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2015 Subaru Legacy Problems & Owner Complaints

159 NHTSA owner complaints
15 crash 3 fire 10 injury

Age-normalised, this year draws ~13.2 complaints per year on the road — ranking 4 of 15 Subaru Legacy years we track (1 = most complaints per year).

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What owners report

Electrical System is the most-reported problem area on the 2015 Subaru Legacy, cited in 37 of 159 filed complaints (23%).

Visibility/Wiper is next (36 complaints, 23%), followed by Engine (23), Power Train (15), Fuel/Propulsion System (14).

Across all complaints, 15 report a crash, 3 report a fire, 10 report injuries.

The most safety-critical cluster is Fuel/Propulsion System: 3 crash, 5 injury report(s).

Complaints by vehicle system

Owner complaints filed with the U.S. NHTSA for the 2015 Subaru Legacy, grouped by the vehicle system each cites. A single complaint can name more than one system, so the group totals can add up to more than 159.

Electrical System 37 2 crash 2 fire 2 injury

“TAKATA RECALL WHILE DRIVING APPROX 60-65 MPH IN THE FAST LANE OF I-24 INTERSTATE WITH DRIVER'S FOOT ON THE GAS PEDAL, ALL LIGHTS ON THE DASH BOARD SUDDENLY CAME ON AND THE SUBARU WENT INTO AUTOMATIC BRAKING SYSTEM, CAUSING THE FRONT TO GO INTO A NOSE DIVE, AND THE BRAKES STAYED LOCKED. AN ACCIDENT INCURRED AND THE SUBARU AS WELL AS A VEHICLE BEHIND WERE TOTALED. LOW BACK, WRIST AND NECK INJURIES OCCURRED TO THE DRIVER OF SUBARU LEGACY. A CLAIM WAS SUBMITTED TO SUBARU. IT HAS BEEN TWO MONTHS AND NO FOLLOW UP HAS OCCURRED. FINALLY WITH LEGAL ASSIST, THE LEGACY WILL BE EXAMINED BY A "SUBARU" EN…”
NHTSA complaint #10924418, 2016 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“DRIVING ON FREEWAY WITH CRUISE SET AT 72MPH, REACHED DOWN TO THE CENTER COUNCIL TO GRAB AN ITEM, AND PULLED UP ON THE ELECTRONIC PARKING BRAKE BUTTON. THE BUTTON IS LOCATED TOO CLOSE TO REACHABLE PLACES. THE CAR CAME TO A SCRATCHING HALT, LUCKY THE VEHICLES BEHIND ME WERE ABLE TO SWERVE OUT OF THE WAY IN TIME. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10667636, 2014 · 1 injury(ies)

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 SUBARU LEGACY. THE CONTACTED STATED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AT HIS RESIDENCE. HE SAW SMOKE ILLUMNIATED INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. NO ONE WAS INJURED. THE CONTACT STATED THE FIRE STARTED AROUND THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE DOOR. THE FIRE WAS PUT OUT BY THE CONTACT WHO THREW SNOW FROM THE OUTSIDE INTO THE VEHICLE. NO ONE WAS IN THE VEHICLE AT THE TIME OF FAILURE NO INJURIES. NO WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED IN THE VEHICLE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE POLICE WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TOWED TO NO LOCAL MECHANICS OR LOCAL DEALER, THE MANUFACTURER WAS N…”
NHTSA complaint #11384436, 2020 · fire

Visibility/Wiper 36

“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 crack was not from any type of impact.”
NHTSA complaint #11490204, 2022

“I used my windshield washer fluid to wash my windshield and a crack appeared from the bottom driver side of my windshield. I took the car to a Subaru dealership to have the windshield replaced under the Subaru extended windshield warranty program since there was no impact. My claim was denied because the crack was too far towards the driver side of the car.”
NHTSA complaint #11472583, 2022

“My 2015 Legacy developed a 8 inch crack on the bottom right of the windshield at passenger side last 2 days. No sign of rock hitting, it just chip & crack without any sound. Never have any windshield cracking experienced in my 40 years of driving, with other brand car. It should be a product problem, manufacturer should be under investigate for affected brand/year car. A recall and replacement should be provided to car owner.”
NHTSA complaint #11433452, 2021

