Is the 2016 Subaru LEGACY reliable?

The 2016 Subaru LEGACY has 192 complaints filed with NHTSA (1.4x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: below-average. Most common issue: ELECTRICAL problems.

What are common problems with the 2016 Subaru LEGACY?

Top problems: ELECTRICAL (51 complaints, avg repair $500); OTHER (41 complaints, avg repair $500); VISIBILITY (18 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2016 Subaru LEGACY?

Yes, there are 3 recall(s): POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT, STEERING:COLUMN, POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT. Contact any Subaru dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2016 Subaru LEGACY?

The 2016 Subaru LEGACY gets 26 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $1846. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

How much does it cost to insure a 2016 Subaru LEGACY?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2016 Subaru LEGACY is approximately $1,478/year (sedan-midsize class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2016 Subaru LEGACY

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Below Average

Quick Summary

The 2016 Subaru LEGACY has 192 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.4x the segment average of 140. The most common issue is electrical problems (27% of all complaints), specifically: eye site safety main wiring harness rodent damage harness insertion made with soybean so its made of food happened parked in driveway. There are 3 recalls issued for this model year.

7 crash reports 1 injury

192

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

1.4x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

ELECTRICAL

51 complaints

27%

• EYE SITE SAFETY MAIN WIRING HARNESS RODENT DAMAGE HARNESS INSERTION MADE WITH SOYBEAN SO ITS MADE OF FOOD HAPPENED PARKED IN DRIVEWAY
• 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 NO
• WIRES AND OTHER COMPONENTS ARE MADE OF SOY BASED MATERIALS THAT ATTRACT RODENTS SQUIRRELS CHIPMUNKS AND CATS APPARENTLY AND HAVE BEEN CHEWED; THE HARNESS WAS DESTROYED AND POTENTIAL DAMAGE TO THIS AND TO POWER STEERING LINE, EXHAUST HOSES AND OTHER WIRING AND PARTS WITH SOY EXIST. THE MANUFACTURER

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500

“EYE SITE SAFETY MAIN WIRING HARNESS RODENT DAMAGE HARNESS INSERTION MADE WITH SOYBEAN SO ITS MADE OF FOOD HAPPENED PARKED IN DRIVEWAY”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2016 Subaru LEGACY

Based on 113 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 35K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 30-60K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

VISIBILITY

Reported earliermedian 40K mi · 13 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

STEERING

Reported earliermedian 19K mi · 12 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

TRANSMISSION

Reported earliermedian 15K mi · 10 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

SPEED CONTROL

Reported earliermedian 35K mi · 7 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

BODY/STRUCTURE

Reported earliermedian 32K mi · 5 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

BRAKES

Reported earliermedian 8K mi · 5 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.

Recalls (3)

POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT24/11/2015

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.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2016 Subaru LEGACY

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$1,847

Per month

$154

Per mile

15.4¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$2,401/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$1,372/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today

Show:

Current

$4.00

5-year low

$2.78

5-year high

$5.01

Since 2021

+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2016 Subaru LEGACY

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,478

Full coverage / month

$123

Liability only / year

$611

vs US avg

-12%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (sedan-midsize)0.96x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating1.00x

× vehicle age0.92x

= Full coverage estimate$1478

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Subaru LEGACY Service Intervals

Oil change

6K mi / 6 mo

Tire rotation

6K mi

Brake fluid

30 months

Transmission fluid

30K mi

Engine coolant

138K mi

Spark plugs

60K mi

Cabin air filter

15K mi

Engine air filter

30K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

30K mi

Boxer engines have specific oil consumption patterns — check oil monthly. CVT service every 30K is critical; skipping shortens life dramatically. AWD requires matched tire wear.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Subaru New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

3 yr / 36K mi

Powertrain

5 yr / 60K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

8 yr / 100K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

5 yr / unlimited mi

Roadside assistance

3 yr / 36K mi

These are the terms for a new Subaru. If you're buying a used 2016 LEGACY, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Subaru dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

VISIBILITY(~50K mi)

$500

STEERING(~50K mi)

$500

TRANSMISSION(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 192 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
ELECTRICAL: EYE SITE SAFETY MAIN WIRING HARNESS RODENT DAMAGE HARNESS INSERTION MADE WITH SOYBEAN SO ITS MADE OF FOOD HAPPENED PARKED IN DRIVEWAY
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
OTHER: THE HEADREST ANGLE IS COMPLETELY UNCOMFORTABLE. IT WILL CAUSE PEOPLE DO ACCIDENT, BECAUSE THEY CAN'T DRIVE WITH EASE.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
VISIBILITY: 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 SUBARU
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
STEERING: EYESIGHT PACKAGES ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL WITH LANE-DEPARTURE AND AUTO-BRAKING DOESN'T WORK. DEALER REFUSES TO FIX.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 3 recalls have been completed — free at any Subaru dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)