2015 Subaru Legacy Safety Report

2015 SUBARU LEGACY Safety Report

159Complaints
3Recalls
★★★★★Safety Rating
85/100Reliability Score
15Crash Reports
3Fire Reports
10Injuries
Most reported components: Visibility/Wiper (30)Electrical System (17)Unknown Or Other (12)Engine (10)Power Train (7)Fuel/Propulsion System (6)Air Bags (5)Vehicle Speed Control (5)Visibility (4)Service Brakes (3)

Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2015 Subaru Legacy

This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2015 Subaru Legacy. It connects recall campaigns, owner complaint patterns, service bulletins, sibling model years, component issue hubs, and the model buying guide so a shopper or owner can move from a single report into the wider safety graph.

2015 Subaru Legacy Safety Signal Summary
SignalValueWhat to inspect next
Recall burdenHigh (3)Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below.
Owner complaintsHigh (159)Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates.
Crash and fire reports18Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item.
Primary component hubVisibility/WiperCompare visibility/wiper issues across vehicles.
Cleaner nearby model year2021Compare against the 2021 Subaru Legacy with 30 complaints and 3 recalls.
Riskier nearby model year2016Check the 2016 Subaru Legacy before buying across this generation.

Subaru Legacy Year-by-Year Comparison

The safest purchase decision usually comes from comparing neighboring model years, not reading a single page in isolation. The table below uses only validated Subaru Legacy years already present in the cleaned NHTSA dataset, so each comparison links to a real vehicle safety report rather than a generated combination.

Nearby Subaru Legacy Model Years
Model YearComplaintsRecallsUse case
2016 Subaru Legacy 143 3 Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative.
2017 Subaru Legacy 118 2 Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative.
2018 Subaru Legacy 111 3 Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative.
2019 Subaru Legacy 118 3 Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative.
2020 Subaru Legacy 119 6 Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative.
2021 Subaru Legacy 30 3 Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative.

2015 Subaru Legacy Complaint Theme Map

Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2015 Subaru Legacy, these are the component areas with the clearest NHTSA complaint signals. Use each link to jump from this single vehicle into broader component hubs and make-specific issue pages.

Visibility/Wiper

30 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.

All Visibility/Wiper issues Subaru only

Electrical System

17 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.

All Electrical System issues Subaru only

Unknown Or Other

12 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.

All Unknown Or Other issues Subaru only

Engine

10 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.

All Engine issues Subaru only

Power Train

7 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.

All Power Train issues Subaru only

Fuel/Propulsion System

6 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.

All Fuel/Propulsion System issues Subaru only

AI Safety Analysis for the 2015 Subaru Legacy

The 2015 SUBARU LEGACY has accumulated 159 complaints and 3 recalls in the NHTSA database. It received an overall NHTSA safety rating of excellent (5/5). Among the complaints, 15 involved crashes and 3 involved fires. There have been 10 reported injuries and 0 reported deaths. The most frequently reported problem areas are visibility/wiper (30 complaints), electrical system (17 complaints), unknown or other (12 complaints). Visibility and wiper issues are common, with 30% of vehicles experiencing problems. The electrical system is also prone to issues, with 17% of vehicles affected. Power train and driveline problems, including driveshaft issues, have been reported in 7% of vehicles. Fuel gauge inaccuracies have been noted in 5% of vehicles. Key known issues to be aware of include Visibility/Wiper, Electrical System, Power Train/Driveline. Be aware of potential visibility and wiper issues, electrical system problems, and driveline/driveshaft failures. Regular maintenance can help mitigate these risks.

Reliability Score

The 2015 Subaru Legacy receives a reliability score of 85 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates above-average reliability relative to comparable vehicles.

NHTSA Safety Ratings for the 2015 Subaru Legacy

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) evaluates vehicles through controlled crash tests and assigns star ratings from 1 to 5, with 5 being the safest.

Overall
★★★★★
5/5
Frontal Crash
★★★★★
5/5
Side Crash
★★★★★
5/5
Rollover
★★★★★
5/5

Known Issues for the 2015 Subaru Legacy

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2015 Subaru Legacy:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Visibility/Wiper
30% of 2015 Subaru Legacy vehicles have experienced visibility and wiper issues, often due to malfunctioning wiper blades or motor problems.
Medium Common 30k-60k miles
Electrical System
17% of 2015 Subaru Legacy vehicles have encountered electrical system issues, including problems with the battery and charging system.
Medium Common 30k-60k miles
Power Train/Driveline
7% of 2015 Subaru Legacy vehicles have reported driveline and driveshaft issues, often leading to sudden and unexpected vehicle deceleration.
Medium Common 30k-60k miles
Fuel Gauge
5% of 2015 Subaru Legacy vehicles have experienced inaccurate fuel gauges, leading to unexpected fuel depletion and potential towing costs.
Low Common 30k-60k miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2015 Subaru Legacy:

Cvt Transmission 23% of complaints

23% of 2015 Subaru Legacy vehicles have experienced transmission failures, often without prior warning.

