2015 Subaru Outback Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 1%of 510 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 135,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2015 Subaru Outback, 1% of the 510 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 135,000 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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, filed 2026-06, 244,000 miles“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, filed 2025-10, 110,000 miles“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, filed 2025-09, 135,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10240103Jul 10, 2023This bulletin the announces diagnostic procedures and availability of new Engine Control Module (ECM) reprogramming files to address DTC P2404 (Evap System Leak Detection Pump…
- 10210836Apr 26, 2022This bulletin announces availability of new reprograming files for the Engine Control Module (ECM).
- 10209924Mar 7, 2022This bulletin announces design change to the water pump assembly.
- 10207172Jan 2, 2022This Bulletin announces design changes to the engine oil and CVT fluid drain plugs.
- 10205910Dec 2, 2021This bulletin announces design change to the water pump assembly.
- 10202828Oct 15, 2021This bulletin provides a new flow chart and additional diagnostic tools to assist technicians with troubleshooting DTC P0841- SECONDARY OIL PRESSURE SENSOR PERFORMANCE.
- 10199936Jul 30, 2021Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is initiating a service campaign for certain 2015-2016MY Legacy and Outback 2.5L models which may experience an exhaust noise and/or odor coming…
- 10198749Jun 7, 2021This bulletin is to advise of SOAâs revised catalytic converter recycling program shipping procedure.
- 10198741Jun 1, 2021This bulletin outlines changes in the service procedure for engine oil pressure inspection.
- 10188163Feb 4, 2021This bulletin announces availability of reprogramming files to optimize the Engine Control Module (ECM). The new files will address DTC P0116 and hard starting in cold…
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 1% |
| 2022 | 1 | 0% |
| 2021 | 2 | 1% |
| 2020 | 3 | 0% |
| 2019 | 1 | 0% |
| 2016 | 3 | 0% |
| 2015 | 3 | 1% |
| 2014 | 1 | 0% |
| 2013 | 1 | 0% |
| 2012 | 2 | 1% |
| 2011 | 8 | 1% |
| 2010 | 23 | 6% |
| 2009 | 3 | 3% |
| 2008 | 6 | 3% |
| 2007 | 3 | 2% |
| 2006 | 7 | 3% |
| 2005 | 16 | 6% |
| 2004 | 13 | 14% |
| 2003 | 14 | 15% |
| 2002 | 17 | 12% |
| 2001 | 22 | 13% |
| 2000 | 35 | 17% |
| 1999 | 23 | 21% |
| 1998 | 40 | 32% |
| 1997 | 24 | 30% |
| 1996 | 10 | 22% |
Other parts of the 2015 Subaru Outback
143 complaintsElectrical system
127 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 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