2015 Subaru Outback

2015 Subaru Outback

The 2015 Subaru Outback is a mid-size crossover SUV that offers a comfortable ride, plenty of cargo space, and standard all-wheel drive. It is available with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 175 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque, or a 3.6-liter six-cylinder engine that produces 256 horsepower and 247 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are paired with a six-speed manual transmission or a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

People like the Outback for its spacious interior, comfortable seats, and good fuel economy. However, some people have reported issues with the vehicle’s engine, transmission, suspension, electrical system, exterior, and interior.

Engine

2.5-liter four-cylinder engine

• Oil consumption: Some owners have reported that their Outbacks consume excessive amounts of oil, which can lead to engine damage if not addressed. The problem is most likely caused by a faulty piston ring design.
  • Solution: Subaru has issued a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) for this issue, which recommends replacing the pistons and piston rings.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Head gasket failure: Some owners have reported that their Outbacks have experienced a head gasket failure, which can cause coolant and oil to leak into the engine. The problem is most likely caused by a faulty head gasket design.
  • Solution: Subaru has issued a TSB for this issue, which recommends replacing the head gasket.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

3.6-liter six-cylinder engine

• No major issues reported.

Transmission

Six-speed manual transmission

• No major issues reported.

Continuously variable transmission (CVT)

• Hesitation and shuddering: Some owners have reported that their Outbacks experience hesitation and shuddering when shifting gears. The problem is most likely caused by a faulty CVT valve body.
  • Solution: Subaru has issued a TSB for this issue, which recommends replacing the CVT valve body.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000
  • Recalls: None Found
• Premature failure: Some owners have reported that their Outbacks have experienced premature CVT failure. The problem is most likely caused by a faulty CVT design.
  • Solution: Subaru has issued a TSB for this issue, which recommends replacing the CVT.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $3,000 - $5,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Rear suspension noise: Some owners have reported that their Outbacks make a clunking or knocking noise from the rear suspension. The problem is most likely caused by a faulty rear upper control arm.
  • Solution: Subaru has issued a TSB for this issue, which recommends replacing the rear upper control arms.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery drain: Some owners have reported that their Outbacks experience a battery drain, which can lead to a dead battery. The problem is most likely caused by a faulty electrical component.
  • Solution: Subaru has issued a TSB for this issue, which recommends testing and replacing the faulty component.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Electrical system failure: Some owners have reported that their Outbacks have experienced an electrical system failure, which can cause the vehicle to stall or lose power. The problem is most likely caused by a faulty electrical component.
  • Solution: Subaru has issued a TSB for this issue, which recommends testing and replacing the faulty component.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: 14V659 - Software update to address the following conditions: 1) Slow or non-functioning of the power liftgate 2) Electric Parking Brake inoperative message 3) Battery drains from improper EVAP purge 4) Check engine light on P0441 (EVAP incorrect purge)

Exterior

• Windshield wiper motor failure: Some owners have reported that their Outbacks have experienced a windshield wiper motor failure, which can cause the wipers to stop working. The problem is most likely caused by a faulty windshield wiper motor.
  • Solution: Subaru has issued a TSB for this issue, which recommends replacing the windshield wiper motor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Dashboard rattle: Some owners have reported that their Outbacks have a dashboard rattle, which can be annoying and distracting. The problem is most likely caused by a loose dashboard component.
  • Solution: Subaru has issued a TSB for this issue, which recommends tightening the loose dashboard component.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200
  • Recalls: None Found
• Navigation system issues: Some owners have reported that their Outbacks have experienced navigation system issues, such as freezing or crashing. The problem is most likely caused by a faulty navigation system software.
  • Solution: Subaru has issued a TSB for this issue, which recommends updating the navigation system software.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 - $200
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2015 Subaru Outback has a number of reported issues, including engine oil consumption, head gasket failure, CVT hesitation and shuddering, premature CVT failure, rear suspension noise, battery drain, electrical system failure, windshield wiper motor failure, dashboard rattle, and navigation system issues. The severity of these issues varies, with some being relatively minor and inexpensive to fix, while others can be major and expensive. Overall, the Outback has a good reliability rating, but potential buyers should be aware of these potential issues before purchasing a vehicle.