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    Subaru Legacy

    EPA MPG: 30 mpg

    RECALL ALERT:
    There are 3 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

    Reliability

    Overall Reliability

    The 2016 Legacy has about average reliability compared to other cars from the same model year.

    The 2016 Subaru Legacy has been recalled 3 times by NHTSA. View Recalls
    Most Common Trouble Spots
    Common Trouble Spot
    Common Trouble Spot

    Owner Reported Trouble Spots

    The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2016 Subaru Legacy owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

    Electrical Accessories

    Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, wireless charging pad.

    What Owners Say

    12V battery

    "Car would not start after being parked for two weeks. This happens twice. Boughtvnew battery and it happened again."

    Anonymous, MI (2016 Subaru Legacy 2.5i 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    "Cannot hold charges"

    Anonymous, (2016 Subaru Legacy Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    ""12 V battery discharges / goes dead. Had to replace 12 V battery 4 times over past 6 years. Subaru will not admit there is a problem with my particular vehicle. There was one class action settlement, but it did not cover our vehicle.""

    Anonymous, PA (2016 Subaru Legacy Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    "It died with the alternator issue."

    Anonymous, NH (2016 Subaru Legacy Limited 3.6-L 6 Cyl)

    "would not hold charge. Less than 5 years old"

    Anonymous A., ON (2016 Subaru Legacy Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
    Keyless entry

    "Unsure. Did change battery in key fob. For some reason it would not unlock the car then started working again."

    Anonymous, AZ (2016 Subaru Legacy Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
    Other electrical system problem

    "Still looking for drain problem"

    Anonymous, TX (2016 Subaru Legacy 3.6R 3.6-L 6 Cyl)

    "window controls did not work after replacing the battery Some module needed to be reprogramed"

    Anonymous A., ON (2016 Subaru Legacy Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    "Key wouldn't come out of the ignition without lots of "jockeying" the steering wheel. It was a faulty security antenna. The 2nd time I had an issue with the ignition/key, it was the shifter not communicating with the ignition. It took the shop a week to figure out, thanks to a tech notice sent out by Subaru."

    Anonymous A., NV (2016 Subaru Legacy 2.5i 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    ""Parasitic drain was first diagnosed in the Subaru Starlink system. It uses a 3G cell phone connection. When the 3G towers were disabled, it continued to try to establish a connection, even when the car was turned off. That drained the battery in a few days. A dealer disabled that feature, but there was still a drain. A tech isolated it to the ABS.""

    Anonymous, MN (2016 Subaru Legacy Premium 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
    Tire pressure monitor

    "Tires were changed and light would not go off."

    Anonymous, MI (2016 Subaru Legacy 2.5i 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    In-car Electronics

    Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.

    What Owners Say

    Display screen freezes up

    ""Audio unit would freeze, randomly change radio stations, not respond to any input""

    Anonymous, CA (2016 Subaru Legacy Unsure 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    "Freezes up, doesnt pair phone and has a mind of its own."

    Anonymous, 99 (2016 Subaru Legacy Unsure 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
    Other in-car electronics problem

    ""My Subaru battery kept dying when the car was parked for a few days. After I jumped it twice and took it to the dealer, they discovered a chip in the on screen system was draining it. They removed the fuse for that covered the chip until they could get a new one. The only thing that would not work with that fuse out was if I answered a phone call on the in car system, I could hear the caller speaking but could not answer it. This was happening in a number of Suburu cars and they actually had an engineer from Subaru headquaters in Japan come to the local dealer to review the issue. After about 6 months they said the new chip was in and I would get it at a reduced price. (Originally was quoted about $300 for the chip) I had it installed and they decided there would be no charge for the chip. My car was no longer under warranty for this.""

    Anonymous A., PA (2016 Subaru Legacy Premium 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    ""About once every other month the display screen stops responding. You can't change the radio, answer bluetooth calls, etc. Sometimes the system will start responding on its own. Other times, the only solution is to turn the motor off and restart. I haven't investigated having it repaired or replaced.""

    Anonymous, MD (2016 Subaru Legacy Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
    Phone pairing (e.g., Bluetooth)

    ""All of the issues listed are (according to diagnostics) related to need to replace radio. That includes hands free phone pairing, inability to use steering wheel controls, inability to use touch screen, dial or other radio controls. And these are all intermittent! I went days without being able to change radio station or turn it off.""

