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2016 Subaru Legacy: common problems and reliability
· 6th generationOne of the weaker Legacy years.
147 owner complaints, most about electrical system. 3 recalls.
Should I buy a 2016 Legacy?The 2016 Subaru Legacy has 147 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 3 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are electrical system and visibility/wiper. Owners most often flag cvt transmission failure (2.5l models): multiple owners report complete transmission failure between 90,000-138,000 miles, with replacement costs ranging from $1,700 (used) to over $10,000 (new at dealer). some owners report grinding noises for 18 months before failure.
Safety record for the 2016 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2016 Subaru Legacy vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other Legacy years only. How we score it
Is 2016 a good year for the Legacy?
Across the 30 Legacy model years we track, complaint volume runs from 10 (2023) to 184 (2005). With 147 complaints, the 2016 Legacy sits above the model's median of 90.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2016 Legacy
power train:driveline:driveshaft
Campaign 15V794000Subaru 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.
steering:column
Campaign 16V292000Subaru 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.
power train:driveline:driveshaft
Campaign 15V502000Subaru 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 owners report on the 6th generation Legacy
Owners generally view the 6th generation Legacy as a solid, comfortable, and capable daily driver, particularly praising the 3.6R engine and AWD capability.
- Very frequentCVT transmission failure (2.5L models)
Multiple owners report complete transmission failure between 90,000-138,000 miles, with replacement costs ranging from $1,700 (used) to over $10,000 (new at dealer). Some owners report grinding noises for 18 months before failure.
- Very frequentCVT hesitation/lurching/shuddering
Owners report hesitation when coasting or from stops, often resolved or improved by fluid changes. Some cases progressed to transmission failure.
- Very frequent"Lifetime fluid" misinformation leading to transmission damage
Multiple owners report being told the CVT fluid never needs changing, only to experience issues; owners strongly recommend drain and fill every 30,000-40,000 miles.
- RecurrentPoor paint quality
Owners describe paint as "junk," with chipping and clear-coat issues reported.
- RecurrentInfotainment screen delamination
Reported on 2019 models, with a known warranty extension (CP1) for Harman Gen3.1 units.
Owner insights for the 6th generation Legacy. Read the full 6th generation owner report.
Typical used price
Used Legacy listings typically run $11,500–$22,749 across 2003 to 2025 model years.
Other Legacy model years
Compare every Legacy year side by side to see how 2016 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Legacy against its rivals
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