2015 Subaru Outback

These are unverified consumer reports filed with NHTSA, shown as submitted.

• 12/31/2014· POWER TRAIN

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE AT A COMPLETE STOP, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS FUNCTIONING AS DESIGNED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 856. UPDATED 02/18/15*LJ UPDATED 9/12/2017*CN

• 12/30/2018· STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  WE WERE DRIVING OUR 2015 SUBARU OUTBACK AT ABOUT 55MPH ON US20, THE TEMPERATURE WAS IN THE MID 30'S, IN EAST OREGON WHEN OUR SUNROOF SPONTANEOUSLY EXPLODED. THERE WERE NO OTHER VEHICLES AROUND AND THERE WAS NO IMPACT FROM FOREIGN OBJECTS. THERE WAS A LOUD, DISTRACTING, BANG FOLLOWED BY A CLOUD OF SHATTERED GLASS COMING FROM THE BACK OF THE CAR. THE SUNROOF COVER WAS CLOSED AND THE TEMPERED GLASS FRAGMENTS COLLECTED IN THE WELL AND RATTLED AROUND FOR THE REMAINING 3 1/2 HOURS OF OUR JOURNEY.

• 12/29/2024· STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  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 number of my vehicle they can’t replace it and it cost about $1,000 dls. We need the NHTSA to step in and ask Subaru to issue a recall to start replacing the defective units at no cost to the owner.

• 12/29/2016· SERVICE BRAKES

  INVALID BRAKING INCIDENTS WITH SUBARU OUTBACK'S EYESIGHT PRE-COLLISION BRAKING SYSTEM. MY CAR HAS BRAKE SUDDENLY, WITHOUT CAUSE ON 3 OCCASIONS. 1) SUNNY MORNING ON A CROWDED RESIDENTIAL STREET GOING LESS THAN 25MPH WITH NO CARS DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF ME, CAR GAVE WARNING AND IMMEDIATELY BRAKED STOPPING THE CAR. 2) SUNNY AFTERNOON ON A WIDE RESIDENTIAL STREET GOING ABOUT 30MPH WITH NO CARS DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF ME, CAR GAVE WARNING AND IMMEDIATELY BRAKED SLOWING THE CAR SIGNIFICANTLY. 3) DARK AND RAINING ON A MAJOR HIGHWAY GOING 70MPH USING ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL WITH NO CARS AROUND ME, CAR GAVE WARNING AND IMMEDIATELY APPLIED THE BRAKES HARD (NO SKIDDING OR SWERVING) SLOWING THE CAR TO ABOUT 25MPH BEFORE RELEASING CONTROL TO ME. VERY FORTUNATE THAT NO CARS WERE BEHIND ME. AFTER EACH INCIDENT, I TOOK THE CAR INTO THE DEALERSHIP. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO RECREATE THE PROBLEM AND SAID THEY COULD NOT FIX THE CAR IF THEY COULD NOT RECREATE THE PROBLEM. AFTER REALIZING THE SIGNIFICANT SAFETY ISSUE FOLLOWING THE THIRD INCIDENT, I CALLED SUBARU CORPORATE CUSTOMER SERVICE. SUBARU SENT A CORPORATE ENGINEER TO LOOK AT THE CAR AND THE DATA RECORDINGS. THEY WERE UNABLE TO FIND ANY ISSUES WITH THE CAR AND AGAIN SAID THEY ARE UNABLE TO MAKE ANY REPAIRS WITHOUT RECREATING THE PROBLEM. IN THE 2+ YEARS AND OVER 30,000 MILES I'VE DRIVEN THE PROBLEM ONLY OCCURRED 3 TIMES, THE DEALER RECREATING THE PROBLEM SEEMS UNLIKELY GIVEN THEIR LIMITED TIME WITH THE CAR.

• 12/28/2021· UNKNOWN OR OTHER,VISIBILITY/WIPER

  Outback 2015 Windshield cracked with no obvious reason even at about 30 mph.

• 12/27/2021· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  On four occasions over the past five months my car needed a jump start for no apparent reason. I had a new Subaru battery installed last July, and a check up at a Subaru dealer last month which found no problems with the battery or alternator. I recently read about a battery drainage problem that other owners of this model have been experiencing as well.

