The Subaru Legacy might not be the most revered option in the midsize sedan segment. Yet, the vehicle holds ample relevance, thanks to its standard all-wheel-drive setup, a capacious cabin, and a striking exterior design. While its acceleration is not the best, the Legacy builds its position as a dependable option for family-oriented buyers. It aces the crash tests conducted by NHTSA and IIHS and scores the best possible ratings. Even its reliability remains uncompromised. In the redesigned 2015 iteration, the vehicle has 135 complaints and 3 recalls, which do not seem blown out of proportion considering its 60,000 units of sale. The 2015 Subaru Legacy price starts at $21,695, which allows it to fall in a similar ballpark as rivals like the Honda Accord, the Toyota Camry, and the Mazda 6.
2015 Subaru Legacy User Complaints and Problems
Safety Complaints
- Issues with the airbag system: Buyers of the 2015 Subaru Legacy have reported two distinct issues with the airbag units. The first issue is concerned with the non-deployment of the airbags in case of a crash. In a handful of cases, complainants have recorded the failure of airbags to function as intended, resulting in injuries to the occupants. The other issue is concerned with a TAKATA recall, which specifies that certain units of the midsize sedan might have been equipped with defective airbags.
- Vehicle Speed Control: The Subaru Legacy acceleration problems are highly recurring. In several cases, buyers have reported the vehicle picking speed when entering parking spots or reversing into a garage, despite the pedal being depressed. As a result, buyers have recorded losing control over the vehicle, which has resulted in a crash in a couple of cases, where no airbags deployed.
Electric System Complaints
- Battery Drainage: The 2015 Subaru Legacy battery problems are related to the issue of a parasitic drain, which several models of the brand suffer from. Buyers have reported the vehicle’s battery draining from the excessive consumption of electrical components even when it is idling. As a result, the vehicle refuses to crank, and either the battery requires a jump-start or has to be replaced.
- Infotainment system issues: Another electric system complaint of the Subaru Legacy is concerned with the freezing of the infotainment system. In a small number of cases, buyers have reported the system locking up, which results in a loss of control over functionalities like radio and navigation.
Mechanical Complaints
- Issues with the engine: The 2015 Subaru Legacy engine problems are not widespread. Yet, some buyers have reported distinct problems with the setup. While the most common complaint is concerned with increased driving hesitation, the other issue is related to the vehicle’s excessive oil consumption. Both problems result in the engine stalling, rendering the sedan inoperable.
- Slipping transmission:The Subaru Legacy transmission issues are similar to what users of a CVT unit typically face. In a rather limited number of cases, buyers have reported the transmission slipping between gears and failing to engage. As a result, the vehicle vibrates excessively, cannot be accelerated properly, and in some cases, it stalls inadvertently.
Structural Complaints
- Water leakage in the engine bay: In the list of the 2015 Subaru Legacy issues, buyers have reported water entering the engine bay, while washing or during rains, due to improper weather stripping. As a result, the water contacts the engine compartment, which results in a strong burning smell when the vehicle is in motion. While the complaint has been reported on official and unofficial forums, there is no solution that Subaru has provided to its buyers.
- Cracked windshield: Among the listed 2015 Subaru Legacy problems, the unexpected cracking of the windshield is a common recurrence. In several cases, buyers have reported the windshield developing a crack without any impact or incidence. The crack, usually, starts from the bottom of the windshield and increases in length over time. Currently, a replacement of the windshield is the only available solution. However, complainants have noticed the replaced units suffering from a similar issue.
2015 Subaru Legacy User Complaints and Problems
|
S. No |
Date |
NHTSA ID |
Issues Noticed |
Additional Remarks |
Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1. |
27th Apr 2016 |
16V251000 |
Malfunctioning electronic stability control system |
Due to excessive moisture in the brake fluid, the electronic stability control system might not function correctly. As a result, the affected vehicles fail to comply with federal laws. |
Dealers will perform an ABS activation and then flush and replace the brake fluid, free of cost. |
|
2. |
10th Aug 2015 |
15V502000 |
Transmission oil leak |
Due to a deformed seal cap on the propeller shaft yoke, the transmission oil might leak. |
Dealers will replace the propeller shaft, free of cost. The recall began on 28th August 2015. |
|
3. |
12th June 2015 |
15V366000 |
Improper functioning of the Collision Mitigation Braking |
Due to a failure of the switch that activates the brake lights, the automatic pre-collision braking component might not function. This recall includes vehicles equipped with the Eyesight Driver Assist System. |
Dealers will reprogram the driver assist system, free of charge. |
Should you buy the 2015 Subaru Legacy?
The Subaru Legacy has been a consistent performer. While the 2015 iteration improves its design, efficiency, and feature list, the reliability of the midsize sedan remains unquestioned. Like always, the Legacy has a controlled number of grievances and while there are still some issues reported by the buyers, Subaru provides readily available solutions. So, by being a vehicle that despite compromising diminutively on ride quality coalesces practical performance with dependability, we do not find any reason to veto the 2015 Legacy.
