Subaru

Legacy (6th)

2015-2019 · Midsize Sedan · 5 engines
Best Engine Recommended (5.0)
650 NHTSA Complaints
11 Recalls
6 Fire Reports
43 Crash Reports

Engine Reliability Comparison

U4

3.6L 6-cyl / 256 hp
Recommended (5.0)
2 complaints 1.0 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

other
1
electrical
1

Known Issues

Electrical System Issues (1 complaints)

Also found in

SUBARU Legacy (2020-2025)SUBARU Legacy (2015-2019)SUBARU Outback (2026-2026)SUBARU Outback (2025-2025)SUBARU Forester (2014-2018)SUBARU Outback (2020-2024)SUBARU Outback (2015-2019)

3.6L C0

3.6L
Recommended (5.0)
1 complaint 1.0 per year
View details

Complaint Breakdown

other
1

Also found in

SUBARU Legacy (2015-2019)

3.6L U4

3.6L
Recommended (3.6)
78 complaints 15.6 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

other
33
electrical
25
engine
8
transmission
5
safety systems
5

Known Issues

Electrical System Issues (25 complaints)
Engine Issues (8 complaints)
Transmission Issues (5 complaints)

Also found in

SUBARU Legacy (2015-2019)SUBARU Outback (2015-2019)

U5

2.5L 4-cyl / 175 hp
⚠️ Caution (2.7)
83 complaints 27.0 per year Gasoline
1 fire report
View details

Complaint Breakdown

other
39
electrical
21
safety systems
6
body
4
wheels tires
4

Known Issues

Electrical System Issues (21 complaints)
Safety Systems Issues (6 complaints)
Body/Trim Issues (4 complaints)

Also found in

SUBARU Legacy (2020-2025)SUBARU Legacy (2015-2019)SUBARU Outback (2025-2025)SUBARU Outback (2020-2024)SUBARU Outback (2015-2019)

2.5L U5

2.5L
⚠️ Caution (2.2)
457 complaints 76.0 per year
5 fire reports
View details

Complaint Breakdown

other
169
electrical
139
engine
38
safety systems
28
brakes
26

Known Issues

Electrical System Issues (139 complaints)
Engine Issues (38 complaints)
Safety Systems Issues (28 complaints)

Also found in

SUBARU Impreza (2012-2016)SUBARU Outback (2010-2014)SUBARU BRZ (2013-2020)SUBARU Legacy (2015-2019)SUBARU Crosstrek (2018-2023)HYUNDAI Tucson (2016-2021)SUBARU Forester (2014-2018)SUBARU Outback (2015-2019) +1 more

Vehicle-Level Issues

These issues affect the Subaru Legacy regardless of engine variant.

Electrical System Issues (186 complaints)
electrical critical
Engine Issues (46 complaints)
engine critical
Safety Systems Issues (34 complaints)
safety_systems critical
Transmission Issues (31 complaints)
transmission critical
Brakes Issues (26 complaints)
brakes critical

Recalls (11)

21V587000Jul 28, 2021serious
Fuel System

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ascent, 2018 Forester, 2018-2020 Impreza, Legacy, Outback, 2018-2019 BRZ, WRX, and Toyota 86 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.

20V218000Apr 15, 2020serious
Fuel System

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Impreza, Outback, Legacy, and Ascent vehicles. The low pressure fuel pump may become inoperative.

19V493000Jun 25, 2019serious
Structure

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Legacy and Outback vehicles. Spot welds located on the duct below the cowl panel may have been improperly applied, impacting the vehicle's body strength.

18V935000Dec 30, 2018serious
Visibility

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2018 Legacy, Outback, and BRZ vehicles. In the affected vehicles, a software issue may cause the audio display system to not initialize, resulting in the camera display remaining blank. If this occurs, the rearview image will not display while backing up the vehicle. As a result, the vehicles fail to comply with requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety (FMVSS) number 111, "Rearview Mirrors."

18V773000Jan 10, 2018serious
Electrical System

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2018 Subaru Legacy and Outback vehicles. Due to a software error, the low fuel warning light may not illuminate at the intended remaining fuel level and the miles-to-empty display may incorrectly indicate a positive number despite the tank being empty.

16V251000Apr 26, 2016serious
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 vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems."

16V292000Nov 4, 2016serious
Steering

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Legacy and Outback vehicles manufactured February 29, 2016, to May 6, 2016. The steering column on the affected vehicles may have been improperly machined, and as a result, turning the steering wheel may have no effect on the direction of the wheels.

16V716000Jun 9, 2016serious
Steering

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2017 Legacy and Outback vehicles manufactured September 21, 2016, to September 23, 2016. In the affected vehicles, the knee guard bracket may not be properly attached to the steering beam assembly.

15V794000Nov 23, 2015serious
Powertrain

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2016 Legacy vehicles manufactured October 24, 2015, to November 16, 2015, and Outback vehicles manufactured October 24, 2015, to November 17, 2015. Due to the improper tightening of the securing nuts, the drive shaft may separate from the rear differential.

15V366000Dec 5, 2015serious
Forward Collision Avoidance

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, the automatic pre-collision braking component of the driver assist system will not function.

15V502000Oct 7, 2015serious
Powertrain

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.

Alternatives in Midsize Sedan

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common 2015-2019 Subaru Legacy problems?

The 2015-2019 Subaru Legacy has accumulated 650 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Electrical System, Engine, Safety Systems. As with any used vehicle, a pre-purchase inspection and vehicle history report are recommended.

Which Subaru Legacy engine is most reliable?

The 2015-2019 Subaru Legacy was offered with 5 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2.5L ?-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.

Is the 2015-2019 Subaru Legacy a good used car?

The 2015-2019 Subaru Legacy can be a solid used car purchase depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 650 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2015-2019 Subaru Legacy have?

The 2015-2019 Subaru Legacy has 650 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.

What recalls affect the 2015-2019 Subaru Legacy?

There are 11 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2015-2019 Subaru Legacy vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN — check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.

What should I check before buying a used Subaru Legacy?

Before buying a used Subaru Legacy, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Electrical System, Engine, Safety Systems, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.

Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 650 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-04-06.

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