• 12/27/2017· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  I'M WRITING ON BEHALF OF MY BROTHER, WHO IS DISABLED. THE BATTERY IN HIS 2015 SUBARU OUTBACK HAS BEEN REPLACED 2 OR 3 TIMES SINE HE PURCHASED IT BRAND NEW. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE FOR HIM. HE DOES NOT LEAVE ANYTHING ON IN THE CAR ; LIGHTS, RADIO, ETC. THE DEALERSHIP HAS REPLACED THEM SO FAR BUT I'M CONCERNED ABOUT WHAT MAY HAPPEN IN THE FUTURE. ONE TIME THE CAR WASN'T DRIVEN FOR A FEW DAYS AND WHEN HE WENT TO START THE CAR,IT DIDN'T. ANOTHER TIME HE BROUGHT THE CAR THROUGH THE CAR WASH AND STOOD OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE WITH THE CAR OFF BUT THER RADIO ON WHILE TALKING TO SOMEONE HE KNEW. WHEN HE GOT BACK IN THE CAR IT WOULDN'T START. HE WAS UNSURE IF THE BATTERY WAS REPLACED A THIRD TIME. WITH THE CURRENT WEATHER TREND IN CONNECTICUT (TEENS, SINGLE DIGITS, BELOW ZERO WITH THE WIND CHILL. PRIOR TO OWNING THIS CAR, HE NEVER REPLACED A BATTERY IN ANY OF HIS OTHER CARS. I HAVE A VEHICLE WITH OVER 138K MILES ON IT AND NEVER REPLACED THE BATTERY. FROM WHAT I'VE READ ONLINE, THIS IS AN ISSUE FOR MANY PEOPLE. IT IS TIME THE NHTSA CONTACTS SUBARU TO FIX THIS ISSUE. MY BROTHER IS MOBILE BUT HE CAN'T MOVE QUICKLY. IF HE GOT STUCK IN THE COLD WEATHER WITHOUT HEAT FROM HIS CAR IT WOULD NOT BE A GOOD REFLECTION ON SUBARU OR THE NHTSA. THANK YOU FOR TAKING A CLOSE LOOK AT THIS ISSUE.

• 12/27/2015· UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  WHILE PARKED OVERNIGHT THE FRONT WINDSHIELD DEVELOPED A18 INCH HORIZONTAL CRACK AT EYE LEVEL STARTED FROM THE DRIVERS SIDE. THE CRACK IS TRAVELING. AIR TEMP WAS IN THE 70'S, NO RAIN OR HAIL, HAPPENED SOMETIME BETWEEN DEC 24-26, 2015. ODOMETER WAS 9200. I SAW ON A CAR COMPLAINTS WEBSITE MANY OTHER 2015 OUTBACKS WITH THE SAME ISSUE.

• 12/26/2016· EQUIPMENT

  CAR BROUGHT IN 4 TIMES TO SERVICE FOR RADIO FREEZING NAVIGATION SYSTEM AND OTHER PARTS ON DASH INCIDENTS HAPPENED FROM DATE OF PURCHASE BUT THOUGHT IT WAS BREAKING IN. FIRST TIME BROUGHT IT IN TO BE CHECKED . WAS TOLD THERE IS NO PROBLEM, THEN TOLD HAD TO UPDATE SOFTWARE, THEN TOLD HAD TO HAVE RADIO (HEAD UNIT) REPLACED WHICH I HAD TO WAIT FOR SINCE SO MANY OTHER SUBARU OWNERS HAS SAME PROBLEM. REPLACEMENT HEAD UNIT NO GOOD (WAS A REFURBISHED RADIO SINCE THEY HAD NO NEW ONES (SUBARU HAS SINCE SWITCHED TO ANOTHER VENDOR BECAUSE OF ALL THE PROBLEMS) NOW CAR IS AT SERVICE CENTER WAITING FOR ENGINEERS FROM SUBARU TO DIAGNOSE PROBLEM. I BOUGHT A NEW CAR NOT A CAR WITH REFURBISHED PARTS. THEY CANNOT PROVIDE ME WITH A NEW PART SINCE THEY CAN'T GET ONE.I DO NOT WANT A PART THAT WILL CONSTANTLY FAIL AND EVENTUALLY LEAVE ME WITH A BILL WHEN WARRANTY ENDS WHEN THE NAVIGATION FAILS IN THE MIDDLE OF A TRIP IT IS DISCONCERTING THIS HAPPENS WHEN DRIVING. *TR

• 12/23/2017· POWER TRAIN

  WHILE DRIVING DOWN FREEWAY AT 75 MPH, TRANSMISSION MADE TWO CLUNKING SOUNDS, AND SPEED DECREASED - RPMS INCREASED. WE COULD SMELL OIL BURNING SMELL, BUT NO SMOKE OR LEAKS. WE WERE APPROXIMATELY 12 MILES OUTSIDE OF LAS VEGAS AND 22 MILES INTO OUR TRIP. THERE WAS NO WARNING AND NO DECREASE IN SPEED OR OTHER SIGNS PRIOR TO THE CLUNKS/CLANKS. VEHICLE TOWED TO SUBARU OF LAS VEGAS. FIRST SUBARU TRIED TO SAY REAR DIFFERENTIAL CAUSED. PLEASE SEE DAN'S DRIVELINE INVOICE. NEXT THEY TRIED TO SAY FRONT DIFFERENTIAL CAUSED. I CHALLENGED - HOW CAN A FUNCTIONING DIFFERENTIAL CAUSE A TRANSMISSION TO BECOME TOAST? NEXT STEP IS SUBARU HQ TECH TO TEAR DOWN TRANSMISSION. I'VE INCLUDED DOCUMENTS FROM AUTO LAB (DID 30K MILE SERVICE), SUBARU INVOICE, SUBARU EMAIL SAYING FRONT DIFFERENTIAL CAUSED,

