Recall 15V502 affects 2,893 2015-2016 Subaru Legacy and Outback vehicles for a deformed propeller shaft seal cap. Repair is free at any franchised Subaru dealer.
Subaru is recalling 2,893 2015-2016 Legacy and Outback vehicles because transmission oil can leak from a deformed seal cap on the propeller shaft yoke. If that oil reaches the exhaust pipe, the recall cites a fire risk; Subaru dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The propeller shaft yoke is the connection point where the driveshaft meets the transmission on 2015-2016 Subaru Legacy and Outback vehicles. The driveshaft carries power from the transmission toward the wheels, and the yoke helps transfer that rotation while the vehicle moves. A seal cap at that connection is supposed to keep transmission oil inside the assembly.
On included vehicles, the seal cap was deformed during manufacturing. Subaru traced the defect to a press-fit tool sensor that was positioned incorrectly after improper tool maintenance. The sensor contacted the seal cap instead of only detecting that it was present. Once the cap is bent out of shape, transmission oil can leak from the yoke area.
There is no warning sign before failure. An owner can still notice oil under the vehicle or fluid around the transmission and driveshaft connection, but Subaru listed no advance warning before the leak begins.
Who's affected?
Covers Legacy and Outback vehicles across the 2015 and 2016 model years, with both driveline and automatic transmission scope items.
| 2015 Subaru Legacy | driveline |
|---|---|
| 2016 Subaru Outback | automatic transmission |
| 2015 Subaru Legacy | automatic transmission |
| 2015 Subaru Outback | driveline |
| 2015 Subaru Outback | automatic transmission |
| 2016 Subaru Outback | driveline |
| 2016 Subaru Legacy | automatic transmission |
| 2016 Subaru Legacy | driveline |
| Units affected | 2,893 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included.
What's the safety risk?
If transmission oil leaks onto the exhaust pipe, fire risk increases. No warning sign is listed before the problem, so confirm whether your VIN is included and schedule the recall repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised Subaru dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2015-2016 Subaru Legacy or Outback is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Subaru dealer to schedule the free propeller-shaft replacement that fixes the deformed seal cap and transmission-oil leak.
- Bring the recall notice if Subaru mailed one. If not, reference recall number 15V502 and Subaru recall WQU-56 when you call.
- Park the vehicle and call the dealer if you see transmission oil leaking or smell burning near the exhaust before the repair.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Subaru technician replaces the propeller shaft covered by recall 15V502. The repair is available now, and parts and labor are free under the recall. Subaru's standard reimbursement plan is available for owners who already paid for the same propeller shaft repair before the recall work was completed. Bring repair orders, receipts, and proof of payment to the service desk so Subaru can review the documented expense.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| August 7, 2015 | Dealer notification began |
|---|---|
| August 7, 2015 | Dealer notification ended |
| August 10, 2015 | NHTSA published the recall |
| August 28, 2015 | Owner notification mailed |
| August 28, 2015 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 15V502?
Recall 15V502 covers 2,893 2015-2016 Subaru Legacy and Outback vehicles with a deformed seal cap on the propeller shaft yoke. Transmission oil can leak and reach the exhaust pipe, creating a fire risk. Subaru dealers replace the propeller shaft for free.
What should I do if my 2015-2016 Subaru Legacy or Outback is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 15V502. If it is, contact a franchised Subaru dealer to schedule the propeller shaft replacement. Reference recall number 15V502 or Subaru recall WQU-56 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Subaru's remedy for recall 15V502 is a free propeller shaft replacement at a franchised Subaru dealer.
What is the safety risk in recall 15V502?
The safety risk is fire. Subaru reported that transmission oil can leak from a deformed seal cap on the propeller shaft yoke. If that oil reaches the exhaust pipe, recall 15V502 identifies a fire risk. The dealer repair replaces the propeller shaft for free.
What if I bought my Subaru Legacy or Outback used?
The free recall repair still applies. Ownership history does not remove a vehicle from recall 15V502. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific Legacy or Outback is included, then call a franchised Subaru dealer and ask for the free propeller shaft replacement.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/15V502000 |
|---|---|
| Subaru customer service | 1-800-782-2783 |
| NHTSA recall # | 15V502 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 15V502000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 31, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →