2015 Subaru Crosstrek
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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These records cover every 2015 Subaru Crosstrek. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
1 recall names the 2015 Subaru Crosstrek. Newest first.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Brake lights that do not illuminate properly will not alert other drivers that the vehicle is slowing or stopping, increasing the risk of crash.
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.
Owner complaints
17 complaints
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Engine · Power train
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…
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.
- Unknown or other
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…
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!!
- Engine · Fuel/propulsion system · Power train
I was driving on the interstate going 75 mph, passing another vehicle, when the car rapidly lost speed and revved to 5500 rpm. The vehicle continued to lose speed and would not respond when I pressed down on the accelerator. I had to quickly pull to the left shoulder. Luckily, the car behind me was…
I was driving on the interstate going 75 mph, passing another vehicle, when the car rapidly lost speed and revved to 5500 rpm. The vehicle continued to lose speed and would not respond when I pressed down on the accelerator. I had to quickly pull to the left shoulder. Luckily, the car behind me was paying attention and was able to slow down and not hit us. I turned the car off and luckily the vehicle did restart. My fuel light had just turned on minutes before this but I still had 60 miles to go before empty. I was planning on exiting to refuel before this happened. I still do not know what caused this to occur. I left a message with the dealership and I am awaiting a return phone call to have the vehicle assessed.
- Engine · Power train
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…
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.
- Air bags · Seats
I spilled 3-4 ounces of coffee on my front passenger seat. A short time later, the srs airbag warning light appeared on the dash and my passenger seat would no longer recognize that a passenger was seated in the passenger seat (passenger airbag off light would not switch to on when a passenger was…
I spilled 3-4 ounces of coffee on my front passenger seat. A short time later, the srs airbag warning light appeared on the dash and my passenger seat would no longer recognize that a passenger was seated in the passenger seat (passenger airbag off light would not switch to on when a passenger was seated). I called my local subaru dealership and I was told that the passenger sensor in the passenger seat was very sensitive and that moisture could interfere with it and disable the passenger airbag until the sensor dries. Apparently this happens frequently. This seems extremely dangerous in any car, but especially a subaru which IS marketed as an "outdoors" or "adventure" car where wet people/dogs/equipment could regularly be in the front passenger seat. The vehicle was running and stationary when the warning light appeared on my dash.
- Electrical system · Service brakes · Steering
I was driving on a 2 lane highway going 55mph. my knee bumped the steering column and at that moment the dash went blank, I lost power steering and brakes. I was able to pull over onto the shoulder before the steering locked up. I had no idea what had just happened. after awhile I discovered…
I was driving on a 2 lane highway going 55mph. my knee bumped the steering column and at that moment the dash went blank, I lost power steering and brakes. I was able to pull over onto the shoulder before the steering locked up. I had no idea what had just happened. after awhile I discovered the car would restart and drove the remaining 20 miles home with no problem. it wasn't until I called the dealer the next day and looked online that I realized what had happened. I'm short , 5'1' and had the steering column at the lowest position and the seat forward. I've moved the column to the next setting higher and believe this problem IS now unlikely to recur. the lowest column position should be eliminated . dangerous!!
- Vehicle speed control
From a stop or at low speeds, when you press the gas pedal there IS a delay of approximately 1.5 seconds before the engine responds. this IS particularly dangerous when pulling out into traffic from a driveway, or if you need to quickly maneuver to avoid a collision. subaru technicians have…
From a stop or at low speeds, when you press the gas pedal there IS a delay of approximately 1.5 seconds before the engine responds. this IS particularly dangerous when pulling out into traffic from a driveway, or if you need to quickly maneuver to avoid a collision. subaru technicians have inspected the vehicle, and they say nothing IS wrong mechanically. I believe this IS a flaw in the ecm programming. a quick google search reveals hundreds of other people have the same problem with various models of subaru. there are several aftermarket devices which claim to fix this by connecting to the obdii port and changing the programming so it matches the accelerator pedal linearly. one such device IS https://www.sprintboostersales.com/subaru I should not have to rely on an aftermarket accessory to address a critical safety issue.
- Electronic stability control (esc) · Unknown or other
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.
- Power train
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…
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.
- Engine · Power train · Unknown or other
Car stalled and died while driving on freeway traveling 75mph. Felt like the transmission shifted into a low gear and the rpm's revved. Car immediately lost power and fortunately I was able to safely move to freeway shoulder. Car would not start and had to be towed but all electrical still…
Car stalled and died while driving on freeway traveling 75mph. Felt like the transmission shifted into a low gear and the rpm's revved. Car immediately lost power and fortunately I was able to safely move to freeway shoulder. Car would not start and had to be towed but all electrical still functioned. I was low on gas but not out. I was on freeway at 11:30pm just outside detroit when this occurred. Ridiculously unsafe. Vehicle IS currently at dealer and will be looked at 8/14/2018. Incident 8/9/2018. exact same symptoms happened to the same vehicle 6 months ago. Car died on freeway traveling 75mph, rpm's revved, got safely to shoulder. Vehicle towed. Car started next morning and no error codes found. even more compelling, the engine died 3 other times while driving at least 45mph, same sensation of engine going into lower gear, rpm's increased to 5000+, car dies, electrical works. Car was able to restart after 10-15 minutes of rest. These 3 incidents are not documented because I was not towed and did not take the vehicle in for service. I wish I had. I am reporting for the most recent incident of 8/9/2018. (i feel like I'm shouting with all caps. I am shouting because this needs to be fixed!)
