2015 Subaru Outback Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 127about this part
- Share
- 25%of 510 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 30,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 127 complaints about the electrical system of the 2015 Subaru Outback, 25% of the 510 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 30,000 miles. 3 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“2015 Subaru Outback battery fails to hold a charge. I was advised in january 2020 by the Subaru dealership to replace the battery, which I did. The problem is now recurring and the car battery will not hold a charge over night. The dealership claims it does not know what the issue is. The car has become completely unreliable.”
NHTSA complaint #11339832, filed 2020-07, 53,800 miles“Battery suddenly went dead shortly after driving when it should be charged. After investigating, I found that the ecu cycles the alternator off and on to try to increase fuel mileage. This has twice resulted in battery failure, not starting and leaving me stranded. I've had to buy new batteries twice in five years.”
NHTSA complaint #11352390, filed 2020-08, 50,000 miles“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, filed 2020-10, 38,000 miles“Technician and service advisor informed me that a 80 pin connector that controls the head system had caught on fire and fused two connectors together. I used the HVAC system on my way home from work and parked the vehicle in the garage.if this happened in the garage it could have resulted in a catastrophic house fire.”
NHTSA complaint #10881907, filed 2016-06, 12,700 miles“I have had to replace my stock Subaru battery from the dealer now four times. I drive it for work everyday and every so often it will not start up one morning. I do not leave my lights on, dome lights, or any other electrical components. It was stationary and would always happen the next morning, the battery would be drained and the dealership would replace just the battery as their fix. Months later, it would only happen again on a brand new battery from the dealer.”
NHTSA complaint #11337584, filed 2020-07, 65,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11037943Oct 5, 2026This announcement provides information on a new software update for the Midtronics Dss and DCA machines.
- 11037938Sep 18, 2026"This Bulletin announces additional troubleshooting steps for the following DTCs: DTC C1956: RH Actuator Circuit DTC C1957: LH Actuator Circuit"
- 11037929Sep 14, 2026This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure. This is an revised version of the…
- 11037927Sep 14, 2026This bulletin has been developed to outline the steps for gathering basic but essential information during diagnosis of Infotainment concerns. This is an revised version of the…
- 11036807Aug 20, 2026This Service Information Bulletin outlines a systematic procedure for diagnosing parasitic draw (dark/standby current) in vehicles experiencing battery drain when the ignition is…
- 11036796Aug 13, 2026This Bulletin has been developed to outline the steps for gathering basic but essential information during diagnosis of Infotainment concerns. (This is an revised version of the…
- 11036794Aug 5, 2026Techtips newsletter locator index.
- 11036789Aug 1, 2026This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure. This is an revised version of the…
- 11034242Jun 2, 2026This bulletin announces a design change made to the CVT Control Valve Body which incorporates an enhanced valve sleeve to improve durability. (This is an revised version of the…
- 11034240Jun 1, 2026This bulletin announces the availability of reprogramming files for the Engine Control Module (ECM) for certain vehicles equipped with 3.6L engines.
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 6 | 29% |
| 2025 | 13 | 16% |
| 2024 | 16 | 15% |
| 2023 | 17 | 19% |
| 2022 | 52 | 11% |
| 2021 | 76 | 26% |
| 2020 | 259 | 29% |
| 2019 | 364 | 35% |
| 2018 | 267 | 33% |
| 2017 | 392 | 43% |
| 2016 | 309 | 48% |
| 2015 | 127 | 25% |
| 2014 | 32 | 15% |
| 2013 | 23 | 8% |
| 2012 | 37 | 13% |
| 2011 | 67 | 10% |
| 2010 | 33 | 9% |
| 2009 | 23 | 22% |
| 2008 | 34 | 15% |
| 2007 | 20 | 15% |
| 2006 | 42 | 15% |
| 2005 | 28 | 10% |
| 2004 | 8 | 9% |
| 2003 | 7 | 8% |
| 2002 | 4 | 3% |
| 2001 | 3 | 2% |
| 2000 | 8 | 4% |
| 1999 | 8 | 7% |
| 1998 | 6 | 5% |
| 1997 | 4 | 5% |
| 1996 | 1 | 2% |
Other parts of the 2015 Subaru Outback
143 complaintsOther or unknown
109 complaintsEngine
47 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
37 complaintsBody and structure
33 complaintsBrakes
28 complaintsVehicle speed control
26 complaintsFuel system
18 complaintsAir bags
14 complaintsSteering
13 complaintsWheels
8 complaintsEquipment
7 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2015 Subaru Outback
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology