This page covers 5 recalls, 143 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2016 Subaru Legacy.
23–29 mpg combined
8.1–10.2 L/100km
Midsize Cars
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 2 tested variants for this model year.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
The dominant complaint pattern for the 2016 Legacy centers on the electrical system, which draws more reports than any other area by a wide margin. Owners most commonly describe the battery dying after the vehicle sits for even a short period, two weeks or less in several accounts, despite testing that shows the battery itself is healthy, pointing to a suspected parasitic drain. A recurring frustration tied to this is difficulty entering the vehicle when the battery is dead, since the keyless entry stops working and the physical key process is described as slow and cumbersome. Visibility and wipers make up the second-largest complaint group, though the reports are less specific in pattern. In the powertrain category, a smaller number of owners describe unexpected engine revving or unintended acceleration at low speeds, typically during turns or from a stop, sometimes requiring a shift to neutral to bring the engine back down.
143
Total Complaints
9
Crash-Related
3
With Injuries
By System
The 2016 Subaru Legacy has 5 recalls, the most serious being two separate fire risks and a steering defect that can leave the driver with no control over the direction of the vehicle.
On the drivetrain side, two related issues can lead to fuel-fed fires. A propeller shaft can work loose from the rear differential, drop, and strike the fuel tank, causing a fuel leak. Separately, a deformed seal cap on the propeller shaft yoke can allow transmission oil to leak onto the exhaust pipe, also creating a fire risk. Prior repair attempts may not have fully resolved the propeller shaft attachment issue, which is reflected across multiple filings. On the steering side, the steering column may not have been machined correctly, meaning turning the wheel may have no effect on where the front wheels point, with no warning to the driver before control is lost.
At a glance
What can fail
The steering column may have been improperly machined, causing the steering wheel to have no effect on wheel direction when turned.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the steering column lot number and replace it if necessary, at no cost to you.
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Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Steering column parts may not be made to specification and fail to engage properly, potentially causing loss of steering control and crash risk.
What the fix does
A dealer will inspect your steering column and replace it if needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The securing nuts that attach the drive shaft to the rear differential may not be tight enough, which could cause the drive shaft to separate from the differential.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and tighten or replace the fastening nuts as needed, at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The nuts connecting the propeller shaft to the rear differential may not have been tightened enough at the factory and could loosen over time, causing the shaft to separate. This could damage the fuel tank and cause a fuel leak.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and tighten or replace the nuts and bolts securing the propeller shaft to the rear differential.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The seal cap on the propeller shaft yoke may be deformed, allowing transmission oil to leak.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the propeller shaft at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
