2015 Subaru XV Crosstrek Problems
Compared with other Subaru XV Crosstrek years
Typical for this model
50/100 1.0× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 1.0× that of a typical Subaru XV Crosstrek year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 15 of its 79 complaints were filed by the end of 2017.
- Most reported problem: Sudden power loss or engine stalling while driving (19 complaints, median 25,950 mi).
- 1 recall campaign on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
Nearby years with fewer complaints than typical and no open NHTSA investigation: 2014
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 79filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 37,801miles, 45 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 1campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- 5 / 5stars overall
- EPA fuel economy
- 29 mpgcombined, 2.0L 4-cyl AWD · 26 city / 33 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2015 Subaru XV Crosstrek (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this model year most often describe sudden loss of engine power or stalling while driving, and many of these reports describe no warning light beforehand. Keys that will not come out of the ignition are the next most common theme, followed by unintended acceleration during slow maneuvers and sunroof glass breaking. Mileage in the sample runs from under 500 to over 100,000 miles, so these problems are not limited to high-mileage cars.
- Engine
Sudden power loss or engine stalling while driving
- 19 complaints (24%)
- median 25,950 mi at 4.0 yrs old (12 state mileage)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2016–2026
Owners describe engine power dropping or cutting out suddenly, sometimes with no response to the accelerator, a brief delay before power returns, or the car slowing when the pedal is pressed. Many of these happened at highway speed, and some say no warning light came on beforehand. After a stall, some owners could not restart the car right away. Some complaints say the dealer found a fuel pump fault or diagnosed transmission failure, while others say the dealer could not reproduce the problem. Reports run from about 1,000 to over 100,000 miles, with several in the first 20,000 miles and others past 60,000.
What to check: Ask the seller whether the car has ever lost power or stalled while driving, and ask for records of any fuel pump or transmission diagnosis. On a highway-speed test drive, watch for delayed throttle response or any drop in power.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I was driving north on highland avenue, just after 7 am, thursday, july 11, when suddenly the vehicle lost acceleration, the rpms went low, and the vehicle died. No warning lights or indications of a problem before the event. This left me stranded between 35th and 31st street during the busy rush hour period. Unable to restart. Tow into the dealer. Fuel pump failure was determined to be the cause. …”
NHTSA complaint #11232199, filed 2019-07, 63,450 miles“I decided to drive from phoenix, az to san diego, ca when about 200 miles in, my engine completely shut off while I was driving about 85mph down the highway. The entire trip my car had been fine, the gas light had just come on about a minute before, but my car told me I had 50 miles until I ran out of gas. I had absolutely no warning of the engine about to shut off except that around the same time the gas light came on, my AC quit working. …”
NHTSA complaint #11209685, filed 2019-05, 32,900 miles - Electrical system
Key will not come out of the ignition
- 16 complaints (20%)
- median 57,000 mi at 4.9 yrs old (10 state mileage)
- filed 2018–2025
Owners say the key sticks in the ignition after parking, sometimes with the shifter in Park, and cannot be pulled out. Some describe workarounds such as restarting the engine, shifting into Reverse and back to Park, or moving the steering wheel, and some say the problem got worse over time. A complaint says the power stayed on and that restarting did not release the key. Another complaint says a service bulletin applies, and that after the dealer repaired the park-range switch the key works fine. Mileage in these reports ranges from about 20,000 to about 90,000 miles, with most between 30,000 and 70,000.
What to check: Ask whether the park-range switch or shift selector has been inspected or repaired. During a test drive or inspection, have the seller shift into Park, turn the engine off, and remove the key repeatedly.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Experiencing trouble removing ignition key, and getting worse over time. I must start the vehicle a few times, place it in reverse then return to park. Then I am able to remove the ignition key. The vehicle only has 66000 miles. This is certainly not normal wear and tear.”
NHTSA complaint #11282672, filed 2019-11, 66,000 miles“I am having issues with trying to remove key from ignition. It won't let me turn all the way from acc to remove the key. I've tried turning the steering wheel, restart ignition and try turning all the way off again and still stuck. I had to start and put car in reverse, then pull foward and was able to turn key completely to the off position and was able to remove key. It seems to be getting worse. I have contacted Subaru of america and reported the problem to them as well.”
NHTSA complaint #11403673, filed 2021-03, 36,500 miles - Vehicle speed control
Unintended or sudden acceleration
- 12 complaints (15%)
- median 19,000 mi at 2.7 yrs old (9 state mileage, few)
- 3 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2016–2026
Owners describe the car speeding up or lunging without accelerator input, such as when shifting into Drive, pulling into a parking space, or moving slowly uphill or through a roundabout. Some describe pressing the brake without the car slowing, and some say the car hit a curb, a porch, a parked car, or a tree. A complaint describes cruise control increasing speed without warning, and says the dealer replaced the cruise control switch. Listed mileage runs from about 2,000 to about 39,000 miles, and most reports describe slow maneuvers such as parking.
What to check: Ask whether the car has ever accelerated unexpectedly, and whether the cruise control switch or brake system has been inspected. On a test drive in an empty, safe area, check that the car slows promptly when the brake is pressed and holds a set speed steadily with cruise control.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I was pulling into a parking space and the car took off like a rocket!.I heard the engine roaring it jumped the curb, sped about 15 feet through the grass, I slammed on the brakes, just missed a tree, and the car stopped.”
NHTSA complaint #11073640, filed 2018-02, 18,000 miles“After removing car from garage, while slowly driving uphill in alley (less than 15 MPH ), car accelerated on its own while my right foot was in the air on the way to brake to slow down for a turn. The car moved & sounded as if accelerator had been depressed, but it wasn't by the driver! I was able to stop the car with the brake, but unintended acceleration caused car to overshoot where I wanted it to go by several feet. It didn't collide with anything. I heard a thunk below car a couple of seconds before the acceleration. …”
NHTSA complaint #10926857, filed 2016-11, 2,005 miles - Body and structure
Sunroof glass bursts while driving
- 6 complaints (8%)
- median 12,229 mi at 1.1 yrs old (3 state mileage, few)
- filed 2015–2025
Owners describe a loud bang or pop followed by the sunroof glass breaking, bulging upward, or shattering, with glass landing in the cabin. Some say it happened on the highway, and some note that nothing had struck the roof. A complaint reports glass getting into the eyes and onto the head. Listed mileage runs from under 500 to about 45,000 miles, so these reports are not limited to high-mileage cars.
What to check: Inspect the sunroof glass and frame for cracks, chips, or bulging, and ask the seller whether the glass has been replaced. Ask for records of any sunroof repair or replacement.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Sunroof exploded while I was driving 60 MPH on the highway. I heard a loud boom, like a gun firing, and then glass flying everywhere. Glass went in my eyes, on my head, down my jacket, all over in the car, and all over the roof. The sunroof was bubbled outwards. This is a new vehicle with less than 450 miles.”
NHTSA complaint #10794433, filed 2015-11, 450 miles“I was traveling on the highway at about 70mph the temperature outside was 91 the air in the car was on so inside temperature was about 70 degrees. I heard a loud pop and looked back at my two kids in the back then at my daughter. Glass was everywhere. My sunroof just imploded. No trucks were passing to tho up stones no other cars were close enough to cause this damage. There is a huge hole in the sunroof middle the surrounding areas are shattered and glass is in my seats and council as well as the car floor. …”
NHTSA complaint #10734960, filed 2015-07, 12,229 miles - Transmission and drivetrain
Transmission failure or shift problems in Park and Reverse
Mentioned in 4 of 60 sampled complaints
Owners describe a sudden transmission or CVT failure with no warning light, sometimes with a whistling or grinding noise first. In some reports a burning odor and fluid leak are described, and other complaints describe the car not shifting out of Reverse during a slow maneuver or rolling down a slight slope while in Park. In some complaints the dealer diagnosed a transmission failure, while in others the failure could not be duplicated. Shift and roll-away reports come from about 2,000 to 16,000 miles, while the sudden failure reports are at about 60,000 and about 117,000 miles.
What to check: Ask whether any transmission or CVT diagnosis or repair has been done, and request the records. A service announcement on remanufactured CVT units is listed for this model, so ask whether that program applies to this car.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“While on a very slight downslope, with the transmission in park, the vehicel rolled down the hill with no one in it. Had I been standing in front of it, I would have been run over.”
NHTSA complaint #10937765, filed 2016-12, 16,000 miles“I am filing a complaint regarding a major CVT transmission failure in my 2015 Subaru Crosstrek at approximately 117,318 miles. Prior to failure, there were no warning lights, dashboard messages, or significant indications of impending transmission failure. The only noticeable symptom was a slight whistling noise coming from the vehicle shortly before the transmission issue became severe. …”
NHTSA complaint #11737827, filed 2026-05
Buying note. Owners considering this model year may want to ask about past engine, fuel pump, transmission, and ignition key repairs, and confirm whether any service bulletin work was completed. A highway-speed test drive, along with repeated key-removal and shift checks, can show whether these symptoms appear.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 79 consumer complaints for the 2015 Subaru XV Crosstrek. 45 of the complaints include a mileage, and 58% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 37,801 miles. Of all complaints, 6 involved a crash, 1 a fire, 3 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign and 238 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 2 Subaru XV Crosstrek model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 50 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Other or unknown20 25%
- Electrical system15 19%
- Engine13 16%
- Brakes7 8.9%
- Vehicle speed control6 7.6%
- Body and structure5 6.3%
- Air bags4 5.1%
- Exterior lighting3 3.8%
- Fuel system3 3.8%
Also reported: Electronic stability control (2), Steering (2), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (2), Wheels (2), Seat belts (1), Suspension (1), Tires (1).