• 12/22/2021· UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  I have had to have my battery replaced almost every year since I bought this car and there is always a large amount or corrosion no matter how often I clean it. I just read that this has been a known issue of Subaru. I literally just had the dealership in late November tell me at an oil change that I needed to replace my battery. When I informed them that I had just replaced it in February of of this year when I stopped for gas in the middle of the Texas winter storm and my car would not start back up (That battery was only about a year and a half old), they blamed the cold weather and suddenly backpedaled saying it just seemed low so I should keep an eye on it. Yesterday, my car took two tries to start so I am going to have the battery tested again but this means I haven't even gotten a full years worth out of it.

• 12/20/2021· ENGINE

  Engine consistently burns oil. Adding pints between factory recommended oil change interval when low oil light comes on. On average, one pint is burned every 1500 miles.

• 12/19/2018· VISIBILITY

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHEN THE CONTACT ENTERED THE VEHICLE, THE WINDSHIELD CRACKED WITHOUT IMPACT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO RELIABLE SUBARU (438 INGRAM MILL RD, SPRINGFIELD, MO 65802, 855-983-7578) WHO STATED THAT A PHOTO WOULD BE PROVIDED TO THE MANUFACTURER TO MAKE A DETERMINATION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: TL1-38506103544. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000.

• 12/18/2025· POWER TRAIN

  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 and unattached components related to the prior transmission replacement, including loose mounting hardware and a disconnected PCV hose. Subaru of Portland’s written inspection states that the loose bolts would have been unsafe if left uncorrected. These conditions were present after a major repair and created a potential safety hazard while the vehicle was being driven. This complaint concerns an unsafe condition caused by improper workmanship during a vehicle repair.

• 12/16/2017· UNKNOWN OR OTHERCrash

  PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE, STOPPING WHEN VEHICLE ACCELERATED AT HIGH SPEED JUMPED CURB AN HIT A TREE, HAPPENED IN A COUPLE SECONDS. ## VIN PASSED ## SUBARU OUTBACK 2015 ##

• 12/16/2016· VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

  WHILE BRAKING TO TURN INTO A PARKING LOT FROM A HIGHWAY, THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND THE BRAKES WOULD NOT HOLD THE CAR. ACCIDENT WAS AVOIDED. SYMPTOM ONLY LASTED 2-3 SECONDS.

• 12/16/2015· VISIBILITY/WIPER

  DURING A RECENT TRIP TO COLORADO, THE FRONT WINDSHIELD ON MY NEW 2015 SUBARU OUTBACK DEVELOPED A DOZEN SMALL PITS IN THE EXTERIOR GLASS SURFACE FROM CONTACT WITH VERY TINY PEBBLES. TWO OF THE PITS HAVE DEVELOPED LARGE CRACKS THAT HAVE GROWN TO LENGTHS EXCEEDING 15 INCHES. THE TINY PEBBLE STRIKES SHOULD NOT HAVE CAUSED SUCH PITS BASED ON MY EXTENSIVE DRIVING EXPERIENCE. I BELIEVE THERE TO BE A DEFECT IN THE GLASS ITSELF, MAKING IT UNUSUALLY BRITTLE. THE PEBBLE STRIKES OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS (I.E. 55-65 MPH) ON PAVED ROADWAYS. THE TEMPERATURE OUTSIDE DURING THE PEBBLE STRIKES, WHICH TOOK PLACE OVER SEVERAL DAYS OF DRIVING, RANGED FROM 20 TO 45 DEGREES F. THE CRACKS APPEAR TO STILL BE GROWING.

• 12/14/2024· POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  A transmission that was replaced in July of 2023 went bad un December of 2024 and dealership won't give reasons why transmission went bad or what caused a almost brand new transmission with less than 50,000 miles on it went bad. They are demanding we pay $5000.00 dollars on a transmission that was replaced under the extended warranty on cvt transmission from subaru. Which also extends to the brand new transmission. They are demanding their loaner car back and refusing to honor extended warranty on new transmission which the gave us which is bad. They will not give us anything other than it is bad. No information what so ever is being given to my husband or I as to why, how or what happened. My car will not move unless it is pushed by someone. They are refusing to honor their recall warranty or provide a loaner while dealing with their corporate offices on this issue. This is after in the past 1 and a half years my car has been in their shop for well over 8 months and I am still making payments on this vehicle. They will not even provide paperwork on the issues with my vehicle.

