2016 Subaru Legacy Vehicle speed control Problems
- Complaints
- 9about this part
- Share
- 6%of 147 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 35,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the vehicle speed control of the 2016 Subaru Legacy, 6% of the 147 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 35,000 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Steering wheel adaptive cruise control for speed regulation does not function properly. When pressing the control to increase or decrease speed, there is no response or follow distance increases. Because Subaru's eyesight and adaptive cruise control represent significant safety, accident-prevention advances, a malfunctioning steering wheel control represents a real safety hazard when driving.”
NHTSA complaint #11256146, filed 2019-09, 94,000 miles“Drove on a straight stretch of interstate at 75 MPH in a sunny afternoon on a 400 mile trip with fuel tank between 1/8 and 1/4 full. The engine suddenly lost power. Pressed the gas to rev up the engine but still no power moving forward. Had to pull over to the shoulder and stopped the car. That was a pretty dangerous situation since it happened without any warnings. Tried to restart the car but failed. The starter turns but engine will not start. Attempted several times over the period of 30 - 40 minutes to no avail. Had to call a tow truck to a shop near by. …”
NHTSA complaint #11406551, filed 2021-04, 65,000 miles“THIS IS THE SECOND SUCH EXPERIENCE WITH THIS CAR! On Friday, September 12, 2025 at 3:32 p.m., I was driving slowly in a parking lot preparing to park. As I started to turn the car into the parking space, my car surged forward without my pressing on the gas pedal. I pressed on the brake, and the car came to a stop.”
NHTSA complaint #11686981, filed 2025-09“After starting the engine, when pulling out from my driveway and put the gear in reverse to pull out, the vehicle accelerates on its own without my foot pressing the accelerator. So brake has to be applied immediately to slow down the vehicle. It shoots forward with out me accelerating.. It accelerates at about 25-30 miles per hour without me once again accelerating it so we had to brake all the way from the house to the place of work. We have had several new cars including mercedes benz and never have had this problem. …”
NHTSA complaint #10956391, filed 2017-02“The contact owns a 2016 Subaru Legacy. On several occasions, whether the vehicle was placed in reverse or drive, it accelerated independently. The dealer diagnosed that the vehicle operated as intended. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 4,042.”
NHTSA complaint #10956370, filed 2017-02, 4,042 milesVehicle speed control: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 17% |
| 2022 | 2 | 6% |
| 2021 | 1 | 3% |
| 2020 | 4 | 3% |
| 2019 | 4 | 3% |
| 2018 | 3 | 3% |
| 2017 | 2 | 2% |
| 2016 | 9 | 6% |
| 2015 | 14 | 9% |
| 2014 | 3 | 6% |
| 2013 | 4 | 6% |
| 2012 | 4 | 4% |
| 2011 | 5 | 3% |
| 2010 | 8 | 5% |
| 2008 | 5 | 8% |
| 2006 | 30 | 34% |
| 2005 | 15 | 8% |
| 2004 | 5 | 10% |
| 2003 | 5 | 8% |
| 2002 | 4 | 7% |
| 2001 | 9 | 12% |
| 2000 | 10 | 11% |
| 1999 | 12 | 13% |
| 1998 | 10 | 9% |
| 1997 | 9 | 6% |
| 1996 | 7 | 6% |
| 1995 | 3 | 2% |
| 1994 | 2 | 3% |
| 1993 | 4 | 5% |
| 1992 | 2 | 4% |
| 1991 | 5 | 6% |
| 1990 | 5 | 6% |
Other parts of the 2016 Subaru Legacy
51 complaintsOther or unknown
42 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
18 complaintsSteering
16 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
13 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 31, 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