2016 Subaru Legacy maintenance schedule

The 2016 Legacy is part of the BN/BS generation (2015-2019), sold as a sedan. Below: its service intervals with the source behind each one, the fluids it takes, the problems owners report for this year, and the NHTSA recalls issued for it.

Service schedule

What the 2016 Legacy needs, and when

5 of these 9 items come from Subaru's own published schedule. Manufacturer rows link to Subaru's own schedule, Independent rows to a service shop or parts retailer's published guide.

ServiceIntervalSource
Engine oil and filter6,000 mi / 6 monthsManufacturer
Engine air filter30,000 mi / 30 monthsIndependent
Cabin air filter15,000 mi / 15 monthsIndependent
Brake fluid30,000 mi / 30 monthsManufacturer
Engine coolant137,500 mi / 11 yearsManufacturer
Transmission fluidInspect, replace as neededManufacturer
Spark plugs60,000 mi / 5 yearsManufacturer
Serpentine belt

Inspect drive belt

Inspect, replace as neededIndependent
12V battery

Inspect for parasitic drain.

Inspect, replace as neededIndependent

Intervals are for normal driving; towing, short trips, extreme heat or dust shorten them. Services we could not find an interval for are left off rather than guessed.

Fluids and engines

What goes in it

Powertrains in this generation

  • CVT, AWD

Confirm the exact spec against the owner's manual or the label under the hood; capacities vary by engine and drivetrain.

Known problems

What 2016 Legacy owners run into

Problems reported for this model year, with the mileage they tend to show up at. Buying past a window is not automatically a pass - it just needs to be priced in.

Audio Freezing

low severity

Audio system locks up, requires restarting car

Source: repairpal.com

Safety recalls

3 NHTSA recalls for the 2016 Subaru Legacy

From NHTSA's recall database, matched by model and year. Recall repairs are free at Subaru dealers, and a given car may already be fixed or fall outside a campaign, so check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls before you buy.

May 2016

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.

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.

Power train

NHTSA 15V794000

November 2015

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.

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.

Power train

NHTSA 15V502000

August 2015

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.

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.

Running costs

What maintenance typically costs

A typical year of maintenance
$521

Typical US independent-shop estimates for this generation; they vary by region and condition.

Other Legacy model years

BW/BT (2020-2026)

BN/BS (2015-2019)

BM/BR (2014-2014)

Shopping new? The Subaru Legacy guide covers the current model, with what it costs to keep for 1 to 15 years.

Sources

Researched 2026-09-21. Modeling, not mechanic advice - always confirm against your car's owner's manual and service records.

Running a Legacy for income?

Carlyle scores the exact listing on cost per remaining mile and projected Turo income, so you know what a 2016 Legacy earns before you buy it.

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