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2015 Subaru Legacy/Outback: problems, recalls and fuel economy
NHTSA has 670 owner complaints and 5 recalls on file for the 2015 Legacy/Outback[1][2]. In the sample of complaints we read, owners describe cracked windshields and start-up trouble[3][4]. Each of the 5 recalls lists a free fix[5][6][7][8][9].
Most reported problems
NHTSA lists 670 owner complaints for this model year[1]. Of those, 35 mention a crash, 8 a fire and 27 injuries, and none report a death[1]. These are unverified reports from owners, and one complaint can name more than one component. The group counts below do not add up to the total[1].
| Component group | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Injuries | Median miles at failure |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visibility/wiper[3] | 166 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 9,500 |
| Electrical system[4] | 164 | 2 | 5 | 2 | 27,500 |
| Unknown or other[12] | 136 | 11 | 0 | 10 | 21,000 |
| Engine[13] | 74 | 5 | 4 | 6 | 39,650 |
| Power train[14] | 52 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 31,000 |
| Structure[15] | 43 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 15,000 |
| Brakes[16] | 41 | 7 | 0 | 4 | 42,650 |
| Speed control[17] | 40 | 12 | 0 | 4 | 28,500 |
Visibility/wiper. In the sample of complaints we read, 8 of 12 describe a cracked windshield, and some of those owners say nothing hit the glass. Two of the 12 describe sun glare off the dash screen[3]. The median mileage at failure is low, 9,500, The median mileage at failure is 9,500[3].
Electrical system. In the sample, 8 of 12 describe ignition, keyless start or no-start trouble[4]. Four of the 12 describe a car that would not start after a short trip in very cold weather[4].
Engine. In the sample, 5 of 12 describe a rough or surging idle, hesitation or unexpected acceleration[13]. Another 4 of 12 mention a burning smell or oil concerns[13].
Power train. In the sample, 8 of 12 describe hesitation, lurching or abrupt acceleration[14]. Three of the 12 describe the car rolling backward when shifting[14].
Speed control and brakes. Speed control has 40 complaints but 12 crashes, the highest crash count of any group in the table[17]. Brakes have 41 complaints and 7 crashes[16]. We did not read complaint texts for these two groups, so we cannot say what owners describe.
Recalls
NHTSA lists 5 recalls for this model year[2]. Each one lists a free remedy. Check your VIN to see which recalls apply to a specific car.
- Steering column (16V292). May 2016. A steering column may have been machined wrongly, so turning the wheel might not steer the car. That raises crash risk. Dealers inspect the lot number on the column and replace it if needed. The notice says it covers vehicles built from February 29, 2016 to May 6, 2016 and names model years 2016 and 2017[5]. Check the VIN. Up to 48,819 vehicles are affected[5].
- Brake fluid and stability control (16V251). April 2016. Brake fluid in some cars built on July 20, 2015 may hold too much moisture[6]. That can weaken the stability control system and raise crash risk[6]. Dealers flush and replace the fluid. 766 vehicles are affected[6].
- Transmission oil leak (15V502). August 2015. Oil may leak from a deformed seal cap on the propeller shaft yoke and reach the exhaust pipe, which is a possible fire risk. Dealers replace the propeller shaft. 2,893 vehicles are affected[7].
- Pre-collision braking (15V366). June 2015. If the brake light switch fails, the automatic pre-collision braking in the Eyesight driver assist system will not work, so the car will not react to an obstacle. Dealers reprogram the system. 71,710 vehicles are affected, including other Subaru models[8].
- Trailer hitch (14V577). September 2014. On some 2015 Outbacks with a Subaru accessory trailer hitch, the mounting nuts may have been overtightened, so studs could fail and the trailer could detach. Dealers replace all eight nuts and inspect the studs. 56 vehicles are affected[9].
Fuel economy
The EPA rates all four versions with an automatic (AV-S6), regular gas and all-wheel drive[18][19][10][20]. Remove the sentence.
| Version | City / highway / combined MPG | EPA annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|
| Legacy AWD, 2.5L 4-cyl[10] | 26 / 35 / 29 | $2,300 |
| Legacy AWD, 3.6L 6-cyl[20] | 20 / 28 / 23 | $2,900 |
| Outback AWD, 2.5L 4-cyl[18] | 25 / 32 / 28 | $2,400 |
| Outback AWD, 3.6L 6-cyl[19] | 20 / 27 / 22 | $3,050 |
The 6-cylinder costs about $600 more a year to fuel in the Legacy and about $650 more in the Outback, by the EPA's estimates[10][20][18][19].
Safety ratings
NHTSA gave the Legacy 4 DR AWD 5 stars overall, with 5 stars in frontal and side tests and 5 stars for rollover[11]. Its rollover risk is 10.1%[11]. The Outback SUV AWD also earned 5 stars overall, and 5 stars in frontal and side tests, but 4 stars for rollover, with a rollover risk of 17.5%[21].
Engine and size
The EPA test car list shows two engines. The 2.5L 4-cylinder is rated 175 hp[22]. The 3.6L 6-cylinder is rated 256 hp[23].
