2016 Subaru Legacy: Reliability, Recalls, Known Issues & Cost to Own
Data last updated 2026-07-04 · sources listed throughout · based on public NHTSA data
Standard-AWD sixth-gen Legacy with good safety scores, marred by the generation peak of battery-drain and Starlink electrical complaints plus early windshield cracking. Comfortable and cheap to run, but the electrical record is a real caution. 3 known issue patterns are documented below, with frequency and the mileage windows where they typically appear. New, the 2016 Subaru Legacy ranged from $21,745 to $29,945 depending on trim (base MSRP, before options and destination).
This listing
Context from the listing you were viewing, not a market-price judgement.
Standard-AWD sixth-gen Legacy with good safety scores, marred by the generation peak of battery-drain and Starlink electrical complaints plus early windshield cracking. Comfortable and cheap to run, but the electrical record is a real caution.
Sources (3)
- slashgear.comhttps://www.slashgear.com/1686521/subaru-legacy-generations-ranked-reliability/
- tractionlife.comhttps://tractionlife.com/2023-subaru-legacy-review/
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=subaru&model=legacy…
Known issues
-
Spontaneous windshield cracking, the subject of a class-action settlement covering 2015-2020 Subarus and costly because of driver-assist camera recalibration
commonly reported · 138 NHTSA complaints · body
-
Battery parasitic drain and Starlink infotainment electrical faults, heaviest on the 2015-2017 cars
commonly reported · 125 NHTSA complaints · electrical
-
FB25 2.5L excessive oil consumption
occasional · 20 NHTSA complaints · typically 40k–110k miles · engine
Based on public NHTSA complaint data and AI synthesis: patterns, not guarantees.
Sources (1)
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=subaru&model=legacy…
Recalls & safety
Recall history hasn't been loaded for this model year yet.
Whether a recall is still open on a specific car depends on its VIN. Check it free at NHTSA's VIN lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls), or ask the seller for proof the repair was done.
Pros & cons
Pros
- Quiet, spacious and comfortable cabin
- Standard AWD with sure-footed all-weather grip
- Excellent safety: EyeSight driver assist and IIHS Top Safety Pick
- Low running costs and strong resale
Cons
- CVT mutes acceleration; the base engine is modest
- Windshield cracking and battery/electrical gremlins
- Dated, small infotainment on the pre-2018 cars
Trims & original pricing
| Trim | Original base MSRP | New today | Engine | MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5i | $21,745 | $26,810 | — | — |
| Premium | $23,845 | $29,110 | — | — |
| Limited | $26,845 | $35,920 | — | — |
| 3.6R Limited | $29,945 | discontinued | — | — |
Prices are base MSRP for each trim's standard configuration. Options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.
Sources (2)
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/2016-subaru-legacy-price
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/subaru-legacy-price
Depreciation
Move your cursor along the line to see the estimated value for any year.
This listing sits above the typical depreciation curve. Common for heavily-optioned cars and for 2021-2023 model years (pandemic-era pricing); the curve is anchored at base MSRP, which excludes options.
Curve anchored at the entry-trim base MSRP ($21,745). Higher trims started higher (up to $29,945), and options added more.
The curve's data ends 10 years in, so the line levels off after that. Treat the tail as a floor, not a forecast: asking prices for older cars depend mostly on condition, mileage, and the current market, and often sit well above it.
Sources (1)
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/subaru-legacy/resale-value
Cost to own
| Repairs (rises with mileage) | ≈ $550–600/yr |
| Insurance (medium tier) | ≈ $1,200–1,300/yr |
| Expected lifespan | ~200k miles |
National-average estimates based on public data. Your costs vary by region, driver, and condition.
Sources (2)
- repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/subaru/legacy
- moneygeek.comhttps://moneygeek.com/insurance/auto/subaru-legacy-insurance/
Frequently asked questions
What problems does the 2016 Subaru Legacy have?
Documented issue patterns include: Spontaneous windshield cracking, the subject of a class-action settlement covering 2015-2020 Subarus and costly because of driver-assist camera recalibration; Battery parasitic drain and Starlink infotainment electrical faults, heaviest on the 2015-2017 cars; FB25 2.5L excessive oil consumption. Frequency is based on public NHTSA complaint data: patterns, not guarantees.
Is the 2016 Subaru Legacy reliable?
Standard-AWD sixth-gen Legacy with good safety scores, marred by the generation peak of battery-drain and Starlink electrical complaints plus early windshield cracking. Comfortable and cheap to run, but the electrical record is a real caution.
How much did the 2016 Subaru Legacy cost new?
Between $21,745 and $29,945 depending on trim. Those are base MSRPs for each trim's standard configuration; options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.
Is the Subaru Legacy expensive to maintain?
Estimated repairs run roughly $550–600/year as mileage climbs.
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Estimates are based on public data: patterns, not guarantees. CarVitals is not affiliated with NHTSA, CarMax, AutoTrader, or Cars.com. Issue frequencies come from public NHTSA complaint data, which has no denominator, so they describe reporting patterns, not failure probabilities. Always have a used car inspected before buying. How we build these reports.