What are the most common problems with the 2016 Subaru Legacy?

Standard all-wheel drive provides excellent all-weather capability.

How many recalls does the 2016 Subaru Legacy have?

The 2016 Subaru Legacy currently has 5 recalls on file. Review the full recall report to see affected components and available remedies.

Is the 2016 Subaru Legacy a good buy used?

Verdict: Proceed with caution. Standard all-wheel drive provides excellent all-weather capability. Top NHTSA safety ratings offer peace of mind. A critical steering column recall (16V292000) requires immediate inspection. Frequent electrical system issues, particularly battery drain, are a common owner complaint. Visibility concerns, including windshield cracking and glare, are noted. Always verify service history, open recalls, and maintenance records before purchasing.

What maintenance costs should I expect for the 2016 Subaru Legacy?

Refer to the maintenance cost guide for interval schedules, DIY difficulty ratings, and typical repair cost ranges for the 2016 Subaru Legacy.

2016 Subaru Legacy Report

Known issues, recalls, running costs, and what to check before you buy.

Updated May 30, 2026Ryan Davis19 sources analyzed1 Critical Recall

Overall Score

Our Verdict

Proceed with caution

Key Takeaways

Standard all-wheel drive provides excellent all-weather capability.
Top NHTSA safety ratings offer peace of mind.
A critical steering column recall (16V292000) requires immediate inspection.
Frequent electrical system issues, particularly battery drain, are a common owner complaint.

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Overview

2016 Subaru Legacy

The 2016 Subaru Legacy stands out with standard all-wheel drive, a significant advantage for buyers in inclement weather regions. It boasts top-tier safety ratings from NHTSA, achieving five stars across frontal, side, and rollover crash tests. However, potential buyers should be aware of a notable steering column recall (16V292000) that could lead to a loss of steering control, making a pre-purchase inspection of this component crucial. The vehicle also garners a substantial number of complaints related to its electrical system, frequently citing battery drain issues that can impede starting and overall functionality. With 5 recalls and 187 complaints logged, potential repair costs for some issues should be factored into ownership.

Critical Failure Risk

Frequent complaints include battery drain, intermittent power loss, and malfunctioning accessories. This can stem from issues with the battery, alternator, wiring harnesses, or the Data Communication Module (DCM).

Early detection can help you avoid a $1,000-$4,000 repair.

Open Maintenance Analysis →

Safety & Bulletins

Open Recalls5

Service Bulletins0

Full Recall History →

Owner Complaints

187

Electrical System46

Detailed Issue Breakdown →

Performance & Efficiency

Fuel Efficiency

Combined

MPG

City

MPG

Highway

MPG

Full Vehicle Specifications ↓

Reliability

Practicality

The score is mainly limited by high fuel consumption.

Buyer Fit

Who This Car Is For

Best for

Drivers in snowy or wet climates needing reliable all-wheel drive.

+2 more buyer-fit notes in the full report

Avoid if

Buyers demanding a flawless reliability record.

+2 more buyer-fit warnings in the full report

2016 Subaru Legacy Reliability Analysis

Specs

Vehicle Specs

Fuel Type: Regular
Seating Capacity: 5
Transmission: Automatic (AV-S6)
Drivetrain: All-Wheel Drive
Body Style: Sedan
EPA Combined MPG: 23

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Most Common Issues

1. Electrical System

Most reported

Usage: 46 reports

2. Visibility

Usage: 17 reports

See all common issues in the maintenance guide

First Service Interval

- Oil Change (5W-30 Synthetic) and Filter Replacement (Parts: 5W-30 Synthetic Engine Oil, Engine Oil Filter) - Tire Rotation - Inspect Brakes - Check Fluid Levels - Inspect Belts and Hoses

Est. shop cost: $70 - $150

6,000 mi

Unlock the full maintenance guide for every scheduled service interval and cost forecast.

Full pre-purchase inspection checklist

Complete maintenance schedule (7 service intervals)

Repair forecasts with mileage and cost context

Full buyer-fit guidance and who should avoid it

Full specs and trim-level context

5 recall campaign details & remedy notes

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FAQ

Is the 2016 Subaru Legacy reliable?

The CarFocal Reliability Score for the 2016 Subaru Legacy is 8.2/10. Reliability score is 8.2/10. NHTSA recalls: 5. Owner complaints: 187.

How practical is the 2016 Subaru Legacy for daily use?

Practicality score is 5.2/10. The score is mainly limited by high fuel consumption. EPA combined economy is 23 MPG. Seating capacity is 5. 4 passenger doors are listed. Boot capacity is 425 litres.

What is the overall score for the 2016 Subaru Legacy?

The CarFocal Overall Score for the 2016 Subaru Legacy is 7.5/10. Overall score is 7.5/10 (Good). Confidence 85%. Maintenance 8.1/10. Tuning 3.0/10. Practicality 5.2/10.

What does it cost to own and maintain a 2016 Subaru Legacy?

Based on Carfocal's data, First listed service: - Oil Change (5W-30 Synthetic) and Filter Replacement (Parts: 5W-30 Synthetic Engine Oil, Engine Oil Filter) - Tire Rotation - Inspect Brakes - Check Fluid Levels - Inspect Belts and Hoses at 6,000 miles. Estimated first-year maintenance: $750 - $1,200. Repair prediction highlight: Electrical System (typical at 75,000 miles, estimated cost Min: $200 • Max: $1,000+).

What engine is in the 2016 Subaru Legacy?

Engine specs list 6 • 3.6.

What transmission does the 2016 Subaru Legacy use?

According to CarFocal's specs for the 2016 Subaru Legacy, transmission is Automatic (AV-S6). The paired drivetrain is All-Wheel Drive.

What is the combined EPA MPG for the 2016 Subaru Legacy?

EPA combined estimate is 23 MPG.

What driver assistance and safety features are available on the 2016 Subaru Legacy?

1 standard driver assistance features. Key features include Tire Pressure Monitoring System.

How many people fit in a 2016 Subaru Legacy?

According to CarFocal's specs for the 2016 Subaru Legacy, seating capacity is 5.

What body style is the 2016 Subaru Legacy?

According to CarFocal's specs for the 2016 Subaru Legacy, body style is sedan.

What drivetrain does the 2016 Subaru Legacy use?

According to CarFocal's specs for the 2016 Subaru Legacy, drivetrain is All-Wheel Drive. Transmission is Automatic (AV-S6).

What are the NHTSA safety ratings for the 2016 Subaru Legacy?

NHTSA ratings: Overall 5/5 • Frontal 5/5 • Side 5/5 • Rollover 5/5.

Is the 2016 Subaru Legacy good for tuning?

Tuning potential is rated 3/10. The 2016 Subaru Legacy is not a performance tuning platform. Its naturally aspirated engines and limited aftermarket ECU support mean signif...

What are the most common electrical system problems on the 2016 Subaru Legacy?

Top complaint category: electrical system (46 reports, 24.6% of complaints).

Are there open safety recalls on the 2016 Subaru Legacy?

This model year has 5 official safety campaigns listed.

Should buyers consider alternatives to the 2016 Subaru Legacy?

Alternatives listed in this guide: 2016 Honda Accord and 2016 Toyota Camry.