6.9
fairly significant- Typical Repair Cost:
- $650
- Average Mileage:
- 50,500 miles
- Total Complaints:
- 7 complaints
Most common solutions:
- replaced wheel bearing (6 reports)
- replaced hub bearing (1 reports)
This problem may be covered under warranty. Ask your Subaru dealer.
Purchased the 2015 new and we started hearing noises in the rear end, and when it got louder, we took it to the dealer at 55K miles. Bad wheel bearings replaced under standard warranty. In July 2020 the wheel bearing noise was back at 74K miles. Bearings replaced under extended warranty with $100 deductible. Here it is June 1, 2021 and we are taking our Outback to the dealer tomorrow with 82K miles. That is less than a year since the last replacement and about 8,500 miles.
Dealer invoice from this repair says they have a one year 12k miles guarantee on parts and labor. Hopefully a free repair tomorrow. I am only guessing on this but we originally had the car in a colder climate before moving to Florida. I am wondering if temperature has anything to do with a faster failure. Since moving to Florida in 2017 the bearing has failed with 19K miles and now 8,500 miles respectively. I have probably owned more than 25 cars over the years and only had one that had a wheel bearing go bad. Subaru, you have a problem!!
- Richard P., Sebring, US
Both rear wheel bearings wore out at 69000 miles on my 2015 Outback bought it used with 54,000 miles. If new it was a possibility of being a problem I would of had them check prior to the 60000 mile warranty expiring. $515 to replace each of them. Not an expense I was expecting so early in the life of the car.
- Fred B., Fleming Island, US
2015 Subaru Outback, love the car hate that there is a significant issue with wheel bearings and as far as I know Subaru has not extended warranty even though this is an ongoing problem. Will be out of warranty in 6,000 miles and after that it's about 400.00 each time they need to be replaced by the dealer and since there are 4 of them and you never know how long they are going to last, it can be a lot of money over time. Seems that dirt or water is making it's way into bearings and causing this premature failure, can't be that difficult to find a solution, has been going on since 2005 ? WHEEL BEARINGS SHOULD LAST AT A MINIMUM 100,000 Miles.
- Patti J., Marshfield, US
Grinding noise from the rear of the car started making itself heard around 19K miles, and got progressively worse over the next few weeks until I could secure a dealer appointment. My own research indicated it was likely a bad wheel/hub bearing. Dealer confirmed it and also apparently discovered that both rear bearings had gone bad, and the front ones were also starting to wear out. So they replaced all 4 bearings under warranty, as well as "one of the rear axles", that came apart while they were fixing the bearings.
While the dealer diagnosed and fixed the problem in record time (as well as providing me with a loaner for the duration), I lost a lot of confidence in Subaru as a brand. This being my first Subaru (and looking forward to more Subarus in the future), it left a bitter taste. I've never had a new car that developed such a failure so early in its life. The dealer asked what kind of roads I was driving. Well, just the typical Chicago/Illinois pothole-riddled streets, but I always avoid potholes and never took this car off-road. Which, by the way, is what many Outback owners do.
- Friedrich G., Skokie, US
During a 700 mile trip from my home, loud grinding noise began in left rear area of car approximately 50 miles from destination. Drove to Subaru dealer in Pensacola, FL, Anderson Subaru, Fri, 1/13/17. They identified problem promptly fixed and returned it to me Sat. morning. In 50 years of driving, I have never lost a wheel bearing. This car has had several recalls. It is notable that the 2015 subaru outback has had more complaints that any other year of the outback.
- Nila W., West Palm Beach, US
11/15/16: took to the dealership as there was a roar coming from my vehicle. Sounded like a truck without exhaust was driving next to us or I had replaced my tires with mud tires. Dealership hears nothing says it is normal. Does a rotation and sends me on my way. Still noisy! Took car back on 12/8/16 (would have taken it back sooner but it is our only car and I could not find the time) with the same complaint but getting worse. Hmmm, imagine that! They found a Left Rear Hub Bearing was noisy due to worn bearing. Worn bearing? On a new car? Really?
08/25/15: Tire Rotation 03/24/16: Tire Rotation 06/01/16: Front & Rear Diff Service, 4 wheel alignment, Rotate and Balance 11/15/16: Tire Rotation 12/08/16: Removed and replaced Left Rear Hub and Verified noise was gone. 12/13/16: Brought car back. It now pulls to the right (service says "test drive the vehicle no pulling was found while driving inspected and verify tires and pressure all in spec no problem found") - another alignment to appease me I guess.
Still have ongoing issue with car pulling to the right and wandering. The steering feel loose. Used to be tight. Dealership says it drives normally. After driving 40,000 in my car I believe I am the one who can verify my car is NOT driving normally.
- lhilton, Lakeland, FL, US
The ball bearings on the two rear tires are worn out. I have owned many new vehicles and never had this problem. I switched from Honda to Subaru because it was reported to be of the highest quality. My experience with the Subaru has included: excessive cracks in the windshield, windows not working, defective radio, bad battery, exhaust manifold leaks, and a broken axel. This is not a high-quality vehicle in my opinion.
I must also state, the repair department is trained to make you feel like you are their best friend/family. This is calculated to allay your fears so you will not take action on some issues until the warranty has expired. My overall experience with Subaru has left me feeling disappointed and betrayed.
- Debra P., Grand Bay, US