2016 Subaru Legacy: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2016 Subaru Legacy? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 143 complaints, with Electrical Faults as the top reported area.
2016 Subaru Legacy Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 2 2016 Subaru Legacy trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 2 trims analysed.
2016 Subaru Legacy Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
10.1% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
10.1% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2016 Subaru Legacy has 143 owner complaints, 9 crash-related complaints, and 3 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Electrical Faults. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Subaru
- Model
- Legacy
- Model year
- 2016
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 143
- Crash-related complaints
- 9
- Safety recall campaigns
- 3
- Top reported component
- Electrical Faults
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 29
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 26 / 35
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 5/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2016 Subaru Legacy Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Electrical Faults
Uncategorized Issues
Visibility/Wiper
Complaint patterns center on Electrical Faults, Uncategorized Issues, Visibility/Wiper. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2016 Subaru Legacy?
The 2016 Subaru Legacy shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2016 Subaru Legacy
Inspection Focus
- Inspect electrical systems, including battery, alternator, and wiring.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for electrical, visibility, and steering components.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect electrical systems, including battery, alternator, and wiring.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for electrical, visibility, and steering components.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2016 Subaru Legacy, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Based on 143 NHTSA complaints for the 2016 Subaru Legacy, the most frequently reported issues involve electrical faults, followed by uncategorized problems and visibility/wiper concerns. There are 3 recalls and 9 crash-related complaints, but the confidence level is low due to limited data.
- Electrical faults account for the largest share of complaints (49 out of 143).
- Uncategorized issues are the second most common complaint category (39 complaints).
- Visibility/wiper problems are reported in 17 complaints.
- Electrical faults are the most reported component issue.
- Uncategorized issues represent a significant portion of complaints.
- Visibility/wiper problems are a recurring theme.
All 2016 Subaru Legacy Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2016 Subaru Legacy. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical Faults | 49 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 39 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 17 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 16 | 1 | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 13 | 1 | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 9 | 2 | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 8 | — | — | — | |
| Brake System | 8 | 2 | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 6 | 1 | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Lane Departure | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Child Seat | 1 | 1 | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2016 Subaru Legacy. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Battery continuously dies, likely due to a parasitic drain, and it is extremely hard-taking up to 15 to 20 minutes to open the car door using the the wierd key you slide out of the key fob. As a woman, it is very dangerous when my battery dies and I am in a dark parking lot and …
THIS IS THE SECOND SUCH EXPERIENCE WITH THIS CAR! On Friday, September 12, 2025 at 3:32 p.m., I was driving slowly in a parking lot preparing to park. As I started to turn the car into the parking space, my car surged forward without my pressing on the gas pedal. I pressed on …
Unable to remove key when turning the engine off. Eventually works after several tries of turning the engine on and off.
Sometimes when starting from a stop or slowing down to make a turn the engine revs up like I was pushing the gas pedal. When this happens ( 4 times in the last 6 months) luckily I was covering the break to slow down or going very slow from a stop. Each time I was turning left or …
Parking Brake harness is defaulty.
Car battery dies after the vehicle sits for longer periods (approximately 2 weeks or more?). Roadside assistance has tested battery twice after jumping the vehicle and stated the battery is still healthy. Various Subara owners report similar situations in online forums, and the…
purchased my 2016 legacy in 2022, I was offered the bronze warranty due to milage. My vehicle was bought back due to loud noises coming from the engine. Was told there was a peze recall and it was fixed. Brought it back to the dealership for the same sound and they found nothing …
I was driving on highway and engine failed light came on, along with low fuel sign. Engine shut off. Luckily I was able to safely pull over. The Dealer determined that the low fuel sensor failed thus shutoff the engine. Shutting engine off on a highway is dangerous and life t…
There is an active recall for Subaru vehicles. The recall is for emissions number WUB-87 for 2015-2018MY Legacy and Outback 2.5L. My car is a 2016 Subaru Legacy and it has the exact problem listed in the recall, but is not included. The front end exhaust is defective as describe…
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 aft…
Slowing to pull into parking spot and car accelerates and hits what is in front of vehicle. Has happened at least four times. Last time 11/5/2024
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 kno…
Battery dies really fast and ended up doing a replacement right after moving from Idaho to utah and losing a bolt and had to use a wrench from my late husbands toolbag in the trunk to keep it on the positive terminal I do believe after just having left the emergency room and was …
Battery has failed twice in a matter of a year. Both batteries were top of the line and no reason can be seen for failure. I see that there are a great deal of the same sort of complaints listed here and Subaru should be well aware of this issue.
There was a recall for my 2016 Subaru Legacy transmission issue (CVT), I got a letter from Subaru on 9/23/2018 which extended warranty for 2016-2017 Legacy/Outback CVT from 5 years/60000 miles to 10 years/100000 miles, started from 9/30/2019. The transmission of my Subaru started…
The contact owns a 2016 Subaru Legacy. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the vehicle accelerated at high-speed without warning, causing the vehicle to drive over a curb and into oncoming traffic. The contact desperately depressed the brake pedal, but the vehicle fa…
Vehicle had significant amount of oil pooled in the battery case holder back approximately Jan 2022 or earlier. Contacted Subaru of Las Vegas and they offered to clean the vehicle believing it was a careless oil change. Next oil change Subaru said I had a minor oil leak. Took it …
I've own a 2016 Subaru Legacy Limited 3.6, for coming on 2 years. In the last 3 months I've had to replace my battery twice. The last being a red top battery costing $300+ and only lasted 2 days. The first incident that was most disruptive was, driving home in rush hour traffic w…
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 tra…
Replaced battery but still all dash lights come on I lose power and it dies. I can jump start it and it stay but all lights stay on. New starter, new alternator, I just don't know what it is. Only code that comes up is P0420
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2016 Subaru Legacy.
2016 Subaru Legacy Recalls
3 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2016 Subaru Legacy. 3 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2016 Subaru Legacy Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2016 Subaru Legacy reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 143 owner complaints, 9 crash-related complaints, and 3 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2016 Subaru Legacy shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Subaru Legacy?▾
#1: Electrical Faults (49 complaints). #2: Uncategorized Issues (39 complaints). #3: Visibility/Wiper (17 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2016 Subaru Legacy?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2016 Subaru Legacy?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2016 Subaru Legacy, NHTSA complaints include 9 crash-related reports and 0 fire reports out of 143 total complaints. 3 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2016 Subaru Legacy have any recalls?▾
Yes. 3 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2016 Subaru Legacy. A major recall area is POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT. 3 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2016 Subaru Legacy?▾
The 2016 Subaru Legacy shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Electrical Faults during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Subaru Legacy reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2016 Subaru Legacy based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.