50 of the
650 complaints about the 2015 Subaru Outback are about the
engine — 8% of everything
reported for this model year.
Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before
46,055 miles.
NHTSA issued a notice for a recall on the 2015 Subaru Outback for an exhaust pipe bellows crack which causes exhaust noise and odor which affects emission and engine performance. I had noticed our Subaru's exhaust smoke coming in through the air vents while idling and also a general loss of power for the vehicle. When I dug into the causes, I came across this recall and did the VIN look up on the NHTSA website and also the Subaru website for active recalls. The Subaru website states that the recall was completed. I then called the subaru retailer to check if there were any records for the recall work that was completed for NHTSA ID Number: 10199936. They could not find any records. I called in Subaru corporate to see if they could shed any light on the recall. Subaru corporate says that the recall work was performed on August 6th, 2020 but is unable to tell me where it was performed or even if it was actually replaced. My local Subaru dealer has no records and Subaru corporate says that the work was performed. I am stuck with an exhaust leak that is potentially dangerous as time goes on where it might fail emissions. Subaru corporate has not wanted to address this or investigate the discrepancy, but instead asks me to work with the dealer to get records. The dealer says there's no records of the work ever being done. So I'm in limbo with a particularly faulty car.
NHTSA complaint #11746783 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 244,000 milesMesa, AZ
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE
The contact owns a 2015 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the exhaust manifold detached from the vehicle. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to the residence. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer advised the contact that a recall repair was previously performed on the vehicle, which was related to an exhaust pipe cracking, and that additional repairs would be at the owner's expense. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 244,000.
NHTSA complaint #11742301 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 110,000 milesSan Jose, CA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2015 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, and while at a stop light, there was an abnormal exhaust fumes odor inside the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with a cracked exhaust pipe. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that the vehicle was previously repaired under Service Program Bulletin: WUJ-95 but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.
NHTSA complaint #11696838 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 135,000 milesIssaquah, WA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR
The contact owns a 2015 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal exhaust odor entering the cabin of the vehicle through the vents. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of fuel. Before the contact purchased the vehicle, the contact became aware that the vehicle had been repaired under recall for the catalytic converter. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 135,000.
NHTSA complaint #11689788 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Anderson, INCrash
ENGINE
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. I took my foot off of the gas pedal and put my foot on the brake to make a slow stop. Instead, the car accelerated rather quickly. I continued to brake but the car seemed to speed up. I was able to avoid hitting the truck in front of me by going around it. No vehicles were coming towards me but there were some stopped at the other side of the light. I drove up on the sidewalk to avoid hitting anyone. At that point the front passenger side of the car hit & snapped a pole. The car did not stop immediately upon impact. It stopped acclerating and came to a stop about 10 feet past the pole. I am not sure how fast the car was moving when it hit the pole but I was only going about 5 mph when I put my foot on the break. I would estimate the distance my car traveled from the moment I put my foot on the break until the car stopped was approximately 100-120 feet. It felt like the car went into the cruise resume mode and was trying to accelerate to a predetermined speed. I had not been using the cruise control that day but that is exactly what it felt like. There was one other time this year that the car lunged forward without using the gas pedal. It stopped quickly for me and I just assumed that I had hit the cruise resume button, although I also hadn't been using the cruise that day. The insurance company took the car to an impound lot two hours away. I am sure there has been no inspection and my insurance has not informed me of the status of having my car totaled or repaired. Because of the age of the car, and damage, they think it will be totaled. Yes, my safety and the safety of anyone near me was at risk. The car malfunctioned and the fact no one was hurt was miraculous. There were no warning messages before this accident.
NHTSA complaint #11689049 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Carlsbad, CA
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.
NHTSA complaint #11558634 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Northfield, NH
ENGINE
The car had a recall on it for the catalytic converter and front pipe and bellows being cracked. It was replaced under a service bulletin put out by Subaru at 104,000 miles in 2020. I just went to get the vehicle inspected in 5/2023 and the exact same part is failing once again. It will not pass inspection. This causes exhaust to leak back into the car (including carbon monoxide) given the converter/bellows are parts that come off the engine right under the driver/passenger's front seat. I have called corporate Subaru to see what could be done and they refuse to do anything since they told me the car is a 2015 and had 167,000+ miles. At this point, it will cost me a few thousand dollars to fix at which point has to be done by Subaru and they will replace it with the exact same parts that have proven time and time again to be a poor design and fail. Or I can take it to an exhaust specialist to be fixed.