Unknown Or Other 27 5 crash 1 injury

“TAKATA RECALL WHILE DRIVING APPROX 60-65 MPH IN THE FAST LANE OF I-24 INTERSTATE WITH DRIVER'S FOOT ON THE GAS PEDAL, ALL LIGHTS ON THE DASH BOARD SUDDENLY CAME ON AND THE SUBARU WENT INTO AUTOMATIC BRAKING SYSTEM, CAUSING THE FRONT TO GO INTO A NOSE DIVE, AND THE BRAKES STAYED LOCKED. AN ACCIDENT INCURRED AND THE SUBARU AS WELL AS A VEHICLE BEHIND WERE TOTALED. LOW BACK, WRIST AND NECK INJURIES OCCURRED TO THE DRIVER OF SUBARU LEGACY. A CLAIM WAS SUBMITTED TO SUBARU. IT HAS BEEN TWO MONTHS AND NO FOLLOW UP HAS OCCURRED. FINALLY WITH LEGAL ASSIST, THE LEGACY WILL BE EXAMINED BY A "SUBARU" EN…”
NHTSA complaint #10924418, 2016 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“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 stopped right away and I had to call tow truck to take it to Subaru dealership but they are telling me the car is in good condtion nothing wrong with it but I'm scare to take it back also I have repor…”
NHTSA complaint #11518045, 2023 · crash

“I PARKED MY CAR ON A ROAD (NEIGHBORHOOD) WITH A SLIGHT INCLINE. I WENT AROUND IN FRONT OF IT TO LOOK AT AN ITEM FOR SALE (SMALLL PINK PIANO) IN THE YARD. I LOOKED AT THE ITEM, THEN HEARD MY CAR TAKE OFF. I TRIED TO RUN TO GET INTO IT TO STOP IT, BUT IT WAS GOING TOO FAST. IT ENDED UP GOING TO THE RIGHT AND RUNNING INTO THE GARAGE OF THE HOUSE I WAS NEAR. IT HIT THE LEFT HAND SIDE OF THE GARAGE AND CONTINUED INTO THE GARAGE WHERE IT WAS STOPPED BY SOME PAINT CANS PILED UP AND THE BACK OF THE GARAGE. THE MAN WHO LIVED IN THE HOUSE WAS ABLE TO SQUEEZE INTO THE DRIVERS SIDE AND BACK IT OUT…”
NHTSA complaint #11362363, 2020 · crash

Engine 23 3 crash 2 fire 4 injury

“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 Jeep and truck which caused the car to do a 360-degree spin.”
NHTSA complaint #11721080, 2026 · crash · 3 injury(ies)

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2015 SUBARU LEGACY. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNSPECIFIED RATE OF SPEED, AN ANIMAL WENT ACROSS THE DRIVER'S PATH. THE DRIVER VEERED TO THE RIGHT AND CRASHED INTO A TREE. THE VEHICLE ERUPTED INTO FLAMES. WEEKS PRIOR TO THE CRASH, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER DUE TO VARIOUS WARNING LIGHTS RANDOMLY FLASHING ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE DEALER REPAIRED THE VEHICLE ACCORDING TO A MANUFACTURER'S RECALL; HOWEVER, THE REMEDY MAY HAVE BEEN INSUFFICIENT AND CAUSED THE FAILURE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED WITH FORCE. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED EXTENSIVE…”
NHTSA complaint #10853886, 2016 · crash · fire · 1 injury(ies)

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 SUBARU LEGACY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT COOLANT WAS LEAKING FROM THE ENGINE AND A BURNING ELECTRICAL SMELL COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WATER ENTERED THROUGH THE WHEEL WELLS, ONTO THE FUSE BOX AND ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS, AND INTO THE DRIVER SIDE FLOOR BOARD. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 11,200.”
NHTSA complaint #10808788, 2015 · fire

