2016 Subaru Legacy Steering Problems
NHTSA lists 16 steering complaints for the 2016 Subaru Legacy, 11% of that year's 147 total complaints, with a median failure mileage of 19,250. A related recall, 16V292000, covers improperly assembled steering columns and is marked do-not-drive.
- Steering complaints
- 16
- 11% of 147
- Crashes reported
- 1
- Fires reported
- 0
- Injuries reported
- 0
- Median mileage
- 19,250 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical steering symptoms owners report
- Owners report sudden loss of steering control or an uncontrollable, veering steering wheel while driving at highway speed.
- Power steering assist has failed intermittently, causing the wheel to pull left or right and require extra force to hold straight.
- Several owners describe difficulty removing the key from the ignition after shifting to park, sometimes needing repeated attempts or a shifter assembly part replacement.
- One owner reported the steering issue was not covered under recall 16V292000 despite similar symptoms.
- A steering-related event was linked to a crash after the power steering warning light came on and the wheel would not turn back.
When 2016 Subaru Legacy steering complaints were filed
First complaint Nov 10, 2015, latest Jun 16, 2023.
Steering recalls for the 2016 Subaru Legacy
- 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.
Steering complaints by Legacy model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
- 201012 (8%)
- 201116 (10%)
- 20127 (8%)
- 20134 (6%)
- 20142 (4%)
- 20151 (1%)
- 201616 (11%)
- 20179 (8%)
- 20184 (3%)
- 20193 (2%)
- 20201 (1%)
- 20210 (0%)
- 20221 (3%)
- 20230 (0%)
- 20240 (0%)
- 20251 (17%)
Frequently asked questions
- How common are steering complaints on the 2016 Subaru Legacy?
- NHTSA lists 16 steering complaints for the 2016 Legacy, which is 11% of the 147 total complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a steering recall for the 2016 Subaru Legacy?
- Yes. Recall 16V292000, reported May 11, 2016, covers 2016-2017 Legacy and Outback vehicles built between February 29, 2016 and May 6, 2016 with improperly assembled steering columns. It is marked do-not-drive until the column is inspected and replaced.
- At what mileage do steering problems typically show up?
- The median mileage at failure for steering complaints on the 2016 Legacy is 19,250 miles.
- Did the steering problems cause any crashes or injuries?
- NHTSA data shows 1 crash and 0 injuries and 0 fires linked to steering complaints on the 2016 Legacy.