2016 Subaru Legacy Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 51about this part
- Share
- 35%of 147 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 51,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 51 complaints about the electrical system of the 2016 Subaru Legacy, 35% of the 147 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 51,000 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I am not able to remove the key from the ignition when after I park my car and this happen every other day since I started to have this issue.. I have to drive up and down and change the parking mode to different other modes using the gear stick and switch it back to parking mode in order to release the key. It takes me several attempt s of doing this to release the key from ignition.”
NHTSA complaint #11404005, filed 2021-03, 33,000 miles“I had to change my battery already as it wouldn't charge or start the car. Two fuses have been replaced. Also while driving, the computer display screen blinks, freezes or has gone blank. At times, I get an alert while driving that tells me 2 or 3 hours since vehicle ignition. These events seem to occur on long road trips with multiple short stops for refueling. If I stop the car and keep it off of around 15 minutes then restart the car, the screen will begin working again. The date entered on this claim is the battery change date.”
NHTSA complaint #11416663, filed 2021-05, 80,000 miles“In less than 36,000 miles it developed a grinding noise that can be felt above 50 MPH. Dealer found a problem with the auto transmission. It will being replaced under warranty. Strange, I thought Subaru is known for better transmission. In the same car the cd player stopped working and making noise similar to what you hear when a cd is being ejected. Dealer changed it under warranty. I received a recall letter on dcm software in the car & I took car to the dealer. However, this recall is not listed on web. Why?”
NHTSA complaint #11020451, filed 2017-08, 35,500 miles“Vehicle is stopped, shifted into park and parking brake is engaged. Steering wheel is straight. Key is used to shut off engine but will not move into the lock position and can not be removed. Occurring 50% of the time. Restarting engine and shifting through reverse/neutral/drive back to park has eventually allowed key removal.”
NHTSA complaint #11389592, filed 2021-01, 40,600 miles“The 2016 Subaru Legacy ignition keeps jamming the key after the driver has stopped the vehicle and placed it in park. The key remains jammed and becomes difficult for the driver to remove. Keep in mind the tires are straight when the vehicle is parked and the key is not bent. This incident has occurred several times this month and has never occurred prior.”
NHTSA complaint #11372419, filed 2020-10, 48,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11037943Oct 5, 2026This announcement provides information on a new software update for the Midtronics Dss and DCA machines.
- 11037938Sep 18, 2026"This Bulletin announces additional troubleshooting steps for the following DTCs: DTC C1956: RH Actuator Circuit DTC C1957: LH Actuator Circuit"
- 11037929Sep 14, 2026This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure. This is an revised version of the…
- 11037927Sep 14, 2026This bulletin has been developed to outline the steps for gathering basic but essential information during diagnosis of Infotainment concerns. This is an revised version of the…
- 11036807Aug 20, 2026This Service Information Bulletin outlines a systematic procedure for diagnosing parasitic draw (dark/standby current) in vehicles experiencing battery drain when the ignition is…
- 11036796Aug 13, 2026This Bulletin has been developed to outline the steps for gathering basic but essential information during diagnosis of Infotainment concerns. (This is an revised version of the…
- 11036794Aug 5, 2026Techtips newsletter locator index.
- 11036789Aug 1, 2026This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure. This is an revised version of the…
- 11034242Jun 2, 2026This bulletin announces a design change made to the CVT Control Valve Body which incorporates an enhanced valve sleeve to improve durability. (This is an revised version of the…
- 11034240Jun 1, 2026This bulletin announces the availability of reprogramming files for the Engine Control Module (ECM) for certain vehicles equipped with 3.6L engines.
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 5 | 29% |
| 2023 | 1 | 10% |
| 2022 | 3 | 9% |
| 2021 | 5 | 16% |
| 2020 | 15 | 12% |
| 2019 | 35 | 28% |
| 2018 | 40 | 34% |
| 2017 | 30 | 25% |
| 2016 | 51 | 35% |
| 2015 | 37 | 23% |
| 2014 | 11 | 21% |
| 2013 | 6 | 9% |
| 2012 | 4 | 4% |
| 2011 | 19 | 11% |
| 2010 | 12 | 8% |
| 2009 | 4 | 6% |
| 2008 | 9 | 14% |
| 2007 | 5 | 15% |
| 2006 | 17 | 20% |
| 2005 | 25 | 14% |
| 2004 | 1 | 2% |
| 2003 | 2 | 3% |
| 2002 | 2 | 4% |
| 2001 | 1 | 1% |
| 2000 | 6 | 6% |
| 1999 | 2 | 2% |
| 1998 | 9 | 8% |
| 1997 | 17 | 12% |
| 1996 | 21 | 17% |
| 1995 | 20 | 11% |
| 1994 | 1 | 2% |
| 1993 | 3 | 4% |
| 1992 | 3 | 5% |
| 1991 | 3 | 4% |
| 1990 | 1 | 1% |
Other parts of the 2016 Subaru Legacy
42 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
18 complaintsSteering
16 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
13 complaintsVehicle speed control
9 complaintsBrakes
8 complaintsEngine
7 complaintsBody and structure
6 complaintsFuel system
3 complaintsWheels
3 complaintsAir bags
2 complaintsBack-over prevention (rear camera)
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2016 Subaru Legacy
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology