What are the most common problems with the 2015 Subaru XV Crosstrek?

Owners have filed 79 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is unknown or other (20 complaints), followed by power train (18).

How many 2015 Subaru XV Crosstrek complaints mention a crash or fire?

6 of 79 complaints report a crash and 1 a fire; 3 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

2015 Subaru XV Crosstrek recalls and problems

1 recall and 79 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2015 Subaru XV Crosstrek.

recalls

owner complaints

complaints mentioning a crash

mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2015 Subaru XV Crosstrek recalls

Forward collision avoidance: crash imminent braking · Exterior lighting: brake lights, switch

NHTSA campaign 15V366000 · reported June 12, 2015 · Subaru of America, Inc. · 71,710 vehicles potentially affected

The 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.
The 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.
The 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.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

Unknown or other20
Power train18
Electrical system15
Engine13
Service brakes7
Vehicle speed control6
Structure5
Air bags4
Exterior lighting3
Fuel/propulsion system3

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Oct 2, 2026 · Service brakes · crash reported
I started the car up in a parking spot located in […]. 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…

Sep 2, 2026 · Power train · 59,900 miles
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…

May 14, 2026 · Power train
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…

Dec 23, 2025 · Engine
While driving at normal operating speed, the vehicle experienced a sudden and complete loss of engine power with no prior warning. There were no dashboard alerts, warning lights, or check engine indicators before the failure occurred. The vehicle became immediately unsafe to operate and had to be pulled over in a main…

Nov 10, 2025 · Suspension
UNKNOWN exact cause. Rear end of vehicle suddenly appears lower than normal. Suspension seems to be issue. Feels as though vehicle lost suspension in rear with no obvious outward cause. Awaiting inspection at dealership. Does not seem safe to drive in current condition with unknown cause of issue at this time. having…

XV Crosstrek model years compared

Year	Recalls	Complaints	Crashes	Fires
2013	2	98	5	2
2014	0	81	8	1
2015	1	79	6	1
2016	0	3	0	0
2017	0	3	1	0

Across all years, the 2013 XV Crosstrek has the most complaints (98). All Subaru XV Crosstrek years →

Questions

Does the 2015 Subaru XV Crosstrek have any recalls?: Yes. NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2015 Subaru XV Crosstrek, the most recent reported on June 12, 2015 (Forward collision avoidance: crash imminent braking, Exterior lighting: brake lights, switch). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2015 Subaru XV Crosstrek?: Owners have filed 79 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is unknown or other (20 complaints), followed by power train (18).
How many 2015 Subaru XV Crosstrek complaints mention a crash or fire?: 6 of 79 complaints report a crash and 1 a fire; 3 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received October 2, 2026.