    Anonymous A., PA (2016 Subaru Legacy Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
    Radio

    ""I have to replace entire infotainment system because of controls failure, that included my inability to call 911 until I parked and turned car off to unpair the phone. This is a safety issue, and is one of a string of electronics system failures making me angry with this car.""

    Anonymous A., PA (2016 Subaru Legacy Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    Suspension/Steering

    Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

    What Owners Say

    Power steering

    ""Needed new rack and pinion system at 118,000""

    Anonymous, NJ (2016 Subaru Legacy Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
    Shocks or struts

    "Rear shocks replaced. $700"

    Anonymous A., NH (2016 Subaru Legacy Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    "I do not know for sure, I am not a mechanic but twice within a 6 month period it cost over a thousand dollars each time for some weird bumpy noises whilst driving, first driver side, then passenger. Also I had terrible problems with flat batteries. There was a recall on problem but I was too ill to return car, & since then no help with it, one mechanic removed a fuse which turned of many things, but preventers constant flat batteries. I am not really sure I wld replace with another Suburu. But it rides very well, especially on long trips,decent mileage, & plenty of acceleration to overtake in tight spots. Just repairs are so costly, & dealerships unhelpful thus far!"

    Anonymous A., FL (2016 Subaru Legacy Premium Unsure)

    "Problem started last July (2024). I noticed car riding lower and being hard to control when a (more than minor) bump was hit."

    Anonymous A., MA (2016 Subaru Legacy 3.6R 3.6-L 6 Cyl)
    Wheel bearings

    "Two wheel bearing failed at 42000 miles. We complained to Subaru and they refunded $750 of the cost to repair."

    Anonymous, MI (2016 Subaru Legacy Premium 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    Brakes

    Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.

    What Owners Say

    Parking brake

    "Engaged due to a broken cable, disabled eye sight and would not disengage. Was covered under a extended warranty coverage from Subaru."

    Anonymous A., NJ (2016 Subaru Legacy Premium 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
    Premature brake wear

    ""I had a significant shudder when I would apply the breaks. I also had a shimmy that occurred when driving. Since my breaks were less than a year old, I took the car back to the mechanic. She told me my rear breaks (that were under warranty) had some additional wear because the front breaks were not installed properly. They were done by a different mechanic. Unfortunately, they were past the warranty date but my rear breaks were still covered. It has been resolved.""

    Anonymous, NJ (2016 Subaru Legacy Premium 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    "Rear brakes needed replacement twice as often as the front brakes"

    Anonymous, MA (2016 Subaru Legacy 2.5i 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
    Pulsation or vibration

    "This was experienced with the brake issue. It has since been resolved upon changing out the brakes."

    Anonymous, NJ (2016 Subaru Legacy Premium 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    Exhaust

    Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Muffler

    "BAffle in the muffler failed causing a rattling noise."

    Anonymous A., ON (2016 Subaru Legacy Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    "Top surface of original muffler rusted out."

    Anonymous, MD (2016 Subaru Legacy Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
    Other/unsure

    "Alternator had to be replaced."

    Anonymous, GA (2016 Subaru Legacy 3.6R 3.6-L 6 Cyl)

    "Ongoing battery issue...I now know that Subaru batteries are not good. Wish I had known that before having 4 replaced."

    Anonymous A., CO (2016 Subaru Legacy Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    Transmission Major

    Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.

    What Owners Say

    Other major transmission & clutch problem

    "Transmission valve body replacement at 99000 miles under warranty. Started at 98000 miles, 8.5 years into ownership. Shifting wasn't smooth and many warning lights were illuminated on dash."

    Anonymous, MD (2016 Subaru Legacy Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    ""Transmission light came on, on dashboard. Valve needed replacement.""

    Anonymous A., ON (2016 Subaru Legacy Premium 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    "Transmission valve body had to replaced at 142,000 miles. Many warning lights came on dash."

    Anonymous, MD (2016 Subaru Legacy Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
    Transmission rebuild or replacement

    ""Needed new valve body at 101,000 miles""

    Anonymous, NJ (2016 Subaru Legacy Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    Body Hardware

    Windows, locks and latches, doors or sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defect.

    What Owners Say

    Other body problem

    "Front quarter panel bolts are missing causing panel to be loose."

    Anonymous, AZ (2016 Subaru Legacy Premium 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    ""The covering on the driver's seat tore and pieces of the material pulled away from the backing. I was under the impression these were full leather seats, but they are only partial leather. The very center of the seat and back have a leather panel and the sides are a synthetic that is not durable. I also one a 2011 Outback (Limited) with full leather seats and they are still in tact.""

    Anonymous, MD (2016 Subaru Legacy Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
    Windows

    "Passenger front window does not auto roll up but have to roll it up slowly not auto function."

    Anonymous, MD (2016 Subaru Legacy Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    Engine Minor

    Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Oil leaks

    "At about 2800-3000 miles after getting an oil change, the low engine light comes on and I have to fill the oil with about one bottle (liter??). The car eats oil"

    Anonymous, IL (2016 Subaru Legacy Premium 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
    Other minor engine problem

    "Occasionally, from a stop, could not accelerate for 3 or 4 seconds"

    Anonymous, MA (2016 Subaru Legacy 2.5i 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    Transmission Minor

    Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Gear selector or linkage

    "Key wouldn't come out of ignition sometimes. Technician said is was the transmission plate?. Car didn't know it was in park, so keys wouldn't come out."

    Anonymous, MI (2016 Subaru Legacy Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
    Transmission sensor or solenoid

    "The transmission started to slip and skip. I took it to the dealership and this part was replaced."

    Anonymous A., MI (2016 Subaru Legacy Premium 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    Paint/Trim

    Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.

    What Owners Say

    Loose interior trim or moldings

    "The foam type molding that are around the seal of the front door windows is loose. I just push it back into place every so often. I don't know when it started to happen."

    Anonymous, MI (2016 Subaru Legacy Premium 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    Engine Electrical

    Alternator, starter, hybrid battery replacement, hybrid battery related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, spark plugs and wires failure, auto stop/start.

    What Owners Say

    Alternator

    ""Driving on the interstate, my lights went out, lost power steering and then engine just died. No prior indication this was going to happen. Pulled off the road as far as I could. State trouper called tow. Mechanic told me it's the alternator and the battery also would not hold a charge. Replaced both. Over a 1000 to get this fixed!""

    Anonymous, NH (2016 Subaru Legacy Limited 3.6-L 6 Cyl)

    Noises/Leaks

    Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Seals and/or weather-stripping

    "I think that they just have worn away"

    Anonymous, (2016 Subaru Legacy 2.5i 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    Climate System

    AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.

    What Owners Say

    Refrigerant leaks

    "air stopped working properly; they said there were leaks"

    Anonymous A., MN (2016 Subaru Legacy Premium 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    Engine Major

    Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.

    Fuel System/Emissions

    Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.

    Engine Cooling

    Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.

    Drive System

    Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.

    2016 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

    This Car
    vs. Similar Cars

    Subaru vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability

    Reliability History
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    Overall Reliability Verdict
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    POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
    Powertrain
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    Engine Major
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    Engine Minor
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    Engine Cooling
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    Engine Electrical
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    Transmission Major
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    Transmission Minor
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    Drive System
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    Fuel System/Emissions
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    Exhaust
    NA
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    Suspension/Steering
    NA
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    Brakes
    NA
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    Climate System
    NA
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    Build Quality
    NA
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    Electrical Accessories
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    Body Hardware
    NA
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    Paint/Trim
    NA
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    Noises/Leaks
    NA
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    In-car Electronics
    NA
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    Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for about 380,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2025 vehicles are holding up in 20 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and brakes, to power equipment and the electrical accessories.
    Recalls
    PROVIDED BY
    STEERING
    May 11, 2016
    The loss of steering ability would increase the risk of a crash.
    Summary:
    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.
    What should you do:
    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.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 16V292000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 48819
    POWER TRAIN
    Nov 24, 2015
    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.
    Summary:
    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.
    What should you do:
    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.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 15V794000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 3251
    POWER TRAIN
    Aug 10, 2015
    If the transmission oil leaks onto the exhaust pipe, there is a possible risk of fire.
    Summary:
    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.
    What should you do:
    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.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 15V502000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 2893
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