• 12/14/2021· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,ENGINE

  Repeated dead batteries. Replaced OEM battery in year 2, new battery also comes up dead regularly. There is clearly a parasitic battery drain happening. Burning oil, this car burns more oil than any car I have ever owned. Subaru claims it is within specification, but their specification is 1 quart between changes, this is a ridiculous claim in 2021. Heat shield and exhaust noise. Always a new noise or exhaust leak. Lights are not adequate for country driving, it is dangerous.

• 12/14/2019· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  WE HAVE OWNED THE VEHICLE SINCE MAY 2015 AND HAD A DEAD BATTERY 4 TIMES WITH NO APPARENT REASON. WE HAVE REPLACED THE BATTERY EACH TIME. SUBARU DOESN'T SEEM TO ADMIT THERE IS AN ISSUE.

• 12/13/2019· VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLCrash

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE AT LOW SPEEDS WITH THE BRAKE PEDAL DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED, JUMPED THE CURB, AND CRASHED INTO A HOUSE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED AT THE SCENE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE CONTACT CALLED STOHLMAN SUBARU OF STERLING (21736 AUTO WORLD CIR, STERLING, VA 20166, (888) 811-7714) AND INFORMED THEM OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15,000. THE VIN WAS INVALID.

• 12/13/2018· UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  WINDSHIELD CRACK APPEARED WITHOUT OBVIOUS CAUSE.

• 12/13/2017· AIR BAGSCrash

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2015 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 28 MPH, THE CONTACT FELL SLEEP AND STRUCK A GUARDRAIL HEAD ON. THE FRONT AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE INSURANCE COMPANY TOWED THE VEHICLE TO THEIR LOT AND DECLARED IT DESTROYED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: 1-286-495891121. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 43,000.

• 12/12/2022· VISIBILITY/WIPER

  My sunroof exploded. Sounded like a gunshot. On the highway, 12/12 1pm. 50+- degrees partly sunny day.

• 12/11/2015· SERVICE BRAKES

  WHEN APPLYING THE BREAKS SOMETIMES MY FOOT HITS THE GAS PEDAL. 2ND. OUTBACK I PURCHASED .NEVER HAPPENED BEFORE. HAD CAR SINCE 21 MAY 2015 HAPPENED APPROX. 4 TIMES.

• 12/11/2014· STRUCTURE,VISIBILITY/WIPER

  THIS CAR HAS A SCREEN IN THE DASHBOARD THAT CONTROLS THE STEREO, PHONE, AND OTHER FUNCTIONS. IT HAS A VERY REFLECTIVE GLASSY FINISH. THE SCREEN IS NOT SURROUNDED BY A HOOD OF ANY SORT AND IT IS TITLED AT ABOUT A 50-DEGREE ANGLE. ON OTHER OCCASIONS, I HAVE NOTICED THAT THIS SCREEN REFLECTS A LOT OF SUNLIGHT, BUT IT WAS MORE OF AN ANNOYANCE THAN ANYTHING. ON THIS OCCASION, I WAS DRIVING THE CAR AT ABOUT 1:30 IN THE AFTERNOON, GOING EAST ON A HIGHWAY. THE DASHBOARD SCREEN WAS REFLECTING THE SUN INTO MY EYES SO DIRECTLY THAT IT WAS PAINFUL. IT WAS ALSO DISTRACTING. THE LIGHT WAS SO BRIGHT AND SO CONSISTENT THAT I HAD TO DRIVE WHILE HOLDING MY RIGHT HAND IN FRONT OF THE SCREEN TO BLOCK THE LIGHT. I HAD TO DRIVE THAT WAY FOR PROBABLY HALF AN HOUR. I DID NOT HAVE ANY SORT OF "ACCIDENT." HOWEVER, I CAN FORESEE THAT UNDER THE WRONG CIRCUMSTANCES, THIS CHARACTERISTIC OF THE CAR COULD BLIND OR DISTRACT A DRIVER FROM SEEING OTHER TRAFFIC, TRAFFIC SIGNALS, ETC. AND CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. IT COULD ALSO CAUSE SOMEONE TO KEEP ONE HAND OFF THE WHEEL AND MAYBE CAUSE AN ACCIDENT THAT WAY. IT IS MY OPINION THAT THIS CHARACTERISTIC OF THE CAR SHOULD BE ADDRESSED. *TR

• 12/10/2025· VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

  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.

• 12/09/2016· UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  SUBARU REAR VEHICLE DETECTION (SRVD) SYSTEM HAS FAILED AFTER OWNING CAR FOR 16 MONTHS. THE 2015 OUTBACK HAS VERY BAD BLIND SPOTS AND PRESENTS A VERY UNSAFE CONDITION WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE IN TRAFFIC WITH THIS SYSTEM INOPERATIVE.

• 12/07/2022· VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

  while attempting to come to a complete stop, depressing the brakes, the vehicle continued to accelerate even though the brake was depressed to the floor. At no time was the driver's foot on the accelerator. This is one of 2 incidents with the vehicle.