Air Bags 5% of complaints

5% of 2015 Subaru Legacy vehicles have had air bags deploy unexpectedly, posing a safety risk.

Engine 10% of complaints

10% of 2015 Subaru Legacy vehicles have had engine issues, including fuel gauge inaccuracies and sudden acceleration problems.

Recall Details for the 2015 Subaru Legacy

The following 3 recalls have been issued for the 2015 Subaru Legacy by NHTSA:

Electronic Stability Control (Esc)
Campaign #16V251000 27/04/2016

Summary: 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 vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems."

Consequence: Poor performance of the electronic stability control system when it is activated may result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will perform an ABS activation, then flush and replace the brake fluid, free of charge. The recall began on May 20, 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WTC-64.

Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.
Power Train:Driveline:Driveshaft
Campaign #15V502000 10/08/2015

Summary: 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.

Consequence: If the transmission oil leaks onto the exhaust pipe, there is a possible risk of fire.

Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the propeller shaft, free of charge. The recall began on August 28, 2015. Owners may contact 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WQU-56.

Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.
Forward Collision Avoidance: Crash Imminent Braking
Campaign #15V366000 12/06/2015

Summary: 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 manufactured October 16, 2014, to April 15, 2015, and 2016 WRX vehicles manufactured March 23, 2015, and equipped with the Eyesight Driver Assist System. If the switch that activates the brake lights fails, ...

Consequence: If the automatic pre-collision braking system does not function as intended, the vehicle will not react to an obstacle in its path, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the driver assist system, free of charge. The recall began on July 20, 2015. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WQS-54.

Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.

NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2015 Subaru Legacy

Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2015 Subaru Legacy with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 4 complaints involved crashes. 1 involved fires. 2 reported injuries or fatalities.

Crash Reports: 4 Fire Reports: 1 Injury/Fatality Reports: 2
Power Train
03/10/2026

2015 Subaru Legacy 2.5i, approximately 48,000 miles. CVT transmission failed suddenly with no prior warning signs. Vehicle was exclusively dealer-serviced for its entire life. While driving, the transmission began shuddering, slipping, and making metallic grinding noises. Vehicle could barely climb a small ramp and was locked in limp mode, making it unsafe to operate in traffic. Diagnostic codes P...

ODI #11723218
Engine,Fuel/Propulsion System,Forward Collision Avoidance
Crash 3 Injured 02/27/2026

I am reporting a Sudden Unintended Deceleration event in my Subaru. The vehicle grinded to a halt without driver input. The car stopped in the left lane of a major highway. We put on our hazards and called the state police for help. They were unable to get to us in time. We were hit from the rear. The car's failure created a stationary hazard that led to a high-speed rear-end collision by a ...

ODI #11721080
Unknown Or Other,Service Brakes,Engine
01/31/2026

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...

ODI #11714652
Air Bags
11/21/2024

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 dea...

ODI #11626620
Service Brakes, Hydraulic,Power Train
09/23/2024

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 f...

ODI #11615990
Fuel/Propulsion System
09/10/2024

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.

ODI #11613803
Visibility
06/27/2024

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 ...

ODI #11597183
Vehicle Speed Control
Crash 05/29/2024

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 acc...

ODI #11591225
Suspension,Unknown Or Other,Engine
04/15/2024

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

ODI #11583015
Electrical System,Seats
04/09/2024

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 a...

ODI #11582009
Vehicle Speed Control,Service Brakes
12/22/2023

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 stop...

ODI #11561489
Engine
12/05/2023

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...

ODI #11558622
Service Brakes
09/11/2023

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...

ODI #11543782
Power Train
07/11/2023

The CVT failed and the axle 12

ODI #11531639
Air Bags
Crash 1 Injured 05/11/2023

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

ODI #11521550
Unknown Or Other
Crash 04/20/2023

On 04 /17/ 2023 warning, accelerated and would not stop after leaving a car wash From Mister Car Wash on 4423 NE Central Ave I stepped on my 2015 Subaru Legacy brakes several times, trying to stop the car but it wouldn't so I thought about hiting a pole to made it stop I was screaming I thought I wasn't gone make it, so I finally made a turn right on 49th Ne Central Ave and hit a pole so the car s...

ODI #11518045
Engine And Engine Cooling
03/22/2023

The contact owns a 2015 Subaru Legacy. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at the dealer for service, he was informed that the front exhaust pipe was fractured. The dealer diagnosed that the front exhaust pipe needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the front exhaust pipe was previously replaced under Subaru Campaign Number: WUJ-95 due to the failure;...

ODI #11513171
Electrical System
11/09/2022

We have owned two 2015 Subaru Legacy sedans. Both of them have had major battery problems. We've had to have battery tenders (trickle-chargers) installed on both cars, and we're still having battery problems. We've been stuck in various parking lots, unable to start the car, and had to get jumps from others. This is a royal pain, and a potential safety hazard if we are stuck in a remote locati...

ODI #11492991
Visibility/Wiper
10/20/2022

My windshield cracked when I used the washer fluid. It cracked from the bottom where the VIN number is and continued across the windshield. I went to the Subaru dealer in Portage Indiana, to have it fixed under the extended warranty I received from Subaru for faulty windshields the dealer told me that it cracked in the wrong spot, and would not be covered. The dealer agreed that the windshield ...

ODI #11490204
Electrical System
10/01/2022

Car battery is draining very frequently which is causing the battery to die. Even for short periods of not using the car, the will fail to start due to the drained battery.

ODI #11487413

Showing 20 of 159 complaints. Additional complaints are available via the NHTSA database.

NHTSA Defect Investigations for the 2015 Subaru Legacy

NHTSA defect investigations are higher-signal than ordinary complaints because they indicate the agency opened a formal review of a potential safety defect. Some investigations later connect to recall campaigns; others close without a recall after review.

Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
NHTSA EA21002 Open

Component: Air Bags:Frontal:Driver Side:Inflator Module

Opened 2021-09-17

From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 20...

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2015 Subaru Legacy

Has the 2015 SUBARU LEGACY been recalled?

Yes, the 2015 SUBARU LEGACY has 3 recalls on record with NHTSA. Each recall addresses a specific safety defect identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA.

How many complaints does the 2015 SUBARU LEGACY have?

The 2015 SUBARU LEGACY has 159 complaints filed with NHTSA. Of these, 15 involved crashes. 10 injuries and 0 deaths have been reported.

What is the safety rating for the 2015 SUBARU LEGACY?

The 2015 SUBARU LEGACY received an overall NHTSA safety rating of excellent (5/5). Frontal crash: 5/5. Side crash: 5/5. Rollover: 5/5.

What are the most common problems with the 2015 SUBARU LEGACY?

The most commonly reported problems with the 2015 SUBARU LEGACY involve visibility/wiper (30 complaints), electrical system (17 complaints), unknown or other (12 complaints). Other affected components include engine, power train, fuel/propulsion system.

How many crash reports does the 2015 SUBARU LEGACY have?

There are 15 crash reports associated with the 2015 SUBARU LEGACY out of 159 total complaints (9.4% of complaints involved crashes).

How many fire reports does the 2015 SUBARU LEGACY have?

There are 3 fire reports for the 2015 SUBARU LEGACY out of 159 total complaints. Fire reports are among the most serious safety concerns tracked by NHTSA.

Are there any deaths reported for the 2015 SUBARU LEGACY?

No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2015 SUBARU LEGACY.

How many injuries are reported for the 2015 SUBARU LEGACY?

10 injuries have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2015 SUBARU LEGACY. These are self-reported by vehicle owners as part of their safety complaints.

Should I buy a 2015 SUBARU LEGACY?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2015 SUBARU LEGACY is acceptable with caveats. It has 159 complaints, 3 recalls, and a excellent (5/5) safety rating. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.

What components fail most on the 2015 SUBARU LEGACY?

The components with the most failures on the 2015 SUBARU LEGACY are: 1. VISIBILITY/WIPER (30 complaints), 2. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (17 complaints), 3. UNKNOWN OR OTHER (12 complaints), 4. ENGINE (10 complaints), 5. POWER TRAIN (7 complaints). VISIBILITY/WIPER is the single most-reported problem area with 30 complaints.

What should I know before buying a 2015 SUBARU LEGACY?

Be aware of potential visibility and wiper issues, electrical system problems, and driveline/driveshaft failures. Regular maintenance can help mitigate these risks. The 2015 SUBARU LEGACY has 159 NHTSA complaints and 3 recalls on record. NHTSA rates it excellent (5/5).

How reliable is the 2015 SUBARU LEGACY?

The 2015 SUBARU LEGACY receives a reliability score of 85/100, indicating above-average reliability. This is based on 159 owner complaints, 3 recalls, and 18 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Visibility/Wiper and Electrical System.

What are the known issues with the 2015 SUBARU LEGACY?

Known issues with the 2015 SUBARU LEGACY include: Visibility/Wiper, Electrical System, Power Train/Driveline, Fuel Gauge. These are based on patterns found across 159 NHTSA complaints. 3 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.

What are the most common issues with the 2015 Subaru Legacy?

Common issues include visibility and wiper problems, electrical system malfunctions, and driveline/driveshaft issues.

Are there any recalls for the 2015 Subaru Legacy?

Yes, there are recalls for electronic stability control, driveline/driveshaft, and forward collision avoidance systems.

What should I do if I experience unexpected vehicle deceleration?

Contact a professional mechanic to diagnose and address the issue promptly to ensure safety.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: Be aware of potential visibility and wiper issues, electrical system problems, and driveline/driveshaft failures. Regular maintenance can help mitigate these risks.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2015 Subaru Legacy

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2015 Subaru Legacy. The data includes 159 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 3 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 15 reported crashes, 3 fire incidents, 10 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.

The NHTSA has assigned the 2015 Subaru Legacy an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 5 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 5 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.

All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.

Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.

Disclaimer: This analysis is AI-generated from NHTSA public data and does not constitute professional automotive or safety advice. Always verify recall status at NHTSA.gov and consult a qualified mechanic.

Analysis last updated: 2026-05-16