Power Train 15 1 crash

“WHEN PARKING IN A PARKING SPOT AT A SCHOOL GOING TO WORK, THE CAR ACCELERATED ON IT'S OWN AND WENT UP AN EMBANKMENT AND STRUCK A TREE CAUSING EXTENSIVE DAMAGE.”
NHTSA complaint #11149897, 2018 · crash

“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 P0841, P0700, and C1431 were stored. Authorized Subaru dealer confirmed the failure. Technician stated the valve body likely failed first — a known defect per Subaru TSB 16-107-17R — which then caused…”
NHTSA complaint #11723218, 2026

“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…”
NHTSA complaint #11615990, 2024

Fuel/Propulsion System 14 3 crash 5 injury

“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 Jeep and truck which caused the car to do a 360-degree spin.”
NHTSA complaint #11721080, 2026 · crash · 3 injury(ies)

“SLOWLY PULLING INTO A PARKING SPOT, WHEN THE CAR ACCELERATED (UNINTENDED ACCELERATION) INTO A BRICK WALL. MY PASSENGER SUFFERED 3 BROKEN RIBS FROM THE SEAT BELT, AND I SUFFERED WHIPLASH, BRUISING FROM SEAT BELT, AND BRUISED KNEES. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. SUBARU CORP DECIDED TO DO NOTHING, AND SUGGESTED THAT I TRADE IN THE CAR, WHICH I HAVE ONLY OWNED FOR A FEW WEEKS. DO THEY THEN SELL IT TO SOME UNSUSPECTING PERSON. PLEASE HELP. VIN [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10807366, 2015 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“WHEN PARKING IN A PARKING SPOT AT A SCHOOL GOING TO WORK, THE CAR ACCELERATED ON IT'S OWN AND WENT UP AN EMBANKMENT AND STRUCK A TREE CAUSING EXTENSIVE DAMAGE.”
NHTSA complaint #11149897, 2018 · crash

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Vehicle Speed Control 14 6 crash 2 injury

“SLOWLY PULLING INTO A PARKING SPOT, WHEN THE CAR ACCELERATED (UNINTENDED ACCELERATION) INTO A BRICK WALL. MY PASSENGER SUFFERED 3 BROKEN RIBS FROM THE SEAT BELT, AND I SUFFERED WHIPLASH, BRUISING FROM SEAT BELT, AND BRUISED KNEES. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. SUBARU CORP DECIDED TO DO NOTHING, AND SUGGESTED THAT I TRADE IN THE CAR, WHICH I HAVE ONLY OWNED FOR A FEW WEEKS. DO THEY THEN SELL IT TO SOME UNSUSPECTING PERSON. PLEASE HELP. VIN [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10807366, 2015 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“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 cl…”
NHTSA complaint #11591225, 2024 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 SUBARU LEGACY. THE CONTACT MADE A RIGHT TURN TO TURN INTO A PARKING LOT, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED AND SURGED OUT OF THE PARKING SPACE. THE VEHICLE WENT OVER A CONCRETE PARKING BLOCK, STRUCK A GUARDRAIL, THEN CRASHED INTO THE BUILDING BEHIND IT. THEN THE VEHICLE BOUNCED BACK INTO THE PARKING SPACE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT WAS NOT INJURED. NO POLICE REPORT WAS MADE. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED (THE CONTACT DIDN'T KNOW WHAT WAS DAMAGED ON THEIR VEHICLE). THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORME…”
NHTSA complaint #11232738, 2019 · crash

Service Brakes 13 2 crash 1 injury

“DRIVING ON FREEWAY WITH CRUISE SET AT 72MPH, REACHED DOWN TO THE CENTER COUNCIL TO GRAB AN ITEM, AND PULLED UP ON THE ELECTRONIC PARKING BRAKE BUTTON. THE BUTTON IS LOCATED TOO CLOSE TO REACHABLE PLACES. THE CAR CAME TO A SCRATCHING HALT, LUCKY THE VEHICLES BEHIND ME WERE ABLE TO SWERVE OUT OF THE WAY IN TIME. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10667636, 2014 · 1 injury(ies)

