2015 Subaru Crosstrek: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 17 owner complaints on record; most reports concern power train.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Feb 2019
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 17 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Tl* the contact owns a 2015 subaru crosstrek. While driving 80-85 mph, the vehicle stalled on several occasions without warning. In addition, the tachometer increased to high and the speedometer decreased. When the vehicle was restarted, it performed as designed. The vehicle was taken to subaru of kennesaw (905 ernest w barrett pkwy nw, kennesaw, ga 30144, (770) 419-9800) where it was diagnosed that the transmission valve body needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and provided case number: sr1-46572013025 and extended the warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 65,300. The VIN was invalid.”Owner report · Power Train · Aug 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 recall. Hoping we won't be responsible for the cost to repair what is obviously a manufacturer issue! Subaru please investigate!!”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Jul 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 crosstrek owners. This isnt acceptable at all because this doesnt make these reliable anymore. It's now a headache and trouble on the road. This issue should be thought over in respect to us the consumers. The crosstrek are a very popular car that people love including me but this problem gives everyone of us to complain to have it fixed.”Owner report · Power Train · Jan 2019
Show 5 more owner reports
“When starting the vehicle, the ABS, hill assist, and vehicle dynamics control lights all light up and lock down the car. Will continue to drive but the next time the car is started, it may not back up or go in drive again.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Sep 2018
“My car became stuck in park due to a defective break light switch. The dealership told me to have it towed, but luckily I checked the internet and learned I had to override the system by sticking a bolt into a port on the gear shift panel. Apparently this is a known issue. I know several people personally who have also had this problem, and the dealership was familiar with it. It is incredibly frustrating to be stuck in a parking lot unable to drive your car when its an issue that could easily be prevented. It was a 100+ degree day and luckily I was in town. But had I been stuck out at a trailhead or otherwise out of cell service this could be a serious safety issue.”Owner report · Power Train · Aug 2018
“Sometimes when pushing the brake pedal the ABS light comes on and will not allow the car to shift from park. Other times may come on while driving. The car only has 25k miles on it. I don't want to drive anywhere and get stuck there nor do I need a brake problem in snow as I live in new york state. After reading online it seems to be not an uncommon issue but more importantly it is a safety issue. After shutting the car on and off multiple times the ABS light goes out and the car is then able to shift. Again I don't need to worry about my personal safety or safety of the passengers in my car.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Aug 2018
“Tl* the contact owns a 2015 subaru crosstrek. While driving 65 mph, the eyesight driver assist system warning indicator illuminated. The contact drove home, turned off and restarted the vehicle, and the indicator dimmed. The contact stated that the failure recurred several times. The vehicle was taken to bertera subaru of hartford (111 weston st, hartford, ct 06120, (888) 865-1393) where it was diagnosed that the eyesight system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 30,000.”Owner report · Forward Collision Avoidance · Jan 2018
“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.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Jul 2017
Recalls - 1 campaign
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.
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.
How other years compare
Check your exact Crosstrek by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2015 Subaru Crosstrek reliable?
NHTSA has 17 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 2015 Subaru Crosstrek. The most complained-about area is power train.
Does the 2015 Subaru Crosstrek have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning exterior lighting:brake lights:switch. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.