• 12/06/2016· UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

  ON SEPT.27TH, 2015, THE LIFTGATE OPENED ON ITS OWN. MANY TIMES THE LIGHTS ,ONE AT A TIME, OVER THE MIRROR, WILL TURN ON AND BE HOT TO THE TOUCH WHEN I GET INTO THE CAR AFTER BEING OUT OF CAR FOR HOURS OR OVER NIGHT.THE LIFTGATE IS A RECURRING PROBLEM,AS ARE THE LIGHTS.ALSO, THE BLUETOOTH TELLS ME I AM CALLING MYSELF FREQUENTLY.ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS?? ONCE THE LIFTGATE OPENED WHILE THE CAR WAS IN MOTION. I HAVE NOTES ON DATES & TIMES

• 12/05/2023· ENGINE

  The cam carrier has a leak that is causing oil to slowly leak out of the car. The current issue is causing me to have to regularly add oil to the car. My safety is at risk as the car engine could fail while driving which would be me and others at risk. My understanding is that the leaking oil could also cause other parts to fail such as the O2 sensor. The recommended repair from the local Subaru dealer is to reseal the cam carrier at an estimated cost of $4,744. I attempted to contact Subaru after reading that many others have had this same issue and some have received monetary compensation to get the repair completed after complaining. Subaru has been very difficult to get in touch with and doesn't seem to want to respond to the issue. The only warning I have had was the oil engine light coming on multiple times to which I proceeded to add oil to the car.

• 12/05/2016· SERVICE BRAKES

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE APPROACHING A STOP LIGHT, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP. THE CONTACT HAD TO DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL WITH EXTREME FORCE IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT HAD TO SHIFT THE VEHICLE INTO PARK IN ORDER FOR THE VEHICLE TO REMAIN STOPPED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 9,000. UPDATED 7/13/18*JB *TR

• 12/04/2019· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  THIS IS APPROXIMATELY THE 5TH TIME I HAVE HAD TO HAVE MY BATTERY JUMPED WITHIN THE LAST TWO YEARS. NO VISUAL DRAIN (NO LIGHTS LEFT ON FOR EXAMPLE) IS SUSPECTED. VEHICLE HAD BEEN IN USE ON VARIOUS TRIPS PRIOR TO CAR NOT STARTING. I HAVE KEY FOB AND COULDN'T EVEN OPEN THE BACK HATCH TO GET TOOLS OUT OF CAR. WHEN CAR WAS FAIRLY NEW, HAD PROBLEM WHERE KEY FOB COULD NOT START THE CAR (HAPPENED THREE TIMES) BUT FELT THAT WAS AN ELUSIVE KEY FOB PROBLEM. NOW I AM NOT SURE WHAT PROBLEM IS BUT I AM SUSPECTING THERE IS SOME SORT OF SHORT OR SYSTEM DRAIN ON BATTERY THAT HAS SURFACED. VEHICLE WAS IN DRIVEWAY, PARKING LOT AND IN PARKING SPACE ON STREET WHEN THESE LAPSES OCCURRED. READING ONLINE ABOUT NUMEROUS SIMILAR PROBLEMS WITH DEAD BATTERY AND SUSPICIOUS ELECTRICAL DRAINAGE OF BATTERIES. MOST RECENT PROBLEM HAPPENED 11/29 AND AGAIN 12/4. CAR WAS IN GARAGE (NOT USED) BETWEEN 11/29 AND 12/4.

• 12/03/2016· STRUCTURE

  THE FRONT PASSENGER DOOR HAS DELAMINATED. THIS IS CONFIRMED BY A THE DOOR SOUNDING LIKE A DRUM WHEN CLOSED, THE LOWER PORTION OF THE DOOR VIBRATING WHEN CLOSED AND A MECHANIC AT THE DARYL WALTRIP DEALERSHIP WHO INSPECTED THE INSIDE OF THE DOOR. THE DEALER ONLY WANTS TO PUT A BAND AID ON THE PROBLEM BY PLACING PADS INSIDE THE DOOR TO DEADEN THE SOUND. THE CONCERN IS FOR THE FRONT SEAT PASSENGER WHO COULD BE SERIOUSLY INJURED IN A SIDE IMPACT COLLISION BECAUSE OF THE REDUCED STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY OF THE DOOR.

