Discussions surrounding the 2016 Subaru Legacy often highlight its standard all-wheel drive, comfortable ride, and spacious interior, positioning it as a practical choice for families and commuters. However, like any specific model year, this generation of the Legacy is not without its mechanical quirks and long-term reliability concerns that prospective buyers should evaluate carefully.
Common Mechanical Problems
The 2016 model year generally benefits from the refined nature of the preceding generation, yet specific issues have emerged as the vehicles age past their original factory warranty. One of the more prevalent complaints involves the infotainment system, where some owners reported a slow processor, unresponsive touch screen, or complete system failure that required dealer reprogramming or component replacement. While seemingly cosmetic, these electronics glitches can significantly impact the daily usability of a car that otherwise drives well.
Engine and Transmission Quirks
Under the hood, the base models feature a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated engine that is generally robust, but the turbocharged 2.0L and 2.5L variants have drawn attention for potential head gasket issues. Although not as widespread as in some older models, the stress cycles of turbocharged operation can lead to coolant entering the combustion chamber or oil passages if the head gasket fails. Simultaneously, the continuously variable transmission (CVT) used across the lineup has been known to exhibit harsh shifting behavior or a pronounced shudder during low-speed cruising, which can be indicative of internal wear or software calibration problems.
Interior Comfort and Design Specifics
Inside the cabin, the Legacy offers a quiet environment and supportive seats, but the materials used in the 2016 model lean toward a hard, plasticky feel on the dashboard and center console. This design choice can make the interior feel less premium than rivals with soft-touch surfaces. Additionally, the driver’s seat height adjustment, while present, does not always provide the ideal upright seating position for taller drivers, leading to hip fatigue on longer journeys.
Technology and Safety Features
Safety is a strong suit for this Legacy generation, as it comes standard with Subaru’s EyeSight driver assistance suite, which includes adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. However, the integration of these systems occasionally led to software glitches where the lane-keeping function would become overly sensitive or disengage unexpectedly, requiring a software update at the dealership to recalibrate the system. Owners should ensure their firmware is current to mitigate these driving aids becoming a source of frustration rather than assistance.
Reliability and Long-Term Ownership
When it comes to long-term durability, the 2016 Subaru Legacy can be a mixed bag if maintenance schedules are not strictly followed. Neglecting oil changes or using low-quality coolant can accelerate the wear on the horizontally opposed "flat" engine, leading to increased oil consumption or the need for a rebuild far earlier than the 200,000-mile mark. Regular transmission fluid services are also critical for the CVT, as the fluid is subjected to high stress and can break down, leading to expensive repairs if ignored.
Maintenance and Repair Considerations
For those considering purchasing a used 2016 Legacy, a thorough pre-purchase inspection is essential to avoid inheriting previous owner neglect. Pay close attention to the service records to confirm that major fluid changes were performed on time and look for signs of fluid leaks around the front axle seals or the valve cover gaskets, which are common points of seepage as the car ages. Addressing these small leaks early can prevent the larger, more costly repairs associated with low fluid levels.
