VehicleVerdict

2015 Subaru XV CrossTrek problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2015 Subaru XV CrossTrek sits mid-pack among XV CrossTrek years: 102 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 102, with a single recall and no defect investigations.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across other (20), electrical system (17), and transmission (17), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

102

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

8

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

3

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2015 compare to other XV CrossTrek years?

XV CrossTrek NHTSA complaints by model year, 2015 highlighted140 complaints2013: 140 complaints2014: 113 complaints2015: 102 complaints2016: 6 complaints2017: 6 complaints
XV CrossTrek NHTSA complaints by model year, 2015 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all XV CrossTrek years to avoid →

What are the most common 2015 Subaru XV CrossTrek problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Other2020%
Transmission1717%
Electrical System1717%
Engine1313%
Brakes66%
Speed Control66%
Body & Structure55%
Airbags44%
Lighting33%
Tires & Wheels33%
Visibility & Wipers22%
Fuel System22%
Steering22%
Suspension11%
Seat Belts11%

Does the 2015 Subaru XV CrossTrek have recalls?

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

15V366000Driver AssistanceJune 12, 2015 · 71,710 units

Defect

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2015 Legacy vehicles manufactured March 10, 2014, to April 16, 2015, Outback vehicles manufactured February 24, 2014, to April 16, 2015, Impreza vehicles manufactured September 9, 2014, to April 14, 2015, XV Crosstrek vehicles manufactured October 16, 2014, to April 15, 2015, and 2016 WRX vehicles manufactured March 23, 2015, and equipped with the Eyesight Driver Assist System. If the switch that activates the brake lights fails, the automatic pre-collision braking component of the driver assist system will not function.

Consequence

If the automatic pre-collision braking system does not function as intended, the vehicle will not react to an obstacle in its path, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the driver assist system, free of charge. The recall began on July 20, 2015. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WQS-54.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“Car involved in accident 10/2020( remember this was DURING the COVID “shut down”) Was rear ended … tried to get car fixed. Insurance only wanted to do “cosmetics” nothing underlying ( mechanical… the car started to show signs of the damage …running lights stopped working on rear end…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · October 16, 2020 · crash

“WHEN I GO TO PARK AND TURN OFF THE KEY IT LOCKS HALF WAY AND WON'T COME OUT. HAVE TO REVERSE AND PULL FORWARD SOMETIMES SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE IT WILL TURN COMPLETELY OFF. SUBARU HAS A TECHNICAL SERVICE DATE: 03/15/18 16-112-18R REVISED BULLETIN ABOUT AN ISSUE WITH THE "SHIFT SELECTER MECHANISM."…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · October 3, 2020

“BRAKES HAVING SEVERE PUSH BACK ON BRAKE PEDAL. OR SEVERE OSCILLATION IN BRAKE PEDAL WHEN PRESSED ON ICY ROADS OR SNOWY ROADS VERY HARD TO USE BRAKES BECAUSE OF SEVERE BRAKE OSCILLATION IN PEDAL VERRY UNSAFE ON ICE OR SNOW NEW CAR 10,000 MILES WE NEED A RECALL ASAP .DRIVING COMING TO A STOP”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · April 4, 2016 · crash

“The car has the temp light come on intermittently and then it never came on again. I opened the hood and a hose from the radiator to the overflow tank was not connected. I brought the car to a Subaru dealer. The technician found oil in the radiator of the car. I was told this could be a head gasket…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · May 19, 2022

“AS DRIVER WAS PARKING IN FRONT OF HER HOME, VEHICLE ACCELERATED IN RESPONSE TO BRAKING AND RAMMED INTO FRONT PORCH, ABOUT 60 FEET AWAY. DESPITE FORCE OF COLLISION, NO AIRBAGS DEPLOYED.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · December 8, 2016 · crash

2015 Subaru XV CrossTrek — common questions

Is the 2015 Subaru XV CrossTrek reliable?

It is close to typical for the XV CrossTrek: 102 NHTSA complaints, 1 recall, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2015 XV CrossTrek problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are other (20 complaints), electrical system (17 complaints), transmission (17 complaints).

Does the 2015 Subaru XV CrossTrek have recalls?

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

How safe is the 2015 Subaru XV CrossTrek?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2015 Subaru XV CrossTrek earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

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.