Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2016 Subaru Legacy owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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.
Having a problem with battery draining while the car is turned off. Experienced it previously 24,095 miles and 3 years on the first battery. Had to call AAA and get a jump start, and simply replaced the battery (9/18/19). Over the last year started experiencing similar problems with the replacement battery, and bought a battery charger, so when it would not start in the morning, I would put it on the charger and use my other car (a 2020 Subaru Forester). Took the Legacy to the dealer (10/15/22 - 39,224 odometer reading), he tested the battery, and said there was no problem. Went on vacation for 5 days, came back, and again the car would not start. Took it to another battery dealer, after charging, and they also said there was no problem with the battery. Recently found out that Subaru has agreed to a settlement in a class action lawsuit. …
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Key ignition does not want to release once car is in park and shutdown. I have to wait 15 minutes or more until the ignition decides to release the key. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? It is a safety issue as I can't leave my keys on the ignition and wait until someone steals it. It mostly happens during the summer time. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes, the problem has been seen by an independence service center. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? My warranty is expired therefore I have not been able to get it inspected without having to pay out of pocket for it. …
Battery discharges very quickly and also isn't able to power up the vehicle on a cold day. The original battery on my vehicle (2016 model) was replaced a year (04/2018) before I purchased the vehicle as a CPO (June 2019), but on multiple occasions after purchase I had issues with starting up the vehicle and not having the battery charging despite having it run for 45 min or longer. I finally went to a dealership when in June 2021 since I wanted the battery replaced expecting that it would be covered under the 85 month pro-rated warranty for the battery replacement in 2018. However, I was asked to pay for the battery as the previous replacement was a "good will" according to the dealership and so was not eligible for a free replacement. …
Car showed several check engine lights over the course of 6 months which originally pointed to the O2 sensors and then the alternator and then eventually ECU being an issue. Upon further inspection by a Subaru specialist after many codes relating to bank 1 sensor 2 too lean, oil was noticed in the ECU and then later in the O2 sensor. The oil was cleaned to the best of their ability and less than 24hrs later, more oil was found in the other O2 sensor. Oil seems to be traveling through the wiring harness from the engine into the electrical components. Has caused my car to mis fire at speeds as low as 25 and as high as 75 (causing jerking and unsafe driving on the interstate) and the oil is damaging lots of electrical components under the hood. My car is currently inoperable waiting for repairs on sept 15, 2021
The factory touchscreen infotainment system is experiencing severe screen delamination (internal adhesive failure). This defect causes uncontrollable 'ghost touching,' where the screen registers phantom inputs. The system cycles through radio stations, changes audio sources, and changes navigation without driver input, causing an extreme, sudden driver distraction. Furthermore, the system frequently freezes and crashes, which completely disables the backup camera display. This prevents a clear view behind the vehicle and creates a severe safety hazard for pedestrians. The dealer confirmed the issue. Contacted Subaru of America and they are unwilling to assist at all with fixing the issue, leaving the customer to pay full price to replace the screen. Does not seem like a fair business practice.
I bought the car used in 07/2020. Took the vehicle to get it checked at a Subaru Dealership Service center. When I returned to pick up my car, it would not start. The shop checked told me the battery was dead and would need to be replaced. I complained that it was functioning fine when I put it in and their reports did not state any issues with the battery. After much complaining they offered a free oil change but I had to pay for the battery. Now, only 26 months into the new battery, it is showing corrosion build up on the battery. Powder and acid. A non Subaru shop just serviced the car and the safety check revealed that the battery was in "Fair" condition with reduced CCA.
Battery drainage issue: Battery failed in my 2016 Subaru legacy in 2019, replaced with a new battery and died again in 2020, 2021, and 2022. This should be a recall not a class action lawsuit. Leaving someone stranded is a safety issue. No warning was given when the battery died. It was fine one day and dead the next day. Had to tow the vehicle at my expense to the Subaru dealership and was told that they needed to replace the battery, which I had to pay for and they performed an OBDII reprogramming of the engine control module. The dealership indicated that this should help with the drainage problem but I was not given a guarantee.
UNKNOWN- Car electrical system drains battery to the point, after short drives, does not have sufficient amperage to start motor. No problem with battery, replaced many times, Took vehicle to dealer to trace issue and was told no issue. I found a class action Lawsuit that describe the same issue on multiple car models including mine. My spouse is a handicapped driver and has been left stranded, leaving her in a unsafe environment. No warning signs, first occurred 2017 and several times during the years. Recent failure 08/16/2022
Electrical complaints in other Legacy years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2016 Subaru Legacy?
NHTSA has 51 complaints about the electrical system of the 2016 Subaru Legacy, 35% of the model year's 147 complaints. The component named most often is 12v/24v/48v battery (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2016 Subaru Legacy electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system recall for the 2016 Subaru Legacy, though it has 3 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2016 Subaru Legacy electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 52,000 miles, and 6% before 25,000 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.