Are Subaru Outbacks reliable in 2015?

The 2015 Subaru Outback is generally considered a reliable choice in the midsize wagon class, with strong all-wheel drive and a track record of longevity. Like any aging model, it carries potential reliability caveats—chiefly around the CVT, maintenance timing, and high-mileage wear—so prospective buyers should review service history and have a pre-purchase inspection if buying used.

Reliability landscape for 2015

Independent reviews and owner surveys typically place the 2015 Outback as above average for reliability in its segment. Its durable all-wheel-drive system and boxer engine contribute to strong long-term performance, though some powertrain and electronics issues appear in owner feedback and service data.

Here is a concise snapshot of reliability assessments from major sources and owners.

• Industry and consumer surveys generally rate the 2015 Outback as reliable within its class, with many owners reporting long life with proper maintenance.


• The drivetrain is considered robust for everyday use, especially the all-wheel-drive system that Subaru embeds in most Outbacks.


• Some reliability chatter centers on the CVT and certain electronics, which can incur higher maintenance or replacement costs if they fail.


• Maintenance and repair costs for the Outback tend to be moderate compared with premium-brand competitors, particularly when the timing chain needs are considered.

Overall, the consensus is that the 2015 Outback is a solid performer with good longevity, provided owners stay on top of routine maintenance and address issues promptly.

What owners report

Owner experiences offer practical insight into day-to-day reliability and potential trouble spots for the 2015 model year.

Here is what buyers and owners commonly discuss in reviews and forums.

• CVT behavior: Some owners report occasional transmission quirks, such as hesitation or shudder, particularly on higher-mileage examples. Warranty coverage and dealer service have addressed many concerns.


• Oil consumption: A subset of 2.5L engines has been noted to burn oil at higher mileages, underscoring the importance of regular checks and timely top-offs.


• Electrical and infotainment: Occasional glitches or software updates are mentioned, though problems are not pervasive across the model year.


• All-wheel drive and chassis integrity: The AWD system remains a strong point, contributing to stability and traction in varied conditions.

Bottom line from the field is that reliability is solid overall, with the usual caveats that apply to aging vehicles and models with CVTs.

Maintenance and ownership costs

Understanding maintenance needs helps frame reliability and long-term ownership costs for the 2015 Outback.

Key considerations for upkeep and the cost of ownership include.

• Timing mechanism: The Outback uses timing chains rather than belts on its standard engines, which generally reduces major maintenance events and can improve long-term reliability.


• CVT service: Periodic transmission maintenance and potential CVT-related repairs can represent a notable portion of ownership costs if issues arise.


• Regular maintenance: Routine items—oil changes, fluid checks, brake service, and tire rotation—remain essential to preserving reliability and resale value.


• All-wheel-drive wear: AWD components contribute to tire and brake wear, so plan for periodic replacement of wear items when evaluating ownership costs.

With consistent service history and proactive maintenance, the 2015 Outback can offer dependable daily use and solid resale value in the used-car market.

Bottom line

For most buyers, the 2015 Subaru Outback delivers reliable performance, practical space, and strong all-weather capability. The main reliability caveats relate to the CVT and oil consumption in some high-mileage engines, so a thorough pre-purchase inspection and a review of maintenance records are prudent steps when evaluating a used example.

Summary

In summary, the 2015 Outback stands as a capable, durable choice within its class. It tends to hold up well with regular maintenance and responsible ownership. Prospective buyers should be mindful of potential CVT-related issues and oil consumption in older, high-mileage units, and they should seek a detailed service history and a professional inspection to ensure reliability over the coming years.

Do 2015 Subaru Outbacks have transmission problems?

2015 Subaru Outback Transmission Problems
It's uncommon, but leaks could also mean there's an issue with your transmission hose. An evident sign would be if your 2015 Subaru Outback transmission warning light is on.

Which year is Outback most reliable?

The most reliable Subaru Outback years include the 2022-2025 models, with earlier models like 2017-2019 and 2005-2009 also recommended. Other highly-rated years are 2016-2017, 2009, 2012, 2014, and 2021-2022, which generally have fewer reported issues and are considered reliable choices for a used vehicle. 
Recommended years

• 2022-2025: The most current models are praised for their safety features and technology. The 2023 model was an IIHS Top Safety Pick+. The Outback Wilderness, released in 2022, is specifically designed for off-roading. 
• 2017-2019: The 2019 model, being the last year of its generation, had most of the mechanical issues resolved and offers a good balance of safety, technology, and efficiency. 
• 2005-2009: These models are considered reliable, with 2009 being a particularly strong year with fewer complaints. The 2005 model is a good option for budget-conscious buyers, and the 2005-2009 generation is the last to offer a manual transmission and a sedan body style. 

You can watch this video to learn about the best and worst Subaru Outback models: 1mcar PROblemsYouTube · Sep 28, 2025
Other reliable options

• 2021-2022: These years offer a great combination of performance, technology, and safety features. 
• 2016-2017: The 2017 model is highly rated for its reliability, safety, and practicality. The 2016 model, being the last of the fourth generation, is also considered a strong choice. 
• 2014: This model offers a good balance of features, performance, and reliability. 
• 2012: This year is often recommended for its durable 3.6L H6 engine and five-speed automatic transmission, a combination many buyers prefer over the CVT used in later models. 

This video explains the good and bad of used Subaru Outback models: 56sMrSubaru1387YouTube · Feb 14, 2022
What to consider

• Model Generation: For each generation, the last few model years are often the most reliable because most of the initial design and mechanical issues have been addressed. 
• Engine and Transmission: The 3.6L H6 engine paired with the five-speed automatic transmission found in some 4th generation models (2010-2014) is a durable and reliable combination. 
• Safety: Every Outback from 2010 onwards has been named a Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS, making them a consistently safe option. 

How long will a 2015 Subaru Outback last?

Subaru Outbacks are praised for their longevity. With regular maintenance, you can expect yours to last between 200,000 and 300,000 miles or from 10 to 20 years. However, beware that improper care could reduce its life span by several miles.

How reliable is a 2015 Subaru Outback?

The 2015 Subaru Outback has a generally good reliability rating, with many owners praising its long-term durability and all-wheel-drive performance. However, common issues reported by owners include potential oil consumption with the 2.5L engine, problems with the infotainment system's reflective screen, and various electrical glitches such as issues with the backup camera or power liftgate. 
Strengths

• Longevity: The Outback is known for its longevity, with a potential lifespan of 200,000 to 300,000 miles with proper maintenance. 
• Performance: Owners praise its performance, especially in bad weather due to its all-wheel drive. 
• Overall Ratings: Reliability ratings from sources like RepairPal are positive, ranking it well against other midsize SUVs. 

Potential weaknesses and issues

• Oil Consumption: The 2.5L engine can consume oil, sometimes requiring top-offs every 3,000-4,000 miles, though some owners report this issue goes away after an engine rebuild. 
• Infotainment System: The center infotainment screen is a point of frequent complaint due to glare from sunlight. 
• Electrical Issues: Some owners have reported problems with the backup camera, display screen, and power liftgate. 
• CVT Transmission: While generally durable, some owners note a slight delay between reverse and drive, and droning during acceleration. 
• Other Reported Problems: Other issues include potential premature brake wear, and problems with suspension components like ball joints and wheel bearings. 

Recalls
The 2015 model had five recalls, including ones related to the front O2 sensor, a cold weather start relay, and software updates for the Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) system and EyeSight adaptive cruise control. 
Key takeaway
The 2015 Outback is a reliable and durable vehicle overall, but be aware of potential issues with the 2.5L engine's oil consumption and the infotainment system's screen glare. Checking for recalls and ensuring that previous maintenance was performed adequately is recommended before purchasing.