2015 Subaru Legacy Transmission & Powertrain Problems
NHTSA lists 15 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2015 Subaru Legacy, 9% of all 159 complaints for the year. A related recall (15V502000) covers a transmission oil leak from a deformed seal cap, with a median failure mileage of 90,101 for this problem area.
- Transmission & Powertrain complaints
- 15
- 9% of 159
- Crashes reported
- 1
- Fires reported
- 0
- Injuries reported
- 0
- Median mileage
- 90,101 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical transmission symptoms owners report
- Owners describe abrupt throttle tip-in where the CVT delivers no power then surges suddenly, making low-speed maneuvers difficult.
- Some report the transmission howling at low speeds along with hesitation before a sudden burst of acceleration.
- Several owners mention rough or stalling-like idling after coming to a stop, with RPMs dropping and needing brake release to normalize.
- Owners note transmission slipping during driving, sometimes accompanied by unrelated body or window issues.
- One owner reported the vehicle displaying a 'Shift to Park' message and failing to restart after the alarm system did not deactivate properly.
- A separate account describes intermittent jerking and shaking, described as 'bucking,' that dealers could not diagnose.
When 2015 Subaru Legacy transmission complaints were filed
First complaint Feb 2, 2015, latest Mar 10, 2026.
Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2015 Subaru Legacy
- NHTSA 15V502000Aug 10, 2015Transmission & Powertrain2,893 vehicles
Power train:automatic transmission
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.
Risk: If the transmission oil leaks onto the exhaust pipe, there is a possible risk of fire.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the propeller shaft, free of charge. The recall began on August 28, 2015. Owners may contact 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WQU-56.
Transmission & Powertrain complaints by Legacy model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How many transmission complaints does the 2015 Subaru Legacy have?
- NHTSA lists 15 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2015 Legacy, which is 9% of the 159 total complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a transmission recall for the 2015 Subaru Legacy?
- Yes. Recall 15V502000, reported August 10, 2015, covers a transmission oil leak from a deformed seal cap on vehicles built between July 3 and July 27, 2015. Subaru dealers replace the propeller shaft free of charge.
- At what mileage do transmission problems typically show up?
- The median mileage at failure for this problem area is 90,101 miles, based on NHTSA complaint data.
- Did the transmission issues cause any crashes or fires?
- NHTSA data links this problem area to 1 crash and 0 fires for the 2015 Legacy.
- How does the 2015 Legacy compare to other Legacy years for transmission complaints?
- The 2015 Legacy's 15 complaints and 9% share are lower than 2010-2012, which ranged from 28% to 38%, but similar to 2014 and 2016.