CarRecallDB

2016 Subaru Legacy recalls and problems

3 recalls and 147 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2016 Subaru Legacy.

3
recalls
147
owner complaints
9
complaints mentioning a crash
0
mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2016 Subaru Legacy recalls

Steering: column

NHTSA campaign 16V292000 · reported May 11, 2016 · Subaru of America, Inc. · 48,819 vehicles potentially affected

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

Power train: driveline, differential unit · Power train: driveline, driveshaft

NHTSA campaign 15V794000 · reported November 24, 2015 · Subaru of America, Inc. · 3,251 vehicles potentially affected

The 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.
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 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.

Power train: automatic transmission · Power train: driveline, driveshaft

NHTSA campaign 15V502000 · reported August 10, 2015 · Subaru of America, Inc. · 2,893 vehicles potentially affected

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

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Sep 12, 2026 · Back over prevention

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…

Aug 1, 2026 · 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…

Jun 8, 2026 · 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…

Jun 3, 2026 · 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.

Feb 18, 2026 · 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…

Legacy model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2013 126660
2014 105342
2015 3160153
2016 314790
2017 2119101
2018 311771
2019 312321

Across all years, the 2005 Legacy has the most complaints (184). All Subaru Legacy years →

Questions

Does the 2016 Subaru Legacy have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2016 Subaru Legacy, the most recent reported on May 11, 2016 (Steering: column). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Subaru Legacy?
Owners have filed 147 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is electrical system (51 complaints), followed by unknown or other (41).
How many 2016 Subaru Legacy complaints mention a crash or fire?
9 of 147 complaints report a crash and 0 a fire; 3 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received September 12, 2026.