2016 Subaru Legacy Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2016 Subaru Legacy ranks 5th worst out of 21 model years, with a complaint index of 80 and 147 NHTSA complaints, most tied to the electrical system. It carries three recalls, including one do-not-drive steering recall, earning an Avoid verdict relative to other Legacy years.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 80/100
- #5 of 21 Legacy years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 147
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 3
- 1 Do Not Drive
- Crashes
- 9
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 3
- Top issue
- Electrical System
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 26
- 23 city / 31.5 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 3 / 0
Top 2016 Subaru Legacy problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Electrical System51 (35%)
- Other42 (29%)
- Visibility & Wipers18 (12%)
- Engine17 (12%)
- Steering16 (11%)
- Transmission & Powertrain13 (9%)
- Brakes9 (6%)
- Structure & Body8 (5%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires6 (4%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras3 (2%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Owners describe sudden unintended acceleration while parking or reversing, with the brake pedal failing to stop the car.
- Some drivers report brakes that skip or fail to engage smoothly, leading to rear-end or forward collisions.
- The EyeSight adaptive cruise control and automatic braking system reportedly failed to function as expected.
- Side-impact air bags reportedly did not deploy during a side collision that caused injury.
- Seat belts were reported to not properly restrain occupants during a rear-end crash.
- A power steering warning light reportedly came on with a temporary loss of steering response while cornering.
2016 Subaru Legacy recalls
3 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 16V292000May 11, 2016Steering48,819 vehiclesDo Not Drive
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.
Risk: The loss of steering ability would increase the risk of a crash.
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. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783 or by visiting http://www.wtd65.service-campaign.com. Subaru's number for this recall is WTD-65. Note: Until the vehicles have been inspected, owners are advised not to drive their vehicles.
- NHTSA 15V794000Nov 24, 2015Transmission & Powertrain3,251 vehicles
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.
Risk: If the drive shaft detaches from the rear differential, it may strike the fuel tank and result in a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire.
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. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-856-488-8500. Subaru's number for this recall is WQV-57.
- NHTSA 15V502000Aug 10, 2015Transmission & Powertrain2,893 vehicles
Power train:automatic transmission
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.
Risk: If the transmission oil leaks onto the exhaust pipe, there is a possible risk of fire.
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.
2016 Subaru Legacy fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 23 MPG
- Highway
- 31.5 MPG
- Combined
- 26 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,525
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2016 compared with other Legacy years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2016 Subaru Legacy reliable?
- Compared to other Legacy model years, the 2016 ranks 5th worst out of 21 years tracked, with a complaint index of 80 and an Avoid verdict.
- What is the most common problem with the 2016 Subaru Legacy?
- The electrical system is the top problem area, accounting for 51 of 147 complaints, about 35 percent, with a median failure mileage of 51,000 miles.
- Does the 2016 Subaru Legacy have a recall?
- Yes, NHTSA lists three recalls for the 2016 Legacy, including a do-not-drive steering column recall (16V292000) and two transmission-related recalls.
- How does the 2016 Legacy compare to the 2015 and 2017 Legacy?
- The 2015 Legacy has a higher complaint index of 100 and is also rated Avoid, while the 2017 Legacy has a complaint index of 75, also Avoid; the 2016 sits between them at 80.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2016 Subaru Legacy?
- The 2016 Legacy gets an EPA-rated 26 mpg combined, 23 mpg city and 31.5 mpg highway, with an annual fuel cost of $2,525.