2016 Subaru Legacy: what breaks, and at what mileage
What breaks on the 2016 Subaru Legacy
On the 2016 Subaru Legacy, the failure owners report most often is other electrical problem, and the reports cluster around 50,000 miles. The earliest to appear is other visibility problem, reported by a median of 25,000 miles. Overall it scores 73 out of 100, high risk for a 2016.
High risk for a 2016 — 105th riskiest of the 255 2016 vehicles we can rate. 193 owner reports; fleet size estimated from this year's own recall paperwork.
What breaks on the 2016 Subaru Legacy
Owners have reported 43 named failure modes on the 2016 Subaru Legacy, and the three most-reported carry 26% of everything filed, which is an unusually even spread for one model year.
Other electrical problem leads with 27 reports, about 2.8 per 1,000 vehicles and with the middle half of reports between 36k to 60,000 miles.
Other steering problem follows with 12 reports, usually reported between 18k to 55,000 miles.
Other visibility problem follows with 12 reports, usually reported between 17k to 55,000 miles.
By system, the reports fall mostly into electrical (45), glass (18) and engine (16).
At what mileage it happens
114 of the reports on the 2016 Subaru Legacy came with an odometer reading, and half of those were filed before 35,000 miles.
Cumulatively, 68% by 50,000 miles, 95% by 100,000 miles and 96% by 150,000 miles of the dated reports had been filed.
The busiest stretch is between 0 and 10,000 miles, which alone holds 23% of the dated reports.
54% of the dated reports were filed below 36,000 miles, which is early enough that a fair number of these cars were still under a factory warranty when the owner complained.
In the order they tend to show up: other visibility problem around 24k, other steering problem around 31k and other electrical problem around 50k.
Tick median reported mileage Solid middle half of reports Faint 10th to 90th percentile Colour how bad the failure is when it happens
Showing the 12 most-reported failure modes of 43. The full list is in the table below.
How reports accumulate
Every report with an odometer reading, cumulative, from 0 to 200,000 miles. A curve that climbs early is a car with early problems, whatever its total.
- Line share of reports filed by that mileage
- Dashed the median reported mileage
How bad it is when it goes
Across the named modes, 12 mention a crash and 3 an injury. Those are the words owners used in their own complaints, and NHTSA does not verify them, but they are the closest thing in this data to a measure of what a failure actually did.
The average severity weight across every report on this year is 3.63, where a stalled engine or a failed airbag weighs many times more than a rattling trim panel, and a figure this high means the reports are dominated by failures with safety consequences rather than annoyances. The weighting is set out in full on the methodology page.
What the top failures cost to put right, as editorial estimates for an independent US shop rather than figures from NHTSA: other electrical problem at $250–$2,000, other steering problem at $350–$2,400, other visibility problem at $150–$1,400 and other body or interior problem at $200–$2,000. Dealer labour, a seized bolt or a part that is no longer made can push any of these past the top of its range.
17% of the reports on this year sit in the engine, transmission, drivetrain or cooling systems — the four where a repair bill is usually four figures.
