Representative 2015 model. Photo: Alexander Migl, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

Recalls & complaints · NHTSA data

2016 Subaru Legacy recalls

Every recall campaign and owner complaint NHTSA has on file for the 2016 model year. Not every vehicle is affected by every campaign: check a specific car by VIN below.

Recall campaigns: 3
Park-it warnings: 1
Complaints: 147
Latest campaign: May 11, 2016

Recall summary by component3

NHTSA Recalls API · cached ≤24 h

Component	Campaigns	Park‑it	Latest	Campaign IDs
Power train	2	–	Nov 24, 2015	15V794000 15V502000
Steering	1	1	May 11, 2016	16V292000

Safety recalls3

NHTSA Recalls API · cached ≤24 h

1Park-it warnings

0Fixable over the air

May 11, 2016Latest campaign


May 11, 201616V292000	Steering: column The loss of steering ability would increase the risk of a crash. Do not drive until repaired DetailsHide details for campaign 16V292000 What's wrong 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. Risk The loss of steering ability would increase the risk of a crash. Remedy 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. Campaign NHTSA 16V292000 · May 11, 2016
Nov 24, 201515V794000	Power train: driveline driveshaft 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. DetailsHide details for campaign 15V794000 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. Remedy 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. Campaign NHTSA 15V794000 · Nov 24, 2015
Aug 10, 201515V502000	Power train: driveline driveshaft If the transmission oil leaks onto the exhaust pipe, there is a possible risk of fire. DetailsHide details for campaign 15V502000 What's wrong 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. Risk If the transmission oil leaks onto the exhaust pipe, there is a possible risk of fire. Remedy 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. Campaign NHTSA 15V502000 · Aug 10, 2015

May 11, 201616V292000

Steering: column

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

Do not drive until repaired

DetailsHide details for campaign 16V292000

What's wrong: 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.
Risk: The loss of steering ability would increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
Campaign: NHTSA 16V292000 · May 11, 2016

Nov 24, 201515V794000

Power train: driveline driveshaft

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.

DetailsHide details for campaign 15V794000

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.
Remedy: 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.
Campaign: NHTSA 15V794000 · Nov 24, 2015

Aug 10, 201515V502000

Power train: driveline driveshaft

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

DetailsHide details for campaign 15V502000

What's wrong: 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.
Risk: If the transmission oil leaks onto the exhaust pipe, there is a possible risk of fire.
Remedy: 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.
Campaign: NHTSA 15V502000 · Aug 10, 2015

To see whether a recall is still open on your car, enter the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or the Subaru recall lookup. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer (federal law; see limits).

Buying a used 2016 Subaru Legacy? Recalls cover the model; a history report checks one car's title, odometer and accident records. VinAudit history report → Sponsored · disclosure

Owner complaints by component147

NHTSA Complaints API · cached ≤24 h

147Complaints filed

9Involving a crash

0Involving a fire

3Injuries reported

Component	Complaints	%	Crashes	Injuries
Electrical system	51	35	0	0
Unknown or other	41	28	0	0
Visibility/wiper	17	12	0	0
Steering	16	11	1	0
Power train	13	9	1	1
Vehicle speed control	9	6	2	0
Service brakes	8	5	2	0
Engine	7	5	0	0
Structure	6	4	1	0
Fuel/propulsion system	3	2	0	0
Wheels	3	2	0	0
Back over prevention	2	1	0	0
Seat belts	2	1	1	1
Tires	2	1	1	0
Electronic stability control (ESC)	2	1	1	0

8 more components with fewer complaints not shown. An owner can tag several components, so percentages add up to more than 100. Complaints are unverified owner reports, de-duplicated by NHTSA ODI number.

Latest reports

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.”
Filed 09/12/2026 · ODI 11763779
Unknown or other
“While traveling approximately 70 mph, my 2016 Subaru Legacy experienced a sudden drivetrain failure.”
Filed 08/01/2026 · ODI 11754212
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.”
Filed 06/08/2026 · ODI 11742852

Other Subaru Legacy model years

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2016 Subaru Legacy recall questions

How many recalls does the 2016 Subaru Legacy have?

NHTSA lists 3 safety recall campaigns for the 2016 Subaru Legacy. The most recent, 16V292000 (reported May 11, 2016), concerns steering. 1 campaign carries a park-it or park-outside warning. Not every vehicle is covered by every campaign; check a specific car by VIN.

What are the 2016 Subaru Legacy recalls for?

The largest group is power train, with 2 campaigns. Others: steering (1). Each campaign below lists the defect, the risk and the free remedy.

What is the most common complaint about the 2016 Subaru Legacy?

Electrical system is the most-reported component, named in 51 complaints out of 147 filed with NHTSA (35%). Across all complaints, owners reported 9 crashs and 0 fires. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

How do I check if a recall is open on my 2016 Subaru Legacy?

Enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or the Subaru recall lookup. That shows campaigns still unrepaired on that exact car. Safety recall repairs are free at a franchised Subaru dealer.

Check a specific Subaru by VIN

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