2015 SUBARU XV CROSSTREK

1 recalls, 103 complaints - 234 TSBs - 5/5 safety rating

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH

Defect Description

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 manufact... Read more

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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.

71,710 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.

Complaint Statistics

103 total complaints 6 crashes 2 fires 1 injuries

Top Reported Components

Component	Complaints
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	17
POWER TRAIN	17
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	15
ENGINE	13
SERVICE BRAKES	7
AIR BAGS	5
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL	4
STEERING	4
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM	3
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)	2

Incident date: Aug 26, 2026

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 odo... Read more

Incident date: May 11, 2026

I Was In My Vehicle Parked Up On January 1st 2026 And The Vehicle Caught On Fire While I Was Inside Of It,The Fire Started From The Right Side Of The Car And Flamed Up Everything,The Car Had A Check Engine Light On And A Lightning System Issue Was Popping Up On The Dash Right Before This Situation A... Read more

Fire

Incident date: Dec 16, 2025

Catalytic converter keeps giving me check engine

Incident date: Nov 8, 2025

The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Renegade. The contact stated that the rear-view camera was inoperable and that the display screen was not fully functional. The dealer was made aware of the failure; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and in... Read more

Incident date: Aug 7, 2025

I pulled the truck out of the garage in working condition, left it running while parked in the driveway. It emptied the entire brake fluid reservoir through a leak in the distribution junction on the rear axle, leaving the truck with no brake function whatsoever. Had I not parked the truck in the dr... Read more

Incident date: Aug 7, 2025

I did an inspection of my exhaust system and saw numerous carbon deposits along both pipes at different joints. I brought this to the attention of the dealer and they repaired only one (1) leaking joint at the tailpipe. They told me the other leaking joints are normal and are of no concern. I hav... Read more

Incident date: Mar 5, 2025

Camera/navigation randomly cycling, not dependable with alerts and crash detection. Has caused several close calls.

Incident date: Mar 5, 2025

The contact owns a 2022 Toyota Camry. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the message "SRS Air Bag Malfunction detected" was displayed. The air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired... Read more

Incident date: May 16, 2024

See attachment for detailed explanation

Incident date: May 5, 2024

The dash air vent and rear vent motors are clicking when they are turned on. I have read numerous reports that this is an existing issue with 2016 Expeditions. Why are these vent motors not under recall?

Incident date: Jan 15, 2024

-BMW X5 2018 ELECTRICAL MACHINE ELECTRONIC (EME) -LOST COMPLETE ELECTRICAL POWER OF THE VEHICLE, NO BRAKES, HARD TO STEERING, NO GAS, NO CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, IF i WOULD HAVE BEEN DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY WOULD HAD ENDANGER OTHER DRIVERS AND/OR MY FAMILY AND SELF. -THERE IS A SERVICE ACTION REPORT D... Read more

Incident date: Dec 26, 2023

Have 30k on 2022 Civic and steering is sticking making for an uncomfortable driving experience. Steering sticks and forces me to apply pressure to adjust making for an overcorrection and is a safety issue.

Incident date: Jun 11, 2023

While driving at > 40 mph, the steering wheel constantly gets stuck and is jerky. There is a recall issued by Honda for the exact same issue, however, the recall is vin locked and only includes 54 cars. Looking online, this looks to be a widespread problem. I took it to a Honda dealership for a diag... Read more

Incident date: Oct 16, 2020

This car has had reoccurring issues related to the engine, ignition module and starter. It breaks down every few weeks. It has left me broken down and stranded on freeways, city roads and most recently on the side of a hill. When the key is inserted, it will not turn over completely and even after t... Read more

Incident date: Feb 9, 2023

******* DELETE VOQ ******* THIS COMPLAINT IS BEING MARKED FOR DELETION BECAUSE IT IS REQUESTED BY THE CONSUMER THAT THEY WISH TO HAVE IT REMOVED DUE TO COMING TO A CONCLUSION WITH THE DEALER*DJR ******* DELETE VOQ *******

Incident date: Feb 1, 2022

Sticky steering at highways speeds. Doesn’t feel safe on highway. Issue started at around 17k mileage.

Incident date: Nov 23, 2022

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would hesitate upon the depression of the accelerator pedal without warning. The contact also stated that the vehicle would fail to start up after multiple attempts with the "transmission fault, ... Read more

Incident date: Aug 30, 2022

Several components' issues and scheduled to take back to Subaru dealer on 12/16/2022. Several times after parking car and getting back in, when shifting to 1st gear to take off, the car goes in reverse instead of forward. Rear backup camera sporadically works. Tire pressure light came on and won't t... Read more

Incident date: Aug 30, 2022

Incident date: May 19, 2022

The car has the temp light come on intermittently and then it never came on again. I opened the hood and a hose from the radiator to the overflow tank was not connected. I brought the car to a Subaru dealer. The technician found oil in the radiator of the car. I was told this could be a head gask... Read more

Incident date: Nov 1, 2021

Intermittently, when I go to shut off the engine, I can not remove my key from the ignition. If I put the car back into park a few times, it seems to release the key. This does not happen often, but it has occurred a few times in the past few months.

