Throttlebook

2016 Subaru Legacy

The 2016 Subaru Legacy earns a fair Throttlebook Ownership Score of 69/100. Expect about $36,474 to own it for five years, or $608 a month. NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns that may apply, so check the exact VIN at nhtsa.gov before you buy. Owners have filed 147 complaints.

Recalls
3
Complaints
147
5-yr cost
$36k
MPG (EPA)
29
0
Fair
Ownership Score

2016 Subaru Legacy vs nearby years

Compare this year with the model years next to it on the same hub.

Looking at a specific Legacy?

Paste its VIN for the exact trim, recalls that may apply, and a Fits / Stretch / Not yet verdict for your budget. Free.

3 recalls may apply

For the 2016 Subaru Legacy. NHTSA matches recalls by model and year — confirm by VIN.

Park-it warning
  • What's wrong: 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.

Check recalls for this exact VIN at NHTSA

Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer.

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5-year cost to own

Estimated $9,250 price, 20% down, 11.19% APR for 60 months (Experian avg.), 12,000 mi/yr.

$36,474
$608/month · $0.61/mile
Depreciation$2,093
Insurance (national avg.)$12,000
Fuel / charging$6,930
Maintenance$7,320
Repairs$4,000
Loan interest$2,576
Taxes & fees$1,555

Estimate, not financial advice. How we calculate.

Owner complaints & safety

What real owners reported to NHTSA for this model year.

147 complaints9 involved a crash
  • Electrical System51
  • Unknown Or Other41
  • Visibility/Wiper17
  • Steering16
  • Power Train13
  • Vehicle Speed Control9

Complaint counts scale with how many were sold; compare against similar models.

NHTSA crash-test stars
Overall
5 out of 5 stars
Frontal
5 out of 5 stars
Side
5 out of 5 stars
Rollover
5 out of 5 stars

Rated as: 2016 Subaru Legacy 4 DR AWD

What to check on a used 2016 Subaru Legacy

Ordered by what owners of this model year reported most. Reports are not proof of a defect.

  • Electrical and lights
    • Test every window, lock, light and wiper.
    • Watch for warning lights that stay on after start-up.
  • Engine and transmission
    • Cold start: listen for knocking, ticking or rough running.
    • Shifts should be smooth with no slipping or jerking.
  • Steering
    • Does the car drift or pull on a straight road?
    • Turn the wheel lock to lock and listen for clunks or whines.

If anything in a safety area feels wrong (brakes, steering, airbags, tires), stop driving and get it inspected before you buy or drive it further. Paste a VIN above for the full printable checklist.

Common 2016 Subaru Legacy problems

Cheaper alternatives

FAQ

Is the 2016 Subaru Legacy a good car to buy?
The 2016 Subaru Legacy earns a fair Throttlebook Ownership Score of 69/100. Expect about $36,474 to own it for five years, or $608 a month. NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns that may apply, so check the exact VIN at nhtsa.gov before you buy. Owners have filed 147 complaints.
Does the 2016 Subaru Legacy have recalls?
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for the 2016 Subaru Legacy, including Power Train › Driveline › Driveshaft; Steering › Column; Power Train › Driveline › Driveshaft. Recalls are matched by model year, so check your exact VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
What are the most common 2016 Subaru Legacy problems?
Owners filed 147 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are electrical system (51), visibility/wiper (17), steering (16), power train (13).
How much does a 2016 Subaru Legacy cost to own for 5 years?
About $36,474 over 5 years ($608/month) at an estimated $9,250 purchase price and 12,000 miles a year, including depreciation, insurance, fuel, maintenance, repairs, loan interest and taxes. Run a VIN report to personalize it.

Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and NCAP ratings; EPA fueleconomy.gov. Data refreshed weekly. Complaint counts scale with sales volume.