Every reported failure mode
| Failure mode | System | Reports | With reading | 25th | Median | 75th | Per 1,000 | Typical repair | Severity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Other electrical problem | electrical | 27 | 13 | 36k | 50k | 60k | 2.8 | $250–$2,000 | Moderate |
| Other steering problem | steering | 12 | 9 | 18k | 31k | 55k | 1.2 | $350–$2,400 | High |
| Other visibility problem | glass | 12 | 8 | 17k | 24k | 57k | 1.2 | $150–$1,400 | Moderate |
| Other body or interior problem | body | 8 | 7 | — | 24k | — | 0.8 | $200–$2,000 | Moderate |
| Parasitic battery drain | electrical | 7 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.7 | $200–$1,200 | Moderate |
| Cruise control failure | adas | 7 | 7 | — | 12k | — | 0.7 | $200–$1,400 | High |
| No-start or intermittent start failure | engine | 6 | 2 | — | 65k | — | 0.6 | $200–$1,800 | Moderate |
| CVT failure | transmission | 6 | 5 | — | 2k | — | 0.6 | $3,000–$8,500 | Critical |
| Other engine problem | engine | 6 | 3 | — | 184k | — | 0.6 | $300–$4,000 | High |
| Other powertrain problem | transmission | 6 | 5 | — | 500 | — | 0.6 | $400–$4,500 | High |
| Alternator or charging system failure | electrical | 5 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.5 | $450–$1,600 | High |
| Other brake problem | brakes | 5 | 2 | — | 22k | — | 0.5 | $300–$1,800 | High |
| Other speed control problem | adas | 5 | 4 | — | 32k | — | 0.5 | $250–$2,000 | Critical |
| Windshield cracking | glass | 4 | 3 | — | 60k | — | 0.4 | $300–$1,600 | Moderate |
| Other wheel or tire problem | wheels | 4 | 4 | — | 37k | — | 0.4 | $200–$1,500 | High |
| Wheel bearing or hub failure | drivetrain | 3 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.3 | $350–$1,200 | Moderate |
| Wiring harness or short circuit | electrical | 3 | 3 | — | 10k | — | 0.3 | $400–$3,500 | High |
| Loss of braking | brakes | 3 | 1 | — | 140k | — | 0.3 | $400–$3,000 | Critical |
| Steering column or shaft failure | steering | 3 | 2 | — | 63k | — | 0.3 | $600–$2,500 | Critical |
| Timing chain, belt or tensioner failure | engine | 2 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.2 | $1,200–$4,500 | Critical |
| Ignition switch, key fob or immobilizer failure | electrical | 2 | 2 | — | 48k | — | 0.2 | $250–$1,500 | High |
| Infotainment screen failure | infotainment | 2 | 2 | — | 18 | — | 0.2 | $400–$2,600 | Low |
| Airbag failed to deploy in a crash | airbag | 2 | 2 | — | 32k | — | 0.2 | $1,000–$5,000 | Critical |
| Seat belt or retractor failure | airbag | 2 | 1 | — | 59k | — | 0.2 | $200–$900 | High |
| Rust or structural corrosion | body | 2 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.2 | $500–$6,000 | High |
| Wiper or washer failure | glass | 2 | 2 | — | 42k | — | 0.2 | $120–$800 | Moderate |
| Other fuel system problem | fuel | 2 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.2 | $300–$2,200 | High |
| Other suspension problem | suspension | 2 | 2 | — | 450 | — | 0.2 | $350–$2,000 | Moderate |
| Head gasket failure | engine | 1 | 1 | — | 55k | — | 0.1 | $1,400–$4,000 | Critical |
| Intake carbon buildup | engine | 1 | 1 | — | 65k | — | 0.1 | $400–$1,200 | Moderate |
| Water pump failure | cooling | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.1 | $500–$2,200 | High |
| Complete transmission failure | transmission | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.1 | $2,800–$8,000 | Critical |
| Control module (ECM/PCM/BCM) failure | electrical | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.1 | $700–$3,000 | High |
| Audio or connectivity failure | infotainment | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.1 | $150–$900 | Low |
| Parking brake failure | brakes | 1 | 1 | — | 41k | — | 0.1 | $250–$1,300 | Moderate |
| Airbag warning light or occupant sensor fault | airbag | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.1 | $300–$1,600 | High |
| Airbag inflator rupture | airbag | 1 | 1 | — | 12k | — | 0.1 | $0–$0 | Critical |
| Tire pressure monitor failure | wheels | 1 | 1 | — | 3k | — | 0.1 | $80–$600 | Low |
| Wheel, stud or lug nut failure | wheels | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.1 | $150–$1,500 | Critical |
| Window regulator or power window failure | body | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.1 | $250–$900 | Moderate |
| Air conditioning failure | hvac | 1 | 1 | — | 33k | — | 0.1 | $400–$2,800 | Moderate |
| Other seat belt problem | airbag | 1 | 1 | — | 35k | — | 0.1 | $200–$900 | High |
| Other driver assistance problem | adas | 1 | 1 | — | 18k | — | 0.1 | $250–$1,800 | High |
| Unclassified problem | other | 28 | 17 | 25k | 35k | 50k | 2.9 | — | Moderate |
Rate per 1,000 uses a fleet-size estimate derived from recall paperwork for this exact model year. It is a lower bound. Repair costs are typical independent-shop ranges for the failure, not figures from these reports.
