Model year guide

2015 Subaru Outback

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2015 Subaru Outback is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 32 on record.

2015 Subaru Outback — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2015 Subaru Outback at a glance

Safety recalls5
Owner complaints502
Combined25 mpg
Typical price$17,894

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

2015 Subaru Outback recalls 5

Electronic Stability Control (esc) NHTSA Campaign #16V251000 · 27/04/2016

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 …

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.

Trailer Hitches NHTSA Campaign #14V577000 · 19/09/2014

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…

Power Train:driveline:driveshaft NHTSA Campaign #15V502000 · 10/08/2015

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.

Steering:column NHTSA Campaign #16V292000 · 11/05/2016

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.…

Forward Collision Avoidance: Crash Imminent Braking NHTSA Campaign #15V366000 · 12/06/2015

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 Eyes…

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.

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

2015 Subaru Outback common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 502 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Engine And Engine Cooling
Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.
Vehicle Speed Control
Test cruise control and throttle response, and watch for any hesitation or unintended acceleration.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Visibility/wiper
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.

2015 Subaru Outback MPG & running costs

Combined25 mpg
City23 mpg
Highway30 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$2,500

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

What's a 2015 Subaru Outback worth?

Low
$11,995
Typical price
$17,894
High
$25,958

From 30 comparable 2015 Subaru Outback listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2015 Subaru Outback costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$12,500
Depreciation (5 yrs)$7,100
Total$19,600
Per mile$0.26

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. Depreciation compares today's typical asking price for this model year ($17,894) with the same model 5 model-years older ($10,805), from CarLogs listing data. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2015 Subaru Outback trims & engines on record

Trims
Limited+Moonroof+EyeSight+NAVI · Limited · Premium+All Weather Package · Limited+Moonroof+NAVI · Premium+All Weather Package+EyeSight · 2.5i Limited PZEV · Premium+All Weather Package+EyeSight+Moonroof+NAVI · Premium+All Weather Package+Moonroof+NAVI · Base
Engines
2.5L 4-cyl · 3.6L 6-cyl

2015 Subaru Outback vehicles on record

Other Subaru Outback model years

2015 Subaru Outback — frequently asked questions

Does the 2015 Subaru Outback have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 5 safety recalls for the 2015 Subaru Outback. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

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

Based on 502 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are electrical system, engine and engine cooling, vehicle speed control.

What gas mileage does the 2015 Subaru Outback get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2015 Subaru Outback at about 25 mpg combined (23 city / 30 highway).

How much is a 2015 Subaru Outback worth?

Comparable 2015 Subaru Outback listings run roughly $11,995–$25,958, typically around $17,894 (from 30 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.