• 12/03/2016· UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  THE POWER LIFT TAILGATE DOES NOT OPEN ROUTINELY IN COLD WEATHER. WHEN THE TEMPERATURE DROPS BELOW 40 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT, THE POWER LIFT TAILGATE MAY NOT OPEN OR LOCK PROPERLY UNTIL THE CAR HAS ACHIEVED A STABLE INTERIOR CABIN TEMPERATURE OF 70 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT OR HIGHER. THIS PROBLEM STARTED IN OCTOBER OF 2015, NOT LONG AFTER THE VEHICLE HAD EYESIGHT SYSTEM RECALL SERVICE. THE PROBLEM IS MOST LIKELY TO OCCUR WHEN THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN NOT BEEN RUNNING OR HAS BEEN PARKED FOR SEVERAL HOURS DURING COLD WEATHER. I HAVE CALLED AND HAVE SPOKEN WITH AT LEAST THREE DIFFERENT SUBARU DEALERSHIP SERVICE DEPARTMENTS ABOUT THE PROBLEM AND ALL CLAIM TO BE UNAWARE OF THE PROBLEM, EXCEPT IN OCTOBER (2016) ONE SERVICE MANAGER DID STATE HE BELIEVED A BULLETIN ABOUT THE PROBLEM COULD BE FORTHCOMING.

• 12/03/2016· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  SINCE THE CAR WAS NEW, PERIODICALLY WHEN THE VEHICLE IS STARTED,. THE BLIND SPOT CAUTION/WANING SYSTEM IS DISABLED. THIS IS CONFIRMED BY A CAUTION LIGHT IN THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE ONLY WAY TO REACTIVATE THE SYSTEM IS TO TURN OFF THE IGNITION AND RESTART THE ENGINE. IF THE MALFUNCTION IS NOT CAUGHT ON STARTING THE VEHICLE THE SYSTEM CANNOT BE ACTIVATED UNTIL THE VEHICLE IS STOPPED AND THE ENGINE RESTARTED. THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN ONGOING FOR TWO YEARS AND 40,000 MILES. EVERY TIME THE VEHICLE IS BROUGHT IN FOR SERVICE AT DARYL WALTRIP SUBARU IN FRANKLIN TN THE PROBLEM IS POINTED OUT TO THE SERVICE MANAGER. EVERY TIME I AM TOLD BY THE SERVICE REP THAT THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE SYSTEM BUT THEY HAVE UPDATED THE COMPUTER. RECENTLY A RELAY IN THE SYSTEM, PART NO. 87611AL00B, WAS REPLACED. THIS HAS ONLY EXACERBATED THE PROBLEM. I HAVE MADE MULTIPLE CALLS TO SUBARU'S CUSTOMER CARE LINE AND THEY HAVE NOT BEEN WILLING TO HELP. MULTIPLE CALLS TO THE SERVICE MANAGE AT DARYL WALTRIP SUBARU IN FRANKLIN TN HAVE GONE UNANSWERED AND HAVE NOT BEEN RETURNED. SUBARU CUSTOMER CARE HAS SUPPOSEDLY CONTACTED THE SERVICE MANAGER AT DARYL WALTRIP SUBARU REQUESTING THAT HE CONTACT ME, HE HAS NOT. THIS IS A CONTINUING PROBLEM.

• 11/29/2017· AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHERCrash

  THIS CONCERNS A 2015 SUBARU OUTBACK LIMITED 6 CYLINDER. AT APPROX 21,000 MI I WAS SLOWING TO SPEED TO PARK IN A PUBLIC PARKING SPACE ON A CITY STREET AND THE OUTBACK SUDDEN ACCELERATION. THE OUTBACK HIT A CITY METAL POST/SIGN, JUMPED THE CURB AND COLLIDED WITH A BUILDING AND DAMAGING A STORE FRONT WITH GREAT FORCE. THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND THE AUTOMATIC COLLISION PREVENTION FAILED TO WORK. ONCE BEFORE THE CAR HAD AN ACCELERATION SURGE WHILE DRIVING A PUBLIC CITY STREET AT LOW SPEED BUT DID NOT HIT ANYTHING. PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT I'VE ALSO EXPERIENCED SLIGHT HESITATION IN ACCELERATION WHEN I FIRST ACCELERATE FROM A STATIONARY POSITION AND PROBABLY UNRELATED, THE GEAR SHIFT OFTEN GETS STUCK IN PARK AND I HAVE TO USE FORCE THE GEAR SHIFT TO REVERSE. HAVING TROUBLE WITH TURNING NECK FROM SIDE TO SIDE AND NEED TO SEE DOCTOR FOR EVALUATION SO, NOT SURE IF THIS IS CONSIDERED INJURY?

• 11/27/2020· UNKNOWN OR OTHER,LANE DEPARTURE

  WINDSHIELD CRACKED IN THE LOWER DRIVERS SIDE CORNER. THE WINDSHIELD CRACKED DUE TO UNKNOWN REASONS AND BLIND SPOT WARNING STOPPED WORKING FOR NO REASON

• 11/27/2016· POWER TRAIN

  EXTREME ENGINE HESITATION (CVT) FROM IDLE STOP MAKING A TURN, IE CENTER TURNING LANE. DRIVER CANNOT RELY ON NORMAL OPPOSING TRAFFIC BREAKS TO COMPLETE A TURN. YOU MUST INCREASE THAT DISTANCE BY AT LEAST 5 TIMES, THEN YOU DON'T KNOW IF ENGINE/TRANSMISSION WILL KICK BACK IN! THIS IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS! DEALER: "THAT'S THE WAY ITS SUPPOSED TO WORK!??? THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES!

