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2015 Subaru Legacy: common problems and reliability
· 6th generationOne of the weaker Legacy years.
159 owner complaints, most about electrical system. 3 recalls.
Should I buy a 2015 Legacy?The 2015 Subaru Legacy has 159 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 3 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are electrical system and visibility/wiper. Owners most often flag cvt transmission failure (2.5l models): multiple owners report complete transmission failure between 90,000-138,000 miles, with replacement costs ranging from $1,700 (used) to over $10,000 (new at dealer). some owners report grinding noises for 18 months before failure.
Safety record for the 2015 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2015 Subaru Legacy vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other Legacy years only. How we score it
Is 2015 a good year for the Legacy?
Across the 30 Legacy model years we track, complaint volume runs from 10 (2023) to 184 (2005). With 159 complaints, the 2015 Legacy sits above the model's median of 90.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2015 Legacy
electronic stability control (esc)
Campaign 16V251000Subaru 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."
power train:driveline:driveshaft
Campaign 15V502000Subaru 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.
forward collision avoidance: crash imminent braking
Campaign 15V366000Subaru 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, the automatic pre-collision braking component of the driver assist system will not function.
What owners report on the 6th generation Legacy
Owners generally view the 6th generation Legacy as a solid, comfortable, and capable daily driver, particularly praising the 3.6R engine and AWD capability.
- Very frequentCVT transmission failure (2.5L models)
Multiple owners report complete transmission failure between 90,000-138,000 miles, with replacement costs ranging from $1,700 (used) to over $10,000 (new at dealer). Some owners report grinding noises for 18 months before failure.
- Very frequentCVT hesitation/lurching/shuddering
Owners report hesitation when coasting or from stops, often resolved or improved by fluid changes. Some cases progressed to transmission failure.
- Very frequent"Lifetime fluid" misinformation leading to transmission damage
Multiple owners report being told the CVT fluid never needs changing, only to experience issues; owners strongly recommend drain and fill every 30,000-40,000 miles.
- RecurrentPoor paint quality
Owners describe paint as "junk," with chipping and clear-coat issues reported.
- RecurrentInfotainment screen delamination
Reported on 2019 models, with a known warranty extension (CP1) for Harman Gen3.1 units.
Owner insights for the 6th generation Legacy. Read the full 6th generation owner report.
Typical used price
Used Legacy listings typically run $11,500–$22,749 across 2003 to 2025 model years.
Other Legacy model years
Compare every Legacy year side by side to see how 2015 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Legacy against its rivals
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