Check a VIN

2015 Subaru Crosstrek problems

The most common problem on the 2015 Subaru Crosstrek is transmission and drivetrain, typically around 52,000 miles. It has fewer complaints than a typical Crosstrek model year.

Fewer complaintsAmong the best years of this model
Year score
92/100
Owner complaints
17
Recalls
1
Service bulletins
304
Worst area
Transmission
Fuel economy
26-31mpg

The worst 2015 Subaru Crosstrek problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

  • Transmission
    6
  • Engine
    5
  • Brakes
    3
  • Driver assistance
    2
  • Steering
    2

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Transmission
    6
  • Engine
    5
  • Brakes
    3
  • Driver assistance
    2
  • Steering
    2
  • Acceleration
    1
  • Airbags
    1
  • Electrical
    1
  • Fuel system
    1
  • Seats
    1

Recalls 1

Exterior lighting: brake lights: switchReported February 28, 2019 · 1,303,530 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
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.

Recall number 19V149000 · Recall details

See all 1 recalls for the 2015 Subaru Crosstrek

Technical service bulletins for the 2015 Subaru Crosstrek 304

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 304 bulletins for the 2015 Subaru Crosstrek

2015 Subaru Crosstrek fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
2.0L 4‑cyl HybridAWD293331
2.0L 4‑cylAWD23-2630-3326-29

What 2015 Subaru Crosstrek owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Aug 8, 2019 · Engine, Transmission · 65,300 miles · GA

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.

Filed Jul 27, 2019 · 55,000 miles · NC

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!!

Filed Jul 27, 2019 · Engine, Fuel system · 52,000 miles · IL

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.

Filed Feb 7, 2019 · Engine, Transmission · CA

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.

Filed Jan 16, 2019 · Airbags, Seats · 59,000 miles · MD

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.

Filed Dec 14, 2018 · Brakes, Electrical · 45,000 miles · WI

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!!

Filed Nov 15, 2018 · Acceleration · 52,000 miles · CA

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.

Filed Sep 17, 2018 · Driver assistance · 50,000 miles · TX

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.

Filed Aug 14, 2018 · Transmission · 20,000 miles · CA

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.

Filed Aug 14, 2018 · Engine, Transmission · 62,000 miles · MI

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!)

Compare the 2015 Subaru Crosstrek

Crosstrek vs Chevrolet TrailblazerCrosstrek vs Kia SoulCrosstrek vs Jeep RenegadeCrosstrek vs Honda HR-VCrosstrek vs Ford EcosportCrosstrek vs Ford Bronco SportCrosstrek vs Chevrolet TraxCrosstrek vs Hyundai Kona

Other model years

201220132014201520162017201820192020202120222023202420252026

Questions about the 2015 Subaru Crosstrek

Is the 2015 Subaru Crosstrek reliable?

Owners have filed 17 complaints about the 2015 Subaru Crosstrek, fewer than a typical Crosstrek model year.

What is the 2015 Subaru Crosstrek year score?

The 2015 Subaru Crosstrek scores 92 out of 100 (good). The score compares it with the other model years of the Subaru Crosstrek: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2015 Subaru Crosstrek?

Transmission and drivetrain, with 6 complaints, typically around 52,000 miles. Next is engine (5).

How many recalls does the 2015 Subaru Crosstrek have?

1 recall, covering exterior lighting.

What year does the Subaru Crosstrek have bad transmission?

The Subaru Crosstrek model years with the most transmission complaints are 2019 (24 complaints), 2016 (18 complaints) and 2017 (14 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 2015 Subaru Crosstrek get?

Official estimates for the 2015 Subaru Crosstrek range from 26 to 31 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.0L 4-cyl hybrid, AWD) gets 29 city and 33 highway.

Share your experience with the 2015 Subaru Crosstrek

Tell other buyers what went wrong and what it cost. We review every report before it appears, and we never publish names, emails or VINs.

No names, contact details or links. Reports about a dealer or a person are not published.

VIN decoder

See the problems and recalls for an exact car

Buying a used 2015 Subaru Crosstrek?

Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.

Check its history
Is this car on a recall?Check VIN