Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2015 Subaru Outback owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
A transmission that was replaced in July of 2023 went bad un December of 2024 and dealership won't give reasons why transmission went bad or what caused a almost brand new transmission with less than 50,000 miles on it went bad. They are demanding we pay $5000.00 dollars on a transmission that was replaced under the extended warranty on cvt transmission from subaru. Which also extends to the brand new transmission. They are demanding their loaner car back and refusing to honor extended warranty on new transmission which the gave us which is bad. They will not give us anything other than it is bad. No information what so ever is being given to my husband or I as to why, how or what happened. My car will not move unless it is pushed by someone. They are refusing to honor their recall warranty or provide a loaner while dealing with their corporate offices on this issue. …
After a transmission replacement performed by Bud Clary Chevrolet, Inc. in Longview, WA on September 9, 2025, my vehicle was returned to me with critical components left unsecured. On November 19, 2025, an independent mechanic discovered loose suspension bolts connecting the ball joints to the spindles on both front wheels. On November 29, 2025, Subaru of Portland documented additional unsecured and unattached components related to the prior transmission replacement, including loose mounting hardware and a disconnected PCV hose. Subaru of Portland's written inspection states that the loose bolts would have been unsafe if left uncorrected. These conditions were present after a major repair and created a potential safety hazard while the vehicle was being driven. This complaint concerns an unsafe condition caused by improper workmanship during a vehicle repair.
Driver's seat started peeling off approximately a year after purchase. Notified dealer, they said to contact Subaru of America via social media. Now almost all peeled off, have to cover with towel possibly interfering with airbags. Steering column lock will not lock in top position. Dealer repaired once under warranty, now out of warranty. Unsafe when column moves when driving. Transmission started slipping or behaving strangely around 90,000 miles. Never received notice of extended warranty I read about on Subaru forums [redacted] ) Paid $531.43 for fluid change at dealership because of the problem on 7/27/23 and no mention was made about extended warranty. It has not solved the problem. If transmission fails, that is a safety problem.
The continuously variable transmission failed at 114,000 miles. The unexpected lack of proper shifting on the roadway causes impediment to traffic expecting a continual flow of traffic. This causes the vehicle and drivers sharing the rode to have to make sudden braking or lane shifts without sufficient notice. The CVT was inspected by the dealer. There were no warning lamps or symptoms prior to failure.
CONSTANT CHECK ENGINE, NO ADAS FUNCTIONS AND MULTIPLE CODES AND HUD INDICATORS INCLUDING CKENGNE, XMODE FLASHING, ADAS DISABLE AND MAJOR ELECRTICAL PARASITIC DRAW AND TRANSMISSION AND OVERHEATING. I believe the past major leg relay was replaced during first recall, it was not performed correctly and tied into accesssorry aux into same wiring. defrost/ ac failure and clutch hums upon shutting down
On three separate occasions, most recently on 01/06/22 , my Subaru Outback began to accelerate without touching the gas pedal. My wife and myself were both fortunate to have a foot covering the brake pedal when this occurred . We fortunately avoided the potential collision hazard. The UNEXPECTED ACCELERATION is alarming and continues to occur !
local mechanic doing standard maintenence at 62,861 miles, checking high rpms at startup, noticed that the crankshaft pully was moving up and down , slight variance , when it should be straight. apparently a recall issue on 2016 outbacks.
Unexpected acceleration after parking, jump curb into tree, causing $7,000 in damage. Air bags did not deploy, both myself and passenger hit knees on dash, even with our seat belts still on. Had other computer issues earlier that day, back up sensors didn't work while backing car right behind mine. Car has now been at Subaru for a month, waiting for engineers results after their inspection 2/14/2018
Continuous variable transmission (CVT). The vehicle stopped while making a left turn suddenly motionless, engine revved up at 3500 RPM but the CVT remained unresponsive. Paced shift gear to park position then to drive gear then the vehicle moved-up very slow then it pulled forward to a normal driveable condition. This issue happened in 2017, 2018, 2019. Took to dealership 2x tested the vehicle but, no problem found and no manufacturer's issue was release. Several Subaru owners complaints with the same issue, on 2013 - 2015 Outback models.the battery on 2015 Outback model like mine, had replaced in 2017 while under warranty up to 3 - years. Lately, the battery died several times, took back to the dealer for test and replacement but, the 3 - years warranty was over from its original purchased. …
I took the car into paul moak Subaru on 10/14. The car was bucking under light acceleration. When pulling thru a stop light, or moving from a stopped position, the car kicks back and forth and I don't know if its going to keep going or stall. No check engine light. Paul moak Subaru says " this is due to an internal failure of the CVT transmission and the repair estimate is $9,319.59." this is almost the same as what I owe on the car. I knew of the extended warranty Subaru provided for the transmission but I'm outside the mileage portion. I reached out to Subaru north America on 10/27/20 but they say they can not help me due to the mileage. I drive approx 750 miles a week on a sales route thus the high mileage. 90 % of the miles are highway and are documented for tax purposes. I love my Subaru but cant believe I'm going to have to spend so much money on a 5 year old car. …
Related recalls
Power train › Driveline › Driveshaft
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2015 and 2016 model year Subaru Legacy 4-Door and Outback vehicles manufactured July 3, 2015, to July 27, 2015. Transmission oil may leak from a deformed seal cap on the propeller shaft yoke.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the propeller shaft, free of charge. The recall began on August 28, 2015. Owners may contact 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WQU-56.
Transmission complaints in other Outback years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2015 Subaru Outback?
NHTSA has 37 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2015 Subaru Outback, 7% of the model year's 510 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2015 Subaru Outback transmission problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 15V-502 (driveshaft, Aug 10, 2015). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2015 Subaru Outback transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 30,000 miles, and 44% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 2 injuries to transmission & drivetrain problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.