2015 Subaru Outback: problems, recalls and what it’s worth
NHTSA has 1 open defect investigation (not a recall). Known weak spot on this generation: FB20 / FB25 oil consumption. 5 recall campaigns to confirm with a dealer. A lot of owner complaints, 28% about visibility & wipers.
Ask to see oil level now; ask the seller how often they add oil. A ring-replacement or an oil-consumption test on record means it was addressed.
Known problems on the 2015 Subaru Outback
FB20 / FB25 oil consumption $1,200–$3,500 to fix
The FB 'boxer' engines of this era burn oil — often a quart every 1,000–1,200 mi — from a piston-ring design later revised. Subaru settled a class action and did ring replacements under an oil-consumption test.
Check for: Ask to see oil level now; ask the seller how often they add oil. A ring-replacement or an oil-consumption test on record means it was addressed.
Basis: Subaru oil-consumption class-action settlement; TSB 02-157-14
Known patterns for this year and model, not findings about one car. A well-kept example may already have had the fix. Costs are rough US shop prices.
2015 Subaru Outback recalls
NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns for the 2015 Subaru Outback. Repairs are free at a dealer for the brand, and a dealer can confirm by VIN which were already done.
- Transmission & drivetrainFire risk
If the transmission oil leaks onto the exhaust pipe, there is a possible risk of fire.
Details 15V502000
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.
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.
- Driver-assist systems
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.
Details 16V251000
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."
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.
- Steering
The loss of steering ability would increase the risk of a crash.
Details 16V292000
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.
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.
- Driver-assist systems
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.
Details 15V366000
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.
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.
- Trailer Hitches
The mounting nut(s) may not provide sufficient force to remain attached to the studs or the studs themselves might break.
Details 14V577000
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.
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.
2015 Subaru Outback safety investigations and free repairs
Under investigation (not a recall):
- Desiccated air bag inflator rupture since Sep 2021
Ask the seller if the car has had this problem.
Free repairs to ask about (warranty extensions):
- Battery: Battery Drain Class Action Settlement- Warranty Extension Training.
- Glass: In response to this increase, soa is extending the original warranty on applicable factory-installed windshields to 5 years / unlimited miles.
A dealer for the brand can check these by VIN.
Source: NHTSA, Sep 24, 2026.
2015 Subaru Outback safety and fuel
From NHTSA’s crash tests and the EPA’s fueleconomy.gov.
What owners complain about
509 complaints filed with NHTSA for this year and model, which is a lot.
Share of complaints that mention each area. One complaint can mention several.
What a 2015 Subaru Outback is worth
Rough trade-in values — roughly what a dealer would pay — by mileage, from published trade-in guides. Private sales and dealer prices run higher. For the exact car, add its VIN.
| Mileage | Trade-in (rough) |
|---|---|
| 40,000 mi | $8,025 |
| 120,000 mi | $7,050 |
From new to now
What each Subaru Outback model year trades in for today at typical mileage.
Typical mileage = 12,000 miles a year; values between two published mileages are estimated in a straight line. “New” is the base price (cheapest version) as published, give or take destination fees; higher trims cost more.
Other Subaru Outback years
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
Printable inspection checklist · Out-the-door price calculator