Recall 14V577 affects 56 2015 Subaru Outback vehicles with trailer hitch mounting nuts that were overtightened. Repair is free at any franchised Subaru dealer.
Subaru is recalling 56 2015 Outback vehicles equipped with an accessory trailer hitch because overtightened hitch mounting nuts can leave the studs unable to hold the trailer securely. If the hitch hardware fails while towing, the trailer can detach or the vehicle can become hard to control, and the dealer repair will be free once available.
Does this recall apply to your specific vehicle?
The official, free per-VIN recall check is run by NHTSA. Enter your VIN and we'll forward you directly — and add you to a free watchlist so you hear about new recalls for your vehicle.
Check my VIN at NHTSARecallNotify doesn't check your VIN — NHTSA's official tool does. We use your email only to alert you to new recalls.
Watch this vehicle for recalls
Add it to your free watchlist and we will alert you as new federal recalls are posted for your year, make and model. New-recall alerts are rolling out now.
You are on the watchlist.
We will email you as new federal recalls are posted for your vehicle.
What's wrong?
The trailer hitch on the 2015 Subaru Outback is the metal assembly mounted to the rear of the vehicle for pulling a trailer or carrying hitch-mounted equipment. It attaches to the vehicle with mounting studs and nuts, which hold the hitch tight against the body structure so towing loads stay where they belong.
On affected Outbacks, the issue comes from installation of a Subaru accessory trailer hitch assembly. The mounting nuts were tightened too much during installation. That extra force can damage or weaken the hitch mounting studs, leaving the hitch less securely attached than designed.
There is no warning sign before failure. The recall information does not identify a sound, light, or visible symptom owners can rely on before a damaged mounting stud fails, so the concern is the hidden condition of the hitch hardware.
Who's affected?
| 2015 Subaru Outback | Trailer hitches |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 56 |
Not every 2015 Subaru Outback is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific crossover is included.
What's the safety risk?
If the trailer hitch mounting nuts loosen or the studs break while towing, the driver can lose the ability to control the vehicle as intended, or the trailer can detach. Avoid towing until the hitch hardware is inspected and repaired. Repair will be free at any franchised Subaru dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2015 Subaru Outback is included in this recall.
- Contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783 to confirm the notice status before scheduling service.
- Contact your nearest franchised Subaru dealer to schedule the trailer-hitch mounting-nut replacement and stud inspection that fixes the overtightened hitch hardware.
- Bring the recall notice if Subaru mailed one. If not, reference recall number 14V577 when you call.
- Avoid towing a trailer until the dealer completes the hitch mounting repair.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Subaru technician replaces all eight mounting nuts for the trailer hitch assembly and checks all eight mounting studs for damage from overtightening. The repair focuses on the hitch hardware that holds the accessory trailer hitch to the vehicle. Parts and labor are covered by the recall once the dealer repair is available. If damage is found during the stud inspection, ask the Subaru service desk to explain what hitch hardware must be corrected before the vehicle is returned.
Timeline
| September 19, 2014 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| October 7, 2014 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 14V577?
Recall 14V577 covers 56 2015 Subaru Outback vehicles equipped with a Subaru accessory trailer hitch assembly. The hitch mounting nuts were overtightened during installation, which can damage the mounting studs. Subaru dealers replace the 8 mounting nuts and inspect the 8 studs for free.
What should I do if my 2015 Subaru Outback is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Outback is included in recall 14V577. If it is, contact a franchised Subaru dealer and ask for recall WQN-50. The dealer will replace the trailer hitch mounting nuts and inspect the studs for free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Subaru's remedy says dealers replace the 8 trailer hitch mounting nuts and inspect the 8 mounting studs free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is loss of proper trailer hitch attachment while towing. If the mounting nuts lose clamping force or the studs break, the trailer hitch connection can fail, the trailer can detach, or the driver can lose desired control of the vehicle, increasing crash risk.
What if I bought this Subaru Outback used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific 2015 Outback is included, then reference recall 14V577 or Subaru recall WQN-50 when you call a Subaru dealer.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/14V577000 |
|---|---|
| Subaru customer service | 1-800-782-2783 |
| NHTSA recall # | 14V577 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 14V577000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 1, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →