2016 Subaru Legacy Engine Problems
NHTSA lists 17 engine complaints for the 2016 Subaru Legacy, 12% of its 147 total complaints, with a median failure mileage of 36,000. No engine-related recall is on file for this model year.
- Engine complaints
- 17
- 12% of 147
- Crashes reported
- 2
- Fires reported
- 0
- Injuries reported
- 0
- Median mileage
- 36,000 mi
- Related recalls
- 0
Typical engine symptoms owners report
- Owners describe sudden unintended acceleration while shifting into drive or reverse, sometimes leading to a crash into a pole or tree.
- Some report the 3.6-liter 6-cylinder engine surging or lurching after a cold start, with idle speed rising and falling on its own without the accelerator being touched.
- Several describe a sudden loss of power while driving at highway speed with no warning, forcing the car to be pulled over.
- One owner reported oil leaking from the driver's side front cam carrier, rocker cover, and head gasket, diagnosed at the dealer as needing head gasket replacement.
- One complaint describes exhaust odor entering the cabin and a louder exhaust noise starting at 185,000 miles, linked to cracking in the exhaust pipe bellows.
When 2016 Subaru Legacy engine complaints were filed
First complaint May 1, 2016, latest Sep 12, 2025.
Engine recalls for the 2016 Subaru Legacy
No safety recalls on record for this model year.
Engine complaints by Legacy model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How many engine complaints does the 2016 Subaru Legacy have?
- NHTSA lists 17 engine complaints for the 2016 Legacy, which is 12% of its 147 total complaints for the year.
- Is there a recall for the 2016 Subaru Legacy engine?
- No related recalls are listed in NHTSA data for the engine on the 2016 Subaru Legacy.
- At what mileage do engine problems typically appear on the 2016 Legacy?
- The median mileage at failure for engine complaints on the 2016 Legacy is 36,000 miles.
- Were there any crashes linked to engine complaints on the 2016 Legacy?
- NHTSA records 2 crashes tied to engine complaints for the 2016 Legacy, with no fires or injuries reported.
- How does the 2016 Legacy compare to other years for engine complaints?
- The 2016 Legacy's 17 engine complaints and 12% share are lower than several other years, including 2010 (39 complaints, 27%) and 2015 (37 complaints, 23%).