Dimensions below are Canadian-market specifications for the Legacy 4-door sedan Dimensions below are Canadian-market specifications for the Legacy 4-door sedan[24][25].
| 2.5i AWD | 3.6R AWD | |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 189 in | 189 in |
| Width | 72 in | 72 in |
| Height | 59 in | 59 in |
| Wheelbase | 108 in | 108 in |
| Curb weight | 3,402 lb | 3,697 lb |
How 2015 compares with other years
Show the numbers
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 1995 | 184 | 2 |
| 1996 | 169 | 3 |
| 1997 | 218 | 5 |
| 1998 | 241 | 4 |
| 1999 | 205 | 3 |
| 2000 | 301 | 3 |
| 2001 | 248 | 7 |
| 2002 | 197 | 4 |
| 2003 | 153 | 14 |
| 2004 | 139 | 10 |
| 2005 | 457 | 9 |
| 2006 | 364 | 7 |
| 2007 | 162 | 9 |
| 2008 | 291 | 9 |
| 2009 | 171 | 13 |
| 2010 | 510 | 18 |
| 2011 | 819 | 16 |
| 2012 | 384 | 16 |
| 2013 | 363 | 12 |
| 2014 | 261 | 10 |
| 2015 | 670 | 5 |
| 2016 | 790 | 4 |
| 2017 | 1,038 | 4 |
NHTSA's list for this model has 23 model years, 1995 to 2017[2]. The 670 complaints for 2015 are the fourth highest[2]. Only 2011 (819), 2016 (790) and 2017 (1,038) have more[2].
Eight years have fewer recalls than 2015's 5, 1997 also has 5, and 13 years have more[2]. These counts are not a quality ranking.
Should you buy a used 2015 Legacy/Outback?
The 2015 has strong crash ratings, with 5 stars overall in both versions we have[11][21]. The recall list is manageable, and each recall lists a free fix[5][6][7][8][9]. Before buying, check the VIN for open recall work, especially the transmission oil leak and driver-assist recalls. The complaints suggest asking about windshield cracks, cold-weather starting and how the car accelerates from a stop. We read only small samples, so treat these as questions to ask rather than certainties[3][4][14].
Frequently asked questions
- What problems does the 2015 Subaru Outback have?
- NHTSA has 670 complaints for the 2015 Legacy/Outback[1]. Visibility/wiper has the most with 166, followed by the electrical system with 164[1][3][4].
- Are there recalls on the 2015 Subaru Legacy?
- Yes, 5 recalls are on file, covering steering, stability control, a transmission oil leak, pre-collision braking and a trailer hitch[5][6][7][8][9].
- What is the gas mileage of a 2015 Subaru Outback?
- The EPA rates the Outback AWD 2.5L at 28 mpg combined and the 3.6L at 22[18][19]. The Legacy AWD gets 29 and 23[10][20].
- How safe is the 2015 Subaru Legacy?
- NHTSA gave the Legacy 4 DR AWD 5 stars overall[11]. The Outback SUV AWD also got 5 stars overall[21].
- How does 2015 compare with other Legacy/Outback years?
- With 670 complaints it is fourth highest of the 23 years, behind 2011, 2016 and 2017[2].
Facts and sources
- NHTSA has 670 owner complaints on file for the 2015 Subaru Legacy/Outback (35 mention a crash, 8 a fire, 27 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
- Owner complaints and recalls for every Subaru Legacy/Outback model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
- 166 complaints name the visibility/wiper component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 9,500). NHTSA vehicle records
- 164 complaints name the electrical system component group (2 crashes, 5 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 27,500). NHTSA vehicle records
- Recall 16V292, filed May 11, 2016: Steering › Column. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 16V251, filed April 27, 2016: Electronic Stability Control (Esc). NHTSA recall database
- Recall 15V502, filed August 10, 2015: Power Train › Driveline › Driveshaft. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 15V366, filed June 12, 2015: Forward Collision Avoidance › Crash Imminent Braking. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 14V577, filed September 19, 2014: Trailer Hitches. NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for Legacy AWD, 2.5L 4-cyl, Automatic (AV-S6), Regular, All-Wheel Drive: 26 city / 35 highway / 29 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,300. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR AWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 5 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 5 stars; rollover risk 10.1%. NHTSA vehicle records
- 136 complaints name the unknown or other component group (11 crashes, 0 fires, 10 injuries, median mileage at failure 21,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 74 complaints name the engine component group (5 crashes, 4 fires, 6 injuries, median mileage at failure 39,650). NHTSA vehicle records
- 52 complaints name the power train component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 31,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 43 complaints name the structure component group (4 crashes, 2 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 15,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 41 complaints name the brakes component group (7 crashes, 0 fires, 4 injuries, median mileage at failure 42,650). NHTSA vehicle records
- 40 complaints name the speed control component group (12 crashes, 0 fires, 4 injuries, median mileage at failure 28,500). NHTSA vehicle records
- EPA rating for Outback AWD, 2.5L 4-cyl, Automatic (AV-S6), Regular, All-Wheel Drive: 25 city / 32 highway / 28 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,400. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Outback AWD, 3.6L 6-cyl, Automatic (AV-S6), Regular, All-Wheel Drive: 20 city / 27 highway / 22 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,050. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Legacy AWD, 3.6L 6-cyl, Automatic (AV-S6), Regular, All-Wheel Drive: 20 city / 28 highway / 23 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,900. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV AWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 5 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 17.5%. NHTSA vehicle records
- EPA Test Car List, 2015 Subaru Legacy/Outback with 2.5L 4-cylinder: rated 175 hp. www.epa.gov
- EPA Test Car List, 2015 Subaru Legacy/Outback with 3.6L 6-cylinder: rated 256 hp. www.epa.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, LEGACY 4DR SEDAN 2.5i AWD: length 189 in, width 72 in, height 59 in, wheelbase 108 in, curb weight 3,402 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, LEGACY 4DR SEDAN 3.6R AWD: length 189 in, width 72 in, height 59 in, wheelbase 108 in, curb weight 3,697 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov