VehicleVerdict

2015 Subaru Outback electrical system problems

The 2015 Subaru Outback has 131 electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA — 20% of the year's total, and up sharply from the prior model year.

131

Electrical System complaints

20%

Share of year

0

Crash-involved

1

Related recalls

Electrical System complaints by year

Related recalls

16V251000Electrical SystemApril 27, 2016 · 766 units

Defect

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2015 Legacy and Outback vehicles manufactured on July 20, 2015. The brake fluid used in these vehicles may contain excess moisture which may adversely affect the performance of the electronic stability control system. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems."

Consequence

Poor performance of the electronic stability control system when it is activated may result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will perform an ABS activation, then flush and replace the brake fluid, free of charge. The recall began on May 20, 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WTC-64.

What owners report

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A CHEMICAL ODOR IN THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO BE INSPECTED; HOWEVER, THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE ORIGIN OF THE ODOR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · April 1, 2015 · fire

Common questions

How many electrical system complaints does the 2015 Subaru Outback have?

NHTSA has 131 complaints about the 2015 Subaru Outback electrical system — 20% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 2015 Subaru Outback electrical system?

Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign for this model year is tied to the electrical system: 16V251000.

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.