Subaru Recalls 2015 Outbacks Due to Trailer Hitch Mounting Nut Defect
Subaru is recalling 2015 Outbacks with accessory trailer hitches because overtightened mounting nuts may cause hitch failure. Owners should contact dealers to replace nuts and inspect studs.
What this means for you
Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 4/5 (Severe).
The hazard poses a serious risk of illness, injury, or structural failure. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.
Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a structural vehicle defect (trailer hitch mounting failure) that could lead to trailer detachment or loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash, which aligns with the 'Severe' criteria for structural defects and significant injury risk.
Plain-English summary
Subaru of America, Inc. is recalling certain model year 2015 Outback vehicles manufactured between January 22, 2014, and August 18, 2014. These vehicles are equipped with a Subaru accessory trailer hitch assembly. The recall addresses a defect where the trailer hitch mounting nuts may have been overtightened during installation.
The overtightening may result in the failure of the trailer hitch mounting studs. If the mounting nuts do not provide sufficient force to remain attached, or if the studs break while towing, the trailer may detach from the vehicle or the driver may be unable to operate the vehicle as desired. Either situation could increase the risk of a crash.
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace all eight mounting nuts for the trailer hitch assembly and inspect all eight mounting studs for damage free of charge. The recall began on October 7, 2014. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783 or the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.
The recalled product
- Product
- SUBARU OUTBACK
- Brand
- SUBARU
- Manufacturer
- Subaru of America, Inc.
- Category
- Vehicle — Trailer Hitch Assembly
- Affected units
- 56
Is your product affected?
Check your packaging against the codes below. If any of them match, the product is part of this recall.
Model numbers (1)
- OUTBACK
Distribution
Distributed nationwide across the United States.
Related recalls
Same brand · SUBARU
- SevereSubaru Recalls 2026 Forester and Crosstrek for Ball Joint Defect
NHTSA · 2026-10-19
- High
- High2026 Subaru Solterra battery electric vehicles loss of drive power
NHTSA · 2026-06-18
- High2026 Subaru Forester Hybrid power moonroof glass panel detachment
NHTSA · 2026-05-28
- SevereSubaru Recalls 2025-2026 Hybrid Vehicles for Fuel Cap Seal Defect
NHTSA · 2026-02-23
Same manufacturer · Subaru of America, Inc.
See all →- High2026 Subaru Forester Rear Hatch Support Bracket Detachment Risk
NHTSA · 2025-12-18
- SevereSubaru Forester child seat anchor bolts may come loose
NHTSA · 2025-06-19
- SevereSubaru Forester alloy wheels may be improperly attached losing stability
NHTSA · 2025-01-23
Same hazard · structural failure
See all →- High
- ModerateQuantum Ops Recalls ADAPTABLE Beach Chair Surgical Patient Positioners
FDA (Devices) · 2026-10-14
- SevereMedline Bariatric Rollator Recalled Due to Front Wheel Assembly Disconnect Risk
FDA (Devices) · 2026-10-14
- SevereMedline Bariatric Rollator Recalled Due to Front Wheel Detachment Risk
FDA (Devices) · 2026-10-14
- SeverePacearth Recalls Swing Seats Due to Serious Injury Risk from Falling
CPSC · 2026-10-08
Similar recalls
- SevereSubaru Recalls 2016 Legacy and Outback for Drive Shaft Separation Risk
NHTSA · 2015-11-24
- SevereSubaru Recalls 2017 Outback Vehicles Due to Brake Caliper Bolt Issues
NHTSA · 2016-08-03
- High
- SevereSubaru Recalls 2019 Legacy and Outback for Body Strength Defect
NHTSA · 2019-06-26
- HighSubaru Recalls 2015-2016 Models for Driver Assist System Defect
NHTSA · 2015-06-12
- HighSubaru Recalls 2017 Legacy and Outback for Knee Guard Defect
NHTSA · 2016-10-06