2015 Subaru Legacy electrical problems

Controllers Area Network (CAN) system fails to enter sleep mode, causing continuous electrical draw on the battery. Vehicles go completely dead after sitting unused for several days, even with a new battery. Multiple owners report replacing batteries 4-6 times in 7 years despite alternator and charging system testing normal.

When: When vehicle is parked and shut down; occurs within hours to days of non-use depending on electrical loads

Symptoms owners cite: Battery completely dead after 3-8+ hours of non-use; Vehicle fails to start despite recent driving and battery replacement; Requires battery tender/trickle charger after every use; Frequent jump-starts needed; Multiple battery replacements within warranty period

Repairs/costs cited: Owners report dealer refuses to perform two Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) issued by Subaru without payment and claim no evidence is needed; independent mechanics have confirmed parasitic draw exists but no permanent fix documented in narratives

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Class action lawsuit against Subaru for CAN system failures; TSBs issued but dealers refuse to perform without customer payment

Vehicle accelerates despite driver foot on brake pedal. Occurs at low speeds during normal braking maneuvers. Brake pedal initially works, then vehicle suddenly accelerates without throttle input or floor mat interference. Two separate incidents reported in same vehicle.

When: During normal braking at low speeds (slowing for traffic light, backing into driveway)

Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle accelerates suddenly while driver applies brake; Acceleration continues despite driver returning foot to brake; No throttle pedal contact, driver verifies this explicitly; Floor mats properly secured and ruled out as cause; Initial braking effort works, then sudden acceleration occurs

All hazard and warning lights illuminate simultaneously: ABS light, brake light (flashing red), EyeSight light, anti-skid light, check engine light, adaptive cruise control light, lane departure light. Lights come on without warning, disable cruise control and associated features, then disappear within hours or days. Dealer initially attributed to low oil despite oil level within spec.

When: Intermittent; first occurrence noted, recurred one month later after oil change; system can lock up multiple times during same day before clearing

Symptoms owners cite: All dashboard warning lights illuminate simultaneously; Cruise control and lane departure features disabled when lights are on; Lights persist through multiple car shutdowns and restarts; Problem resolves spontaneously after several hours or overnight; Recurs unpredictably

Repairs/costs cited: Dealer attributed to low oil level despite vehicle near oil change interval; problem persisted after oil change and recurred within weeks

Radio/navigation/driver assistance display console locks up and becomes non-operable after 15 minutes of operation. System crashes repeatedly and reboots required. Dealer replaced entire console unit twice; second replacement had wrong model installed, requiring third service visit. Problem recurred during warm months despite replacements.

When: Initial onset within 3 months of purchase; recurred April 2016 after winter period; became more frequent during warm/sunny weather in summer (locked up almost every day in July on warm, sunny days on highway commute)

Symptoms owners cite: Radio/navigation display locks up after ~15 minutes of operation; System becomes completely non-operable; requires vehicle shutdown to reboot; Navigation maps inaccessible even after replacement units installed; Frequency increases during warm/sunny weather; Occurs during highway driving at high speeds

Repairs/costs cited: Center console replaced once; second replacement unit was incorrect model; third replacement was correct model but problem recurred; owner maintains log of lockup occurrences

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer and regional technician recommended complete console replacement; error in inventory accounting system required second replacement

Adaptive cruise control (EyeSight) system fails to detect roadway and road markings in specific lighting conditions. System abruptly shuts off or activates prematurely without driver input. Also exhibits erratic behavior with rain/moisture sensitivity.

When: Very low ambient light conditions on roadway (nighttime); erratic behavior in light rain when system should not disable; inconsistent operation in varying rain conditions

Symptoms owners cite: System fails to detect roadway in low light despite headlights on; Abrupt shutdown at highway speeds (50+ mph) without brake lights indicating deceleration; Erratic on/off cycling in rain conditions; Premature activation without driver input at 65 mph; System shuts off inappropriately in light rain; stays off for prolonged periods

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: EyeSight recall notification sent to at least one owner; issue described as erratic over several months prior

Electronic parking brake locks and will not release, immobilizing vehicle. All four brakes remain locked even in neutral. System does not respond to release commands. Vehicle newly purchased when failure occurred.

When: While parked in garage; newly purchased vehicle

Symptoms owners cite: Electronic parking brake will not release; Vehicle remains immobilized even in neutral with engine running; All four brakes locked despite neutral selection; Vehicle cannot move forward or backward; EyeSight system error light present; system has exhibited erratic behavior in preceding months

Repairs/costs cited: Tow truck operator unfamiliar with model's brake release procedure

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: EyeSight recall notification received but not yet serviced at time of failure

Snow and water enter engine compartment during normal winter driving despite proper hood fit. Water accumulates on battery, electrical components, wiring, and fuse connectors causing corrosion and burning smell. Water stains, rust, and discoloration visible on electrical connectors and components.

When: During/after snow and rain driving in winter conditions

Symptoms owners cite: Burning smell from engine and inside cabin while idling; Water/snow accumulation on battery and entire engine compartment; Corrosion and rust on electrical wires and components; White plastic fuse connectors discolored from exposure; Salt stains underneath hood and on engine body; Standing water underneath battery cradle; More severe on left side than right side

Repairs/costs cited: First dealer unable to replicate, second dealer identified 'rustproof coating from factory on exhaust' as odor source but did not address water intrusion

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Subaru of America contacted but no response documented; owner notes this is known issue with Subaru Crosstrek and prior Legacy model years

Water leaks into driver-side footwell area. Owner notes this is documented as known issue with Subaru Crosstrek and prior Legacy model years.

When: Discovered 3/2/15; occurs during wet/snowy weather

Symptoms owners cite: Water pooling in driver-side footwell area

All dashboard lights suddenly illuminate while driving at highway speed with foot on accelerator. Vehicle enters automatic braking mode with brakes locking. Described as abrupt nose-dive deceleration. Results in accident and injuries.

When: While driving 60-65 mph in fast lane of interstate highway

Symptoms owners cite: All dashboard lights illuminate suddenly; Automatic braking system engages without driver input; Front of vehicle enters nose-dive deceleration; Brakes lock and remain locked; Vehicle unable to continue normal operation

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Takata recall mentioned in narrative; claim submitted to Subaru, no follow-up for 2 months, vehicle to be examined by Subaru engineer after legal assistance involved

Smoke visible inside parked vehicle. Fire originated around front passenger side door area. Owner extinguished fire by throwing snow into vehicle. No warning lights illuminated prior to fire. No injuries reported.

When: While vehicle parked at residence; 102,000 miles on odometer

Symptoms owners cite: Smoke visible inside vehicle cabin; Fire originating near front passenger door; No warning lights prior to fire

Blown fuse F26 (backup fuse) in main fuse compartment. Owner notes this is a recurring issue in earlier model years that was recalled and reworked by Subaru at no cost. Issue cited as potential fire hazard and overheating risk.

When: Current vehicle generation

Symptoms owners cite: Blown fuse F26 in main compartment; Potential for overheating and fire

Codes mentioned: F26

Repairs/costs cited: Owner references Subaru forums showing earlier model years had same issue, which was recalled

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Earlier model years had recall; current issue not addressed

Coolant leaking from engine with burning electrical smell from engine compartment. Water entered through wheel wells onto fuse box and electrical components, extending into driver-side floorboard. Occurs at very low mileage.

When: At 11,200 miles

Symptoms owners cite: Coolant leaking from engine; Burning electrical smell from engine compartment; Water entry through wheel wells; Water on fuse box and electrical components; Water in driver-side floorboard

Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle not repaired

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer made aware of issue

Blind Spot and Rear Backup Detection (SRVD) system malfunctions and provides false or no alerts. System malfunction indicator illuminates at startup and does not clear during driving. Dealer unable to resolve issue despite service visit.

When: At 39,000 miles; malfunction occurs at vehicle startup and persists during driving

Symptoms owners cite: SRVD malfunction indicator illuminates at startup; Malfunction does not clear when driving; System failure renders safety feature inoperative

Repairs/costs cited: Dealer unable to solve issue

Airbag malfunction warning light illuminates. Concurrent with airbag warning, ignition lock warning begins blinking and vehicle will not start. Front passenger window also becomes inoperable from driver controls. Problem recurs repeatedly.

When: 40 minutes into drive on 5/12/21; recurs on 5/14/21 again after 40 minutes of driving

Symptoms owners cite: Airbag malfunction warning light on dashboard; Ignition lock warning light blinking; Vehicle will not start; Front passenger window inoperable from driver controls; Multiple occurrences within days

Repairs/costs cited: Battery terminal part replaced by independent mechanic on 3/31/21 prior to incidents; vehicle has been stopped on 5 occasions total

Radio display freezes completely and becomes unresponsive to all controls including power button. Only resolution is vehicle shutdown and restart. Separate from infotainment system lockup issues.

When: Multiple occurrences over recent months

Symptoms owners cite: Radio display freezes; All controls unresponsive; Power button does not respond; Requires vehicle restart to resolve

Fuel gauge gets stuck and displays incorrect fuel level. Displays empty when tank is half full. Gauge returns to normal operation after some time.

When: Cold weather (40°F outside temperature); cleared by next day

Symptoms owners cite: Fuel gauge stuck on empty; Gauge reading inaccurate (empty when half-full); Gauge returns to normal after time

Front passenger side window motor failure. Window cannot be raised or lowered. Failure correlates with parasitic battery drain issues.

When: Secondary failure related to parasitic battery drain

Symptoms owners cite: Passenger side forward window inoperable; Window cannot raise or lower

Sweet smell emanating from engine compartment. Dealer states smell is normal and fine, owner disagrees based on comparison with other new vehicles. Occurs in newly purchased vehicle with low mileage.

When: Within weeks of purchase on new vehicle with ~34 miles

Symptoms owners cite: Sweet smell from engine area; Smell noted as abnormal compared to other new vehicles

Repairs/costs cited: Dealer states no leak and smell is normal

Electronic parking brake button located too close to center console reachable area. Accidental engagement while reaching for items at center console causes sudden hard braking at highway speed.

When: While driving on freeway at 72 mph cruise speed

Symptoms owners cite: Accidental parking brake activation; Sudden hard braking ('scratching halt'); Vehicles behind required emergency evasion

MirrorLink smartphone integration app malfunctions.

Symptoms owners cite: MirrorLink app malfunction

Severe rodent infestation with rats nesting on engine and chewing through wiring harnesses, transmission insulation, hood insulation, fuel transfer pipes, and fuel lines. Requires extensive replacement of damaged components.

When: After sitting in driveway for 3 days

Symptoms owners cite: Rat nest on top of engine; Chewed wiring and hoses; Strong exhaust smell; Difficult starting after infestation

Repairs/costs cited: Replaced: engine wiring harness, transmission harness, transmission insulation, firewall insulation, hood insulation, fuel transfer pipes, fuel lines at engine bay; cleaned excess debris from engine and fuel bays after fuel tank drop. Total cost $4,557.42; insurance covered with $1,000 deductible