	296
2022	465
2023	89
2024	103
2025	81
2026	16

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Visibility/wiper

26% · 130 reports

INJURY

Electrical system

25% · 127 reports

Most commonly citing horn and 12v/24v/48v battery.

FIRE

Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owns a 2015 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while the vehicle was on, the front window defroster caused the front windshield to crack. The crack was located in the middle of the windshield and extended upward.

NHTSA ODI report, 2015-03-18

Vehicle Component Affected: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM / FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE / BACK OVER PREVENTION Description of the Safety Defect: The factory infotainment touchscreen in my 2015 Subaru Outback Limited (VIN: [XXX]) has suffered a severe...

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-19

Also filed under Back over prevention and forward collision avoidance

Engine

9% · 47 reports

CRASHFIREINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2025-09-22

Also filed under Vehicle speed control

Power train

7% · 37 reports

CRASHINJURY

Structure

7% · 34 reports

Most commonly citing body and tailgate.

CRASHFIRE

Safety timeline

5 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

R

2014-10-07Trailer hitches14V577000 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.

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.

Check if this car was fixed →
▮
2015Complaint volume 509 complaints filed for this model year.
R

2015-07-20Exterior lighting, forward collision avoidance15V366000 Subaru of America, Inc.

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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2015-08-28Power train15V502000 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.

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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2016-05-13Steering16V292000 Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Legacy and Outback vehicles manufactured February 29, 2016, to May 6, 2016.

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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2016-05-20Electronic stability control (esc)16V251000 Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2015 Legacy and Outback vehicles manufactured on July 20, 2015.

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.

Check if this car was fixed →
I
2021-09-17Engineering analysisOpen Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture

Buy-smart checklist

2015 Subaru Outback — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Visibility/wiper: 130 reports on file for this year.
Electrical system: 127 reports on file for this year.
Engine: 47 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 14V577000 · Trailer hitches
Recall 15V366000 · Exterior lighting, forward collision avoidance
Recall 15V502000 · Power train
Recall 16V292000 · Steering
Recall 16V251000 · Electronic stability control (esc)

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2015 Subaru Outback reliable?: Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2015 Subaru Outback is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 2015 Subaru Outback?: The most-reported component is visibility/wiper, accounting for 26% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2015 Subaru Outback have?: 5 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.