RoadVitals

2016 Subaru Legacy Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
146
Latest Aug 1, 2026
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
16
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
9

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2016 Subaru Legacy, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

51
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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, leaving the customer to pay full price to replace the screen. Does not seem like a fair business practice.

NHTSA ID 11742852 · filed Jun 8, 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.

NHTSA ID 11741718 · filed Jun 3, 2026
All 51 reports naming electrical

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

18
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I went to the store with an intact and unblemished windshield. After returning to the vehicle, a crack in the passenger side of the windshield appeared with no chip or damage visible. After only a day, this cracked had tripled in length with weekly crackling sounds. This is a known issue with Subarus and the manufacturer is trying to be selective with repairs. My vehicle has the EyeSight system and will cost me $1100.00 to repair because it's $700.00 to calibrate the system after glass repair..

NHTSA ID 11604581 · filed Jul 25, 2024

I was driving home from work when the windshield cracked from the bottom of the passenger side right by the windshield wiper and now has spiraled up

NHTSA ID 11455461 · filed Mar 7, 2022
All 18 reports naming visibility

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

16
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Steering did not return to neutral position after making a right turn, steering wanted to continue on right turn. I was able to pull it back to straight position with some needed force. I don't believe my wife would be able , after initial surprise, to steer back into lane of traffic. Result could have been an accident. I have not reproduced the problem at dealer or independent service facility or by manufacturer and because of no accident police or insurance co. not called. There were no warning signs. I just recently pudchased this vehicle within past week. I would call your attention to the articles on internet describing the problem and how to repair I don't think I should pay for repair as it is a recurring problem with other cars by same manufacturer. Thank you

NHTSA ID 11527329 · filed Jun 16, 2023

I'M HAVING ISSUES WITH THE STEERING COLUMN AND GETTING THE KEY OUT. I'M NOT ABLE TO REMOVE THE KEY MOST DAYS. WAS THIS IN ANY PART OF ANY KNOWN RECALL? THANK YOU

NHTSA ID 11414333 · filed Apr 28, 2021
All 16 reports naming steering

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

13
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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, leaving the customer to pay full price to replace the screen. Does not seem like a fair business practice.

NHTSA ID 11742852 · filed Jun 8, 2026

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 ID 11686981 · filed Sep 12, 2025
All 13 reports naming driver assistance

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

12
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

There was a recall for my 2016 Subaru Legacy transmission issue (CVT), I got a letter from Subaru on 9/23/2018 which extended warranty for 2016-2017 Legacy/Outback CVT from 5 years/60000 miles to 10 years/100000 miles, started from 9/30/2019. The transmission of my Subaru started making noise half year ago which was still under warranty, at that time I didn't think it was a big deal and totally forgot the letter from Subaru, however, the noise is aloud and unbearable now, the mileages of my car is about 5000 miles exceeding 100000 miles warranty, which I need to pay $8200 to replace transmission per Subaru client service USA. After browsing online, I have noticed that the issue of CVT on Subaru Legacy is common, in this case, Subaru should replace such defective CVT for free, at least for the part.

NHTSA ID 11543478 · filed Sep 8, 2023

Vehicle had significant amount of oil pooled in the battery case holder back approximately Jan 2022 or earlier. Contacted Subaru of Las Vegas and they offered to clean the vehicle believing it was a careless oil change. Next oil change Subaru said I had a minor oil leak. Took it to an outside vendor to have them look at it and they said I didn't have an oil leak. Every oil change after that subaru continued to say I had a leak. But, my oil levels never changed enough to show low oil. Took it to the same vendor again and again they said no oil leak. Took it to another vendor and they changed the gasket cover and leak, but mentioned there was a leak with the cam carrier that needed to be revealed. They recommended taking it to their neighbor vendor that specializes in Subaru and they looked at it and confirmed, but mentioned to contact Subaru and that it should be a covered repair as it is a known issue with Subaru and that they were currently working on one with the same issue. While recently driving it, I noticed what smelled like burning oil. When I looked online I can see numerous years and models of owners reporting the same issue with their Subaru. Contacted my dealer and they said it wasn't covered. Contacted Subaru of America and they are currently investigating it. If your camshaft seal is leaking oil, you need to get it replaced right away. The leak can lead to a fire, and your engine could seize up. It can also damage your timing belt which can cause bent valves, cylinder head damage or camshaft damage. Prior to this, I actually have already repaired the timing belt. I want to ensure that no injury or damage comes to another Subaru vehicle owner having the same issue. I have also just had to repair both axles and my Subaru is a 2016 with 90,000 miles on it.