- Service brakes
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.…
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.
- Unknown or other
Traveling on westbound i-74,8:30 pm 02/10/2018 approximately 63mph,car on cruise control when the car lost power,felt like transmission slipping,engine revs to 8000 rpm.luckily,little traffic,pulled car to right shoulder.turned key off,car would not restart.called wrecker and towed car to busam…
Traveling on westbound i-74,8:30 pm 02/10/2018 approximately 63mph,car on cruise control when the car lost power,felt like transmission slipping,engine revs to 8000 rpm.luckily,little traffic,pulled car to right shoulder.turned key off,car would not restart.called wrecker and towed car to busam subaru in fairfield,oh.very fortunate that people on 74 were not killed when car lost power,very serious safety issue involved here.car lost power driving in a straight line,on cruise control over relatively level terrain.busam will be notified tomorrow morning the car has been towed to their lot and hopefully they can find out what has happened.neglected to say the crosstrek has approx. 32000 miles and up to this,has never presented any issues.
- Forward collision avoidance
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…
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.
- Steering
During the morning and sometimes in the afternoon as I start the vehicle the steering light comes on and the vehicle IS not able to be steered. This has happened multiple times and I brought it to the subaru dealership because the vehicle IS still under manufactures warranty. Last week the…
During the morning and sometimes in the afternoon as I start the vehicle the steering light comes on and the vehicle IS not able to be steered. This has happened multiple times and I brought it to the subaru dealership because the vehicle IS still under manufactures warranty. Last week the dealership called and stated it was repaired, I have all the records. As my pregnant wife and I got into the vehicle I started the car to leave and the steering light was on again, and I could not steer the vehicle. I am now very afraid this will happen while I am driving. I have not confidence in the car and the dealerships ability to fix the issue and the vehicle sits at the subaru dealership in roseville ca currently. On all occasions the vehicle was stationary, but there are incidents where other subaru drives have experienced this issue while driving. I have many records that can be reviewed.
- Engine
Engine stalled without warning while driving on highway: I had been driving for about an hour and a half when my low fuel warning light came on, which meant I still had 70 miles left until empty. Almost immediately after, while driving on the highway in the middle lane, my engine made a revving…
Engine stalled without warning while driving on highway: I had been driving for about an hour and a half when my low fuel warning light came on, which meant I still had 70 miles left until empty. Almost immediately after, while driving on the highway in the middle lane, my engine made a revving noise and my car lost power (pressed gas pedal, but nothing happened). Prior to that, the car drove normally. Thankfully, I was able to exit off of the highway, at a snail's pace, and pull into a parking lot and as soon as I did, the car died and all of the lights on the dash came on. Radio still worked. No warning lights came on before the car lost power, except for the low fuel light. I tried to re-start the car, but the engine did not turn over. I had to call a tow truck and by the time the tow truck arrived the car started normally. I did not feel safe driving the car and had it towed to a dealership. Dealership said that the code for car running too lean had come on. After putting the car through a series of tests, they determined that it must have been bad gas put into the tank. After seeing numerous complaints for the 2015 foresters and crosstreks with identical situations, I do not believe that gas was the culprit. . I have owned various cars over the years and the only thing that bad gas caused was sputtering. I bought a new car so that I have peace of mind while driving 80 miles on a busy highway every day. I no longer have that peace of mind and instead wonder if my two year old car will lose power again, but under different circumstances. Will it happen at night with nowhere to pull over with a tractor trailer bearing down on me? Since the incident, car now has acceleration problems at low speeds; feeling like it will stall when pressing the gas pedal, but it does not actually stall. Car has been at dealership several times and they cannot repeat the problem.
- Power train
I have random but consistent problems with my 2015 subaru crosstrek in regards to the cvt, stalling and acceleration issues. I have complained to the dealership on many occasions. When coming to a stop and then accelerating again it feels as if the car IS about to stall and in some situations I…
I have random but consistent problems with my 2015 subaru crosstrek in regards to the cvt, stalling and acceleration issues. I have complained to the dealership on many occasions. When coming to a stop and then accelerating again it feels as if the car IS about to stall and in some situations I felt it did for a second. Its a very frightening situation when merging into traffic or driving defensively and the car just doesn't respond. I have come very close to being hit because the car did not respond. Another way to explain it IS this: when starting from a complete stop, its like the car shifts from 1ST to 4TH in a split second and the car fails to accelerate and it takes about 5 seconds for the car to respond and slowly pick up speed like it was accelerating starting in the wrong gear (4TH). I have been dealing with this for over 2 years now and I'D like to get this fixed asap. Please issue a recall for these cvts and have the manufacturer fix them. Just extending the warranty to 100K does no good because I brought it to the dealership last week and times before and they didn't fix anything, they just collected data and sent it to subaru but I still have the issue. I also noticed the problem more prominent when the weather IS warmer which leads me to also suspect an air/fuel issue or something else adding to the problem.