NHTSA complaint #11553298 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
North Tonawanda, NY
ENGINE
#1. I replaced the battery in June of 2022 after all the dash warning lights came on. My eyesight safety feature was rendered in operative. After the battery was replaced, all the warning lights eventually went out. In July of 2023 the same scenario happened again. I returned to Advance Auto retailer and the store manager checked the battery. She replaced the battery with a new one of greater cold cranking amps. she was most knowledgeable and extraordinarily gracious. I asked her to check the alternator for proper function and was told it was functioning as it should. #2. On June 07, 2023, I took the automobile in for service: oil and filter change and brake pads and rotors on all four wheels. My Subaru had 68,482 miles on this date. The technician (who previously was employed by a local Subaru dealership) noticed that the engine was leaking oil and diagnosed the timing cover gasket was leaking oil. Oil leaking would contribute to the bad smells entering the passenger compartment. The gasket and three seals were replaced at a cost of $1329.94 plus 8% tax. Online research reveals that Subaru"s boxer engine suffers chronic oil consumption and seal problems. Subaru of America relies on the consumer to eat any repairs rather than fix the problem that has been going on for years.
NHTSA complaint #11539168 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,700 milesLos Angeles, CA
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2015 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while driving 67 MPH with the cruise control activated, the vehicle suddenly decelerated to approximately 25-30 MPH while depressing the brake pedal. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled. After pulling over to the side of the roadway, the contact was able to restart the vehicle and drove to the residence. The vehicle was taken to the dealer however, the cause of the failure could not be determined. The contact's wife stated that the failure had occurred a year prior while driving approximately 55 MPH. The failure only lasted for several seconds. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 80,700.
NHTSA complaint #11528332 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Matthew, NC
ENGINE
Oil consumption issues. The oil is burning more then it should. Oil light would come after 2 to 3 more after an oil change. The dealership has been notified and is working on ordering new parts for the engine. Replacing the small block of the engine. Had less the 100k miles when this problem accured. Electrical issues. The battery is being drained after the car is turned off. Car would not start in the morning and need to be jumped. Additionally, battery eventually dies and needs to be replaced. Dealership has been notified.
NHTSA complaint #11512993 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hatley, WI
ENGINE
Intermittant engine acceleration or engine surge while braking at very low speeds.
NHTSA complaint #11487349 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
West Fargo, NDCrash
ENGINE
Entering a residential garage to park; experienced sudden acceleration while braking. Vehicle went through drywall/wall about 2 feet. Placed vehicle in park to stop vehicle. No airbags went off. Driving vehicle to repair shop later; experienced same rapid unexpected acceleration with different driver. No issue with floor mats. OEM mats. Service center cannot provide any insight or reproduction of event.
NHTSA complaint #11483793 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesOakland, CAFire1 injured
ENGINE
The contact owned a 2015 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, he was alerted by another driver that the vehicle was smoking and flames were coming from under the vehicle. The contact stated that warning lights flashed off and on. The contact stated that he pulled over, exited the vehicle, and saw flames coming from underneath the vehicle before it was engulfed in flames and exploded. The contact stated that he sustained minor burns on his hands from the steering wheel however, medical attention was not required. The fire was extinguished by the fire department. A fire department report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a junkyard as it was deemed a total loss. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a field technician was sent to retrieve information from the EDR. The contact was not aware of the diagnosis. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.
NHTSA complaint #11467050 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Penn Yan, NY
ENGINE
On three separate occasions, most recently on 01/06/22 , my Subaru Outback began to accelerate without touching the gas pedal. My wife and myself were both fortunate to have a foot covering the brake pedal when this occurred . We fortunately avoided the potential collision hazard. The UNEXPECTED ACCELERATION is alarming and continues to occur !
NHTSA complaint #11446573 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Old Town, ME
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.
