Subaru Legacy 6th gen (BN) Problems, Recalls & Lemon Law

brake pedal problem; reduced braking; unexpected braking; brake warning light

This recall addresses an EyeSight / electronic stability-control software defect that could cause unexpected braking or loss of brake assist on 2015 Legacy models. Under California's Song-Beverly Act, a safety-system defect that recurs after a dealer's software reflash constitutes a covered warranty repair attempt. Owners who returned to the dealer two or more times for the same unexpected-braking symptom within the warranty period may be within eligibility range.

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.

clunking from drivetrain; loss of drive power; vehicle may roll when parked

Recall 15V502 involves transmission-oil leakage from a deformed propeller-shaft seal cap that could cause complete loss of drive power and an unsecured park position on 2015-2016 Legacy AWD models. A drivetrain failure at highway speed — or a car that rolls when supposedly in Park — is a safety defect under Song-Beverly. Owners who experienced multiple drivetrain clunk or no-drive events within the warranty period, even after a propeller-shaft replacement under this recall, should document every dealer visit carefully.

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.

clunking from drivetrain; loss of drive power; vehicle may roll when parked

Recall 15V794 is a distinct driveshaft defect on certain 2016 Legacy vehicles: improperly tightened securing nuts that could allow the driveshaft to separate. Unlike 15V502, the defect here is a fastener torque error, not a seal failure. If a 2016 Legacy owner experienced drivetrain clunking, shimmy, or loss of propulsion after the recall inspection, and the dealer closed the repair order with 'unable to duplicate' or minimal action, those records support a Song-Beverly claim based on recurring safety-system failure.

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.

brake pedal problem; reduced braking; unexpected braking; brake warning light

Recall 16V251 covers a separate brake-fluid moisture defect that degraded ESC performance on specific 2015 Legacy vehicles manufactured July 20, 2015. If a dealer performed a brake-fluid flush under this recall and the owner later experienced brake-feel complaints or ESC warnings, those subsequent visits create independent repair-attempt records. Song-Beverly counts each warranty repair visit — a documented return trip after a recall remedy is significant.

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.

sticky steering; steering wheel feels stuck; increased steering effort; steering recall

Recall 16V292 addresses an improperly machined steering column on 2016-2017 Legacy models that caused the steering wheel to bind or require excessive effort — a loss-of-control risk. Sticky or heavy steering is a classic Song-Beverly defect: it is safety-critical, owner-detectable, and often intermittent (making 'cannot duplicate' responses common at the dealer). Two or more visits for hard steering within the warranty period, with the recall remedy applied but symptoms continuing, satisfies the reasonable-number-of-attempts threshold.

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. Su

sticky steering; steering wheel feels stuck; increased steering effort; steering recall

Recall 16V716 targets a specific 2017 Legacy production window where the knee-guard bracket weld to the steering beam assembly was defective. An improperly attached steering beam affects crash-safety structural integrity, not just steering feel. If a 2017 Legacy owner returned multiple times for steering-column noise, steering-column movement, or airbag warning lights related to the steering assembly, those visits may independently support a Song-Beverly claim even if the underlying recall inspection was completed.

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.

warning light; recall notice; repeated dealer repair

Recall 18V773 covers a software error causing the 2018 Legacy's low-fuel warning to fail and the miles-to-empty readout to show a positive number when the tank is empty — a defect with real stranding risk. While classified Functional (not Safety), an owner who ran out of fuel due to an inaccurate gauge, or who returned to the dealer for the same inaccurate-display symptom after the software reflash, has documented warranty repair attempts that matter under Song-Beverly — especially combined with other open issues on the same vehicle.

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.

backup camera blank; screen goes black in reverse; rearview camera distorted

Recall 18V935 addresses a software fault causing the 2018 Legacy's rearview camera to show a blank screen on startup — a federally mandated rear-visibility safety system. A blank backup camera is a safety defect under both FMVSS 111 and Song-Beverly. If the dealer reflashed the audio software under this recall and the camera continued to intermittently black out, each additional dealer visit is a documented repair attempt. Two or more post-recall visits for the same blank-camera symptom within the warranty period is textbook eligibility.

