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2016 Subaru Legacy
Buyable, but go in with open eyes: this car has specific known issues to check before money changes hands.
145 owner complaints · 3 recalls · data verified July 14, 2026 · source: NHTSA
Why caution?
Has a "park it / park outside" recall, the most serious kind. Verify the fix was done before buying.
Electrical system problems dominate (35% of complaints, typically reported near 48k miles).
Very few owner complaints for its age and sales volume.
The math, shown
Full methodology →Complaints filed per year
Fading = early teething worked out. Climbing = problems aging in.
How it crashes
NHTSA’s own crash tests, separate from the reliability score above.
5/5 overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating · 2016 Subaru Legacy 4 DR AWD
Rollover risk in a single-vehicle crash: 10%
1 open NHTSA defect investigation on file, separate from the recalls above.
Source: nhtsa.gov/ratings. Star ratings compare vehicles within the same class and size, not across every car on the road.
The road ahead
What breaks on a 2016 Subaru Legacy, plotted where owners report it happening.
Also reported (mileage varies): Visibility & wipers (18) · Steering (16) · Speed control (9) · Brakes (8)
Mileage medians come from owners who mentioned an odometer reading in their NHTSA complaint, a rough guide, not a schedule.
Electrical system
35%51 complaints · typically near 48k mi · 5 in the last 2 years
“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…”
Visibility & wipers
12%18 complaints · 1 in the last 2 years
“I was driving home from work when the windshield cracked from the bottom of the passenger side right by the windshield wiper and now has spiraled up”
Steering
11%16 complaints
“KEY GETS STUCK IN IGNITION. OFTEN WILL NOT RELEASE. HAPPENS WHEN PUT CAR INTO PARK UPON STOPPING.”
Transmission & drivetrain
9%13 complaints · typically near 60k mi
“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…”
Recalls (3)
Safety recall repairs are free at the brand’s franchised dealers. Before buying, run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and make the seller show the work was done.
Park itSteering · 16V292000
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.
Fix: 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.
Power Train · 15V794000
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.
Fix: 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.
Power Train · 15V502000
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.
Fix: 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.
Before you hand over money
Verify the recall work was done
NHTSA’s free lookup shows whether this exact car had its recall remedies completed.
Free NHTSA VIN check ↗Get a pre-purchase inspection
A $150 to $250 independent inspection of this exact 2016 Subaru LEGACY beats every score on the internet, including ours.
What to ask forNot set on the 2016? See how every Legacy model year scores →
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What owners say
Real owners of this exact model-year, shown separately from the NHTSA score. If they disagree, that’s worth knowing.