SUBARU LEGACY · model year

2015 SUBARU LEGACY

228 NHTSA complaints, 29 crash reports, and 3 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

5 / 5 ★

New Car Assessment Program

The 2015SUBARULEGACY carries 228 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 29 crashes, 5 fires, 15 injuries, and 0 fatalities. For crash performance, NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gave this cohort an overall 5/5 rating, with 5/5 front crash, 5/5 side crash, and 5/5 rollover scores derived from standardized barrier and dynamic tests.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2015 LEGACY is electrical system with 37 filings, followed by visibility/wiper (36) and unknown or other (27). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 3 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle, the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 14 investigation files overlapping the 2015 LEGACY. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page, a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

228
Complaints
29
Crashes
5
Fires
15
Injuries
0
Deaths
2015 SUBARU LEGACY - NHTSA crash-test profile NHTSA NCAP crash-test star ratings for the 2015 SUBARU LEGACY. Overall composite: 5.0 of 5 stars across 3 safety dimensions. Front CrashSide CrashRollover 5.0 NHTSA NCAP of 5 stars
  • Front Crash 5.0 ★
  • Side Crash 5.0 ★
  • Rollover 5.0 ★
NHTSA overall 5.0/5 stars, with front-crash, side-crash and rollover ratings from standardized NCAP barrier and dynamic tests.

Total Complaints

228 filings

Crashes Reported

29 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

Above median complaint volume, review patterns below.

NHTSA NCAP overall: 5/5 - Top NCAP rating · Front: 5/5 · Side: 5/5 · Rollover: 5/5

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM37
VISIBILITY/WIPER36
UNKNOWN OR OTHER27
ENGINE22
POWER TRAIN14
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL13
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM13
SERVICE BRAKES12
AIR BAGS10
STRUCTURE:BODY9
SUSPENSION4
SEATS3
EXTERIOR LIGHTING3
VISIBILITY2
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD2

Recalls (3)

16V25100027/04/2016

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

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 stability control system. As such, these

15V36600012/06/2015

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: CRASH IMMINENT BRAKING

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 April 14, 2015, XV Crosstrek vehicles manufact

15V50200010/08/2015

POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT

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.

Recent Complaints

20260131SERVICE BRAKES

Incident ~ 5:40 pm, Geneva NY Weather ~ 10 F, not snowing. Background. On or shortly after being started, the vehicle had exhibited prior incidents of extremely rapid engine acceleration not initiated by the operator. Most recently the day before. The incident: I was in the process of very slowly parking the vehicle in a narrow laneway, and positioning the vehicle behind and in line of one other, both parallel to the laneway, in a small area that had been cleared of snow, leaving the laneway open. First, I stopped the vehicle opposite of the parked vehicle's driver side door. Second, I reversed and backed up and positioned the vehicle behind that vehicle. This involved firmly stepping on the brake to stop the vehicle once well behind the parked vehicle. Third, while keeping my foot firmly pressed on the brake pedal, I moved the shift from reverse to forward. At that time, the front wheels were still fully turned to the left. Immediately on completing the shift to forward, my veh

20260131ENGINE

Incident ~ 5:40 pm, Geneva NY Weather ~ 10 F, not snowing. Background. On or shortly after being started, the vehicle had exhibited prior incidents of extremely rapid engine acceleration not initiated by the operator. Most recently the day before. The incident: I was in the process of very slowly parking the vehicle in a narrow laneway, and positioning the vehicle behind and in line of one other, both parallel to the laneway, in a small area that had been cleared of snow, leaving the laneway open. First, I stopped the vehicle opposite of the parked vehicle's driver side door. Second, I reversed and backed up and positioned the vehicle behind that vehicle. This involved firmly stepping on the brake to stop the vehicle once well behind the parked vehicle. Third, while keeping my foot firmly pressed on the brake pedal, I moved the shift from reverse to forward. At that time, the front wheels were still fully turned to the left. Immediately on completing the shift to forward, my veh

20260131UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Incident ~ 5:40 pm, Geneva NY Weather ~ 10 F, not snowing. Background. On or shortly after being started, the vehicle had exhibited prior incidents of extremely rapid engine acceleration not initiated by the operator. Most recently the day before. The incident: I was in the process of very slowly parking the vehicle in a narrow laneway, and positioning the vehicle behind and in line of one other, both parallel to the laneway, in a small area that had been cleared of snow, leaving the laneway open. First, I stopped the vehicle opposite of the parked vehicle's driver side door. Second, I reversed and backed up and positioned the vehicle behind that vehicle. This involved firmly stepping on the brake to stop the vehicle once well behind the parked vehicle. Third, while keeping my foot firmly pressed on the brake pedal, I moved the shift from reverse to forward. At that time, the front wheels were still fully turned to the left. Immediately on completing the shift to forward, my veh

20241121AIR BAGS

The contact owns a 2015 Subaru Legacy. The contact stated while reversing into the driveway, the driver's side air bag unintendedly deployed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The vehicle was scheduled to be towed to the local dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact was advised to have the vehicle towed to the local dealer for diagnostic testing. The failure mileage was approximately 135,000.