NHTSA ID 11536054 · filed Aug 2, 2023
All 12 reports naming powertrain (other)

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

8
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Parking Brake harness is defaulty.

NHTSA ID 11678223 · filed Aug 4, 2025

Slowing to pull into parking spot and car accelerates and hits what is in front of vehicle. Has happened at least four times. Last time 11/5/2024

NHTSA ID 11623875 · filed Nov 6, 2024
All 8 reports naming brakes

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

8
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Sometimes when starting from a stop or slowing down to make a turn the engine revs up like I was pushing the gas pedal. When this happens ( 4 times in the last 6 months) luckily I was covering the break to slow down or going very slow from a stop. Each time I was turning left or right. I was able to push the shifter into neural. After applying the breaks the engine slows down

NHTSA ID 11684180 · filed Aug 31, 2025

The contact owns a 2016 Subaru Legacy. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact became aware that while the check engine light remained illuminated the horn failed to function as designed. The contact stated that after the check engine warning light issue was resolved the horn returned to normal functionality. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance; however, the manufacturer informed the contact that the failure was a known issue and advised the contact to stop driving the vehicle until the check engine warning light issue was resolved. The failure mileage was 184,000.

NHTSA ID 11630170 · filed Dec 11, 2024
All 8 reports naming engine

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

6
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I was driving on the interstate going about 75 mph and suddenly my hood popped up and blocked my view. The hood cracked the windshield and was pushed back, in a way that doesn't allow it to close anymore. The hood warning light was not showing and I have driven hours earlier at highway speeds without a problem. The hood jack is snapped off. The problem has not been reproduced or looked at by my insurance, or a service center yet.

NHTSA ID 11523036 · filed May 20, 2023

THE CHILD SAFETY LOCK ON THE REAR PASSENGER'S SIDE WILL NOT DISENGAGE. IT HAPPENED SUDDENLY (UNKNOWN). YOU CAN'T OPEN THE DOOR FROM THE INSIDE, BUT YOU CAN OPEN IT FROM THE OUTSIDE. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE PASSENGERS COULD NOT GET OUT OF THE DOOR IF AN ACCIDENT WERE TO OCCUR. THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY. THE ACTUATOR NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. AFTER SEARCHING ONLINE RECENTLY THERE ARE A NUMBER OF PEOPLE WHO HAVE THIS ISSUE WITH THEIR SUBARU.

NHTSA ID 11374078 · filed Nov 11, 2020

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

This concern is not related to the VIN number listed. I Have concerns with Aftermarket wheels in general. as the service manager of a shop I am seeing aftermarket wheels that are cracking under normal use due to poor metal quality and design. I have seen dual bolt pattern wheels that crack at the lug nut mounting hole when torquing to the vehicle manufacture spec. I have seen many aftermarket wheels installed with incorrect lug nuts and incorrect or missing hub centric devices. I Believe that the public does not understand the safety concerns of aftermarket wheels.

NHTSA ID 11514390 · filed Mar 29, 2023

NEED TO REPLACE GOODYEAR EAGLE LS2 225/50R18 TIRES. 4 OF THEM HAVE DRY ROT ON THE INSIDE OF THE TIRE CLOSEST TO THE RIM. ONE HAS A BUBBLE ON THE INSIDE. CAR JUST TURNED 37 THOUSAND MILES YESTERDAY. THIS IS A POTENTIAL ISSUE TO CONTINUE DRIVING ON THESE TIRES. I AM AFRAID OF A BLOWOUT

NHTSA ID 11221393 · filed Jun 20, 2019

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I was driving on highway and engine failed light came on, along with low fuel sign. Engine shut off. Luckily I was able to safely pull over. The Dealer determined that the low fuel sensor failed thus shutoff the engine. Shutting engine off on a highway is dangerous and life threatening event. Need a different strategy to warn the driver with a time to safely pull over. It cost me over $1,500 to get the part repalce.

