2015 Subaru Legacy Problems
Compared with other Subaru Legacy years
More complaints than typical for this model
87/100 2.3× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 2.3× that of a typical Subaru Legacy year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 77 of its 160 complaints were filed by the end of 2017.
- Most reported problem: Windshield cracks or chips without a clear impact (39 complaints, median 11,500 mi).
- 3 recall campaigns on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
Nearby years with fewer complaints than typical and no open NHTSA investigation: 2012, 2014
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 160filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 16,070miles, 104 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 3campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- 5 / 5stars overall
- EPA fuel economy
- 29 mpgcombined, 2.5L 4-cyl AWD · 26 city / 35 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2015 Subaru Legacy (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of the 2015 Legacy most often report windshield glass that cracks or chips with little or no impact, frequently starting at the lower edge near the wipers or defroster and sometimes while the car is parked; many complaints mention a long parts backorder and dealer disputes over warranty coverage. Electrical complaints center on infotainment and driver-assist displays that lock up or fail, plus warning-light and battery-terminal problems. Engine and fuel-system reports include oil consumption, stalling or hesitation, and a fuel door that sticks or freezes shut.
- Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
Windshield cracks or chips without a clear impact
- 39 complaints (24%)
- median 11,500 mi at 1.3 yrs old (32 state mileage)
- filed 2015–2024
Owners describe cracks starting at the bottom edge of the windshield, often near the wiper blades or defroster vent, with no visible point of impact, and spreading within minutes or days; some report the glass chipping from small road debris. Several say the windshield was replaced and the new glass did the same, and that replacement glass was on backorder for weeks. According to complaints, dealers sometimes attributed the crack to a prior chip and declined warranty coverage, though some owners mention receiving an extended-warranty notice for the glass. Mostly reported at very low mileage, often within the first year of ownership or under about 25,000 miles, and in some cases while the vehicle was parked or the defroster was running.
What to check: Inspect the windshield edges for cracks or unrepaired chips and ask whether the glass has been replaced. Confirm in writing whether any extended coverage for the windshield is still active and how the dealer documents a claim.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“In the course of driving around our area, my wife & I parked our new 2015 Subaru Legacy for an hour to do some shopping. When we got back to the car, we couldn't help but notice a crack on the passenger side front windshield, where there hadn't been one before. We drove immediately to our local Subaru dealer, where they noticed a very small ding just below the right windshield wiper, with the aforementioned crack coming from the ding. …”
NHTSA complaint #10747432, filed 2015-08, 7,000 miles“Bought my vehicle and was driving it home, had the defrost on cause the window kept fogging up when I heard a crack and the windshield cracked from the bottom up where the defroster is and they wont replace it, on top of the where u put gas in the car it stuck shut and they told me to pry it open n leave it open till they get a part but it is on back order so don't no when I will get it fixed that occurred this month on the gas opener 12/30/2015”
NHTSA complaint #10816960, filed 2015-12, 20 miles - Vehicle speed control
Unintended acceleration and throttle/transmission hesitation
- 23 complaints (14%)
- median 32,000 mi at 3.0 yrs old (17 state mileage)
- 5 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2015–2026
Several owners describe the car accelerating on its own while braking or parking, in some cases ending in a collision with a building, and one reports the accelerator pedal cover detaching and trapping the pedal so braking did not stop the car. Others describe an abrupt throttle tip-in where light pedal pressure does nothing and a bit more makes the car lurch, which a dealer attributed to the CVT design, along with a delay when shifting from reverse to drive. Complaints also mention rough idling and warning lights flashing with a loss of power. Reported from near-new mileage up to roughly 75,000 miles, both at parking-lot speeds and on the highway.
Recall 16V251000Recall 15V366000
What to check: During a test drive, try gentle and sudden throttle inputs at low speed and check the pedal and its cover are secure. Ask whether any work was done on the throttle body, transmission control or brake system, and whether the brake fluid recall was completed.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“My vehicle was involved in an accident yesterday. While pulling in to a parking spot and almost completely stopped with my foot on the brake about to place the car in park, it suddenly accelerated. The result was a front end collision with the side of a restaurant and the air bags did not deploy. I'm grateful that there were no injuries but I'm worried that there may be something seriously wrong with this vehicle and possibly others like it. …”
NHTSA complaint #11152454, filed 2018-11, 76,000 miles“At 300 miles, coming off highway, slowed down to 5 MPH and went thru toll booth. I then stepped on gas, had hesitation, no response then acceleration. Happened again on 5/11/15 when I had 900 miles. Came off highway on to local streets. This time had 5-7 big hesitations over 10 minute period. Very dangerous because I was making a u-turn and car hesitated then accelerated as I was making u-turn !! Returned car to dealer. Do not want to drive it until fixed.”
NHTSA complaint #10716292, filed 2015-05, 300 miles - Electrical system
Infotainment and driver-assist display lockups
- 15 complaints (9%)
- median 24,550 mi at 1.7 yrs old (12 state mileage)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2014–2024
Owners report the center radio/navigation/driver-assist display locking up or becoming unusable after a period of driving, and in one case the dealer replaced the whole console unit. Others describe the Blind Spot/Rear Cross Traffic and EyeSight systems showing warnings or being disabled, sometimes triggered by oncoming headlights or weather, and the screen washing out in sunlight. Complaints also mention warning lights for airbag and ignition lock, a no-start, and a window that stopped working from the driver's controls. Reported across a wide mileage range, from a few thousand miles to well past 40,000 miles, with some occurring within months of purchase.
Recall 15V3660003 related service bulletins
What to check: Have someone sit with you through a start-up and a longer drive to confirm the display, backup camera, Blind Spot and EyeSight functions work. Ask whether any infotainment software campaigns were applied and whether the car had the EyeSight camera-related recall addressed.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The vehicle has been stopped while driving, on 5 occasions. My mechanic replaced the battery terminal part on 3/31/21 on 5/12/21 40 minutes into my drive, the airbag malfuncation icon came on. As well as an idiot light in the center panel of the dash board by the mphil guage.two hours later the ignition lock light began blinking and car would not start. Concurrent to this the front passenger window can not be operated from drivers side. On 5/14/21, 40 minutes into my drive the airbag warning light came on again on the dashboard. …”
NHTSA complaint #11416609, filed 2021-05, 41,600 miles“I have a 2015 Subaru Legacy and the srvd (blind spot & rear backup detection) system keeps malfunctioning. Happens when the vehicle is started and does not go away when driving. Took the car to the Subaru dealer and they could not solve the issue. This is a designed safety system and not working it becomes as safety issue.”
NHTSA complaint #10679653, filed 2015-01, 2,201 miles - Engine
Engine oil consumption and stalling or hesitation
- 20 complaints (13%)
- median 12,412 mi at 1.0 yrs old (17 state mileage)
- 3 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2015–2023
Owners describe the engine using oil noticeably between changes, with the oil light coming on when the level drops low, and one mentions a fractured front exhaust pipe found at the dealer that had been replaced before. Others report the engine stalling while driving or hesitating and then accelerating sharply after throttle input, with one dealer replacing an oxygen sensor, and another mentioning a flashing cruise light with fluctuating idle. A few note a coolant smell or leak from the engine area and a burning electrical smell. Reports span from a few hundred miles for hesitation and stalling up to about 155,000 miles for oil consumption, with several under 15,000 miles.
What to check: Check the oil level and look for a low-oil history in service records, ask how often oil was added between changes, and have the exhaust system inspected. Note whether any engine control module reprogramming applies to the vehicle.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“May 8th 2015 we purchased our 2015 Subaru Legacy 2.5i premium. #1. Very prominent coolant smell from passenger side engine area. Loosing coolant. #2. 600 miles- transmission/ ecu /throttle delay , a 3-5 sec delay in the response when going from (r) into (d) and the same 3-5 sec delay is duplicated when going from a stop to accelerating the car. Concerning. #3 3000 miles, loud wind noise is heard from all windows. Windows were replaced by dealer, but noise still exists. #4 the gas door will not release and continues to get stuck. …”
NHTSA complaint #10810556, filed 2015-12, 200 miles“Car engine stalled while in motion on a city steet. Car was restarted but engine light was on. Took car to dealer who replaced o2 sensor. Concern is why car stalled when a sensor failed . On a freeway this could be very dangerous.”
NHTSA complaint #10783002, filed 2015-10, 2,800 miles
Buying note. Check the windshield closely for cracks or prior replacement and confirm any remaining glass coverage in writing, and test the infotainment, driver-assist features and fuel door during the test drive. Review service records for oil consumption and any transmission or brake-fluid recall work.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 160 consumer complaints for the 2015 Subaru Legacy. 104 of the complaints include a mileage, and 76% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 16,070 miles. Of all complaints, 15 involved a crash, 3 a fire, 10 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns and 527 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 14 Subaru Legacy model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 87 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (more complaints than typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Electrical system37 23%
- Other or unknown28 18%
- Engine23 14%
- Fuel system15 9.4%
- Transmission and drivetrain15 9.4%
- Vehicle speed control14 8.8%
- Brakes13 8.1%
- Air bags10 6.3%
- Body and structure10 6.3%
Also reported: Forward collision avoidance (4), Suspension (4), Exterior lighting (3), Seats (3), Electronic stability control (2), Equipment (2), Tires (2), Back-over prevention (rear camera) (1), Engine cooling (1), Lane departure (1), Seat belts (1), Steering (1), Wheels (1).