Mileage: 135,000

20240923POWER TRAIN

The contact owned a 2015 Subaru Legacy. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact opened and closed the trunk, triggering the alarm system. The alarm system failed to deactivate immediately. The vehicle then failed to restart as needed, and the "Shift to Park" message was displayed while the transmission was in park(P). The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where the brake fuse was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The contact replaced the brake fuse for a second time, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was towed back to the dealer, where an unknown repair was performed. The contact later sold the vehicle. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 175,000.

Mileage: 175,000

20240923SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

The contact owned a 2015 Subaru Legacy. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact opened and closed the trunk, triggering the alarm system. The alarm system failed to deactivate immediately. The vehicle then failed to restart as needed, and the "Shift to Park" message was displayed while the transmission was in park(P). The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where the brake fuse was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The contact replaced the brake fuse for a second time, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was towed back to the dealer, where an unknown repair was performed. The contact later sold the vehicle. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 175,000.

Mileage: 175,000

20240910FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

2015 Subaru Legacy 2.5 engine. Fuel gauge is inaccurate. My daughter was on the highway when it ran out of fuel. Had car towed to a independent shop. They said that the fuel gauges is a problem for Subaru 's and that they had seen it before on other Subaru's.

20240627VISIBILITY

The contact owns a 2015 Subaru Legacy. The contact stated that while the vehicle was turned off on two occasions, the contact observed three cracks in the top-middle of the windshield that led to an 'S' shape crack in the middle of the windshield. The vehicle was taken to an auto body and glass shop where it was diagnosed that the lament had pulled away from the glass and the windshield needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred three weeks later. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 76,000.

Mileage: 76,000

20240529CrashVEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

Subaru sudden acceleration – Garage Accident [XXX] [XXX] – before noon, wet, rainy day: [XXX] returning from grocery shopping - car suddenly accelerated from near stop as she was about to enter garage, the car hit the garage brick wall. When she put her foot on the brake, the car suddenly accelerated. I have security video showing this sudden acceleration (.mp4, nhtsa doesn't accept). After accident, car drives well - all lights work - hood opens and locks. Substantial car damage to bumper and adjoining parts - wood trim damaged, garage bricks cracked and pushed in, garage door would not close. [XXX] Wed – took Subaru in for unexpected sudden acceleration on braking – [XXX] – test drive with Gary – Problem unexpected with Subarus – electronic control – no manual linkage (some transmission linkage with shift lever). Sent me home – no charge. [XXX] – Subaru sudden acceleration on braking while car cold – today at Trexlertown after haircut. Happened previously

20240415ENGINE

Took it for inspection was told the part that holds the engine up is rotting away and it will not pass inspection next year this is disappointing I have cars older then this and they are in better condition this vehicle was brought brand new this should not occur I could understand if it was old this car is only 8yrs old I have pics to support

20240415UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Took it for inspection was told the part that holds the engine up is rotting away and it will not pass inspection next year this is disappointing I have cars older then this and they are in better condition this vehicle was brought brand new this should not occur I could understand if it was old this car is only 8yrs old I have pics to support

20240415SUSPENSION

Took it for inspection was told the part that holds the engine up is rotting away and it will not pass inspection next year this is disappointing I have cars older then this and they are in better condition this vehicle was brought brand new this should not occur I could understand if it was old this car is only 8yrs old I have pics to support

20240409ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I have had several battery issues that I just believed to be bad luck and would get a new battery under warranty but it has gotten worse lately. It led me to look online and I notice I am not nearly the only one as this complaint has been brought up my numerous people. It is in regards to my 2015 Subaru legacy and how I’m not certain if my car will start if I make a few short trips where I’m “in and out” of the car more than 3 times in a short period of time. There is definitely a parasitic draw issue from the vehicle and it is a safety concern in not knowing if your vehicle is going to start or if you’ll need a jump or worse be stranded. With the amount of complaints on this issue I would have thought there would be a recall. I know there are safety bulletins but nothing that the dealer or Subaru themselves will address. I have also signed up for the battery settlement case but have not heard back in regards to this. I am really wanting to know if there is a solution because