How often, against how many were built
Scaled by an estimate of how many of these cars exist, the 2016 Subaru Legacy draws about 20 per 1,000 vehicles, which puts it in the 93rd percentile of complaint rates among 2016 vehicles we can rate.
That denominator is the weakest number on the page and it is fair to say so plainly. Rate per 1,000 uses a fleet-size estimate derived from recall paperwork for this exact model year. It is a lower bound.
The working figure is 9,763 vehicles. If the true number is twice that, every rate on this page is half what it says; the ranking against other 2016 vehicles, which is what the risk score uses, is far more robust than the rate itself.
What owners wrote
Verbatim from NHTSA complaint narratives, trimmed for length. The odometer reading is the one the owner gave.
Other electrical problem
In less than 36,000 miles it developed a grinding noise that can be felt above 50 MPH. Dealer found a problem with the auto transmission. It will being replaced under warranty. Strange, I thought subaru is known for better transmission. In the same car the cd player stopped working and making noise similar to what you hear when a cd is being ejected. Dealer changed it under warranty. I received a recall letter on dcm software in the car & I took car to the dealer. However, this recall is not listed on web. Why?
Other steering problem
Tl* the contact owns a 2016 subaru legacy. While driving approximately 75 MPH, the vehicle rolled over a bump in the road and became uncontrollable. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. The contact was informed that the vehicle operated as intended. The vehicle was taken to be diagnosed twelve times. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 500.
Tl* the contact owns a 2016 subaru legacy. The contact stated that while driving at 50 MPH, the vehicle veered left and right independently. The contact mentioned that force was required to the steering wheel. The failure occurred intermittently. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed but the failure was undetermined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 400. ...updated 6/30/16 *bf the consumer stated it difficult to keep the vehicle straight. The vehicle was aligned twice. Updated 07/11/16.*jb
Other visibility problem
High gloss navigation screen and high gloss finish on vents reflect sun at certain angles and result in sun being reflected into drivers eyes causing a blinding condition. This happens when driving during daylight when sun is out. This is a severe and significant safety issue. I have driven subarus for years and just got the 2016 legacy. Have never had this problem with any other vehicle. Have to put a towel over area when sun is out to drive without being blinded.
I bought the car as a dealer car (they told me it was registered to a manager as a test car). It had 4,810 miles when I bought it. I have driven the car just over 300 miles. When I test drive it, it made a sound like a stone hit the windshield. Then almost every time I have driven it since, including three times today, it made the same exact sound. I was driving both in city traffic (red light to red light) and on a toll road with limited traffic. When I got out and looked at the windshield, I noticed literally 50 or more small "chips" in the windshield.
Recalls on the 2016 model year
NHTSA has issued 3 recall campaigns covering the 2016 Subaru Legacy, affecting an estimated 12,111 vehicles. A recall is a different kind of evidence from a complaint: it is the regulator and the manufacturer agreeing that something has to be fixed, and the fix is free for as long as the car exists.
The campaigns cover steering:column, power train:driveline:driveshaft and power train:automatic transmission. Whether the work was actually done on the car in front of you is a question only the VIN can answer, and the manufacturer or NHTSA will answer it free.
Recalls also distort complaint counts. Publicity about a campaign reminds owners that complaining is possible, so reports for a recalled component often spike after the recall rather than before it.
STEERING:COLUMN
48,819 vehicles 2016-05-11- Defect
- 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.
- Consequence
- The loss of steering ability would increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- 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:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT
3,251 vehicles 2015-11-24- Defect
- 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.
- Consequence
- 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.
- Remedy
- 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:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
2,893 vehicles 2015-08-10- Defect
- 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.
- Consequence
- If the transmission oil leaks onto the exhaust pipe, there is a possible risk of fire.
- Remedy
- 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.
Recall work is free at a franchised dealer regardless of the car's age. Check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls before assuming it was done.
How it ranks in the 2016 field
The score at the top of the page, placed among its peers. The zones are the same thresholds the scorer applies, read out of the scorer itself, so the picture and the band word cannot disagree.
