Sedan · Gas
Subaru Legacy 2015-2019 (BN)

- Your fit
- Take the quiz
- Price
- $21,695–$31,945
- MPG
- 29
- Strength: Excellent safety
- Watch-out: Below-average cargo & utility
- Watch-out: Below-average reliability
How it scores for you10 scores
Five-star crash scores across the board can't offset this generation's chronic gremlins — cracking windshields, battery drain, and CVT complaints pile up in the record.
Recalled somewhat less often than cars of the same model years; 3 of its 11 recalls were serious. About 6% of its owner complaints describe a crash, fire or injury. Based on recalls and serious defect reports — it doesn't capture everyday repairs or problems fixed by warranty extensions. Adjusted -6 points for its wider reputation.
5-star overall NHTSA crash rating (frontal 5, side 5, rollover 5).
About $2,250 a year in fuel (EPA estimate) — cheaper to run than about 65% of cars we track.
15 cu ft of cargo space — more than about 35% of other sedans we track.
Midsize sedan with generous rear legroom, among the roomier in its class.
Secure, soft-riding handling with light steering; the CVT saps engagement, though the 256-hp 3.6R adds decent shove.
This era's touchscreen is infamous for delamination and ghost inputs (top complaint cluster); EyeSight was ahead of its time.
Quiet, absorbent ride and supportive seats — a genuine strength of this generation.
Typical resale value for a sedan.
No published tow rating; all- or four-wheel drive available.
Safety & recalls14 recalls
14 recalls · 8 common complaint areas across 2015–2019
- Electrical — 47 complaints (2016)
- Recall — Structure (2019)
- Visibility/wiper — 46 complaints (2019)
2019
- RecallStructure19V493000
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.
- RecallFuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump20V218000
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Impreza, Outback, Legacy, and Ascent vehicles. The low pressure fuel pump may become inoperative.
- RecallFuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump21V587000
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.
- Complaint clusterVisibility/wiper46 complaintscomplaints:VISIBILITY/WIPER
We had to replace the car’s original windshield due to a stone hitting it on the highway- just bad luck and something that happens from time to time. Since then, we’ve had TWO replacement windshields spontaneously crack without any impacts in the span of 3 weeks. Subaru has a major problem. These
- Complaint clusterElectrical34 complaintscomplaints:ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Due to a dead battery issue in 2025, I bought a new battery. A year later, the car wouldn't start & I finally got it jumped. Ran fine for 3 weeks, then wouldn't start again. I brought car back to the Interstate battery shop, who tested the alternator, which was fine, but he said the battery was appe
- Complaint clusterUnknown or other15 complaintscomplaints:UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Multimedia component is not working correctly and it could cause an accident due to trying to change/control the component over and over again. It has a mind of its own. I turn it off and it turns on by itself. It switches radio stations by itself. The screen changes apps all by itself. I can't corr
- Complaint clusterEngine5 complaintscomplaints:ENGINE
The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Legacy. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment, and the vehicle intermittently stalled. The contact stated that seconds later, the vehicle returned to normal operation. No warning lights were
2018
- RecallElectrical: software; fuel system, gasoline18V773000
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
- RecallVisibility: rearview mirrors/devices18V935000
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
- RecallFuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump21V587000
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.
- Complaint clusterElectrical38 complaintscomplaints:ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The vehicle on board video entertainment display has stopped working properly. It does not allow any input to the touch screen. And the only way to regain some functionality is by pressing the steering wheel source button. However it works intermittently. And this causes Driver Distraction while dr
- Complaint clusterUnknown or other21 complaintscomplaints:UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The car 2018 Subaru Legacy 2018, has touch screen delamination on thecentral information/ entertainment screen, which leads to screen freezing, unresponsiveness, and erratic "phantom" inputs. These malfunctions disable vital safety features, like backup cameras, etc.. Subaru has settled claims on th
- Complaint clusterVisibility/wiper19 complaintscomplaints:VISIBILITY/WIPER
I have had the windshield replaced in this vehicle three times in less than one year. I recently took my car through a car wash that I use regularly and the next day, there was a new crack on the lower passenger side of the windshield. This is getting expensive to fix and seems to be a defect with
- Complaint clusterVisibility8 complaintscomplaints:VISIBILITY
The contact owns a 2018 Subaru Legacy. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the screen display went blank. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V935000 (Visibility). The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The
2017
- RecallSteering: column16V292000
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 th
- RecallAirbags: knee bolster; steering: column16V716000
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.