20240409SEATS

I have had several battery issues that I just believed to be bad luck and would get a new battery under warranty but it has gotten worse lately. It led me to look online and I notice I am not nearly the only one as this complaint has been brought up my numerous people. It is in regards to my 2015 Subaru legacy and how I’m not certain if my car will start if I make a few short trips where I’m “in and out” of the car more than 3 times in a short period of time. There is definitely a parasitic draw issue from the vehicle and it is a safety concern in not knowing if your vehicle is going to start or if you’ll need a jump or worse be stranded. With the amount of complaints on this issue I would have thought there would be a recall. I know there are safety bulletins but nothing that the dealer or Subaru themselves will address. I have also signed up for the battery settlement case but have not heard back in regards to this. I am really wanting to know if there is a solution because

20231222SERVICE BRAKES

As I pulled up behind a car that was stopped at a stop sign, I took my foot off the gas pedal, and put it on the brake pedal. The moment i put my foot on the brake pedal, my car surged forward. I had a moment to think, and I confirmed that my foot was on the brake pedal, I had felt the brakes trying to resist the surge. I put the car into neutral, and it jerked to a stop. No one was hurt, I stopped the car in time, but I wondered if this had happened in other settings, what danger it would have posed. This has previously occurred rarely and intermittently when, starting out on some cold mornings, i shifted from reverse to neutral to drive, when backing out of my driveway in the morning.The car surged forward and I had to be quick on pressing the brake pedal hard to get it to stop before hitting a mailbox post. No warning lights went on, in any of these incidents. I called a Subaru dealer, who said there had been no recall history re this uninitiated surge behavior.

20231222VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

As I pulled up behind a car that was stopped at a stop sign, I took my foot off the gas pedal, and put it on the brake pedal. The moment i put my foot on the brake pedal, my car surged forward. I had a moment to think, and I confirmed that my foot was on the brake pedal, I had felt the brakes trying to resist the surge. I put the car into neutral, and it jerked to a stop. No one was hurt, I stopped the car in time, but I wondered if this had happened in other settings, what danger it would have posed. This has previously occurred rarely and intermittently when, starting out on some cold mornings, i shifted from reverse to neutral to drive, when backing out of my driveway in the morning.The car surged forward and I had to be quick on pressing the brake pedal hard to get it to stop before hitting a mailbox post. No warning lights went on, in any of these incidents. I called a Subaru dealer, who said there had been no recall history re this uninitiated surge behavior.

20231205ENGINE

Short Block needs to be replaced ($6,500) Yes, Scenic Subaru has the vehicle awaiting status of repairs (who is paying for service) Yes, my safety is at risk as the oil light has come on during the night when I'm alone on a deserted road. Service Department knows what the problem is - they are seeing alot fot this problem. Unknown on Inspections Yes, warning 'low oil' light came on. The oil light kept coming on. All service and maintenance done by Subaru. Now, Subaru Service Department informed that the Short Block needs to be replaced. From my research, it seems that this is a common problem with newer Subaru engines because they use a liquid engine sealant at the factory and when oil sits on the seals when the engine is not running, the sealant degrades and begins to leak. They also said there was nothing we could have done to prevent this and reiterated just how common with Subaru's. Replacing the Short Block on a car with low mileage (<75,000 miles) should be paid for by Subaru

20230911SERVICE BRAKES

Right front wheel started to wobble a bit when braking, as if a rotor started to warp. I purchased a new rotors and pads from Subaru to change the rotor when convenient. I had to stop driving the vehicle because the shaking got so violent when breaking that I thought it was going to damage the vehicle. The rotor had split into pieces along all of the fins. I ended up removing two rings of casting.

20230711POWER TRAIN

The CVT failed and the axle 12

20230511CrashAIR BAGS

I was in a wreck were my car slammed into the center barrier on the interstate twice and my air bags didn't deploy and I was slammed into my car door I know my friend's dad that owned the car said that the car was totaled and the mechanic that towed the car was wondering why the air bags didn't deploy because of where the car hit and where the damage was

Compare 2015SUBARULEGACY to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2015 SUBARU LEGACY have?
The 2015 SUBARU LEGACY has 228 NHTSA complaints, 29 crashes, 5 fires, 15 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2015 SUBARU LEGACY?
The 2015 SUBARU LEGACY received an overall NHTSA safety rating of 5/5, front crash rating of 5/5, side crash rating of 5/5, and rollover rating of 5/5.
Are there any recalls for the 2015 SUBARU LEGACY?
Yes, the 2015 SUBARU LEGACY has 3 recall(s). The most common affected component is ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC). Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2015 SUBARU LEGACY?
The most-complained component for the 2015 SUBARU LEGACY is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM with 37 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include VISIBILITY/WIPER and UNKNOWN OR OTHER.
Is the 2015 SUBARU LEGACY safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. The 2015 SUBARU LEGACY has an NHTSA safety rating of 5/5. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.