Example complaints
Other or unknown: “2015 Subaru Xv Crosstrek limited with auto climate controls after sitting for 3 days I started vehicle and had no HVAC control, vehicles has 80,000 miles. I disconnected the battery after driving 80 miles hoping the computer glitched and would reset the controls, still no control of HVAC system”
NHTSA complaint #11174355, filed 2019-02, 80,000 milesTransmission and drivetrain: “Since I bought this 2015 crosstrek in 2015 there have been multiple times where I have pulled out and the vehicle pauses. Like there is no power or it is taking a breath. No matter the pressure on the accelerator it does not go. Then like a gasp it starts to pick up speed. Does not shut off but zero power. It happens regardless the weather, length of time car has been running. It has caused me a narrow miss before because I could not get into my lane. I was pulling into traffic from a slow speed most times. Once it happened while in traffic driving.”
NHTSA complaint #11413092, filed 2021-04, 1,000 milesElectrical system: “At 37,801 miles, the brake switch component failed on my 2015 Subaru Xv Crosstrek. The hill assist, ABS, and traction control lights all came on. When I parked the vehicle and shut it off, it refused to come out of park, leaving the vehicle stranded. This appears to be a known issue with this part, however, there is no recall at this time.”
NHTSA complaint #11025480, filed 2017-09, 37,801 milesEngine: “I was driving my car on I-405 north bount when the engine faltered . I kept accelerateing but the car lost speed and made a hi raving sound . I was really scared as the cars behind had to reduce speed fast to prevent rear ending me . I exited the 405 freeway on burbank - I contuned home to north hollywood at a very slow speed , under 10mph . With my hazard lights on . It was a frightening experience . The next day my husband took it to the dealer with the same difficulties .”
NHTSA complaint #10822192, filed 2016-01, 7,215 milesMileage when problems were reported
58% of the 45 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 16,000 and 61,790 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2015 Subaru XV Crosstrek. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XV Crosstrek · SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | 4 / 4 | 5 | 4 | 4 · 15.1% risk |
Driver aids listed by NHTSA for the 2015 model year: forward collision warning optional, lane departure warning optional, automatic emergency braking not available.
Neighbouring years: 2014: same overall rating. A redesign between years can change both the car and the test.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2015 Subaru XV Crosstrek version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XV Crosstrek AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | CVT | 26 | 33 | 29 | $2,300 |
| XV Crosstrek AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 23 | 30 | 26 | $2,600 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 15V366000Jun 12, 2015Exterior lighting › Brake lights › SwitchCovers: Subaru XV Crosstrek 2015, Outback 2015, Legacy 2015 +2 more
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…
Recall details for the 2015 Subaru XV Crosstrek → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 238 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11037943Oct 5, 2026Electrical system, Other or unknown. This announcement provides information on a new software update for the Midtronics Dss and DCA machines.
- 11037940Sep 18, 2026Other or unknown. This bulletin provides paint code information for 2027 model year vehicles.
- 11037930Sep 15, 2026Other or unknown. This announcement provides an update to all 2027 model year Subaru warranty coverages for wear items and adjustments.
- 11037929Sep 14, 2026Other or unknown, Electrical system. This 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 original bulletin.
- 11037927Sep 14, 2026Electrical system. This 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 original bulletin.
- 11036807Aug 20, 2026Electrical system. This Service Information Bulletin outlines a systematic procedure for diagnosing parasitic draw (dark/standby current) in vehicles experiencing battery drain when the ignition is off, leading to…
- 11036796Aug 13, 2026Electrical system. This 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 original bulletin.)
- 11036794Aug 5, 2026Electrical system. Techtips newsletter locator index.
- 11036789Aug 1, 2026Electrical system. This 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 original bulletin
- 11034249Jun 12, 2026Other or unknown. This announcement is requesting retailer staff to retain the EyeSight protective hood covers from Generation 4 EyeSight cameras.
Other model years of the Subaru XV Crosstrek
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 79 | 37,801 | 1 | 5 | 29 | 50 · Typical | Falling |
| 2014 | 81 | 50,000 | 0 | 5 | 28 | 35 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2013 | 98 | 66,000 | 2 | — | 28 | 57 · Typical | Falling |
All Subaru XV Crosstrek model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2015 Subaru XV Crosstrek?
Owners of this model year most often describe sudden loss of engine power or stalling while driving, and many of these reports describe no warning light beforehand. The issues reported most often: Sudden power loss or engine stalling while driving; Key will not come out of the ignition; Unintended or sudden acceleration.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2015 Subaru XV Crosstrek have?
NHTSA recorded 79 consumer complaints for the 2015 Subaru XV Crosstrek as of Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2015 Subaru XV Crosstrek is reported most often?
Other or unknown is named most often, in 20 complaints (25% of the total), followed by transmission and drivetrain with 18.
Has the 2015 Subaru XV Crosstrek been recalled?
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2015 Subaru XV Crosstrek do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2015 Subaru XV Crosstrek 5 out of 5 stars overall. Ratings from different model years are only comparable when the vehicle was not redesigned in between.
What gas mileage does the 2015 Subaru XV Crosstrek get?
The EPA rates the 2015 Subaru XV Crosstrek (XV Crosstrek AWD, 2.0L 4-cyl) at 29 mpg combined, 26 city and 33 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,300 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2015 Subaru XV Crosstrek reported?
Among the 45 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 37,801 miles and the middle half falls between 16,000 and 61,790 miles; 58% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.