2016 Subaru Legacy recalls and problems

The 2016 Subaru Legacy has 3 safety recalls and 147 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Subaru dealer.

Urgent: recall 16V-292 carries a "do not drive" warning. Contact a dealer before driving.
Recalls
3
Complaints
147
Crashes / fires
9 / 0
Injuries / deaths
3 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2016 Subaru Legacy vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2016 Subaru Legacy recalls

Recall 16V-292: Steering

Do not driveReported May 11, 2016 · 48,819 vehicles affected · Subaru of America, Inc.

Problem: 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.

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

Fix: 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.

Recall 15V-794: Power Train

Reported Nov 24, 2015 · 3,251 vehicles affected · Subaru of America, Inc.

Problem: 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.

Recall 15V-502: Power Train

Reported Aug 10, 2015 · 2,893 vehicles affected · Subaru of America, Inc.

Problem: 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.

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

Fix: 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.

2016 Subaru Legacy problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Electrical System51
Unknown or Other41
Visibility/Wiper17
Steering16
Power Train13
Vehicle Speed Control9
Service Brakes8
Engine7
Structure6
Wheels3
Fuel/Propulsion System3
Seats2

Most reported parts

  • Structure › Body — 6
  • Electrical System › 12v/24v/48v Battery — 2
  • Visibility › Windshield — 1
  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Park/Neutral Start Interlock Switch — 1
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Oil/Lubrication › Seals/Gaskets — 1
  • Forward Collision Avoidance › Adaptive Cruise Control — 1
  • Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking — 1
  • Lane Departure › Warning — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 35,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2016 Subaru Legacy complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Back Over Prevention · reported Sep 12, 2026
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.
Unknown or Other · reported Aug 1, 2026
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
Electrical System · reported Jun 8, 2026
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…
Electrical System · reported Jun 3, 2026
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.
Electrical System · reported Feb 18, 2026
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.

Other Subaru Legacy years

Compare all Subaru Legacy years · All Subaru models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2016 Subaru Legacy have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2016 Subaru Legacy: 16V-292 (steering), 15V-794 (power train), 15V-502 (power train). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2016 Subaru Legacy?

Owners report electrical system problems most often (51 reports), followed by unknown or other (41). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 35,000 miles.

Are Subaru recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Subaru dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.