This page covers 4 recalls, 159 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2015 Subaru Legacy.
23–29 mpg combined
8.1–10.2 L/100km
Midsize Cars
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 2 tested variants for this model year.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Visibility and wiper complaints dominate the 2015 Legacy's owner reports, making up the single largest share of all complaints filed. Owners frequently describe the windshield wipers performing poorly in rain or snow, with streaking, chattering, and incomplete clearing cited across many reports. The electrical system is the next most-reported area, where owners describe problems ranging from alarm systems failing to deactivate to the vehicle refusing to restart after seemingly minor triggers like opening the trunk. Engine complaints form a smaller but consistent cluster, with some owners describing unintended acceleration or sudden deceleration events while driving. A handful of reports also mention CVT transmission shuddering, slipping, and grinding, with the transmission going into limp mode. Scattered reports mention an airbag deploying without a collision, though that pattern appears in only a small number of filings.
159
Total Complaints
15
Crash-Related
3
Fire-Related
7
With Injuries
By System
The 2015 Subaru Legacy has 4 recalls, the most serious being a transmission oil leak from the propeller shaft that can drip onto hot exhaust components and start a fire.
Two other recalls affect crash prevention systems. The automatic pre-collision braking system may fail to react to an obstacle in the road, meaning the car will not slow itself down before impact. Separately, brake fluid in certain vehicles may contain excess moisture that degrades the electronic stability control system, which can cause the vehicle to lose control when the system activates during a skid or hard stop.
At a glance
What can fail
Brake fluid in affected vehicles may contain excess moisture, which can reduce the electronic stability control system's performance.
What the fix does
Dealers will activate the ABS system, then flush and replace the brake fluid at no cost.
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Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The seal cap on the propeller shaft yoke may be deformed, allowing transmission oil to leak.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the propeller shaft at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The seal cap on the propeller shaft may have been installed incorrectly during manufacturing, causing transmission oil to leak onto hot exhaust parts and potentially start a fire.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the entire propeller shaft assembly to fix the seal cap.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The brake light activation switch may fail, preventing the automatic pre-collision braking feature of the EyeSight Driver Assist System from operating.
What the fix does
Dealers will reprogram the driver assist system at no cost to restore pre-collision braking functionality.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