NHTSA ID 11647892 · filed Mar 12, 2025

Slowing to pull into parking spot and car accelerates and hits what is in front of vehicle. Has happened at least four times. Last time 11/5/2024

NHTSA ID 11623875 · filed Nov 6, 2024

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Seat belts

Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

THE WINDSHIELD CRACKED ABOUT 1INCH FOR NO REASON, DRIVING OFF OF THE LOT AFTER PURCHASING MY USED SUBARU LEGACY. THE NEXT DAY, ANOTHER CRACK APPEARED WHILE DRIVING SLOW SPEEDS ON A FLAT ROADWAY. THE SECOND CRACK IS LOCATED IN A NEW LOCATION, AND SPANS ABOUT 2-2.5 FT'ABOUT 3/4 THE LENGTH OF THE ENTIRE WINDSHIELD. AFTER RESEARCHING, I CAME ACROSS A LAWSUIT CURRENTLY FILED AGAINST SUBARU AMERICA FOR THIS VERY ISSUE'EASILY CRACKED WINDSHIELDS FOR THESE YEARS AND MODELS. *TR

NHTSA ID 11329831 · filed Jun 20, 2020

OUCH!! MARCH 20, 2019!!!

NHTSA ID 11203026 · filed Apr 23, 2019

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 ID 11102523 · filed Jun 19, 2018

TAKATA RECALL NOT RECALLED YET, DO NOT KNOW IF I AM AT RISK

NHTSA ID 11022436 · filed Sep 9, 2017

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 SUBARU LEGACY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE VEERED LEFT AND RIGHT INDEPENDENTLY. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT FORCE WAS REQUIRED TO THE STEERING WHEEL. THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED BUT THE FAILURE WAS UNDETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 400. ...UPDATED 6/30/16 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED IT DIFFICULT TO KEEP THE VEHICLE STRAIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS ALIGNED TWICE. UPDATED 07/11/16.*JB

NHTSA ID 10870686 · filed May 24, 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 SUBARU LEGACY. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 75 MPH, THE VEHICLE ROLLED OVER A BUMP IN THE ROAD AND BECAME UNCONTROLLABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE OPERATED AS INTENDED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BE DIAGNOSED TWELVE TIMES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 500.

NHTSA ID 10860554 · filed Apr 20, 2016

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Tires & wheels

Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

NEED TO REPLACE GOODYEAR EAGLE LS2 225/50R18 TIRES. 4 OF THEM HAVE DRY ROT ON THE INSIDE OF THE TIRE CLOSEST TO THE RIM. ONE HAS A BUBBLE ON THE INSIDE. CAR JUST TURNED 37 THOUSAND MILES YESTERDAY. THIS IS A POTENTIAL ISSUE TO CONTINUE DRIVING ON THESE TIRES. I AM AFRAID OF A BLOWOUT

NHTSA ID 11221393 · filed Jun 20, 2019

OUCH!! MARCH 20, 2019!!!

NHTSA ID 11203026 · filed Apr 23, 2019

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

RIGHT REAR SEAT DOES NOT LATCH/LOCK IN PLACE IN UPRIGHT POSITION. LEFT REAR SEAT DOES LATCH/LOCK IN PLACE IN UPRIGHT POSITION.

NHTSA ID 10854665 · filed Apr 10, 2016

THE HEADREST ANGLE IS COMPLETELY UNCOMFORTABLE. IT WILL CAUSE PEOPLE DO ACCIDENT, BECAUSE THEY CAN'T DRIVE WITH EASE.

NHTSA ID 10781185 · filed Oct 9, 2015

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Transmission

Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2016 Subaru Legacy. The contact stated that the key would not release from the ignition switch. The contact had to move the shift lever back and forth to take the key out of the ignition switch. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and diagnosed with a faulty shift lever plate that needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 35,000.

NHTSA ID 11439973 · filed Nov 10, 2021

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .