VehicleVerdict

2015 Subaru Crosstrek problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 27 complaints on file for the 2015 Subaru Crosstrek — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

27

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2015 compare to other Crosstrek years?

Crosstrek NHTSA complaints by model year, 2015 highlighted355 complaints2012: 3 complaints2013: 35 complaints2014: 22 complaints2015: 27 complaints2016: 164 complaints2017: 132 complaints2018: 253 complaints2019: 355 complaints2020: 82 complaints2021: 151 complaints2022: 41 complaints2023: 51 complaints2024: 130 complaints2025: 57 complaints2026: 3 complaints
Crosstrek NHTSA complaints by model year, 2015 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Crosstrek years to avoid →

What are the most common 2015 Subaru Crosstrek problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission622%
Engine519%
Other415%
Brakes311%
Electrical System27%
Steering27%
Fuel System14%
Driver Assistance14%
Airbags14%
Seats14%
Speed Control14%

Does the 2015 Subaru Crosstrek have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

19V149000LightingFebruary 28, 2019 · 1,303,530 units

Defect

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Forester, 2008-2016 Impreza sedans, 2012-2016 Impreza station wagons, 2008-2014 WRX sedans (including STI), and 2013-2017 Crosstrek vehicles. Exposure to certain contaminants may cause the brake light switch to malfunction, preventing the brake lights from illuminating and also preventing keyless ignition vehicles from starting and CVT/automatic transmissions from being able to be shifted out of Park.

Consequence

Brake lights that do not illuminate properly will not alert other drivers that the vehicle is slowing or stopping, increasing the risk of crash.

Remedy

Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake light switch, free of charge. The recall began April 15, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUE-90.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“MY CAR HAS BEEN LEAKING FOR A LONG WHILE NOW. I DIDN'T EXPECT IT TO HAPPEN BUT WHEN RECENTLY I SAW SMALL DROPS OF OIL, I TOOK IT TO MY LOCAL DEALERSHIP. THEY SAID MY CAM BOX SEAL WAS LEAKING AND THEN I WENT INTO MORE RESEARCH. I FOUND OUT THAT THIS IS ACTUALLY A COMMON ISSUE FROM MY FELLOW…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · January 10, 2019

“MY CAR HAS BEEN LEAKING FOR A LONG WHILE NOW. I DIDN'T EXPECT IT TO HAPPEN BUT WHEN RECENTLY I SAW SMALL DROPS OF OIL, I TOOK IT TO MY LOCAL DEALERSHIP. THEY SAID MY CAM BOX SEAL WAS LEAKING AND THEN I WENT INTO MORE RESEARCH. I FOUND OUT THAT THIS IS ACTUALLY A COMMON ISSUE FROM MY FELLOW…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · January 10, 2019

“AFTER PUTTING MY CAR IN PARK, MY KEY WILL NOT COME OUT OF THE IGNITION. I HAVE TO REVERSE AND DRIVE UP AGAIN AND THEN PARK AGAIN, IN ORDER FOR MY KEY TO THEN FINALLY COME OUT. I'M NERVOUS THAT WON'T WORK FOR LONG. I'VE SEEN MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS EXACT SAME ISSUE AND YET SUBARU HASN'T ISSUED A…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · July 26, 2019

“THE BRAKE SWITCH FAILED CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO BE STUCK IN PARK. SUBARU HAS A RECALL ON THE BRAKE SWITCH, BUT MY CAR IS NOT COVERED UNDER THAT RECALL. RECALL 15V366000. THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH SUBARU AND THE DEFECT SHOULD BE COVERED.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · July 17, 2017

“I WAS DRIVING ON A 2 LANE HIGHWAY GOING 55MPH. MY KNEE BUMPED THE STEERING COLUMN AND AT THAT MOMENT THE DASH WENT BLANK, I LOST POWER STEERING AND BRAKES. I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER ONTO THE SHOULDER BEFORE THE STEERING LOCKED UP. I HAD NO IDEA WHAT HAD JUST HAPPENED. AFTER AWHILE I DISCOVERED THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · December 12, 2018

2015 Subaru Crosstrek — common questions

Is the 2015 Subaru Crosstrek reliable?

The record is thin — 27 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2015 Crosstrek problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (6 complaints), engine (5 complaints), other (4 complaints).

Does the 2015 Subaru Crosstrek have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2015 Subaru Crosstrek. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Subaru Crosstrek years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Crosstrek years to avoid are 2019, 2018, 2016, 2021, 2017, 2024. The cleanest record among Crosstrek years belongs to 2026.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.