Scores are ranked within the model year, never across years, because an older car has had longer to accumulate reports.
- Left fewer and less serious reports
- Right more, or worse
- Marker this vehicle
How 2016 compares with the other years
High risk for a 2016 — 105th riskiest of the 255 2016 vehicles we can rate. Every score on this site is a rank inside its own model year, which is what makes a 2004 and a 2019 comparable at all.
Across the 28 model years of this car that carry enough reports to score, 1996 comes out best at 60 and 2015 worst at 78, with 2016 itself at 73.
If the model year is negotiable, 1996, 1999, 1997, 2000, 2021, 2008, 1998, 2007, 2004, 2002, 2006, 2003, 2018, 2024 and 2009 score lower than 2016 by a margin worth acting on. Same body, same engines, different luck — usually a supplier change or a mid-cycle fix, which the complaint data can show but never explain.
Within the 2015–2017 generation specifically, 2017 is the strongest year at 72 and 2015 the weakest at 78.
Scores compare each year against other cars of the same model year, so a low number on an older car is a real result and not an artefact of age.
Shorter is better. Years with too few reports to score are shown without a bar rather than as a zero, because no data is not good news.
Within the 2015-2017 generation, 2017 Subaru Legacy scores best at 72 and 2015 Subaru Legacy worst at 78.
What the numbers say to check
The mileages below are where the first quarter of reports for each mode had already been filed, which makes them the point at which a fault is worth looking for rather than the point at which it happens: other visibility problem from about 17k, other steering problem from about 18k and other electrical problem from about 36k.
On a 2016 Subaru Legacy with more miles than that on it, the useful question to put to a seller or a mechanic is whether other visibility problem has been dealt with, and if so with what parts and at whose expense. A car that has already had the repair is in a different position from one that has not.
None of this is a diagnosis. It is a list of what other owners of the same model year reported, ordered by when they reported it, which is a good place to point an inspection and a poor place to stop.
The limits of complaint data
193 owner reports; fleet size estimated from this year's own recall paperwork. Every count on this page is therefore a floor: it is the number of owners who went to the trouble of filing with a federal agency, which is a small and self-selected fraction of the owners who had the fault.
Of those 193 reports, 114 carried an odometer reading, so the mileages here describe 59% of the sample rather than all of it. Owners also round: readings pile up on multiples of ten thousand, which is why this site publishes "about 90,000 miles" and not "91,438".
Named failure modes come from matching phrases in the complaint text, so a badly worded complaint can land in the wrong bucket. The effect washes out across hundreds of reports and does not wash out across five.
And nothing here predicts what one car will do. These are other people's complaints, filed years apart, on cars maintained by strangers. Read the page as a map of where this model year has previously gone wrong, then have the specific car in front of you inspected.
Questions this page answers
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Subaru Legacy?
The most-reported failures are other electrical problem (27 reports, median 50,000 miles), other steering problem (12 reports, median 30,000 miles) and other visibility problem (12 reports, median 25,000 miles). Counts come from owner complaints filed with NHTSA, which are voluntary, so they show what owners bothered to report rather than every fault that occurred.
At what mileage do 2016 Subaru Legacy problems start?
Other visibility problem is the earliest failure mode to show up, with a median reported mileage of 25,000 miles and a quarter of reports before 15,000 miles. Across all failure modes on this year, the median report sits at 35,000 miles.
Is the 2016 Subaru Legacy reliable?
It scores 73 out of 100 on our risk index, which is high — 105th riskiest of the 255 2016 vehicles we can rate. The score is a comparison against other 2016 vehicles, not a prediction about any individual car, and it is built from complaint rates, severity and how early failures appear.
Which year of the Subaru Legacy is best?
Within the 2015–2017 generation, 2017 scores best at 72 out of 100 and 2015 worst at 78. Same body, same engines, different luck.
Where this comes from. Every figure above is computed from NHTSA owner complaints and recall records for this exact make, model and year. Complaints are voluntary and self-selected, so treat counts as a floor. The methodology page writes out each formula, and the same numbers are available as JSON.
What breaks at my mileage Compare with another car
Source Owner complaints and recall records published by the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, model years 1996–2027 Figures rebuilt Published by AtWhatMileage How every figure is computed