Example complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): “Went outside to wash the car and before I even got started I noticed a crack in the windshield. I looks like it started in the very center at the bottom and traveled up and then to the passenger's side. The crack is about 12 inches long. No impact, vehicle wasn't even moving. There was no crack the day before.”
NHTSA complaint #10838879, filed 2016-02, 17,500 milesElectrical system: “After turning onto my inclined, somewhat long driveway, and applying a soft braking when entering my garage, the car suddenly sped up to a high speed and crashed into the wall which had two layers of plastic storage boxes in front of it. The boxes pushed the wall into my house which pushed my dining room hutch forward causing the top part to fall back and break just about all the crystal and heirloom items inside it. The top part of the hutch is unrepairable. My car was damaged, my home is damaged, and my hutch is ruined. I am now afraid to ever park in my garage again with this vehicle. …”
NHTSA complaint #11078561, filed 2018-03, 60,000 milesOther or unknown: “Gas lid would not release after pulling the lever. This has happened mulitiple times prior without me realizing it was a problem because the second time I pulled the lever it would release - this last time it would not release even after multiple pulls - I had to push the gas door forward with the palm of my hand and then pry open”
NHTSA complaint #10734111, filed 2015-07, 1,200 milesEngine: “Since november of 2017 while driving the car it has intermittently jerked and shook excessively, bucking like a mad horse. Car was brought in to dealer for diagnosis. Dealer was not able to identify the cause. After several visits to dealer where I was assured the problem was fixed the same problem continued. It should be noted that the car, while driving started to shut down and I needed to be towed to the dealer. Dealer claimed the problem was a faulty spark plug. Car was then returned to me. Yet again the problem persisted and had I to crawl like a turtle back to home. …”
NHTSA complaint #11166624, filed 2019-01, 90,101 milesMileage when problems were reported
76% of the 104 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 2,500 and 41,600 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2015 Subaru Legacy. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Legacy · sedan AWD | ★★★★★ | 5 / 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 · 10.1% risk |
Driver aids listed by NHTSA for the 2015 model year: forward collision warning optional, lane departure warning optional, automatic emergency braking not available.
Neighbouring years: 2014: same overall rating; 2016: same overall rating. A redesign between years can change both the car and the test.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2015 Subaru Legacy version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Legacy AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | CVT | 26 | 35 | 29 | $2,300 |
| Legacy AWD | 3.6L 6-cyl | CVT | 20 | 28 | 23 | $2,900 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 16V251000Apr 27, 2016Electronic stability control (esc)Covers: Subaru Legacy 2015, Outback 2015
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2015 Legacy and Outback vehicles manufactured on July 20, 2015. The brake fluid used in these vehicles may contain excess moisture which may adversely affect the performance of the electronic…
- 15V502000Aug 10, 2015Power train › Automatic transmissionCovers: Subaru Legacy 2015–2016, Outback 2015–2016
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2015 and 2016 model year Subaru Legacy 4-Door and Outback vehicles manufactured July 3, 2015, to July 27, 2015. Transmission oil may leak from a deformed seal cap on the propeller shaft yoke.
- 15V366000Jun 12, 2015Forward collision avoidance › Crash imminent brakingCovers: Subaru Legacy 2015, Outback 2015, Impreza 2015 +2 more
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2015 Legacy vehicles manufactured March 10, 2014, to April 16, 2015, Outback vehicles manufactured February 24, 2014, to April 16, 2015, Impreza vehicles manufactured September 9, 2014, to…
Recall details for the 2015 Subaru Legacy → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 527 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11037943Oct 5, 2026Other or unknown, Electrical system. This announcement provides information on a new software update for the Midtronics Dss and DCA machines.
- 11037940Sep 18, 2026Other or unknown. This bulletin provides paint code information for 2027 model year vehicles.
- 11037938Sep 18, 2026Electrical system. "This Bulletin announces additional troubleshooting steps for the following DTCs: DTC C1956: RH Actuator Circuit DTC C1957: LH Actuator Circuit"
- 11037930Sep 15, 2026Other or unknown. This announcement provides an update to all 2027 model year Subaru warranty coverages for wear items and adjustments.
- 11037929Sep 14, 2026Other or unknown, Electrical system. This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure. This is an revised version of the original bulletin.
- 11037927Sep 14, 2026Electrical system. This bulletin has been developed to outline the steps for gathering basic but essential information during diagnosis of Infotainment concerns. This is an revised version of the original bulletin.
- 11036810Aug 20, 2026Transmission and drivetrain. This bulletin announces a design change made to the CVT Control Valve Body. The updated valve body incorporates an enhanced valve sleeve to improve durability. This is an revised version of the…
- 11036807Aug 20, 2026Electrical system. This Service Information Bulletin outlines a systematic procedure for diagnosing parasitic draw (dark/standby current) in vehicles experiencing battery drain when the ignition is off, leading to…
- 11036796Aug 13, 2026Electrical system. This Bulletin has been developed to outline the steps for gathering basic but essential information during diagnosis of Infotainment concerns. (This is an revised version of the original bulletin.)
- 11036794Aug 5, 2026Electrical system. Techtips newsletter locator index.
Other model years of the Subaru Legacy
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 6 | 1,500 | 0 | 5 | 30 | — | Too new |
| 2024 | 17 | — | 0 | 5 | 30 | — | Too new |
| 2023 | 10 | 1,025 | 2 | 5 | 30 | — | Too new |
| 2022 | 34 | 8,000 | 2 | 5 | 30 | 38 · Typical | Rising |
| 2021 | 31 | 5,150 | 3 | 5 | 30 | 26 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2020 | 121 | 5,900 | 6 | 5 | 30 | 100 · More | Falling |
| 2019 | 123 | 6,125 | 3 | 5 | 29 | 71 · More | Stable |
| 2018 | 117 | 20,450 | 3 | 5 | 29 | 65 · More | Stable |
| 2017 | 119 | 31,000 | 2 | 5 | 29 | 50 · Typical | Falling |
| 2016 | 147 | 35,000 | 3 | 5 | 29 | 69 · More | Falling |
| 2015 | 160 | 16,070 | 3 | 5 | 29 | 87 · More | Falling |
| 2014 | 53 | 30,284 | 10 | 5 | 24 | 34 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2013 | 66 | 30,000 | 12 | 5 | 24 | 44 · Typical | Falling |
| 2012 | 90 | 87,500 | 16 | — | 22 | 28 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2011 | 167 | 77,000 | 16 | 4 | 22 | 75 · More | Falling |
| 2010 | 150 | 70,000 | 18 | — | 22 | 79 · More | Falling |
| 2009 | 65 | 72,486 | 13 | — | 21 | 38 · Typical | Falling |
| 2008 | 65 | 78,256 | 9 | — | 21 | 20 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2007 | 33 | 65,392 | 9 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 87 | 98,000 | 7 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 184 | 74,000 | 9 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 49 | 85,000 | 10 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2003 | 60 | 79,800 | 14 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 54 | 66,750 | 4 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2001 | 77 | 62,540 | 7 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2000 | 94 | 94,815 | 3 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1999 | 94 | 101,000 | 3 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1998 | 114 | 108,048 | 4 | — | 24 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1997 | 139 | 92,000 | 5 | — | 24 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1996 | 123 | 90,000 | 3 | — | 24 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1995 | 182 | 166,116 | 2 | — | 24 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1994 | 60 | 125,000 | 0 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1993 | 77 | 114,385 | 1 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1992 | 55 | 124,900 | 2 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1991 | 78 | 149,630 | 3 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1990 | 81 | 72,000 | 4 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
All Subaru Legacy model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2015 Subaru Legacy?
Owners of the 2015 Legacy most often report windshield glass that cracks or chips with little or no impact, frequently starting at the lower edge near the wipers or defroster and sometimes while the car is parked; many complaints mention a long parts backorder and dealer disputes over warranty coverage. The issues reported most often: Windshield cracks or chips without a clear impact; Unintended acceleration and throttle/transmission hesitation; Infotainment and driver-assist display lockups.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2015 Subaru Legacy have?
NHTSA recorded 160 consumer complaints for the 2015 Subaru Legacy as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2015 Subaru Legacy is reported most often?
Visibility is named most often, in 41 complaints (26% of the total), followed by electrical system with 37.
Has the 2015 Subaru Legacy been recalled?
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2015 Subaru Legacy do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2015 Subaru Legacy 5 out of 5 stars overall. Ratings from different model years are only comparable when the vehicle was not redesigned in between.
What gas mileage does the 2015 Subaru Legacy get?
The EPA rates the 2015 Subaru Legacy (Legacy AWD, 2.5L 4-cyl) at 29 mpg combined, 26 city and 35 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,300 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2015 Subaru Legacy reported?
Among the 104 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 16,070 miles and the middle half falls between 2,500 and 41,600 miles; 76% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.