“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. I'M NOT SURE HOW TO START AN INVESTIGATION OF THIS NATURE SO I'M TURNING TO YOUR ORGANIZATION FOR GUIDANCE. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CONTACT ME IF YOU HAVE…”
NHTSA complaint #11152454, 2018 · crash

“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. I AM…”
NHTSA complaint #11078561, 2018 · crash

Air Bags 10 5 crash 4 injury

“SLOWLY PULLING INTO A PARKING SPOT, WHEN THE CAR ACCELERATED (UNINTENDED ACCELERATION) INTO A BRICK WALL. MY PASSENGER SUFFERED 3 BROKEN RIBS FROM THE SEAT BELT, AND I SUFFERED WHIPLASH, BRUISING FROM SEAT BELT, AND BRUISED KNEES. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. SUBARU CORP DECIDED TO DO NOTHING, AND SUGGESTED THAT I TRADE IN THE CAR, WHICH I HAVE ONLY OWNED FOR A FEW WEEKS. DO THEY THEN SELL IT TO SOME UNSUSPECTING PERSON. PLEASE HELP. VIN [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10807366, 2015 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“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”
NHTSA complaint #11521550, 2022 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“TAKATARECALL, ONDEC16,2015 DRIVING ON RT81&LITTLECITYRD,AT SIGNAL LIGHT.I HAD GREEN LIGHT AND WAS HIT FROM RIGHT SIDE BY ANYOTHER CAR WHICH RAN RED LIGHTHIT MY FRONT END OF CARSPUN ME AROUNDAND NOT ONE AIR BAG WENT OFF,DAMAGE WAS ALMOST11,000WHAT IS WRONG WITH SUBARUAIRBAGS”
NHTSA complaint #10836612, 2015 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

Structure 10 3 crash 1 fire 1 injury

“TAKATARECALL, ONDEC16,2015 DRIVING ON RT81&LITTLECITYRD,AT SIGNAL LIGHT.I HAD GREEN LIGHT AND WAS HIT FROM RIGHT SIDE BY ANYOTHER CAR WHICH RAN RED LIGHTHIT MY FRONT END OF CARSPUN ME AROUNDAND NOT ONE AIR BAG WENT OFF,DAMAGE WAS ALMOST11,000WHAT IS WRONG WITH SUBARUAIRBAGS”
NHTSA complaint #10836612, 2015 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 SUBARU LEGACY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT COOLANT WAS LEAKING FROM THE ENGINE AND A BURNING ELECTRICAL SMELL COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WATER ENTERED THROUGH THE WHEEL WELLS, ONTO THE FUSE BOX AND ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS, AND INTO THE DRIVER SIDE FLOOR BOARD. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 11,200.”
NHTSA complaint #10808788, 2015 · fire

“I PARKED MY CAR ON A ROAD (NEIGHBORHOOD) WITH A SLIGHT INCLINE. I WENT AROUND IN FRONT OF IT TO LOOK AT AN ITEM FOR SALE (SMALLL PINK PIANO) IN THE YARD. I LOOKED AT THE ITEM, THEN HEARD MY CAR TAKE OFF. I TRIED TO RUN TO GET INTO IT TO STOP IT, BUT IT WAS GOING TOO FAST. IT ENDED UP GOING TO THE RIGHT AND RUNNING INTO THE GARAGE OF THE HOUSE I WAS NEAR. IT HIT THE LEFT HAND SIDE OF THE GARAGE AND CONTINUED INTO THE GARAGE WHERE IT WAS STOPPED BY SOME PAINT CANS PILED UP AND THE BACK OF THE GARAGE. THE MAN WHO LIVED IN THE HOUSE WAS ABLE TO SQUEEZE INTO THE DRIVERS SIDE AND BACK IT OUT…”
NHTSA complaint #11362363, 2020 · crash

Visibility 5

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11597183, 2024

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 SUBARU LEGACY. WHILE DRIVING 40 TO 55 MPH, THE CONTACT'S WINDSHIELD CRACKED. THE CONTACT EXITED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THE CRACK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO RUGES SUBARU (6444 MONTGOMERY ST, RHINEBECK, NY 12572, (845) 397-1204) WHERE A NEW WINDSHIELD WAS INSTALLED, BUT THE WINDSHIELD CRACKED AGAIN THE SAME DAY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11206284, 2019

