How many miles will a 2016 Subaru Legacy last?
The 2016 Subaru Legacy is built for longevity, especially when it’s well cared for. In practice, a properly maintained example can comfortably reach around 200,000 miles, with many owners reporting 250,000 miles or more, and a minority occasionally surpassing 300,000 miles.
At its core, a Legacy’s lifespan depends on maintenance, driving conditions, and how proactively issues are addressed. The 2016 model year offered a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine as standard and an optional 3.6-liter flat-six in higher trims, both paired with all-wheel drive and a continuously variable transmission (CVT) in most configurations. While Subaru has improved reliability over the years, the CVT and cooling system are common areas where owners pay close attention to avoid early wear. This article examines real-world expectations, typical failure points, and practical steps to maximize mileage.
What affects a Legacy’s longevity?
Several factors determine how far a 2016 Legacy can go. The most important are maintenance habits, driving environment, and timely repairs. Here is a look at the key influences:
- Maintenance history: Regular oil changes, filter replacements, coolant and brake fluid service, and timely repairs are critical to long-term reliability.
- CVT health and maintenance: Following Subaru’s guidelines for CVT fluid changes and inspections helps prevent premature transmission wear.
- Engine cooling and seals: Keeping the cooling system in good shape and addressing coolant leaks early can extend engine life.
- Driving conditions: Highway cruising tends to be gentler on wear than frequent stop-and-go city driving or harsh accelerations.
- Climate and corrosion protection: Salt exposure and harsh climates can accelerate rust and underbody wear if not managed (e.g., through washing and protective coatings).
- timely repairs: Addressing unusual noises, leaks, or warning lights promptly prevents secondary damage that can shorten a car’s life.
In short, longevity for the Legacy is as much about upkeep as it is about design. Diligent maintenance and prudent driving practices can push the miles higher than average.
Real-world mileage ranges
Industry reviews and owner reports suggest a tiered outlook for the 2016 Legacy, reflecting how well the car is cared for in the real world:
- Typical baseline: 150,000–200,000 miles for many vehicles without major issues.
- Common high-mileage range: 200,000–250,000 miles with consistent maintenance and careful operation.
- Upper-midrange: 250,000–300,000 miles; documented by motivated owners who stay on top of service needs.
- Beyond 300,000 miles: exceptional cases, but achievable with meticulous maintenance and favorable conditions.
These figures reflect a combination of maintenance quality, local driving patterns, and how proactively owners address wear and aging components.
Maintenance tips to maximize mileage
To push a 2016 Legacy toward the upper end of that range, consider the following practical steps, which align with Subaru’s maintenance philosophy and common-sense car care principles:
- Follow the factory maintenance schedule closely, including oil changes with the recommended grade and intervals.
- Use high-quality fluids and parts, and replace cooling system components (coolant, hoses, radiator, thermostat) as needed to prevent overheating.
- Adhere to CVT service intervals and address any transmission concerns promptly to avoid early failures.
- Monitor for leaks (oil, coolant, transmission) and repair promptly to prevent cascading damage.
- Inspect and service major components as they age (timing chain/tensioners, water pump, belts, seals) according to the manual and mechanic’s advice.
- Protect against rust and corrosion, especially in areas with heavy road salt use; wash the undercarriage regularly and treat vulnerable areas as needed.
- Drive thoughtfully: moderate acceleration, steady speeds on highways, and proper warm-up reduce unnecessary wear.
- Schedule regular professional inspections to catch wear or recalls early and keep up with safety updates.
Following these practices can help maximize the Legacy’s lifespan and reliability, making 200,000 miles or more a realistic goal for many owners.
Summary
Overall, a 2016 Subaru Legacy has the potential to last for a long time with attentive maintenance and mindful driving. The consensus in 2025 suggests most well-maintained examples reach around 200,000 miles, with a substantial number hitting 250,000 miles or more, and some exceeding 300,000 miles. The key to reaching higher mileages is sticking to maintenance schedules, taking care of the CVT, addressing issues early, and protecting the car from harsh conditions. With proper care, the Legacy can remain a dependable daily driver for many years.
What is considered high mileage for a Subaru Legacy?
High-mileage Legacy owners often note wear on suspension components (e.g., bushings, struts), exhaust systems, and wheel bearings after the 150,000-mile mark. CVT servicing becomes important for post-2010 models, while older Legacys may require head gasket inspections around 120,000 to 150,000 miles.
Is the 2016 Subaru Legacy reliable?
The 2016 Subaru Legacy is considered reliable by some sources, with high owner satisfaction ratings, but has some notable issues, including a below-average rating from J.D. Power. It has a good reputation for durability with proper maintenance, but some owners report common problems and there was a safety recall related to the steering column.
You can watch this video to learn about the features and performance of the 2016 Subaru Legacy: 1msavagegeeseYouTube · Jun 4, 2016
Positive aspects
- High owner satisfaction: Many owners report high satisfaction with the car's reliability and value, giving it a high-star rating on sites like Kelley Blue Book.
- Reputation for durability: With proper maintenance, many Subaru Legacies can surpass 200,000 miles.
- Strong owner reviews: Consumer Reports gives the Legacy line a "Very Good" reliability rating and a high owner satisfaction score, according to BestRide.com.
- Safety and features: It is praised for its safety features, handling, and a comfortable cabin.
Negative aspects
- Mixed official ratings: J.D. Power gives the 2016 model a below-average reliability rating, though Consumer Reports rates it positively.
- Common issues: Some owners report common problems such as the check engine light coming on, vibration, and a bumpy ride.
- Recalls: The 2016 Legacy has had recalls, including a significant safety recall for the steering column on certain models, notes Cars.com.
- Maintenance is crucial: To achieve long-term reliability, consistent maintenance is essential, according to Huffines Subaru Corinth.
How long does a 2016 Subaru Legacy last?
200,000 miles
According to iSeeCars and Kelley Blue Book studies, the Subaru Legacy ranks among the top midsize sedans most likely to reach 200,000 miles.
Can a Subaru Legacy last 300,000 miles?
Subaru engines are renowned for their reliability and longevity, often lasting between 200,000 and 300,000 miles with proper maintenance.
