2015 Subaru Outback: Engine won't turn over / won't start
Common wear/failure (not a recall)
Symptoms
Owners of the 2015 Outback report: engine won't turn over / won't start. CarComplaints.com lists 12 owner complaints, average mileage 10,450 miles.
NHTSA has 127 owner complaints for the 2015 Outback in this area. Examples:
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11756505 (filed 08/12/2026): “The subaru's starlink radio has completely delaminated on the layer between the display and the digitizer, which does not allow the radio to be controlled in any way, shape, or form. this means that the touch screen is not working anymore, and because the radi…”
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11751408 (filed 07/19/2026): “Vehicle component affected: electrical system / forward collision avoidance / back over prevention description of the safety defect: the factory infotainment touchscreen in my 2015 subaru outback limited (vin: [xxx]) has suffered a severe manufacturing defect…”
Likely causes
Sources do not establish a single root cause; diagnosis is needed. Owner-reported fixes are listed below.
Fix, in plain English
Most common owner-reported solutions on CarComplaints.com: replaced battery with a new larger one (5 reports) design fault with a relay (1 reports) probable programming adjustment for the 2015 model (1 reports). Check for open recalls and extended warranty coverage with a dealer before paying out of pocket.
DIY difficulty: Moderate
Finding and splicing chewed wiring is doable with a multimeter and patience but can be time-consuming; harness replacement is pro work. (Our assessment.)
Cost
CarComplaints.com owners report a typical repair cost of about $160 (owner-reported average, not a quote).
Typical parts (search links, no affiliate codes)
AutoZone · O'Reilly · Advance · RockAuto
Sources
- CarComplaints.com: Engine won't turn over / won't start (2015 Outback)
- NHTSA complaints API, 2015 Outback
Page last updated .