Most common 2016 Subaru Legacy problems
Share of the 147 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Subaru Legacy complaints by model year
Best Legacy years: 2023, 2025, 2021. Years to avoid: 2015, 2016, 2011, 2020, 2019. Compare all years →
2016 Subaru Legacy recalls (3)
Steering › Column
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.
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.
Power train › Driveline › Differential unit
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.
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.
Power train › Driveline › Driveshaft
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.
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.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2016 Subaru Legacy:
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited.
What 2016 Subaru Legacy owners say
Electrical system all 51 →
The contact owns a 2016 Subaru Legacy. The contact stated that the battery became drained on multiple occasions. The contact stated that the battery had been replaced several times by the dealer. The computer system had been updated on the vehicle as that was the failure diagnosis however, the failure had continued. The contact stated that when she went to retrieve the vehicle from the dealer the battery was dead. The contact was advised to purchase a battery maintenance charger or to disconnect the battery cables. The contact stated that she purchased the charger and the failure still occurred if the vehicle was not plugged in for 24 hours. The manufacturer was notified, and a case was opened. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000.
The contact owns a 2016 Subaru Legacy. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact became aware that while the check engine light remained illuminated the horn failed to function as designed. The contact stated that after the check engine warning light issue was resolved the horn returned to normal functionality. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance; however, the manufacturer informed the contact that the failure was a known issue and advised the contact to stop driving the vehicle until the check engine warning light issue was resolved. The failure mileage was 184,000.
Windows, wipers & sunroof
I went to the store with an intact and unblemished windshield. After returning to the vehicle, a crack in the passenger side of the windshield appeared with no chip or damage visible. After only a day, this cracked had tripled in length with weekly crackling sounds. This is a known issue with Subarus and the manufacturer is trying to be selective with repairs. My vehicle has the EyeSight system and will cost me $1100.00 to repair because it's $700.00 to calibrate the system after glass repair..
A 6-inch crack suddenly appeared in the lower driver's side area of the windshield starting from the very edge in the black area. It follows the exact pattern of multiple other windshield crack complaints in this model year. The windshield has already been replaced twice before out-of-pocket due to similar cracking.
Steering
Steering did not return to neutral position after making a right turn, steering wanted to continue on right turn. I was able to pull it back to straight position with some needed force. I don't believe my wife would be able , after initial surprise, to steer back into lane of traffic. Result could have been an accident. I have not reproduced the problem at dealer or independent service facility or by manufacturer and because of no accident police or insurance co. not called. There were no warning signs. I just recently pudchased this vehicle within past week. I would call your attention to the articles on internet describing the problem and how to repair I don't think I should pay for repair as it is a recurring problem with other cars by same manufacturer. Thank you
May of 2017 I was driving north bound on 294. As I was going through the curve the power steering light came on the car wouldn't turn back. I stop and was able to pull the car off the road with no incident. I called sis it's a d asked if was a safety recall. I was told no. I then had them to the car to Subaru of America in orland park il. When the car was frosted told I was told the car would be fix it was common problem with the power steering motor. Subaru of America then contacted me saying the car was involved in accident so it wouldn't be fixed. Once they found out I was black. I filed a better business report Subaru still denied the claim telling to use my insurance my insuwpuldnt pay said it defect part. Subaru failed to examine the underlying problem before denying the claim. Subaru immediately blamed me but never checking the problem. Once I received the car back. …
2016 Subaru Legacy engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5L 4-cyl | CVT | AWD | 26 / 35 / 29 |
| 3.6L 6-cyl | CVT | AWD | 20 / 28 / 23 |
EPA ratings. Class: Midsize car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2016 Subaru Legacy a good car?
Based on 147 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2016 Legacy rates use caution: 1.8× as many complaints as a typical year of the Legacy at the same age. It is one of the Legacy years we suggest avoiding. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2016 Subaru Legacy?
The electrical system — 51 complaints, 35% of all complaints for this model year, most often about 12v/24v/48v battery. Next are the windows, wipers & sunroof (18) and steering (16).
How many recalls does the 2016 Subaru Legacy have?
There are 3 recalls for the 2016 Subaru Legacy, the most recent from May 11, 2016 (column). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Subaru Legacy?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2023, 2025 and 2021. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2015, 2016, 2011, 2020 and 2019. See the full Subaru Legacy years comparison.
At what mileage do 2016 Subaru Legacy problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 35,000 miles; 67% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.