NHTSA complaint #11444473 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fennville, MI
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.
NHTSA complaint #11443769 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chicago, IL
ENGINE
While driving at highway speed and traveling over about 6 hours, the car simply shut off. We were traveling on the highway in the passing lane. Without warning the car began to slow down rapidly, no dash lights on, but the engine was off. We managed to cross two lanes of traffic without power assist and once on the shoulder and slowing down, the engine lights all came on. Once fully stopped, we turned the car off, waited a few seconds and restarted. We were then able to complete our trip without difficulty. This has happened twice. The dealer has done full diagnostics twice but has been unable to find the problem. We have heard that other year Subaru outbacks have been recalled for this problem but our year isn't included.
NHTSA complaint #11434112 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Leonia, NJ
ENGINE
On 8/25/21, during servicing, I was informed by the Subaru dealer who has always serviced my car that the driver's side head gasket was starting to go bad. The car had 54,108 miles on it and was 6 years and 5 months old. It had always been driven under normal conditions, on public roads, and 100% of the servicing had been performed by the Subaru dealer who sold me the car, which I bought new. In addition, I had never used the car for towing. Under the circumstances, it seemed indefensible that the head gasket should be going bad. It's a very expensive repair. The engine in question is the 3.6-liter 6-cylinder.
NHTSA complaint #11432820 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Oceanside, CA
ENGINE
Car stalled, could not take out of gear; could not restart, could not set emergency brake, couldn’t turn key to restart. Finally a light came on that said hatch was open. Could not operate hatch from inside car. Jumped out hatch was closed. Opened and reclosed. Car started rolling. Ran to jump in and apply manual brake. I’m 85 years old. Very dangerous situation. Consumer stated AAA batteries failed several times. Vehicle was taken to a dealer for electrical failure.
NHTSA complaint #11426864 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Springfield, VA
ENGINE
MY BATTERY HAS HAD TO BE REPLACED TWICE BECAUSE IT DRAINS EVEN THOUGH THE CAR IS USED REGULARLY AND NOTHING IS LEFT ON. I HAVE HAD TO BE JUMPED SIX OR SEVEN TIMES SINCE I PURCHASED THE CAR AND TOWED ONCE TO THE DEALERSHIP.
NHTSA complaint #11416675 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 82,500 milesBentonville, AR
ENGINE
WITHIN 80K MILES THE CAR HAS STARTED SHOWING HIGH ENGINE OIL CONSUMPTION. ENGINE OIL IS TO BE CHANGED EVERY 6000 MILES BUT AT 4000 MILES LOW ENGINE OIL LIGHT WILL SHOW UP AND CHECKING ON OIL LEVEL, IT SHOWS AT THE LOW LEVEL OF DIPDTICK.UPON DIAGNOSIS, IT WAS FIGURED THAT IT HAS STAGE 2 HEAD GASKET REPLACEMENT BY SUBARU DEALERSHIP
NHTSA complaint #11414293 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 70,000 milesSeattle, WA
ENGINE
THE MUFFLER MAKES A RATTLING OR GROWLING NOISE WHEN IDLING OR COASTING. THE NOISE DISAPPEARS WHEN ACCELERATING.
NHTSA complaint #11402592 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesRochester Hills, MI
ENGINE
I HAVE THIS ISSUE WITH MY MUFFLER. TSB 09-66-16 REAR MUFFLER SHELL RIGIDITY ENHANCEMENT THIS BULLETIN ANNOUNCES A CHANGE IN THE PRODUCTION PROCEDURE FOR THE REAR MUFFLER ASSEMBLY. SPOT-WELD LOCATIONS SECURING THE OUTER SHELL PORTION HAVE BEEN CHANGED TO IMPROVE OVERALL RIGIDITY. A GAP MAY DEVELOP AT THE SPOT WELDED SEAM AS A RESULT OF REPEATED THERMAL SHOCK (HEATING / COOLING) WHICH OCCURS DURING NORMAL USE. THE GAP DOES NOT CREATE AN EXHAUST LEAK. IN SOME CASES, A RATTLING SOUND FROM THE MUFFLER MAY DEVELOP.
NHTSA complaint #11394727 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 38,000 milesPortland, OR
ENGINE
VEHICLE WILL NOT START/CRANK. BATTERY IS BRAND NEW, ALL ELECTRONICS FUNCTION AND LIGHT UP, YET WHEN IGNITION IS TURNED THE ENGINE DOESN'T TURN OVER. VEHICLE IS IN THE SHOP FOR THE THIRD TIME IN 3 WEEKS. A NEW WIRING HARNESS WAS INSTALLED BUT FAILED TO RESOLVE THE ISSUE. VEHICLE HAS BEEN SHOWING CODES FOR THE CAM & CRANK SENSORS, INCLUDING CODE P0340, YET ALL SENSORS HAVE TESTED AS OPERATIONAL. I'LL POST AN UPDATE AS SOON AS I HEAR FROM DEALER.
NHTSA complaint #11363231 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 92,000 milesMosinee, WI
ENGINE
SERVICE TECHNICIAN REPORTED A NOISE AND LEAK FROM CATALYTIC SYSTEM. HINT OF EXHAUST PRESENT IN DRIVER COMPARTMENT AT LOW SPEED AND STOPS.
NHTSA complaint #11359846 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 2 milesEast Peoria, IL
ENGINE
I WAS GOING 55 MPH ON A STRAIGHT FLAT SURFACE WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THE RPM'S SHOT UP TO AROUND 4000 BUT THE CAR WAS NOT ACCELERATING. IT WAS LIKE IT WENT INTO NEUTRAL. I PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND THE CAR PROCEEDED TO DIE. FORTUNATELY, IT STARTED RIGHT UP AND I DROVE HOME. I HAD A ALMOST A FULL TANK OF GAS. I HAD ONLY DRIVEN IT FOR 5 MINUTES AS I WAS ON MY WAY HOME FROM WORK. I JUST HAD THE OIL/FILTER CHANGED NOT EVEN 2 MONTHS AGO. I HAVE 54,000 DEALER SERVICED MILES ON THE CAR. IT WAS 86 DEGREES OUT. 2015 SUBARU OUTBACK PREMIUM 2.5
NHTSA complaint #11348698 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 90,000 milesSeverna Park, MD
ENGINE
NOTED OVER A PERIOD OF SEVERAL WEEKS, AN INCREASE IN EXHAUST NOISE FROM THE FRONT OF THE CAR. THE CABIN WOULD FILL WITH EXHAUST FUMES WHEN STOPPED WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER TWICE TO HAVE THE ISSUE DIAGNOSED AND BOTH TIMES THEY INDICATED THAT NO ISSUE WAS FOUND. ON THE THIRD TRIP, THEY CONFIRMED A HOLE IN THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD AND INITIALLY REFUSED TO REPLACE IT UNDER WARRANTY, EVEN THOUGH THE VEHICLE WAS COVERED UNDER THE PZEV EMISSIONS WARRANTY AND EXTENDED VEHICLE COVERAGE. AFTER POINTING OUT THE PZEV COVERAGE, THE DEALER REPLACED THE MANIFOLD.
NHTSA complaint #11341893 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 25,600 milesHouston, TX
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AUSTIN SUBARU (8100 BURNET ROAD, AUSTIN, TX 78757 PHONE (512)220-0930) TO BE REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V502000 (POWER TRAIN), THE MECHANIC FOUND AN INTERNAL OIL LEAK AND NEEDED TO REMOVE THE ENGINE TO BE ABLE TO CORRECT THE ENGINE OIL LEAK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DEALER REPLACED ENGINE RINGS, CYLINDER HEADS, AND INSTALLED A LONGER LASTING SILICONE SEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY HOWEVER, THE MANUFACTURER REPAIRED THE ENGINE OIL LEAK FAILURE AS A GOOD WILL OFFER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 25,600.
NHTSA complaint #11331439 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 69,000 milesNorth Canton, OH
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 SUBARU OUTBACK . THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BUT NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 69,000.
NHTSA complaint #11320331 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 74,000 milesDupont, WA
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.
NHTSA complaint #11280899 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.