2015 Subaru Outback Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 47about this part
- Share
- 9%of 510 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 44,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 47 complaints about the engine of the 2015 Subaru Outback, 9% of the 510 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 44,000 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved and 2 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“We noticed an exhaust leak (noisy) on our 2015 Outback, upon inspection by the dealer they determined the catalytic converter needed to be replaced, they initially rejected our warantee claim because Subaru authorizes replacement only if a mil is present. After some discussion the dealer (Subaru) agreed to replace as good will . …”
NHTSA complaint #11110458, filed 2018-07, 47,000 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“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, filed 2021-02, 80,000 miles“Please read upload documents. My 2015 Subaru Outback began showing signs of excessive oil consumption in the summer 2018. Apparently this was a known problem with Subaru and class action lawsuit was filed against Subaru for models made prior to 2015. My vehicle failed a oil consumption test in the fall of 2018. I was told by white bear Subaru if the vehicle failed an oil consumption test Subaru of america would pay to have a new short block installed due to this ongoing engine defect. …”
NHTSA complaint #11174234, filed 2019-02, 65,000 miles“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, filed 2020-08, 2 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11034240Jun 1, 2026This bulletin announces the availability of reprogramming files for the Engine Control Module (ECM) for certain vehicles equipped with 3.6L engines.
- 11027982Jan 12, 2026This Bulletin provides the diagnostic procedure for the STARLINK® Remote Engine Start (RES).
- 11027083Dec 8, 2025This Service Information Bulletin provides the Service Manual Correction to the diagnostic procedure for DTC B2A16 (Immobilizer Key Collation Diagnosis).
- 11027081Dec 8, 2025This bulletin announces the diagnostic procedures to be used when DTCs P2096 (POST CATALYST FUEL TRIM SYSTEM TOO LEAN BANK 1) and P2097 (POST CATALYST FUEL TRIM SYSTEM TOO RICH…
- 11025790Nov 20, 2025This bulletin announces the diagnostic procedures to be used when DTCs P2096 (POST CATALYST FUEL TRIM SYSTEM TOO LEAN BANK 1) and P2097 (POST CATALYST FUEL TRIM SYSTEM TOO RICH…
- 11023536Sep 30, 2025In the interest of customer satisfaction Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) is extending the New Car Limited Warranty coverage in the models listed. The extension will address…
- 11022305Aug 11, 2025Subaru Service Technical Support Newsletter special edition.
- 11017452Apr 22, 2025This Bulletin announces the diagnostic procedures to be followed when diagnosing engine oil leakage on FA and FB type engines.
- 11016224Mar 24, 2025The purpose of this bulletin is to advise of SOA’s revised Catalytic Converter Recycling Program shipping procedure.
- 11008282Sep 27, 2024This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models.
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 5 | 6% |
| 2024 | 7 | 7% |
| 2023 | 1 | 1% |
| 2022 | 23 | 5% |
| 2021 | 21 | 7% |
| 2020 | 49 | 5% |
| 2019 | 39 | 4% |
| 2018 | 37 | 5% |
| 2017 | 44 | 5% |
| 2016 | 53 | 8% |
| 2015 | 47 | 9% |
| 2014 | 35 | 17% |
| 2013 | 67 | 23% |
| 2012 | 50 | 17% |
| 2011 | 85 | 13% |
| 2010 | 44 | 12% |
| 2009 | 15 | 14% |
| 2008 | 14 | 6% |
| 2007 | 15 | 12% |
| 2006 | 43 | 16% |
| 2005 | 10 | 4% |
| 2004 | 2 | 2% |
| 2003 | 5 | 5% |
| 2002 | 5 | 4% |
| 2000 | 3 | 1% |
Other parts of the 2015 Subaru Outback
143 complaintsElectrical system
127 complaintsOther or unknown
109 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