2015 Subaru Outback Transmission & Power Train Problems
NHTSA component category: POWER TRAIN · data through 07/14/2026
Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.
How power train ranks on this vehicle
Share of the 506 complaints citing each category; one complaint can cite several. Full breakdown on the 2015 Subaru Outback overview page.
What owners report
“I HAD STOPPED TO DISEMBARK MYSELF AND PASSENGERS. I TURNED OFF THE ENGINE. I DID NOT REALIZE IT WAS NOT IN PARK. AS THE PASSENGER…”NHTSA complaint 10734745 — filed 07/17/2015
“I WAS GETTING GAS AT A STATION. WHEN I WAS FINISHED PUMPING GAS I ENTERED THE CAR, STARTED IT, PUT IT IN REVERSE, BRAKED, PUT…”NHTSA complaint 10733807 — filed 07/13/2015
“WHEN THE ENGINE IS COLD, THE IDLE SPEED IS 1600 RPM WHEN STARTED. WHEN PLACED IN REVERSE OR DRIVE IT REDUCES TO A NOMINAL 900-1000…”NHTSA complaint 10732527 — filed 07/07/2015
Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.
Power Train complaints by year filed
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2015 Subaru Outback have transmission & power train problems?
Power Train is the #5 most-reported problem area on the 2015 Subaru Outback: 37 of 506 complaints on file (7.3%). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects.
How many complaints does the 2015 Subaru Outback have in total?
506 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/14/2026. Across all categories, 20 involved a crash, 5 involved a fire, 17 reported injuries, and none reported deaths.
What does NHTSA's power train category include?
NHTSA groups complaints about the transmission (automatic or manual), driveline, axles, transfer case and related parts under a single component category called POWER TRAIN. This page reports that category as NHTSA defines it.