Incident date: Oct 26, 2021

Right rear wheel bearing failure at around 71,000 miles. Loud, humm occurs around at around 35 mph and above.

Incident date: Dec 21, 2021

Driving at night on interstate approximately 70 mph using adaptive cruise control. Suddenly engine revs higher and car slows down. Cruise control deactivates. Applying gas cause the engine to rev but car continues to slows down. Pulled to side of interstate. Infotainment system screen flashes t... Read more

Incident date: Nov 19, 2021

I have owned this vehicle since 2018 and at random times on the highway the engine will lose power and the car will drift to a halt. No warning signs beforehand and this has happened at various stages of highway drives. Pressing the accelerator will only cause the car to slow more. After each tim... Read more

Incident date: Oct 13, 2021

caliper seized and caught on fire, front passenger side. Was told by mechanic second Crosstreck this week with same problem.

Fire

Incident date: Sep 14, 2021

My vehicle had the recall for Brake Lamp Light Switch in Feb 2019. I went to the Carr Subaru dealership in Portland Oregon to get my recall fixed. They assured me that the work was done and the Brake Lamp Light Switch was replaced. Fast forward to last week when my car suddenly stopped working. The ... Read more

Incident date: Aug 20, 2021

I bought in 2019 4 brand new car tires (Continental TureContact 225/55 R17) at Discount Tires still have receipt. Tires are maintained on a regular bases (rotation and alignment check). I noticed a vibration in my steering wheel and ask my garage to check alignment. He stated alignment is good but ... Read more

Incident date: Aug 3, 2021

The contact owned a 2015 Subaru XV Crosstrek. The contact stated while driving 15 mph, they pulled up to a red light and stopped, when the light turned green the contact was making a right turn when a 26-foot truck ran thru the light and crashed into the front driver side of the vehicle. The air bag... Read more

Crash 1 injured

Incident date: Jul 25, 2021

After parking car, it takes several attempts of putting the transmission in park to get the key out of the ignition. Going back and forth between reverse and park. This happens at least 70% of the time. Not a safety problem, but can’t secure the vehicle if I can’t get the key out. Haven’t ha... Read more

Incident date: Jul 9, 2021

At approximately 67,300 miles, while performing routine maintenance, my mechanic discovered that my front wheel bearing set needed replacing. Soon after that, I heard a noise coming from the rear of the vehicle. At first, my mechanic couldn't diagnose the problem. When the noise got louder, I ret... Read more

Incident date: May 6, 2021

I NOTICED THAT WHEN GOT TO ACCELERATE FROM STOPING THAT CAR WON'T GO. WHEN I HIT THE GAS THE VEHICLE MOVES ONLY A LITTLE AND IF I PUSH MY FOOT ON THE ACCELERATION PEDDLE HARDER AND ALL THE WAY DOWN THE VEHICLE ACTUALLY SLOWS DOWN. IT HAPPENED THIS MORNING ON CITY STREET ROADS NOT GOING ANY FASTER TH... Read more

Incident date: May 6, 2021

Incident date: Feb 12, 2021

HEAD GASKET FAILURE, RESULTING IN WATER AND OIL CONTAMINATION. TAKEN TO DEALER FOR SERVICING ON FEBRUARY 12, 2021, AND STILL NOT FIXED AS OF APRIL 21, 2021.

Incident date: Sep 1, 2015

SINCE I BOUGHT THIS 2015 CROSSTREK IN 2015 THERE HAVE BEEN MULTIPLE TIMES WHERE I HAVE PULLED OUT AND THE VEHICLE PAUSES. LIKE THERE IS NO POWER OR IT IS TAKING A BREATH. NO MATTER THE PRESSURE ON THE ACCELERATOR IT DOES NOT GO. THEN LIKE A GASP IT STARTS TO PICK UP SPEED. DOES NOT SHUT OFF BUT ZERO... Read more

Incident date: Sep 1, 2015

Incident date: Mar 16, 2021

WHILE IN MOTION AT APPROXIMATELY 65MPH ON THE HIGHWAY HOOD LATCH FAILED AND HOOD FLEW UP AND SMASHED INTO WINDSHIELD, SHATTERING GLASS ALL OVER AND PUSHING WINDSHIELD IN TOWARDS DRIVER. FRONT WINDSHIELD VIEW WAS COMPLETELY OBSTRUCTED AND DRIVER WAS UNABLE TO SAFELY PULL TO SHOULDER. VEHICLE SUSTAINE... Read more

Incident date: Mar 16, 2021

Incident date: Mar 15, 2021

I AM HAVING ISSUES WITH TRYING TO REMOVE KEY FROM IGNITION. IT WON'T LET ME TURN ALL THE WAY FROM ACC TO REMOVE THE KEY. I'VE TRIED TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL, RESTART IGNITION AND TRY TURNING ALL THE WAY OFF AGAIN AND STILL STUCK. I HAD TO START AND PUT CAR IN REVERSE, THEN PULL FOWARD AND WAS A... Read more