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.

warning light; recall notice; repeated dealer repair

Recall 19V493 covers improperly applied spot welds on the cowl-panel duct of certain 2019 Legacy vehicles, reducing structural body strength. Notably, Subaru's own remedy included the option to repurchase affected vehicles — an acknowledgment of defect severity. If a 2019 Legacy owner was offered a repurchase under this recall but declined, or was told repair was insufficient, that record alone may establish a Song-Beverly foundation. An owner who experienced structural noise, water intrusion, or body-rigidity concerns should preserve all repair documentation.

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.

engine stalls while driving; vehicle will not start; loss of power; fuel pump recall

Recall 20V218 covers a potentially inoperative low-pressure fuel pump on 2019 Legacy models that could cause engine stall or no-start — a loss of propulsion risk at highway speeds. Under Song-Beverly, an engine stall while driving is a safety defect. Owners who experienced multiple stall events or extended dealer downtime waiting for the replacement fuel pump (supply constraints were common with this recall) may count time-out-of-service days toward the 30-day threshold, independent of the repair-attempt count.

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.

engine stalls while driving; vehicle will not start; loss of power; fuel pump recall

Recall 21V587 is a broader low-pressure fuel-pump recall (Subaru campaign WRG-21) covering 2018-2019 Legacy along with other Subaru models. This recall and 20V218 (WRD-20) address related but distinct pump-failure modes. An owner of a 2018-2019 Legacy who received notice of both recalls, experienced a stall or no-start, and required repeated dealer visits for fuel-system diagnosis is accumulating independent repair attempts across two separate recall campaigns — a strong Song-Beverly posture even if each individual campaign had only one visit.

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.

oil light comes on between oil changes; low oil warning at less than 3,000 miles; using more than one quart of oil per 1,000-3,000 miles; burning oil smell from engine; blue smoke on startup; dealer requests oil-consumption study; no external oil leak visible

Excessive oil consumption on the FB25 is a recurring powertrain defect acknowledged by Subaru on the predecessor generation. Under Song-Beverly, a defect that requires repeated dealer visits for oil-consumption studies without resolution — or that results in engine damage from oil starvation — constitutes an unrepaired warranty defect. California owners whose dealers conducted multiple consumption studies and refused to authorize ring or short-block replacement may have repair-attempt records sufficient to support a claim.

Dealer-initiated oil-consumption study (typically 1,000-mile intervals); if consumption exceeds Subaru's threshold, piston ring replacement or short-block replacement under powertrain warranty. If vehicle is out of warranty, owner may cite the precedent of the 2011-2014 extended-coverage program. Interim: more frequent oil-level checks and top-offs.

CVT shudders at low speed or when accelerating from a stop; transmission slipping or jerking between 15-35 mph; metallic grinding noise from transmission; AT OIL TEMP warning light illuminates; loss of power on grades; CVT replaced under warranty; received Subaru CVT warranty extension notice; rough idle at stops

CVT shudder or failure is a Drivability/Reliability defect that directly impairs safe vehicle operation. Under Song-Beverly, a transmission defect requiring multiple dealer visits — especially one where the dealer performs a fluid service and the shudder returns — counts as repeated unsuccessful warranty repair attempts. Owners who experienced CVT replacement followed by recurrence, or who were told the shudder was 'normal CVT feel,' have documented dealer acknowledgment of the defect with disputed resolution.

CVT fluid drain-and-fill (interim; may suppress shudder temporarily); TCM software update if available; CVT assembly replacement under powertrain warranty. Subaru dealer warranty coverage on CVT typically 5 years / 60,000 miles standard powertrain; some owners received extended coverage via warranty-extension program notification.

windshield cracks without impact; crack appears overnight while parked; loud pop followed by crack spreading across windshield; multiple windshield replacements within 12-18 months; crack starts at base near wiper area or lower driver corner; EyeSight system disabled after crack; EyeSight recalibration required after each windshield replacement

Multiple windshield replacements — particularly when each requires EyeSight recalibration at the dealer — constitute multiple documented warranty or out-of-warranty repair events. If the cracks occur within the 3-year / 36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and the dealer refuses coverage on grounds of road-hazard exclusion, California's implied warranty provisions may still apply when the defect is clearly systematic and not attributable to owner misuse. Owners with three or more windshield replacements in the first 24 months should document every repair order and EyeSight recalibration charge.