• 11/25/2014· STRUCTURE

  BLINDING DASHBOARD GLARE AT CERTAIN AUTOMOBILE/SUN ANGLES. *TR

• 11/23/2015· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,VISIBILITY/WIPER

  PURCHASED THE 2015 OUTBACK IN SEPT. 2014. TOOK TO BACK TO DEALERSHIP SERVICE DEPT. OCTOBER. 24, 2014 BECAUSE OF LOUD POPPING NOISE AROUND WINDSHIELD ESPECIALLY WHEN BLUETOOTH PHONE CONNECTED. THEY COULD NOT FIND ANY PROBLEMS. POPPING NOISE AROUND WINDSHIELD CONTINUED FROM TIME TO TIME. TOOK BACK TO DEALER JULY 29, 2015 FOR POPPING NOISE AROUND WINDSHIELD AND POOR RADIO AM RECEPTION. THEY REPLACED THE RADIO BUT AM RADIO RECEPTION STILL NOT GREAT. GOT IN THE OUTBACK ON NOV 17, 2015 AND THERE WAS A 5" CRACK ON THE BOTTOM OF THE WINDSHIELD SLIGHTLY RIGHT OF THE CENTER. A COUPLE OF WEEKS BEFORE THIS I WAS DRIVING AND HEARD A VERY LOUD POPPING NOISE. IT MADE ME JUMP AS I THOUGHT THE WINDSHIELD WAS GOING TO SHATTER BUT NOTHING HAPPENED. I HAD RECEIVED A LETTER FROM SUBARU ABOUT WINDSHIELD CRACKING PROBLEMS SO I CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP. I TOOK IT IN SO THEY COULD TAKE A PICTURE. AT THAT TIME I ALSO REPORTED PROBLEMS WITH THE DEFROSTER NOT KEEPING THE WINDSHIELD CLEAR ESPECIALLY ON RAINY DAYS AND NIGHTS. THIS PROBLEM WITH THE DEFROSTER HAS OCCURRED SEVERAL TIMES AND IT WAS I THE LOWER PORTION OF THE WINDSHIELD. I THOUGHT THE SUBARU HAD ELECTRICAL L ISSUES BECAUSE OF THE POPPING, POOR AM RADIO RECEPTION AND THE DEFROSTER. NOW THE WINDSHIELD! THIS IS MY FIRST SUBARU AND POSSIBLY LAST IF THE PROBLEMS PERSIST. ALL OF THE INCIDENTS HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING BUT WHEN I DISCOVERED THE CRACK IT WAS PARKED IN THE GARAGE. CRACK US NOW ABOUT 9".

• 11/21/2025· SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,STRUCTURE

  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 was corroded during the appraisal inspection. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the failure was caused by salt damage; however, the contact stated that the vehicle was used for leisure rather than commute since the contact was retired. The failure mileage was 86,801.

• 11/20/2017· VISIBILITY/WIPER

  LARGE CRACK IN WINDSHIELD WITHOUT ANY IMPACT. STARTS AT THE BOTTOM MIDDLE OF THE CAR AND BRANCHES OUT IN BOTH DIRECTIONS.

• 11/19/2021· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  Our car has electrical / battery problems. It frequently will not start on its own. We have to jump start the battery about once a month, sometimes more frequently. The primary driver commutes 120 miles at least once a week (60 miles each way), thus we should not have issues with battery drain, but we do. We replaced the battery 1 year ago and the problem still remains. The battery also drains quite quickly, for example, last week we had the back lift gate open for 15 - 20 minutes while we were in and out of the house packing up the car with all the things I needed for a work event. When we were ready to go, the car wouldn't start. This has happened to us multiple times camping in the past. Because we have had so many problems with our car starting, we keep a small battery generator charged and in the car so we can jumpstart our car if needed. Without this device, we would have been stranded in the back country tens of miles away from civilization with no cell service and no ability to get home. We've started keeping all the lights off inside the car to see if that helps, It hasn't, even with no lights on inside the car the battery has drained while packing up our car for a trip. The dealership replaced the battery in 2020 and said that was the problem, they have not looked for "parasitic drain" despite our complaints. There is no warning when this will happen, no lights appear or messages. This has been an ongoing problem that started in 2019 that continues to this day. Our safety has been put at risk multiple times with this problem by potentially leaving us completely stranded in the woods, at night in urban environments, and has prevented us from getting to work on time. I've read on numerous forums that this has been a problem with the CANs systems in this model. Please investigate.

• 11/18/2019· POWER TRAIN,ENGINE

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE, LOST POWER, AND THE CHECK AUTOMOTIVE TRANSMISSION AND CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE TRANSMISSION FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO SUBARU OF PUYALLUP (720 RIVER RD, PUYALLUP, WA 98371, (253) 286-5900) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE INCORRECT TRANSMISSION FLUID WAS PLACED IN THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: 150070620183. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 74,000.

• 11/17/2023· UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  iNFOMATION UNIT STOPPED WORKING AND HAS MOISTURE FOG INSIDE OF IT. I WAS USING IT FOR THE MAP ROUTE IN AN AREA THAT I WAS NOT FAMILIAR WITH WHEN IT STOPPED WORKING. I DO NOT KNOW HOW MOISTURE COULD GET IN A SEALED UNIT BUT IT IS OVER $22,000. TO REPLACE IT. PERHAPS THIS DOES NOT QUALIFY AS A SAFETY ISSUE BUT IT WAS FOR ME SINCE I NEEDED DIRECTIONS AS TO HOW TO GET HOME.

• 11/17/2015· UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  I HAVE HAD THIS CAR FOR 1 YEAR AND HAVE HAD 3 WINDSHIELDS CRACK. I HAVE NEVER HAD A CAR THAT HAD THIS MANY INCIDENTS WITH CRACKED WINDSHIELDS

• 11/16/2018· UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE

  EXHAUST SYSTEM ISSUE. EXHAUST MAINFOLD LEAK AT CATALYST CONVERTER. FOR OUR OUTBACK WE NOTICED A SIGNIFICANT LEVELS OF EXHAUST FUMES IN PASSENGER CABIN. THEY WERE NO INDICATION OF FAILURE OF EXHAUST SYSTEM OR CATALYST CONVERTER ON THE CAR. BUT WE ARE GETTING SOME MUCH FUMES SMELL WHEN WE STOPPED AT THE TRAFFIC SIGNAL OR PARKING LOT. IT ALL MOST MADE US SICK. LUCKILY I GOT IT CHECKED AT THE SERVICE CENTER AND THEY FIND THE LEAK. THIS IS POTENTIALLY A VERY RISKY THING FOR PEOPLE WHO DON'T NOTICE THE SMELL MIGHT GET SLOW POISONED WITH CARBON MONOXIDE OR OTHER ELEMENTS IN EXHAUST FUMES. THERE MAY BE DIRECT INJURY FROM THIS ISSUE BUT AS I SAID I WAS ALMOST GOT SICK BECAUSE OF FUMES. FOR PEOPLE WITH PZEV VEHICLE, THE EXHAUST SYSTEM IS COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. PLEASE BRING THIS ISSUE WITH MANUFACTURING. FOR PEOPLE OUT THERE IF YOU NOTICE A LOUD EXHAUST NOTE AT START OF YOUR VEHICLE OR SMALL RATTLING NOISE WHEN WE YOU ACCELERATE AFTER A COMPLETE STOP, IT MIGHT BE YOUR EXHAUST SYSTEM, PLEASE GET IT CHECKED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. PS ATTACHED IS THE DIAGNOSIS REPORT FROM DEALER SERVICE CENTER BE SAFE OUT THERE !! THANK YOU.

• 11/14/2015· VISIBILITY/WIPER

  SMALL PEBBLE STRUCK WINDSHIELD PASSENGER SIDE AT EDGE ADJACENT TO HEATING ELEMENT AT LEVEL OF MID WINDSHIELD. THIS LEFT A SMALL SHALLOW PIT IN OUTER GLASS. 12 HOURS LATER A CRACK DEVELOPED AT THE WINDSHIELD EDGE AND EXTENDED 12 INCHES TOWARD THE MIDDLE OF THE WINDSHIELD WHICH IS SLOWLY EXTENDING

• 11/11/2016· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  TWO PROBLEMS. 1. REPLACED WINDSHIELD THREE TIMES IN 15 MONTHS. TWO WERE ORIGINAL SUBARU BRANDED WINDSHIELDS. ORIGINAL AND INDUSTRY REPLACEMENT WINDSHIELD ARE TOO BRITTLE AND THUS UNSAFE. ANY LITTLE PEBBLE CHIPS THEM AND THEY ALWAYS HAVE A LONG CRACK WITHIN A FEW HOURS. 2. RADIO SYSTEM DOES NOT ALWAYS FUNCTION PROPERLY. AT TIMES IT SCROLLS DOWN AND WE ARE UNABLE TO CHANGE CHANNELS OR ADJUST THE VOLUME. THE DEALER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM IN JULY AND WOULD REPLACE IT SINCE IT IS UNDER WARRANTY. SUPPLIER HAS NOT RESPONDED TO SEND PART AFTER FOUR MONTHS. SUBARU IS NON RESPONSIVE TO OUR CONCERNS.