repaired · 2017 Q3
Steering: column
Do not driveRisk. The loss of steering ability would increase the risk of a crash.
2016 Subaru LegacyProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 147 owner complaints about the 2016 Subaru Legacy, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 3 safety recalls, and for recall 15V-794 the manufacturer reports only 98% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through September 12, 2026. Updated daily.
Complaints by system
Where the 2016 Subaru Legacy has problems
147 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
51Electrical system
17Visibility/wiper
16Steering1 crash/fire/injury
13Power train1 crash/fire/injury
9Vehicle speed control
8Service brakes
7Engine
6Structure
3Fuel/propulsion system
2213 other systems5 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 51 | 0 |
| Visibility/wiper | 17 | 0 |
| Steering | 16 | 1 |
| Power train | 13 | 1 |
| Vehicle speed control | 9 | 2 |
| Service brakes | 8 | 2 |
| Engine | 7 | 0 |
| Structure | 6 | 1 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 3 | 0 |
| 13 other systems | 22 | 5 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
3 recalls
2016 Subaru Legacy recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2017 Q1
Driveline: differential unit
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.
repaired · 2016 Q4
Power train: automatic transmission
Risk. If the transmission oil leaks onto the exhaust pipe, there is a possible risk of fire.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Subaru.
Best & worst years
2016 vs. every other Legacy year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Legacy median. How we score
'90'91'92'93'94'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2016 Subaru Legacy safety ratings
2016 Subaru Legacy 4 DR AWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side barrier★★★★★
Side pole★★★★★
- Rollover: 5 stars (10.1% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: Optional
- Lane departure warning: Optional
1 investigation
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2016 Subaru Legacy, and the recalls they led to.
- Desiccated Air Bag Inflator RuptureOpen
In owners' words
What Legacy owners report
Recent electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
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…
Battery dies all the time. Parasitic drain from the Starlink program in the car. There is/was a lawsuit. It involves some DCW fuse or something. Ive had to prematurely replace my battery. It also seems to be affecting the radio. It switches stations randomly.
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 I can't even get…
Own a 2016 Legacy?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.