Windshield replacement (OEM glass required for EyeSight vehicles to maintain camera alignment) followed by EyeSight camera recalibration at the dealer. Insurance typically covers glass; however, multiple replacements on the same vehicle may be contested. Subaru has not issued a formal recall or extended coverage for this defect.

car slams on brakes without driver input; sudden unintended deceleration on highway; EyeSight pre-collision braking activates with no obstacle present; cruise control disengages unexpectedly; vehicle lurches forward or brakes hard at low speed in parking lot; EyeSight warning light illuminates; EyeSight disabled by dealer but problem recurs

An ADAS system that applies emergency braking without driver input is a safety defect. Under Song-Beverly, unintended deceleration at highway speed — particularly when it has caused or nearly caused a rear-end collision — is the type of safety-critical defect that California courts treat seriously. If a dealer acknowledges the phantom-braking event on a repair order but cannot replicate it and closes with 'no fault found,' that visit still counts as a documented repair attempt. Two or more such visits, especially following a windshield replacement that required EyeSight recalibration, builds the pattern.

EyeSight camera recalibration; software update to collision-avoidance detection parameters if available; in severe cases, dealer may disable EyeSight pre-collision braking and advise owner to drive with the feature off. Windshield replacement and recalibration required if camera alignment has been disturbed.

touchscreen goes black while driving; infotainment system freezes and requires hard reset; backup camera fails when screen is frozen; navigation stops responding; Bluetooth phone connection drops mid-call; radio/audio system restarts spontaneously; screen unresponsive to touch for 30 seconds or more; system reboots on startup

While an infotainment freeze is classified Functional rather than Safety, the Starlink system on the Legacy integrates the backup camera (a federally mandated rear-visibility system) and EyeSight status display. A head unit that repeatedly freezes — taking the backup camera with it — touches safety territory. Under Song-Beverly, multiple dealer visits for the same screen-freeze symptom, even if each is resolved with a software update or reset, constitute repeated repair attempts. Owners whose 2015-2017 Legacy systems freeze regularly and who have no recall remedy available are in a stronger lemon-law posture than those with recall coverage.

Dealer software update to head unit firmware if a current update is available; in severe cases, head unit module replacement. Interim owner workaround: hard-reset by holding power button for 10+ seconds. Note: Recall 18V935 already addressed one software variant on 2018 models — owners of 2015-2017 units with persistent freezing may not have a comparable recall remedy.

battery dead after car sits for 2-5 days; car will not start after a long weekend; jump-start needed repeatedly; battery replaced but drain recurs; dealer says battery tests normal; no parasitic draw found at dealer visit; EyeSight or Starlink modem drawing power when car is off

Recurring battery failure that leaves an owner stranded is a Drivability/Reliability defect covered by the original powertrain and electrical warranty. Under Song-Beverly, the 'cannot duplicate' pattern — where the dealer checks the battery same-day and finds nothing — is precisely the dealer friction the lemon law anticipates. Owners who document every no-start event with a tow or jump-start record, and who present the vehicle for diagnosis three or more times, create a repair-attempt record even without a confirmed root cause on each visit.

Battery load test and replacement (typically first dealer response); follow-up parasitic draw test with all modules monitored over extended period; software updates to Starlink modem or EyeSight controller if available; module replacement in confirmed cases.

oil level drops between service intervals on 3.6R model; engine noise on cold start; ticking or rattling from engine on startup until oil pressure builds; burning oil smell from 3.6R engine; low oil warning light activates early; blue-tinted exhaust smoke under hard acceleration

EZ36 oil consumption follows the same lemon-law analysis as the FB25 (iss-12): if the dealer conducts multiple oil-consumption studies without authorizing ring replacement, and the owner experiences repeat low-oil events within the warranty period, those visits are documented repair attempts. The 3.6R trim is a top-of-line Legacy variant; owners paid a premium for a flagship powertrain and have strong expectations of reliability under Song-Beverly's implied warranty of merchantability.

Oil-consumption monitoring study at dealer; piston ring inspection and replacement if consumption exceeds manufacturer threshold; chain tensioner inspection and replacement if noise persists beyond 10-15 seconds of cold start. Use of 0W-20 full-synthetic oil as specified is required; non-spec oil accelerates ring deposits.