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 SUBARU LEGACY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WINDSHIELD FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE FRACTURE WAS DUE TO STRESS ON THE WINDSHIELD. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,500.”
NHTSA complaint #10721683, 2015

Forward Collision Avoidance 4 1 crash 3 injury

“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 Jeep and truck which caused the car to do a 360-degree spin.”
NHTSA complaint #11721080, 2026 · crash · 3 injury(ies)

“I am the original owner of the vehicle in question. I have been experiencing excessive electrical drain issues throughout the life of my vehicle. I have had to jump it at least 10 times and have replaced the battery 4 times throughout my 7 years of ownership. This is quite excessive and has caused safety issues in the past as you never know when the battery suddenly no longer has enough power to start the vehicle. My fiancé was recently on a ferry and upon landing the vehicle would not start and this caused quite an issue with the ferry operator and resulted in undue stress and anxiety on her.…”
NHTSA complaint #11451733, 2022

“1) SPONTANEOUS CRACKS IN WINDSHIELD ORIGINATING FROM DEICER WHILE CAR PARKED OVERNIGHT 12/3/20 TAKEN TO SUBARU 12/4/20. SUBARU WEBSITE SEARCH SHOWED MODELS WITH ALL WEATHER PACKAGE FROM MY PRODUCTION DATE HAD DEFECT IN WINDSHIELD CRACKING FROM DEICER AREA & WARRANTY EXTENDED 5 YRS WHICH EXPIRED 4/20 SUBARU MAY NOT COVER $1000+ COST WHICH INVOLVES RECALIBRATING & TESTING EYESIGHT AFTER REPLACING WINDSHIELD (2) EYESIGHT FREQUENTLY DISABLED FROM LIGHTS OF ONCOMING VEHICLES AT NIGHT OR IN INCLEMENT WEATHER & ALL SAFETY WARNINGS, EMERGENCY BRAKING, ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL ETC ARE DISABLED AT TIME C…”
NHTSA complaint #11382748, 2020

Suspension 4

“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”
NHTSA complaint #11583015, 2024

“VEHICLE ONLY HAS 34,000 AND FRONT HUB BEARING ASSEMBLY NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THERE IS A GRAND ING NOISE COMING FROM BOTH FRONT SIDES AT SPEEDS ABOVE 35 MPH, AND GETS LOUDER WHEN VEHICLE TURNS TO THE LEFT.”
NHTSA complaint #11323119, 2020

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 SUBARU LEGACY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED AND UNABLE TO BE DRIVEN FOR SEVERAL MONTHS DUE TO A FAILURE WITH THE FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE FEATURE NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY. THE CONTACT NOTIFIED THE FIRST DEALER AND THEY WERE NOT ABLE TO REPLICATE AND DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT LATER TESTED THE VEHICLE NUMEROUS TIMES AND NOTICED THAT THE FAILURE WAS PROGRESSING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE FIRST DEALER A SECOND TIME UPON RECEIVING NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V366000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE) AND THEY INDICATED T…”
NHTSA complaint #10846402, 2015

Exterior Lighting 3

“I have a 2015 subaru legacy 2.5i engine. The problem i have is a blown fuse in the main compartment F26 (backup). I have read subaru forum(s) and in earlier years this is same issue that I current have in my car. In the older models this was recalled and the issue was reworked at subaru repair centers at their cost. This issue also said it could cause a over heating and possible cause a fire. Please look into this issue. Kind Regards, Doug Whittemore 57 lexington ave. haverhill, MA 01835”
NHTSA complaint #11419586, 2021

“THE HEADLIGHTS HAVE DIMMED. THE LENSES HAVE CLOUDED ON THE INSIDE SURFACE SO THERE IS NO WAY TO REMOVE THE CLOUDING. IT IS NOT DUE TO MOISTURE. I HAVE HAD THE DEALER LOOK AT IT TWICE. IT IS PROGRESSIVELY WORSE. THE DEALER SAID THE REGIONAL REP SAID IT IS A NORMAL FINDING SO THE LENSES WILL NOT BE REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. HE POINTED OUT THAT NEW LENSES WOULD DEVELOP THE SAME CLOUDING.”
NHTSA complaint #10898289, 2015

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 SUBARU LEGACY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED AND UNABLE TO BE DRIVEN FOR SEVERAL MONTHS DUE TO A FAILURE WITH THE FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE FEATURE NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY. THE CONTACT NOTIFIED THE FIRST DEALER AND THEY WERE NOT ABLE TO REPLICATE AND DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT LATER TESTED THE VEHICLE NUMEROUS TIMES AND NOTICED THAT THE FAILURE WAS PROGRESSING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE FIRST DEALER A SECOND TIME UPON RECEIVING NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V366000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE) AND THEY INDICATED T…”
NHTSA complaint #10846402, 2015

Seats 3

“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…”
NHTSA complaint #11582009, 2018

“AFTER BOTH FRONT DOOR SEALS WERE REPLACED IN 2016,, THE WIND NOISE RETURNED. SPOKE TO SUBARU CUSTOMER SERVICE, AND WAS THEY SENT ME A 'SORRY FOR THE INCONVENIENCE' CHECK FOR $250.00 WHICH DIDN'T COVER THE ORIGINAL ISSUE.”
NHTSA complaint #11144249, 2018

“OUR WINDSHIELD DEVELOPED A CRACK THAT GREW OVER TWO DAYS AND NOW EXTENDS HALF THE WIDTH OF THE WINDSHIELD. WE DISCOVERED THIS CRACK WHEN GETTING INTO THE CAR AFTER IT WAS PARKED. THERE IS NO OBVIOUS REASON FOR THIS CRACK. WE HAVE NO MEMORY OF HITTING OR BEING HIT BY ANY OBJECT. I UNDERSTAND THAT SUCH SPONTANEOUS CRACKS HAVE APPEARED ON OTHER SUBARU OUTBACKS AND LEGACIES.”
NHTSA complaint #10735049, 2015

Electronic Stability Control (Esc) 2 1 crash 1 injury

“TAKATA RECALL WHILE DRIVING APPROX 60-65 MPH IN THE FAST LANE OF I-24 INTERSTATE WITH DRIVER'S FOOT ON THE GAS PEDAL, ALL LIGHTS ON THE DASH BOARD SUDDENLY CAME ON AND THE SUBARU WENT INTO AUTOMATIC BRAKING SYSTEM, CAUSING THE FRONT TO GO INTO A NOSE DIVE, AND THE BRAKES STAYED LOCKED. AN ACCIDENT INCURRED AND THE SUBARU AS WELL AS A VEHICLE BEHIND WERE TOTALED. LOW BACK, WRIST AND NECK INJURIES OCCURRED TO THE DRIVER OF SUBARU LEGACY. A CLAIM WAS SUBMITTED TO SUBARU. IT HAS BEEN TWO MONTHS AND NO FOLLOW UP HAS OCCURRED. FINALLY WITH LEGAL ASSIST, THE LEGACY WILL BE EXAMINED BY A "SUBARU" EN…”
NHTSA complaint #10924418, 2016 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“THE AT OIL TEMP AND BRAKE LIGHT RANDOMLY START FLASHING AND KICK YOUR CAR OFF CRUISE WITHOUT ANY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT THE TRANSMISSION FLUID AND OIL TEMP ARE NOT HOT BUT CAUSES THE CAR TO LOSE POWER. ALMOST BEEN REAR ENDED ON THE FREE WAY DUE TO THIS HAPPENING DEALERSHIP DOES NOT KNOW WHAT CAUSES THIS DUE TO IT NOT ALWAYS HAPPENING AND THE LIGHTS GO OFF AFTER SHUTTING THE CAR OFF AND BACK ON AGAIN MULTIPLE PEOPLE HAVE THIS PROBLEM WITH NO RESOLUTION. I AM A HUGE SUBARU FAN BUT WILL LOOK ELSE WHERE IF SUBARU DOESN'T START FIXING THEIR MISTAKES,”
NHTSA complaint #11306247, 2020

Tires 2

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 SUBARU LEGACY EQUIPPED WITH THREE GOODYEAR EAGLE LS-2 TIRES, SIZE: 225/50R18. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ALL THREE TIRES WERE DRY ROTTED AROUND THE RIMS ON BOTH SIDES. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC BECAUSE IT RODE ROUGHLY. THE CONTACT WAS REFERRED TO THE TIRE MANUFACTURER TO FILE A COMPLAINT. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THEY WOULD PRORATE THE COST OF THE TIRES, BUT DID NOT ADDRESS WHAT CAUSED THE CONDITION. THE CONTACT HAD NOT YET HEARD BACK FROM THE MANUFACTURER BECAUSE THEY STATED THAT THEY WERE STILL WORKING ON THE CLAIM. THE VEHICLE FAILU…”
NHTSA complaint #11193312, 2019

“THE TIRES I HAD ON MY VEHICLE WERE PRIMEWELL VALERA TOURING 2. THE ISSUE WITH THESE TIRES WAS THE SIDEWALLS WERE SHREDDING. THERE HAS BEEN A RECALL FOR THIS SAME ISSUE BUT THE TIRES I HAVE ARE NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL AND THEY SHOULD BE. ...UPDATED 03/29/17 *BF *AS”
NHTSA complaint #10959615, 2017

Back Over Prevention 1

“SITTING IN PARKED VEHICLE, MOTOR OFF, WINDOWS DOWN HEARD A QUICK POPPING SOUND. I LOOKED SITTING IN PARKED VEHICLE, ENGINE OFF, WINDOWS DOWN, HEARD A QUICK POPPING NOISE. A QUICK INSPECTION, LOOKING AROUND SAW NOTHING. ABOUT 20 MINUTES LATER DRIVING HOME, TOP SPEED 35 MPH, ON A LOCAL COMMUNITY ROAD, SAW A HAIRPIN CRACK STARTING FROM BOTTOM OF WINDOW, DRIVER'S SIDE, GOING UP ACROSS WINDSHIELD AND MIDWAY ACROSS. THE WINDOW WAS CLEAR EXCEPT FOR CRACK. CALLED A REPUTABLE COMPANY TO SCHEDULE APPOINTMENT. THE REPRESENTATIVE SUGGESTED I CALL THE SUBARU MAINTENANCE DEPARTMENT AS PREVIOUS SUBARU C…”
NHTSA complaint #11373614, 2020

Engine And Engine Cooling 1

“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; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 140,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11513171, 2023

Equipment 1

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 SUBARU LEGACY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HER VISIBILITY WAS OBSTRUCTED WHEN THE SUN REFLECTED OFF THE FACTORY INSTALLED NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 600.”
NHTSA complaint #10649746, 2014

Equipment Adaptive/Mobility 1

“I THINK THERE IS A POTENTIAL RECALL PROBLEM WITH EYESIGHT-EQUIPPED 2015 LEGACY MODELS. I TOOK MY CAR IN SEVERAL WEEKS AGO BECAUSE ONE DAY ALL OF THE HAZARD LIGHTS CAME ON, INCLUDING THE ABS LIGHT AND THE BRAKE LIGHT (FLASHING RED) ON THE SPEEDOMETER GAUGE, THE EYESIGHT AND THE ANTI-SKID LIGHT ON THE CENTER CONSOLE, AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, THE ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL LIGHT, AND THE LANE DEPARTURE LIGHT ON THE TACHOMETER. I STOPPED DRIVING IT FOR TWO DAYS WHILE I WAITED FOR MY SERVICE APPOINTMENT DAY TO ARRIVE. THE LIGHTS DID NOT COME BACK ON WHEN I DROVE IT TO THE DEALER. THE SERVICE D…”
NHTSA complaint #10715800, 2015

