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NHTSA Federal Consumer Defect Registry

2015 Subaru Outback Owner Complaints (508)

Analysis of 508 verified consumer complaints submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Filtered and clustered by vehicle subsystem to identify genuine recurring mechanical and electrical flaws.

Total Complaints
508
Defect Clusters
6 Categories
Avg Failure Range
35k mi
Est. Repair Cost
$450 – $1,400
Switch Outback Model Year Complaints
NHTSA Defect Subsystem Breakdown

2015 Outback Failure Distribution by Vehicle Subsystem

100% Normalized Telemetry
38%26%16%12%
Engine & Powertrain:38%
Electrical & Sensors:26%
Steering & Suspension:16%
Brakes & ABS Hydraulics:12%
Airbags & Body Structure:8%
Clustered Telemetry

Top Defect Complaint Groups (6)

Ranked by NHTSA Frequency
STEERING & SUSPENSION197 Verified Complaints

Electric Power Steering Assist & Suspension Noise Reports

Critical Severity

Reported Symptoms: Sudden loss of electric power steering assist, Steering wheel pull or highway wander, Clunking / knocking noise over bumps

Median Failure Mileage35,000 milesIQR: 7,10090,000 mi
Estimated Repair Cost$450 – $1,400 (Source: MazicBay Repair Intelligence Model)
Associated Fault Codes
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM & BATTERY156 Verified Complaints

Electrical Parasitic Drain, Infotainment & Harness Reports

Critical Severity

Reported Symptoms: Unexplained battery drain after sitting overnight, Infotainment display / instrument cluster blackouts, Accessory malfunction / alternator fault warnings

Median Failure Mileage29,000 milesIQR: 12,97961,362 mi
Estimated Repair Cost$280 – $850 (Source: MazicBay Repair Intelligence Model)
Associated Fault Codes
ENGINE & COOLING93 Verified Complaints

Engine Stalling, Oil Consumption & Cooling Defect Reports

Critical Severity

Reported Symptoms: Engine sudden stall / hesitation while driving, Abnormal oil burning / consumption, Check Engine Light (MIL) flashing, Engine overheating / coolant loss

Median Failure Mileage30,000 milesIQR: 6,00054,108 mi
Estimated Repair Cost$950 – $3,200 (Source: MazicBay Repair Intelligence Model)
Associated Fault Codes
BRAKING SYSTEM & ABS56 Verified Complaints

Service Brakes, ABS Actuator & Master Cylinder Reports

Critical Severity

Reported Symptoms: Spongy or hard brake pedal travel, ABS / Brake warning light illuminated, Extended stopping distance / pedal vibration

Median Failure Mileage43,300 milesIQR: 30,00068,482 mi
Estimated Repair Cost$350 – $1,100 (Source: MazicBay Repair Intelligence Model)
Associated Fault Codes
TRANSMISSION & DRIVETRAIN54 Verified Complaints

Transmission Hesitation, Hard Shifting & Slipping Reports

Critical Severity

Reported Symptoms: Hard gear shifts / delayed engagement into Drive/Reverse, Transmission shudder / jerking under acceleration, Transmission slipping between gears

Median Failure Mileage51,000 milesIQR: 41,79777,500 mi
Estimated Repair Cost$1,400 – $3,800 (Source: MazicBay Repair Intelligence Model)
Associated Fault Codes
AIRBAGS & SAFETY RESTRAINTS24 Verified Complaints

Airbag Occupant Detection & Inflator Defect Reports

Critical Severity

Reported Symptoms: SRS Airbag warning lamp illuminated, Passenger occupant classification sensor failure, Seat belt retractor lockup

Median Failure Mileage55,500 milesIQR: 38,25072,750 mi
Estimated Repair Cost$400 – $1,200 (Source: MazicBay Repair Intelligence Model)
Associated Fault Codes
Repair & Diagnostic Tools

Tools for Diagnosing the 2015 Subaru Outback

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