Incident date: Feb 6, 2021

2015 CROSSTREK XR - CONCURRENT WITH COMPLAINT #11396151 AS A SUBARU OWNER WHO EXPERIENCED THE SAFETY ISSUE EXPRESSED IN THE ABOVE-REFERENCED COMPLAINT, I AM ALSO AN ATTORNEY WITH MASS TORT (DEFENSE) EXPERIENCE, AND WOULD LIKE TO KNOW: 1) WHY A SAFETY RECALL HAS NOT BEEN ISSUED WHEN MULTIPLE CO... Read more

Incident date: Feb 6, 2021

2015 CROSSTREK. WAS DRIVING ON I476 IN PA ON A 35 DEGREE SUNNY DAY ON 2/6/2021 FOR ABOUT 3-5 MILES AT STEADY SPEED OF 65 MPH WHEN SUDDENLY THE CAR BUMPED (ALTHOUGH NOTHING WAS IN THE ROAD/NO POTHOLE) WITH A LOUD NOISE (NOTHING FLEW OFF CAR) AND ABRUPTLY SLOWED TO A CRAWL EVEN WITH FOOT STILL ON THE ... Read more

Incident date: Dec 30, 2020

AIR BAG LIGHT STAYED ON AFTER TURNING THE CAR ON AND STAYED LITE WHILE I CONTINUED TO DRIVE HOME. NO COLLISION OR INJURY TO VEHICLE OCCURRED BETWEEN THE TIME THE CAR WAS TURNED ON AND THEN TURNED OFF AT HOME. ALSO NO ACCIDENT HAS HAPPENED IN MY TIME OWNING THE VEHICLE.

Incident date: Oct 3, 2020

WHEN I GO TO PARK AND TURN OFF THE KEY IT LOCKS HALF WAY AND WON'T COME OUT. HAVE TO REVERSE AND PULL FORWARD SOMETIMES SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE IT WILL TURN COMPLETELY OFF. SUBARU HAS A TECHNICAL SERVICE DATE: 03/15/18 16-112-18R REVISED BULLETIN ABOUT AN ISSUE WITH THE "SHIFT SELECTER MECHANISM."... Read more

Incident date: Oct 3, 2020

Incident date: Sep 14, 2020

KEY KEPT GETTING STUCK IN THE IGNITION WHEN THE CAR WAS PARKED (AND THE SHIFTER IN THE PARK POSITION). THERE IS A SERVICE BULLETIN FROM SUBARU FOR FIVE OF THEIR MODELS. APPARENTLY THE CAUSE IS CONTAMINATION OF THE PARK-RANGE SWITCH INTERNAL COMPONENTS. THEY DID THE REPAIR WORK AND IT WORKS FINE NOW... Read more

Incident date: Aug 10, 2020

I WAS DRIVING MY 2015 SUBARU CROSSTREK. I HAD BEEN ON THE HIGHWAY FOR AN HOUR. I WAS GOING ABOUT 78MPH. THE CAR SUDDENLY STARTED GETTING LOUD AND THE TACHOMETER WAS REVVING DOWN. IT WENT QUICKLY FROM 3 TO 0 AND IMMEDIATELY SHUT DOWN. WHEN I REALIZED IT WAS REVVING DOWN AND GETTING LOUDER I BEGAN TO ... Read more

Incident date: Aug 10, 2020

Showing 50 of 103 complaints.

NHTSA Safety Ratings, 2015 SUBARU XV CROSSTREK

2015 Subaru XV Crosstrek SUV AWD

Category	Rating
Overall Rating	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Frontal Crash	4 / 5 ★★★★☆
Frontal Crash, Driver	4 / 5 ★★★★☆
Frontal Crash, Passenger	4 / 5 ★★★★☆
Side Crash	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Side Crash, Driver	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Side Crash, Passenger	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Rollover	4 / 5 ★★★★☆
Rollover Risk	15.1%

Safety Technology

Feature	Status
Electronic Stability Control	Standard
Forward Collision Warning	Optional
Lane Departure Warning	Optional

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings Program. Ratings are based on crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Technical Service Bulletins, 2015 SUBARU XV CROSSTREK

234 manufacturer communications from 116 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.

Most Affected Components

Component	Bulletins
350000 EQUIPMENT	45
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	28
355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL	24
353500 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM)	18
060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING	13
118000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE	13
060000 ENGINE (PWS)	11
353000 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL	8

350000 EQUIPMENT

The purpose of this bulletin is to provide replacement key and immobilizer information along with an overview of the Subaru Lock Information web-site.

170000 LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

The purpose of this bulletin is to provide replacement key and immobilizer information along with an overview of the Subaru Lock Information web-site.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The purpose of this bulletin is to provide replacement key and immobilizer information along with an overview of the Subaru Lock Information web-site.

353610 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:INFOTAINMENT:SOFTWARE