- Service brakes
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.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 11010925This annocement is to inform dealers to the Gen 3.1 Head Unit OTA will be available via Wi-Fi. The update will take place in multiple batches with the first beginneing November 15th and the last being Decemeber 3rd. This update is for approximatelt 714,000 VINs.
- 11009701This bulletin details an important regulation issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) which impacts the way some vehicles with accessories are sold. This regulation applies to any automobile retailer installing accessories on a vehicle prior to its first sale.
- 11009685This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models.
- 11008283This Service Information Bulletin announces the preferred practices to be used when handling vehicles equipped with Gen2 Telematics which are enrolled in the Subaru STARLINK Security Plus Service featuring Stolen Vehicle Recovery Plus with Immobilizer.
- 11008282This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models.
- 11008281This Service Information Bulletin announces the diagnostic procedures to be followed when diagnosing engine oil leakage on FA and FB type engines.
- 11008280This Service Information bulletin is being released as guidance for proper testing and charging of vehicle batteries.
- 11008279This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure.
- 11008276The CP1.5 RCs OTA is available for all mid and high grade CP1.5 head units.
- 11008267This bulletin announces availability of the NEW genuine Subaru engine oil filter.
- 11008259This bulletin outlines the judgment criteria to be used when inspecting front transverse link bushings to reduce unnecessary bushing replacement.
- 11006935This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure for 2025MY vehicles.
- 11006934The purpose of this bulletin is to provide replacement key and immobilizer information along with an overview of the Subaru Lock Information web-site.
- 11006932This Service Information Bulletin announces important diagnostic information to utilize when the Data Communication Module (DCM) is being tested as a dark current/standby current source.
- 11006931This Bulletin provides additional diagnostics to follow when addressing a Telematics-related DTC B2A16.
- 11005624This annoucement provides parts personnel information about remanufactured transmissions that will no longer be available.
- 11005615This announcement provides information for retailers to install the latest infotainment system software for Denso CP 1.5.
- 11005614This bulletin announces important diagnostic information to utilize when testing the Data Communication Module (DCM) as a dark current/standby current source. All models equipped with Telematics except Solterra.
- 11005609This announcement provides information on Takata Recall Escalated Towing Program.
- 11005608This thermo control valve video contains information on the replacement of thermo control valve.
- 11005599This Bulletin provides SOA paint codes to help eliminate possible confusion for 2025 MY vehicles.
- 11005595This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models.
- 11005593This Bulletin provides guidance for diagnosing a leaking front or rear suspension strut.
- 11002730This information announces reprograming file availability for Gen 4.5 Denso CP1.5 Audio and Navigation systems. Inprovement for CarPlay concerns with hands-free calls when the receiving party is not able to hear the caller.
- 11002725This bulletin provides diagnosis and procedure information to be applied when diagnosing potential fluid leaks on front and rear brake calipers. This information has been developed to reduce unnecessary brake caliper replacement.
- 11000817This bulletin announces a design change to the CVT select lever (shifter) mechanism in response to isolated customer concerns of not being able to remove the key from the ignition switch when the vehicle is in Park.
- 10243372This Bulletin announces additional information regarding error codes 1403- 1407 encountered when attempting an adjustment/calibration of the EyeSight system after body repair procedures have been performed.
- 10241822This bulletin announces a design change to the CVT select lever (shifter) mechanism in response to isolated customer concerns of not being able to remove the key from the ignition switch when the vehicle is in Park.
- 10241801The purpose of this bulletin is to provide replacement key and immobilizer information along with an overview of the Subaru Lock Information web-site.
- 10240113This Bulletin provides reference tables and photos to use for determining the infotainment head unit supplier and generation.
- 10240110This bulletin announces the recommended cleaning procedures to followed when encountering vehicles with long time exposure to pollen on painted surfaces on vehicles imported from Japan. This bulletin does not apply to SIA built vehicles.
- 10235957New Vehicle Receipt- Navigation SD Card Transit Storage Location Change
- 10235956New Vehicle Receipt- Navigation SD Card Transit Storage Location Change
- 10235948The 2015MY Dealer PDI Checklist Has Been Revised
- 10234927Exchange Component Identification and prcedures
- 10234837Paint Coding Information
- 10233907This Bulletin provides reference tables and photos to use for determining the infotainment head unit supplier and generation.
- 10233119Oil Filler Cap Gasket Coming Unseated
- 10233046Exchange Component Identification and procedures
- 10232894Effective with all 2015 model year cars and forward, the oil change interval is changing to 6,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first.
Every Subaru Crosstrek model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.