2015 Subaru Crosstrek recalls, problems & safety ratings
NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2015 Subaru Crosstrek and 100 owner complaints. The most-reported problem areas are power train (25), unknown or other (24), electrical system (19). It earned a 5-star overall NHTSA safety rating.
The 2015 ranks #7 of 13 Crosstrek model years for fewest complaints (2013–2025), with fewer complaints than the average year (104). It has 2 recalls vs. an average of 1.6 per model year.
Recalls 2
Every recall NHTSA lists for the 2015 Subaru Crosstrek. Not every recall applies to every vehicle, so check your VIN. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.
Exterior lighting · brake lights · switch
Problem: 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.
Fix: 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.
Forward collision avoidance · crash imminent braking
Problem: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2015 Legacy vehicles manufactured March 10, 2014, to April 16, 2015, Outback vehicles manufactured February 24, 2014, to April 16, 2015, Impreza vehicles manufactured September 9, 2014, to April 14, 2015, XV Crosstrek vehicles manufactured October 16, 2014, to April 15, 2015, and 2016 WRX vehicles manufactured March 23, 2015, and equipped with the Eyesight Driver Assist System. If the switch that activates the brake lights fails, the automatic pre-collision braking component of the driver assist system will not function.
Risk: If the automatic pre-collision braking system does not function as intended, the vehicle will not react to an obstacle in its path, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the driver assist system, free of charge. The recall began on July 20, 2015. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WQS-54.
Common problems
From complaints owners filed with NHTSA. Complaints aren't verified, but patterns across hundreds of owners point to known weak spots.
Most-reported problem areas
By the numbers
Recent owner reports
I started the car up in a parking spot located in [XXX]. When I shifted it into drive, it immediately took off, and when I repeatedly hit the brake, it wouldn't stop. It hit a parked car about a car and a half length in front of me, which hit another parked car in front of it; both were damaged. The front of my car was severely damaged, and the engine shut down. I was able to s…
The contact owns a 2015 Subaru XV Crosstrek. The contact stated that while driving 72 MPH, the vehicle stalled and bucked, with a grinding sound coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road. Additionally, there was a burning odor coming from the vehicle, and there was fluid leaking from the front of the veh…
I am filing a complaint regarding a major CVT transmission failure in my 2015 Subaru Crosstrek at approximately 117,318 miles. Prior to failure, there were no warning lights, dashboard messages, or significant indications of impending transmission failure. The only noticeable symptom was a slight whistling noise coming from the vehicle shortly before the transmission issue beca…
Safety ratings
2015 Subaru XV Crosstrek SUV AWD
Other model years
Questions
How many recalls does the 2015 Subaru Crosstrek have?
NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2015 Subaru Crosstrek, most recently for exterior lighting · brake lights · switch (02/28/2019). Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer. Enter your VIN to check whether a recall applies to your vehicle.
What are the most common problems with the 2015 Subaru Crosstrek?
Based on 100 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are power train (25), unknown or other (24), electrical system (19).
Is the 2015 Subaru Crosstrek safe?
The 2015 Subaru Crosstrek earned a 5-star overall rating in NHTSA's 5-star safety ratings.
Is the 2015 a good year for the Subaru Crosstrek?
The 2015 ranks #7 of 13 Crosstrek model years for fewest complaints (2013–2025), with fewer complaints than the average year (104). It has 2 recalls vs. an average of 1.6 per model year.
Own a 2015 Subaru Crosstrek in South Carolina?
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Related vehicles
Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and 5-Star Safety Ratings APIs; EPA fueleconomy.gov. Data retrieved October 21, 2026. NHTSA model names used: XV CROSSTREK, XV CROSSTREK HYBRID, Crosstrek.