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Subaru · NHTSA safety record

2016 Subaru Legacy

Every safety complaint, recall and defect investigation the US government holds on this vehicle.

Owners have filed 147 safety complaints about the 2016 Subaru Legacy with the US government. Of those, 9 describe a crash, 3 people were injured and no death is recorded. 3 recall campaigns are open against it, covering the steering and the power train.

The most complained-about system is the electrical system, named in 51 complaints, 35% of the total. The typical failure was reported at 35,000 miles, the median across the 81 complaints that gave an odometer reading.

Compiled from NHTSA's complaint, recall and investigation files · Covers October 2015 to September 2026 · How this is counted

What is on file

147 complaints on file

147

Complaints

9

Describe a crash

0

Mention fire

3

People injured

0

Deaths

A complaint is an unverified account by the person who filed it, not a finding of fault. One complaint is one ODI number, which is how NHTSA counts them.

Complaints rose 33% year on year: 8 in the twelve months to 2026-Q2, against 6 in the twelve before.

A recall is the manufacturer conceding a defect, and the repair is free. Whether one covers your particular car is a question only its VIN can answer, because a campaign covers a production range rather than a model year. A further 1 defect investigation is open and unresolved.

Which system owners named

Complaints naming each system
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 51 · 35%
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 41 · 28%
VISIBILITY/WIPER 17 · 12%
STEERING 16 · 11%
POWER TRAIN 13 · 9%
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 9 · 6%
SERVICE BRAKES 8 · 5%
ENGINE 7 · 5%
STRUCTURE 6 · 4%
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 3 · 2%
WHEELS 3 · 2%
AIR BAGS 2 · 1%
0 23 46

Red marks a system with a recall campaign against it. One complaint can name several systems, so these add up to more than 147.

When the complaints arrived

By the year NHTSA received them

By the year NHTSA received them, which is not the year the failures happened. They peaked in 2021 at 27.

32 24 16 8
15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26

This is the year the complaint was filed, not the year the failure happened. The range runs from 2015 to 2026, the last of them a part year, which is why its column is drawn faint.

Crash test ratings

NHTSA New Car Assessment Program

NHTSA crashes a car into a barrier and a pole and measures what happens to the dummies inside. This is what it awarded the 2016 Subaru LEGACY, and it is a separate question from what owners report going wrong later.

Test 4 DR AWD
Overall
Frontal crash
Frontal, driver
Frontal, passenger
Side crash
Side barrier
Side pole
Rollover
Chance of rollover 10.1%
Stability control standard Forward collision warning standard Lane departure warning standard

A dash means NHTSA did not rate that test for this vehicle.

Recall campaigns

3 on file

STEERING:COLUMN

16V292000 · May 11, 2016

Do not drive until repaired

The 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.
The risk
The loss of steering ability would increase the risk of a crash.
The 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.

Subaru of America, Inc. · up to 48,819 vehicles across all model years covered

POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT

15V794000 · November 24, 2015

The 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.
The 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.
The 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.

Subaru of America, Inc. · up to 3,251 vehicles across all model years covered

POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT

15V502000 · August 10, 2015

The 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.
The risk
If the transmission oil leaks onto the exhaust pipe, there is a possible risk of fire.
The 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.

Subaru of America, Inc. · up to 2,893 vehicles across all model years covered

Defect investigations

1 on file

An investigation means NHTSA has decided a pattern is worth examining. A preliminary evaluation is often closed with no action; an engineering analysis is the stage that usually precedes a recall.

Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture

EA21002

Still open engineering analysis · opened September 17, 2021

the air bags

From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.

In owners’ own words

Quoted from the complaint file

Quoted from NHTSA's complaint file. These are unverified accounts by the people who filed them, not findings of fault.

AIR BAGS

1 injured · crash · towed · 47,000 miles

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 SUBARU LEGACY. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A SIDE IMPACT COLLISION. THE SIDE IMPACT AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A MILD CONCUSSION FROM THE IMPACT AND MODERATE HEAD PAIN, WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO BILL RAPP SUBARU (3446 BURNET AVE, SYRACUSE, NY) WHERE IT WAS DEEMED OPERABLE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE SIDE AIR BAG SENSORS DID NOT RECEIVE ENOUGH OF AN IMPACT TO DEPLOY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 47,000. THE VIN WAS NOT PROVIDED.

NHTSA complaint 11102523. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

SEAT BELTS

1 injured · crash · towed · 59,000 miles

I WAS DRIVING STRAIGHT IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC ON A MAIN TOWN ROAD. AND WAS REAR ENDED AT UNDER 20 MPH. MY HEAD HIT THE STEERING WHEEL AND I WAS WEARING MY SEAT BELT. I DO NOT FEEL THAT THE SEAT BELT KEPT PROPERLY RESTRAINED ME.

NHTSA complaint 11151830. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

POWER TRAIN

1 injured · crash · towed · 17,000 miles

The contact owned a 2016 Subaru Legacy. The contact stated that while attempting to park the vehicle, it suddenly accelerated crashing a small tree causing the contact to reverse the vehicle. When placed in reverse the vehicle accelerated and crashed into another vehicle. The air bags did not deploy. There was damage done to both the tree and other vehicle. The vehicle was towed and deemed total. A police report was filed. The contact had received a bruise on their knee and sought out medical attention. The contact dealer was not made aware of the falure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 17,000.

NHTSA complaint 11461769. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

crash · towed · 37,000 miles

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 SUBARU LEGACY. WHILE REVERSING THE VEHICLE, IT SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL, BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE DROVE THROUGH THE DRIVEWAY BARRIERS AND CRASHED INTO A TREE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO REPAIRED THE REAR DRIVER SIDE PANEL AND TRUNK. THE CONTACT HAD NOT CALLED THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THEY WOULD TOW THE VEHICLE TO A SUBARU DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 37,000. *TT

NHTSA complaint 11110715. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
The infotainment screen would do random cycling through source, maps and other functions all without the driver’s input. Also the screen would just randomly freeze and become insensitive to touch inputs. The steering wheel controls for the infotainment randomly malfunctions. The most concerting thing is when placed in reverse, the camera display is very delayed or doesn’t come on at all. These events happens quite often.

NHTSA complaint 11763779. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER
While traveling approximately 70 mph, my 2016 Subaru Legacy experienced a sudden drivetrain failure. The vehicle made a loud bang, immediately lost acceleration/power, and approximately five seconds later the front drivetrain locked, causing the tires to skid and leaving a long skid mark. The engine remained running. After stopping, the vehicle would not move forward and felt as if it was stuck in Park, but it could roll backward. This occurred without warning and created a dangerous highway situation

NHTSA complaint 11754212. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The factory touchscreen infotainment system is experiencing severe screen delamination (internal adhesive failure). This defect causes uncontrollable 'ghost touching,' where the screen registers phantom inputs. The system cycles through radio stations, changes audio sources, and changes navigation without driver input, causing an extreme, sudden driver distraction. Furthermore, the system frequently freezes and crashes, which completely disables the backup camera display. This prevents a clear view behind the vehicle and creates a severe safety hazard for pedestrians. The dealer confirmed the issue. Contacted Subaru of America and they are unwilling to assist at all with fixing the issue,

NHTSA complaint 11742852, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Battery dies all the time. Parasitic drain from the Starlink program in the car. There is/was a lawsuit. It involves some DCW fuse or something. Ive had to prematurely replace my battery. It also seems to be affecting the radio. It switches stations randomly.

NHTSA complaint 11741718. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Battery continuously dies, likely due to a parasitic drain, and it is extremely hard-taking up to 15 to 20 minutes to open the car door using the the wierd key you slide out of the key fob. As a woman, it is very dangerous when my battery dies and I am in a dark parking lot and I can't even get inside the car and lock the door for safety. Been happening for years lastest time was today 02/17/2026. For some reason, the class action suit said I was not a class member for the same problem.

NHTSA complaint 11718682. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
THIS IS THE SECOND SUCH EXPERIENCE WITH THIS CAR! On Friday, September 12, 2025 at 3:32 p.m., I was driving slowly in a parking lot preparing to park. As I started to turn the car into the parking space, my car surged forward without my pressing on the gas pedal. I pressed on the brake, and the car came to a stop.

NHTSA complaint 11686981. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

Compare

Other years of the Subaru Legacy

Model year Complaints Recalls Deaths
2023 10 2 —
2022 33 2 —
2021 31 3 —
2020 121 6 —
2019 123 3 —
2018 117 3 —
2017 119 2 —
2015 159 3 —
2014 53 10 —
2013 66 12 —
2012 90 16 —
2011 167 16 —
2010 150 18 1

Other 2016 Subaru models

Outback 643 Forester 414 Crosstrek 132 Impreza 75 WRX 31

Complaints on file, same model year.

Every Subaru on this site — 99 vehicles.

If this is your car and a dealer keeps failing to fix it, your state's lemon law may require the manufacturer to replace it or buy it back. How many repair attempts it takes, and how long you have to file, is set by the state you bought in and by nothing on this page.

Where these numbers come from

A complaint is one owner's account and has not been verified by NHTSA or by us. A vehicle with more complaints is not necessarily worse: models that sold in larger numbers collect more of them. How this is counted.

Compiled and maintained by
Independent developer and analyst