Fuel System 1

“AT THE FIRST REFUELING OF THE CAR AFTER PURCHASE, THE FUEL DOOR DID NOT OPEN WHEN THE LEVER WAS PULLED. EVENTUALLY IT DID OPEN AFTER MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS. AT THE SECOND REFUELING OF THE CAR, APPROXIMATELY 450 MILES AFTER THE FIRST TIME, ONCE AGAIN THE DOOR DID NOT OPEN. IT OPENED FINALLY AFTER ABOUT 10 MINUTES WITH ONE PERSON OPERATING THE LEVER AND ANOTHER FORCING THE DOOR. THE NEXT DAY, THE CAR WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE THE FUEL DOOR PIN WAS ADJUSTED TO RECTIFY THE PROBLEM.”
NHTSA complaint #10735481, 2015

Lane Departure 1

“SITTING IN PARKED VEHICLE, MOTOR OFF, WINDOWS DOWN HEARD A QUICK POPPING SOUND. I LOOKED SITTING IN PARKED VEHICLE, ENGINE OFF, WINDOWS DOWN, HEARD A QUICK POPPING NOISE. A QUICK INSPECTION, LOOKING AROUND SAW NOTHING. ABOUT 20 MINUTES LATER DRIVING HOME, TOP SPEED 35 MPH, ON A LOCAL COMMUNITY ROAD, SAW A HAIRPIN CRACK STARTING FROM BOTTOM OF WINDOW, DRIVER'S SIDE, GOING UP ACROSS WINDSHIELD AND MIDWAY ACROSS. THE WINDOW WAS CLEAR EXCEPT FOR CRACK. CALLED A REPUTABLE COMPANY TO SCHEDULE APPOINTMENT. THE REPRESENTATIVE SUGGESTED I CALL THE SUBARU MAINTENANCE DEPARTMENT AS PREVIOUS SUBARU C…”
NHTSA complaint #11373614, 2020

Seat Belts 1

“2015 SUBARU LEGACY. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE ACCELERATION ISSUES. *SMD”
NHTSA complaint #10805791, 2015

Steering 1

“CLOCK SPRING IN STEERING COLUMN IS BAD. HORN DOES NOT WORK. DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG MAY BE INOPERABLE. CONDITION EXISTS WHEN VEHICLE IS STATIONARY WITH IGNITION OFF AND WHILE IT IS IN MOTION.”
NHTSA complaint #11093270, 2018

Wheels 1

“ESPECIALLY, WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, I COULD HEAR THE UNUSUAL SPINNING OF THE WHEELS. IT HAPPENED ABOUT A YEAR AGO, AND WHEN I BROUGHT IT TO THE ATTENTION OF THE FRONT DESK CLERK AT THE QUALITY SUBARU IN WALLINGFORD, CT., HE INFORMED ME THAT HE WILL LET THE TECHNICIAN KNOW. HE NEVER WROTE ANYTHING REGARDING MY CONCERNS ON THE SLIP WITH THE OIL CHANGE INFORMATION. THE TECHNICIAN SAID, THAT HE DID NOT SEE ANYTHING WRONG WITH IT, IT COULD BE THE SURFACE OF THE HIGHWAY OR MY TIRES. I PURCHASED NEW TIRES, INSTALL NEW BRAKES AND THE NOISE WAS STILL THERE. ON FEBRUARY 25, 2020, I WENT THROUGH A…”
NHTSA complaint #11321574, 2020

How we read this (methodology)

How to read this: raw complaint totals are not a clean reliability score — a model year with more cars sold, or simply more years on the road, accumulates more complaints regardless of how good it is. So this page leans on two signals that are not distorted by sales volume: the share of complaints falling on each vehicle system (the breakdown above) and NHTSA's own crash / fire / injury / death flags. When we compare model years of the same model, we normalise by years on the road (complaints ÷ vehicle age) rather than comparing raw totals. Age-normalised, the 2015 Subaru Legacy draws about 13.2 complaints per year on the road, ranking 4 of 15 among the Subaru Legacy model years we have ingested (1 = most complaints per year on road).

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Data source: U.S. NHTSA (nhtsa.gov). SaveVIN surfaces public recall data and is not affiliated with or endorsed by NHTSA.

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