Problems · NHTSA complaints

2016 Subaru Legacy problems

Owners filed 147 complaints about the 2016 Subaru Legacy with NHTSA between Oct 2015 and Sep 2026. The most-cited component is electrical system (51).

Complaints
147
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
9
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
3
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  1. Electrical system51
  2. Visibility/wiper17
  3. Steering16
  4. Power train13
  5. Vehicle speed control9
  6. Service brakes8
  7. Engine7
  8. Structure6
  9. Fuel/propulsion system3
  10. Wheels3
  11. Back over prevention2
  12. Seat belts2
  13. Tires2
  14. Electronic stability control (esc)2

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 28, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Trend

When complaints were filed

Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
View as table
Model yearComplaints filed per calendar year
20153
201611
201715
20188
201919
202020
202127
202215
202312
20244
20258
20265

Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.

03 —Owner reports

Top problems in owners’ words

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first

Electrical system

51 reports
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 8, 2026Electrical system, Back over preventionODI 11742852

Visibility/wiper

17 reports
“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..”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 25, 2024Visibility/wiperODI 11604581

Steering

16 reports1 crash1 related recall
“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”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 16, 2023SteeringODI 11527329

Power train

13 reports1 crash2 related recalls
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 8, 2023Power trainODI 11543478

Vehicle speed control

9 reports2 crashes
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 12, 2025Vehicle speed control, Unknown or otherODI 11686981

Service brakes

8 reports2 crashes
“I been having issues with my brake When I’m driving out of know where my whole brake goes all the way down and it takes a minute to actually brake. As well when that happens my eyesight goes off. This is a big risk I’m taking when im driving. I took my car to the Subaru dealership and they couldn’t find the reason why my car is doing it.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 14, 2022Service brakesODI 11484521
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 28, 2026

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.