Car · Subaru recalls
2015 Subaru Outback recalls
NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns for the 2015 Subaru Outback, filed between September 19, 2014 and May 11, 2016. Each one is below with what is wrong and the free fix.
Stop-driving notice. 1 campaign below carries a "do not drive" or "park outside" advice from the maker. Read those first and call a dealer.
| Campaign | Filed | Part |
|---|---|---|
| 16V292000 | May 11, 2016 | Steering: column |
| 16V251000 | April 27, 2016 | Electronic stability control (esc) |
| 15V502000 | August 10, 2015 | Power train: driveshaft |
| 15V366000 | June 12, 2015 | Forward collision avoidance: crash imminent braking |
| 14V577000 | September 19, 2014 | Trailer hitches |
Steering: column (16V292000)
Filed May 11, 2016 · Do not drive until fixed
What is wrong. 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.
What could happen. The loss of steering ability would increase the risk of a crash.
The 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.
Electronic stability control (esc) (16V251000)
Filed April 27, 2016
What is wrong. 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."
What could happen. 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.
The 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.
Power train: driveshaft (15V502000)
Filed August 10, 2015
What is wrong. 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.
What could happen. If the transmission oil leaks onto the exhaust pipe, there is a possible risk of fire.
The 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.
Forward collision avoidance: crash imminent braking (15V366000)
Filed June 12, 2015
What is wrong. 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.
What could happen. 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.
The 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 (14V577000)
Filed September 19, 2014
What is wrong. 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.
What could happen. The mounting nut(s) may not provide sufficient force to remain attached to the studs or the studs themselves might break. If this were to happen while a trailer is being towed, the driver might not be able to operate the vehicle as desired or the trailer may detach from the vehicle. Either situation could increase the risk of a crash.
The 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.
Check that your car is on the list
Most campaigns cover only cars built in a certain date range or at a certain plant, so a 2015 Subaru Outback may or may not be included. The VIN is the only sure test. It is 17 characters, on the dashboard by the windshield and on the driver door jamb sticker. Look up your VIN.
How to confirm the repair is free
- Call any authorized Subaru dealer service desk and give them the VIN and the campaign number from the list above.
- Ask them to confirm the campaign is open for your car. If it is, the parts and labor are covered.
- If the dealer says the part is not in stock, ask for a written note with the date, and ask about a loaner if the notice says not to drive the car.
- Keep the repair order. It shows the campaign number and proves the work was done.
If you already paid for a repair that a recall later covered, Subaru may owe you a refund. Ask the dealer or Subaru customer service about reimbursement, and keep your receipts.
Other model years of the Outback
- 2023 (2)
- 2022 (4)
- 2021 (4)
- 2020 (6)
- 2019 (3)
- 2018 (3)
- 2017 (4)
- 2016 (4)
- 2014 (10)
- 2013 (12)
- 2012 (16)
- 2011 (16)
- 2010 (18)
- All years
More: all Subaru recalls, check-engine codes, car repair costs.
2015 Subaru Outback recall questions
How many recalls does the 2015 Subaru Outback have?
NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns for the 2015 Subaru Outback. A campaign can cover only some cars of that model year, so check your VIN to see whether yours is included.
Is a recall repair on a 2015 Subaru Outback free?
Yes. A safety recall repair is free at an authorized Subaru dealer, whatever the age or mileage of the car and no matter who owns it now.
How do I know if my 2015 Subaru Outback was already fixed?
Enter the VIN on our recall page. If a campaign is still open, it shows as open. You can also ask a dealer to run the VIN, or look at the service history paperwork for the campaign number.
Source: NHTSA recalls API, checked 2026-10-28. Text is NHTSA's wording of each campaign. New campaigns are added over time. Not a repair shop, estimates only.