2016 Subaru

Legacy AWD

Auto (AV-S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L

Subaru Legacy: best and worst years

Overview

Body: Midsize CarsEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Drivetrain: All-Wheel DriveEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Transmission: Automatic (AV-S6)EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Powertrain: GasEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Fuel: RegularEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026

Engine & performance

HP: 175
Power to weight: 0.051 hp/lb
Axle ratio: 3.90
Cyl: 4EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Aspiration: Naturally aspiratedEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Start-stop system: NoEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026

Efficiency

MPG Hwy: 35 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
MPG City: 26 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
MPG Comb: 29 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Fuel $/yr: $2,150EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
CO₂: 302 g/miEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Eco Score: 7/10EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Smog score: 5/10
Elec. Range: 0 miEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Real-world MPG: 24.8 mpg, reported by 11 driversabout 4.2 mpg below the EPA combined estimate
SmartWay certified: Yes

Dimensions & capacity

Length: 189 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026
Width: 72 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026
Height: 59 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026
Wheelbase: 108 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026
Curb Weight: 3,402 lbNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026
Pass. Vol: 105 ft³EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Cargo Vol: 15 ft³EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026

Safety NHTSA, model year

⚠ This model year has a recall advising owners to park outside or away from structures (fire risk). Check with the manufacturer.

Overall crash rating: ★★★★★
Rollover rating: ★★★★★
Stability control (ESC): Standard
Forward-collision warning: Optional
Lane-departure warning: Optional
Recalls: 3
Owner complaints: 145
Reported injuries: 3

Reported problems NHTSA owner complaints, model year

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM27%
UNKNOWN OR OTHER21%
VISIBILITY/WIPER9%
STEERING8%
POWER TRAIN7%
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL5%

Source: NHTSA owner complaints, 191 total.

Subaru Legacy: best and worst years

Federal investigations NHTSA defect investigations, model year

EA21002Openopened Sep 17, 2021AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture

Known issues manufacturer service bulletins, model year

295 service bulletins filed with NHTSA for this model year

May 18, 2026UNKNOWN OR OTHER01-167-08R
This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models.
May 13, 2026ELECTRICAL SYSTEM16-156-25R
This bulletin announces a design change made to the CVT Control Valve Body which incorporates an enhanced valve sleeve to improve durability.
May 4, 2026POWER TRAINSubaruNet Announcement (R
This announcement provides information on the remanufactured CVT transmission program.
May 1, 2026ENGINE18-230-26
This bulletin announces the diagnostic procedures to be used when DTCs B1571(REFERENCE CODE INCOMPATIBILITY IMMOBILIZER CM TO ECM) and B1572(IMM CIRCUIT EXCEPT ANTENNA CIRCUIT) are detected by Keyless Access with Push Button Start(KACM).
Apr 30, 2026UNKNOWN OR OTHER07-240-26R
This Service Information Bulletin was developed to provide interim guidance for vehicles exhibiting DTC B2A20.
Apr 24, 2026POWER TRAIN03-97-26
This bulletin announces the service manual correction regarding clutch master cylinder reservoir service procedures.
Apr 20, 2026WHEELS05-97-26
This Bulletin provides the diagnostic procedures to be followed when addressing customer concerns of steering wheel/vehicle body vibration when driving at highway speeds when tire/wheel balance is suspected.
Mar 26, 2026ELECTRICAL SYSTEM10-105-25R
This bulletin announces the new procedure and Warranty Fail Code for FirstTime air conditioning (A/C) performance concerns possibly resulting from an undetected A/C refrigerant leak.
and 287 more

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications (technical service bulletins).

Warranty manufacturer terms, by make

Basic: 3 yr / 36k mi
Powertrain: 5 yr / 60k mi
Roadside assistance: 3 yr / 36k mi
EV battery: 8 yr / 100k mi

Information is gathered on a best-effort basis from public sources, may be incomplete or out of date, and is not purchasing or financial advice. Verify with the manufacturer or dealer before buying.