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    Subaru Legacy

    EPA MPG: 30 mpg

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

    Reliability

    Overall Reliability

    We expect the 2025 Legacy will be more reliable than the average new car. This prediction is based on data from 2022, 2023, and 2024 models.

    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.

    Exhaust

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

    What Owners Say

    Exhaust manifold

    "The exhaust manifold developed a leak. Subaru did send a recall on it after the leak occurred."

    Anonymous, IA (2016 Subaru Legacy Premium 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
    Other/unsure

    "Battery drains when not driven for a week or so. Problem not resolved. Have to use a maintainer"

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

    "the batteries fail unexpectedly. The last one after a year, and at 6 months the car stopped dead while I was driving it and couldn't be restarted. I've had 3 batteries in 4 years. Thinking it is a parasitic drain. I've read that this is a common issue with Subaru. Going to ask for a DCM fuse test. Car was fine until a couple of years ago."

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

    "The key sometimes is very difficult to remove from the ignition."

    Anonymous A., CO (2016 Subaru Legacy 2.5i)

    "Batteries not lasting for more than 2 years. Fourth one died in March."

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

    "Constant battery flat after 2 days not driving , too many replacement batteries having to use jump cables. Also problems with passenger side front window never able to fix properly!"

    Anonymous, FL (2016 Subaru Legacy Premium)

    "The front passenger seatbelt broke, i.e. it remained in a rretracted position and was unuseable."

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

    "Needed new battery 3 times this year- now theres a recall but only if using Subaru batteries. The charging system must have a problem."

    Anonymous A., NY (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

    "The vinyl material used in the leather seat "bolsters" on both the seat bottom and seat back became hard, brittle, cracked, and the entire panels tore away. This occurred on the outer bolsters of the driver's seat only. Other seating panels are soft and still in good condition."

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

    "Driver seat torn"

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

    "I had to replace the drivers seat upholstery for the second time due to cracking and separation of the vinyl trim from the backing fabric. I also previously replaced the front passenger seat upholstery for the same reason."

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

    "Will not close properly"

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

    "Window drivers side will not go up and down properly has been "repaired" 3 times now just continue to be a problem"

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

    "The electric windows can go up and down completely but its very difficult for them to stop in between. This has always occurred since we bought it."

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

    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

    "Battery drain caused dead battery and no start"

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

    "The vehicle drained 3 batteries inside of one year, not because of my leaving things on but because of a known electronic wiring issue with the model. But because of ongoing litigation, Subaru staff are not permitted to tell the owners the magic words that must be spoken to get the issue addressed. Instead I kept bringing it to them after having the outside battery provider install new ones, and telling Subaru the car was eating the batteries. They continued to not find the issue because I didn't know the exact words to say or sign up with the attorneys on the class act suit. Finally repaired, but way too much aggravation, cost, need to run to a medical appointment when car was dead yet again (luckily only 1 mile away). This car already had other issues that should not be on anything beyond a beta model. Soured completely on the company."

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

    "Some unknown drain on battery. Still being diagnosed"

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

    "Battery sensor failed and showed the battery as non-functional, which would not allow the car to start."

    Anonymous A., IL (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 exterior trim or moldings

    "The left bumper trim comes loose very frequently. I can pop it back in with my fist. It happens daily. This has not been resolved. It started several years ago."

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

    "Scheduled for repair May 2024, cost is $1300"

    Anonymous A., NE (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

    "I was out of town for 3 months. Although a neighbor drove my car a few blocks every couple of weeks, the battery went dead. When I returned and attached a charger, the warning messages were displayed when I started the car. I drove the car to the dealer (Hendrik Subaru) for a full diagnosis. I have a scan of the service report, but here are the notes I wrote down (I don't understand them all): Vehicle diagnosis for warning lights (DTC P0700 solenoid C, ATF faulty, CVT trans body faulty - replaced valve body and added new CVT fluid, 10-mile road test to verify repair, 0B-code B303841CVT valve body replace, C303711CVT electrical testing and diagnosis 0.5 C303708CVT Torq conv relearn after battery disconnect, test drove - mileage in 15080, mileage out 15,117 [warranty]; battery failed load test (code K1BKF4Q-390LGM1) - replaced under warranty, R0694554; front diffential service (43.47+$87.47); replace engine air filter (29.95+$20); replace cabin air filter (29.95+$44.52); rear differential fluid service (25.69+$87.47); service charge $26.94"

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

    "I love Subarus abd they have a history of surviving for 200000 plus miles. It is expensive and disturbing then, too have to replace the transmission at only 125000 miles. Seems like they could have helped a little with the expense, esp when the dealer said this model year was known to have problems."

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

    In-car Electronics

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

    What Owners Say

    Heads-up display

    "Display is hard to see in daylight"

    Anonymous, CT (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.

    What Owners Say

    Head gasket

    "Bought used - had a new head gasket at 106k miles. Has been leaking oil for several years, diagnosis for new head gasket again (waiting to do - not sure worth money)"

    Anonymous A., OH (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

    Wheel bearings

    "Loud noise coming from rear wheel bearings. I had both of them replaced."

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

    Noises/Leaks

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

    What Owners Say

    Squeaks or rattles

    "wheel bearings failed in both tires"

    Anonymous A., OH (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

    A/C compressor

    "Every year had to recharge AC Refrigerant - used "stop leak" but eventually replaced compressor. works fine now"

    Anonymous A., OH (2016 Subaru Legacy Limited 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

    Other minor transmission & clutch problem

    "I have provided all of the information above - I initially said "yes" to both major and minor, since I didn't know which my problem was."

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

    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.

    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.

    Brakes

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

    Engine Cooling

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

    Engine Minor

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

    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.

    2016 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

    This Car
    vs. Similar Cars

    Subaru vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability

    Reliability History
    * Redesign year
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    Overall Reliability Verdict
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA

    POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
    Powertrain
    NA
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    NA
    NA
    Engine Major
    NA
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    NA
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    NA
    Engine Minor
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Engine Cooling
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Engine Electrical
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
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    NA
    Transmission Major
    NA
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    NA
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    Transmission Minor
    NA
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    NA
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    NA
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    NA
    Drive System
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Fuel System/Emissions
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Exhaust
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Suspension/Steering
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Brakes
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Climate System
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Build Quality
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Electrical Accessories
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Body Hardware
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Paint/Trim
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Noises/Leaks
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    In-car Electronics
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    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 over 300,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2024 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. NA indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.
    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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