The 2015-2019 Legacy with the FB25 2.5L H4 is significantly more reliable than older EJ-series Subarus, but it's not bulletproof — oil consumption and CVT issues dominate the repair landscape, with catastrophic engine failures possible if neglected.
Excessive Oil Consumption Leading to Engine Failure
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 60,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Low oil warning light between changes, Burning 1+ quart per 1,000 miles, Blue smoke from exhaust on startup or acceleration, Eventual rod knock or seized engine if oil runs dry
Fix: Early-stage: monitor oil religiously, use 0W-20 synthetic, some improvement with PCV valve cleaning. Advanced cases require piston ring replacement (12-16 hrs) or short block replacement (18-24 hrs). Subaru extended warranty covered many cases through 2020.
Estimated cost: $4,500-8,000
CVT Transmission Judder and Failure
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 80,000-140,000 mi
Symptoms: Shuddering or lurching during acceleration from stop, Hesitation or jerking when downshifting, Whining or grinding noises, Transmission overheating warnings, Complete loss of forward gears
Fix: Fluid drain/fill with Subaru High Torque CVT fluid can temporarily help shudder (2 hrs, $200-300). Transmission valve body replacement runs 6-8 hrs. Full CVT replacement is 10-14 hrs. Extended warranty covered many failures to 100k miles.
Estimated cost: $800-6,500
Transmission Oil Cooler Line Leaks
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi
Symptoms: Red ATF puddles under front of vehicle, Low transmission fluid warning, Transmission overheating under load, Visible fluid weeping near radiator area
Fix: Cooler lines corrode where they connect to the cooler housing. Replace both lines and associated O-rings/seals (3-4 hrs). Sometimes requires radiator removal for access. Flush and refill CVT fluid after repair.
Estimated cost: $500-900
Head Gasket Seepage (Not Catastrophic Like EJ Engines)
Occasional · low severity
Typical onset: 100,000-150,000 mi
Symptoms: Minor external coolant seepage at head/block junction, Slight coolant smell after hot shutdown, Very slow coolant loss over months, No overheating or white smoke (internal leaks rare on FB25)
Fix: FB25 head gaskets rarely fail internally like EJ engines. External seepage is slow and manageable. If addressing, it's 14-18 hrs for both sides with timing components and water pump replacement recommended simultaneously.
Estimated cost: $2,800-4,200
Fuel Pump Control Module Failure
Occasional · high severity
Symptoms: No-start condition, crank but no fire, Engine stalling while driving (dangerous), Intermittent starting issues, Check engine light with fuel system codes
Fix: Recall 21V-897 addressed many 2018-2019 models. Module under rear seat fails suddenly. Replacement is 2-3 hrs including diagnosis. Subaru-only part, no aftermarket available. If outside recall window, you're paying out of pocket.
Estimated cost: $600-1,000
EyeSight System False Warnings and Malfunctions
Common · low severity
Symptoms: Pre-Collision Braking System warning on dash, EyeSight temporarily unavailable messages, Cruise control inoperative, False collision warnings or phantom braking, Windshield camera condensation in humid climates
Fix: Often triggered by windshield chips near camera area (windshield replacement mandatory, $800-1,400 with recalibration). Software updates resolve some issues (1 hr at dealer). Camera failures require dealer replacement and calibration (3-4 hrs, dealer-only work).
Estimated cost: $200-2,500
Rear Differential Mount Failure
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 80,000-130,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunking from rear on acceleration or deceleration, Vibration during highway driving, Driveline shudder during hard acceleration, Visible torn rubber on diff mount
Fix: Rear diff mount separates or tears from repeated torque cycling. Replacement requires subframe support and exhaust work (4-5 hrs). Some 2015 models had recall WTL-44 for driveshaft issues that compound this.
Estimated cost: $650-1,100
Owner tips
Check oil level every other fill-up — oil consumption kills more FB25 engines than anything else
CVT fluid drain/fill every 30k miles with Subaru High Torque fluid, not generic CVT fluid
Avoid short trips under 5 miles in cold weather; FB25 needs time to reach operating temp to prevent oil dilution
Have EyeSight calibration checked after any windshield replacement — improper aim causes false warnings
Keep detailed service records; Subaru may goodwill major repairs if you prove maintenance compliance
Good used buy if oil consumption history is documented clean and CVT has been serviced — avoid high-mileage examples without proof of religious maintenance.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.
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.
Consequence: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the low-pressure fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 24, 2021. Subaru and Toyota owners may call customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRG-21.
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Impreza, Outback, Legacy, and Ascent vehicles. The low pressure fuel pump may become inoperative.
Consequence: If the low pressure fuel pump fails, the engine may stall without the ability to restart the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the low pressure fuel pump, free of charge. The recall began June 4, 2020. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRD-20.
STRUCTURE · 19V493000
2019-06-26
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.
Consequence: In the event of a crash, the reduced strength of the vehicle body may increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles and repair or repurchase the vehicle, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began July 26, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUH-93.
VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES · 18V935000
2018-12-31
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."
Consequence: Failure to display the rearview image while backing up increases the risk of crash.
Remedy: Subaru has notified owners, and dealers will reprogram the audio system display software, free of charge. The recall began on February 5, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WTZ-85.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE · 18V773000
2018-11-01
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.
Consequence: The inaccurate fuel display may cause a driver to unexpectedly run out of fuel and the vehicle to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the combination meter software, free of charge. The recall began February 20, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WTW-82.
STEERING:COLUMN · 16V716000
2016-10-06
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.
Consequence: If the knee guard is not properly attached and the driver is not wearing a seatbelt, the knee guard may not be able to properly restrain the driver's lower body in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the knee guard welding on each vehicle's steering beam, replacing the beam as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 14, 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WTL-72.
STEERING:COLUMN · 16V292000
2016-05-11
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.
Consequence: The loss of steering ability would increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the lot number on the steering column, replacing the steering column, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 13, 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783 or by visiting http://www.wtd65.service-campaign.com. Subaru's number for this recall is WTD-65. Note: Until the vehicles have been inspected, owners are advised not to drive their vehicles.
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) · 16V251000
2016-04-27
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."
Consequence: Poor performance of the electronic stability control system when it is activated may result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will perform an ABS activation, then flush and replace the brake fluid, free of charge. The recall began on May 20, 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WTC-64.
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT · 15V794000
2015-11-24
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.
Consequence: If the drive shaft detaches from the rear differential, it may strike the fuel tank and result in a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Subaru has notified owners, and dealers will inspect the fastening nuts, and tighten or replace them, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on December 10, 2015. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-856-488-8500. Subaru's number for this recall is WQV-57.
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT · 15V502000
2015-08-10
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.
Consequence: 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.
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.
Consequence: If the automatic pre-collision braking system does not function as intended, the vehicle will not react to an obstacle in its path, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the driver assist system, free of charge. The recall began on July 20, 2015. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WQS-54.
Vehicle Info — 2015–2019 Subaru Legacy
Performance
Horsepower
175hp
Torque
174lb-ft
Fuel economy (EPA)
City
25mpg
Highway
34mpg
Combined
29mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
Capability & size
Seating
5seats
EPA class
Midsize Cars
Wiper blades
6th generation. Sedan body style has no rear wiper.
Size-standard part numbers — verify your connector type before buying. Rear blades are model-specific; check the package's vehicle list.
Fuel economy figures are EPA data via fueleconomy.gov (median across matching trims). Performance figures are compiled estimates for the 2015–2019 Subaru Legacy 2.5L H4 and can vary by trim.
🔧 Built by master technician Chris Hackleman · Master Technician · 20+ years.