17 of the
650 complaints about the 2015 Subaru Outback are about the
driver-assist systems — 3% of everything
reported for this model year.
Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before
73,022 miles.
D
17
Complaints
3
Crashes
0
Fires
1
Injuries
Exactly what failed
Blind Spot Detection
423.5%
Warnings
317.6%
Rearview System Braking
317.6%
Automatic Emergency Braking
211.8%
Warning
211.8%
Back Over Prevention
15.9%
Forward Collision Avoidance
15.9%
Display Function
15.9%
Driver Assist & Collision Avoidance across every Subaru Outback year
The contact owns a 2015 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while reversing, the rear-view camera was inoperable. The maps and radio were glitching and then seized stuck. The screen was difficult to read. The screen was pixelated due to the brightness outside. The camera was inoperable. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that there was no recall coverage for the head unit. The dealer referred the contact to the manufacturer for assistance. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and opened a case, but declined any further assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 73,022.
NHTSA complaint #11757943 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
East Meadow, NY
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
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 manufacturing defect where the internal chemical gel adhesive has melted, creating large, oily liquid bubbles across the display. This physical degradation causes the screen to suffer from continuous "ghost touches," registering non-stop phantom inputs while the vehicle is in motion. This hardware failure creates three active, severe driving safety hazards: DANGEROUS OPERATOR DISTRACTION: The ghost-touching triggers a loud, high-pitched, non-stop audible dinging sound through the speakers that cannot be muted, severely compromising driver focus on the roadway. INOPERABLE NAVIGATION CONTROL: The system recently registered phantom touches that autonomously programmed a random destination into the factory GPS. The system then overrode all driver controls, preventing me from canceling the navigation instructions or turning off the screen audio while driving. OBSCURED BACKUP CAMERA VISIBILITY: The large, oily chemical delamination bubbles create a severe visual distortion on the screen. In direct or bright sunlight, the backup camera image is completely unreadable and obscured, creating an active striking hazard to pedestrians and vehicles behind me. This manufacturing defect began approximately in Jan 2023 and has gotten progressively worse over time, transitioning from minor cosmetic bubbling to severe, non-stop hardware malfunctions. This component failure is an active driving hazard that completely compromises driver attention and vehicle safety systems. Subaru of America is aware of this chemical breakdown across this generation of head units but is refusing to remedy the safety defect out of warranty. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11751408 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
East Meadow, NY
BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING
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 manufacturing defect where the internal chemical gel adhesive has melted, creating large, oily liquid bubbles across the display. This physical degradation causes the screen to suffer from continuous "ghost touches," registering non-stop phantom inputs while the vehicle is in motion. This hardware failure creates three active, severe driving safety hazards: DANGEROUS OPERATOR DISTRACTION: The ghost-touching triggers a loud, high-pitched, non-stop audible dinging sound through the speakers that cannot be muted, severely compromising driver focus on the roadway. INOPERABLE NAVIGATION CONTROL: The system recently registered phantom touches that autonomously programmed a random destination into the factory GPS. The system then overrode all driver controls, preventing me from canceling the navigation instructions or turning off the screen audio while driving. OBSCURED BACKUP CAMERA VISIBILITY: The large, oily chemical delamination bubbles create a severe visual distortion on the screen. In direct or bright sunlight, the backup camera image is completely unreadable and obscured, creating an active striking hazard to pedestrians and vehicles behind me. This manufacturing defect began approximately in Jan 2023 and has gotten progressively worse over time, transitioning from minor cosmetic bubbling to severe, non-stop hardware malfunctions. This component failure is an active driving hazard that completely compromises driver attention and vehicle safety systems. Subaru of America is aware of this chemical breakdown across this generation of head units but is refusing to remedy the safety defect out of warranty. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11751408 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
NHTSA complaint #11704294 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Spokane, WA
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
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.
NHTSA complaint #11704294 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Boise, IDCrash1 injured
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
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.
NHTSA complaint #11574554 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Warrenton, OR
LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION
SVRD disabled
NHTSA complaint #11528589 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Warrenton, OR
LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING
SVRD disabled
NHTSA complaint #11528589 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Warrenton, OR
BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING
SVRD disabled
NHTSA complaint #11528589 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Norfolk, VA
LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING
CONSTANT CHECK ENGINE, NO ADAS FUNCTIONS AND MULTIPLE CODES AND HUD INDICATORS INCLUDING CKENGNE, XMODE FLASHING, ADAS DISABLE AND MAJOR ELECRTICAL PARASITIC DRAW AND TRANSMISSION AND OVERHEATING. I believe the past major leg relay was replaced during first recall, it was not performed correctly and tied into accesssorry aux into same wiring. defrost/ ac failure and clutch hums upon shutting down
NHTSA complaint #11518655 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Laurelton, NY
BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING
On my 2015 outback limited my SRVD off warning light is on and I have lost its function. I have not been in any kind of fender bender, it was taken to a state licensed shop and was told and have read in its Manuel it is a dealer repair issue. I have read other posts regarding same issue and the run around the dealer mechanics give to it’s customers. My car is available for inspection anytime if I do not incur a service charge!
NHTSA complaint #11462537 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Laurelton, NY
LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION
On my 2015 outback limited my SRVD off warning light is on and I have lost its function. I have not been in any kind of fender bender, it was taken to a state licensed shop and was told and have read in its Manuel it is a dealer repair issue. I have read other posts regarding same issue and the run around the dealer mechanics give to it’s customers. My car is available for inspection anytime if I do not incur a service charge!
NHTSA complaint #11462537 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
WE BUILT AND BOUGHT A BRAND NEW 2015 SUBARU OUTBACK AND WE HAVE EXPERIENCED: - A CONSTANT SUDDEN LOSS OF EYESIGHT SYSTEM WHILE CRUISING OR SOMETIMES JUST DRIVING WITH NO CRUISE CONTROL ON. -GAS RELEASE LEVER FREEZES UP AND WE HAVE TO FORCEFULLY USE A FLAT SCREWDRIVER TO UNLOCK THE GAS LID DOOR. -PRE COLLISION WARNING BRAKE SYSTEM DOES NOT RESPOND PROPERLY: WE GOT SO MANY CLOSE CALLS. - ON MARCH, 2020 ; THE STABILITY CONTROL SYSTEM WAS NOT WORKING PROPERLY ON SNOWY/ICY CONDITIONS : THE CAR SLED OFF AND ALMOST HIT A GUARD RAIL, SOON AFTER THAT ; THE STEERING WHEEL GOT TOO LOOSE /WOBBLY AND HAD A BIG GAP WHILE STEERING( ALMOST NO CONTROL OVER OUR CAR. WE BROUGHT IT TO THE DEALERSHIP RIGHT AWAY AND THE RECALIBRATED, BALANCED AND ALIGNED THE CAR FOR CORRECTIONS. -LAST WEDNESDAY, ON APRIL,14,2021: MY WIFE WAS DRIVING ONE BLOCK AWAY FROM HOME, AT THE TRAFFIC LIGHT INTERSECTION, WHILE THE TRAFFIC LIGHT WAS GREEN AND SHE WAS TRYING TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN TO GO HOME; HER STEERING WHEEL GOT FROZEN ON HER WHEN SHE WAS TURNING AND BY THE TIME SHE TRIED TO FIGURE OUT HOW TO REACT AND CONTROL THE CAR, HER CAR ALREADY CRASHED INTO THE PICK UP TRUCK THAT WAS WAITING ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE INTERSECTION WAITING FOR THE LIGHT TO CHANGE INTO GREEN. THE WHOLE FRONT OF OUR SUBARU WAS CRASHED BUT NO PRE COLLISION BRAKES, AIR BAGS WERE DEPLOYED AT ALL.LUCKILY, NOBODY GOT HURT ON BOTH SIDES. THE FIREFIGHTERS, THE SHERIFF , THE TROOPER AND THE TOW TRUCK DRIVER WHO USED TO BE A COP WERE ALL FLABBERGASTED OF WHAT THEY SAW. WE CALLED SUBARU OF AMERICA AND OPENED A CASE, MY CAR IS SCHEDULED FOR INSPECTION AT A SUBARU DEALERSHIP ON MAY 6TH, 2021.WILL SEE WHAT HAPPENS NEXT.THEY SEEM WILLING TO ADDRESS THE PROBLEM AND TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE DAMAGES. WE FOUND OUT THAT MOST OF THOSE ISSUES WERE ON RECALL BUT WE NEVER GOT A RECALL NOTIFICATION ABOUT THEM FROM SUBARU OF AMERICA AT ALL.THANK YOU Consumer stated dealer found nothing wrong with the car so consumer filed a complaint with federal trade commission and was given a case number [XXX].
NHTSA complaint #11413124 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Saint Johns, FLCrash
LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION
TAPPED THE ACCELERATOR. THE CAR SUDDENLY LURCHED BACKWARD. I PUT IT IN NEUTRAL AND HIT THE BRAKES. NOTHING HAPPENED.I DIDNT WANT TO HIT THERE GARAGE OR MY SON IN LAWS CAR SO I SWERVED TO THE RIGHT. I HIT THE BRAKES AND AGAIN NOTHING HAPPENED. THE CAR HIT THE NEIGHBOR BUSH AND EVENTUALLY CAME TO REST WHEN IT HIT THE NEIGHBORS HONDA RIGHT DOOR. I THEN PUT IT DRIVE AND PULLED BACK ONTO MY DAUGHTERS DRIVEWAYS AND HAD A DIFFICULT TIME STOPPING THE VEHICLE. IT DID APPROX. $2200 DAMAGE TO MY SUBARU OUTBACK SENDING IT TO THE COLLISION SHOP FOR TWO WEEKS.
NHTSA complaint #11387902 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 75,000 milesHorsham, PA
LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION
WINDSHIELD CRACKED IN THE LOWER DRIVERS SIDE CORNER. THE WINDSHIELD CRACKED DUE TO UNKNOWN REASONS AND BLIND SPOT WARNING STOPPED WORKING FOR NO REASON
NHTSA complaint #11376537 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 45,000 milesLake Arrowhead, CA
BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BACK-UP CAMERA VIEW WAS BLOCKED BY THE SUNLIGHT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE GLARE WAS EVIDENT WHETHER THE SUN ROOF WAS OPENED OR CLOSED. THE GLARE PREVENTED THE DRIVER TO SEE CLEARLY WHAT WAS BEHIND THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER SUBARU OF SAN BERNARDINO (645 AUTO CENTER DR, SAN BERNARDINO, CA 92408 (877) 501-8065) WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE BUT OFFERED NO SOLUTION TO THE ISSUE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,000.
NHTSA complaint #11355345 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 16,000 milesMarlton, NJ
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
THE EYESIGHT SYSTEM TURNS ON AND OFF INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE IS TRAVELING AT SPEED AND ALL OF SUDDEN IT IS NOT. THE WINDSHIELD WAS CLEAR AND IT WAS NOT RAINING. THE VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING IN A STRAIGHT LINE. THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING ISSUE WHICH THE DEALER IS UNABLE TO RESOLVE.
NHTSA complaint #11062145 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.