The Lemon Index2015 Subaru Legacy.
The 2015 Subaru Legacy is worse than average by owner complaints: 90 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 153, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about wipers & visibility, it has 3 recalls, and it gets 23 to 29 mpg combined. The best Subaru Legacy year is 2012.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 160 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Subaru Legacy year. 2015 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 2K to 43K miles on the car (104 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- electrical complaints mostly came at 2K–41K miles
- wipers & visibility complaints mostly came at 2K–26K miles
- engine complaints mostly came at 0K–76K miles
Recalls 3
- stability control 2016
The brake fluid used in these vehicles may contain excess moisture which may adversely affect the performance of the electronic stability control system.
- transmission & drivetrain 2015
Transmission oil may leak from a deformed seal cap on the propeller shaft yoke.
- automatic emergency braking 2015
If the switch that activates the brake lights fails, the automatic pre-collision braking component of the driver assist system will not function.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Subaru told dealers about
Subaru sent dealers 527 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- This Service Information bulletin announces a material change to the engine accessory drive /…
- This bulletin announces part information for new Active Valve Control System (AVCS) oil…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- OpenDesiccated air bag inflator rupture2021
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Subaru Legacy 4 DR AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2200–2800 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.5L 4-cyl, 3.6L 6-cyl.
In owners' words
The windshield cracked off the right Edge with no visible sign of any chips.
2015 Subaru Legacy owner · NHTSA complaint 11080956
More owner reports
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
Quick answers
Is the 2015 Subaru Legacy reliable?
No, it is worse than average by government complaints. It drew 1.5× the average car's complaints filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 153; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Subaru Legacy year by this measure is 2012.
What are the most common 2015 Subaru Legacy problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are wipers & visibility (30%), electrical (19%) and engine (11%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2015 Subaru Legacy have?
3 safety recalls (latest: stability control). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2015 Subaru Legacy get?
23 to 29 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2015 Subaru Legacy safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2015 Subaru Legacy problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 2,500 and 43,400 miles. The middle report was at 16,100 miles, from 104 complaints.
Does the 2015 Subaru Legacy have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2015 Subaru Legacy cost in fuel a year?
About $2200 to $2800 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2015 Subaru Legacy have?
2.5L 4-cyl, 3.6L 6-cyl.
What Subaru Legacy year is better than the 2015?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2012, 2014 and 2013.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works