- Complaint clusterElectrical30 complaintscomplaints:ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Since the battery replacement settlement I've had 3 batteries die from my car being off, the latest battery replacement was 3/2026. I can't tell what my milage is since the battery is so dead that none of the displays turn on when I hit the start button
- Complaint clusterVisibility/wiper30 complaintscomplaints:VISIBILITY/WIPER
My 2017 Legacy is on it's 3rd windshield this year. I had impact damage on July 17th, had it replaced the first week of August, and it cracked without impact damage in October. Subaru refused to replace it under warranty and it was replaced through insurance in December. The genuine Subaru replac
- Complaint clusterUnknown or other18 complaintscomplaints:UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The mirror drivers side mirror wiggles. I. The even of a battery failure the electrical brake may fail
- Complaint clusterSteering9 complaintscomplaints:STEERING
Electric Power Steering failure
- Complaint clusterAirbags6 complaintscomplaints:AIR BAGS
The OCS sensor is faulty and doesn’t detect a passanger and may cause the airbag not to deploy, this is common according to other Subaru owners. This is a common problem on many cars and those cars have been recalled
2016
- RecallPowertrain: automatic transmission; power train: driveline: driveshaft15V502000
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.
- RecallPowertrain: driveline: differential unit; power train: driveline: driveshaft15V794000
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
- RecallSteering: column16V292000
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 th
- Complaint clusterElectrical47 complaintscomplaints:ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The factory touchscreen infotainment system is experiencing severe screen delamination (internal adhesive failure). This defect causes uncontrollable 'ghost touching,' where the screen registers phantom inputs. The system cycles through radio stations, changes audio sources, and changes navigation
- Complaint clusterUnknown or other23 complaintscomplaints:UNKNOWN OR OTHER
While traveling approximately 70 mph, my 2016 Subaru Legacy experienced a sudden drivetrain failure. The vehicle made a loud bang, immediately lost acceleration/power, and approximately five seconds later the front drivetrain locked, causing the tires to skid and leaving a long skid mark. The engine
- Complaint clusterSteering16 complaintscomplaints:STEERING
Steering did not return to neutral position after making a right turn, steering wanted to continue on right turn. I was able to pull it back to straight position with some needed force. I don't believe my wife would be able , after initial surprise, to steer back into lane of traffic. Result could h
- Complaint clusterVisibility/wiper14 complaintscomplaints:VISIBILITY/WIPER
I went to the store with an intact and unblemished windshield. After returning to the vehicle, a crack in the passenger side of the windshield appeared with no chip or damage visible. After only a day, this cracked had tripled in length with weekly crackling sounds. This is a known issue with Subaru
- Complaint clusterPowertrain12 complaintscomplaints:POWER TRAIN
There was a recall for my 2016 Subaru Legacy transmission issue (CVT), I got a letter from Subaru on 9/23/2018 which extended warranty for 2016-2017 Legacy/Outback CVT from 5 years/60000 miles to 10 years/100000 miles, started from 9/30/2019. The transmission of my Subaru started making noise half y
2015
- RecallExterior lighting: brake lights: switch; forward collision avoidance: crash imminent braking15V366000
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 manufact
- RecallPowertrain: automatic transmission; power train: driveline: driveshaft15V502000
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.
- RecallElectronic stability control (esc)16V251000
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
- Complaint clusterElectrical35 complaintscomplaints:ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I have had several battery issues that I just believed to be bad luck and would get a new battery under warranty but it has gotten worse lately. It led me to look online and I notice I am not nearly the only one as this complaint has been brought up my numerous people. It is in regards to my 2015 Su
- Complaint clusterVisibility/wiper32 complaintscomplaints:VISIBILITY/WIPER
My windshield cracked when I used the washer fluid. It cracked from the bottom where the VIN number is and continued across the windshield. I went to the Subaru dealer in Portage Indiana, to have it fixed under the extended warranty I received from Subaru for faulty windshields the dealer told me
- Complaint clusterUnknown or other15 complaintscomplaints:UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Incident ~ 5:40 pm, Geneva NY Weather ~ 10 F, not snowing. Background. On or shortly after being started, the vehicle had exhibited prior incidents of extremely rapid engine acceleration not initiated by the operator. Most recently the day before. The incident: I was in the process of very slowly
- Complaint clusterPowertrain14 complaintscomplaints:POWER TRAIN
2015 Subaru Legacy 2.5i, approximately 48,000 miles. CVT transmission failed suddenly with no prior warning signs. Vehicle was exclusively dealer-serviced for its entire life. While driving, the transmission began shuddering, slipping, and making metallic grinding noises. Vehicle could barely climb
- Complaint clusterEngine12 complaintscomplaints:ENGINE
I am reporting a Sudden Unintended Deceleration event in my Subaru. The vehicle grinded to a halt without driver input. The car stopped in the left lane of a major highway. We put on our hazards and called the state police for help. They were unable to get to us in time. We were hit from the rear
Cost to own$18,400 / 5 yr
MSRP, new
$21,695–$31,945
Estimated used price, by model year
$2,250/yr
EPA estimate, combined fuel cost per year.
Specs
City MPG
26
Highway MPG
35
Combined MPG
29
Horsepower
256 hp
Doors
4
Length
189.0 in
Width
72.4 in
Height
59.1 in
Wheelbase
108.3 in
Curb weight
3,402 lb
Cargo volume
15 cu ft
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