Do Not Drive — Critical Safety Warning

The NHTSA has issued a "Park It" advisory for this specific vehicle configuration. There is a catastrophic safety defect that poses an immediate risk of death or severe injury. Scroll down to the Recall Intelligence section for specific remedy instructions.

49/100
2016Midsize CarsRegular

2016 Subaru Legacy AWD

EPA ID: 36406
26
City MPG
29
Combined MPG
29MPG· Average
35
Highway MPG

Fuel Economy Overview

The 2016 Subaru Legacy AWD achieves an EPA-estimated 29 MPG in combined city and highway driving, with 26 MPG in the city and 35 MPG on the highway. Powered by a 2.5L 4-cylinder engine paired with a automatic (av-s6), this midsize cars features All-Wheel Drive drive.

In terms of environmental impact, the 2016 Legacy AWD produces approximately 302 grams of CO2 per mile. This figure is measured under standardized EPA test conditions and represents tailpipe emissions only. For context, the average new vehicle sold in the United States produces approximately 400 grams of CO2 per mile, meaning this Legacy AWD performs better than the national average in this regard.

The estimated annual fuel cost for this vehicle is $2,050, based on 15,000 miles of driving per year and current national average fuel prices. Compared to the average new vehicle, you would spend $500 over a 5-year period. This calculation accounts for differences in fuel consumption efficiency and provides a practical measure of long-term ownership costs attributable to fuel economy.

Energy DNA

Vehicle ClassMidsize Cars
Fuel TypeRegular
Engine2.5L 4-cyl
AspirationNaturally Aspirated
TransmissionAutomatic (AV-S6)
Drive TypeAll-Wheel Drive

Green Scorecard

CO2 Emissions302 g/mi
Start-Stop SystemNot Equipped
GHG Score7/10
Smog RatingN/A
Est. Annual Cost$2,050
5-Year Cost DeltaSpend $500

Personalized Commute CalculatorEPA defaults to 55% City / 45% Hwy

55% City45% Highway

Adjust the slider to match your daily driving habits. City driving involves stop-and-go traffic under 45mph, while highway driving represents sustained speeds over 55mph.

Your Real MPG
29.4
Impact vs EPA
$-25
/ year
💨

Aerodynamic Speed Penalty

EPA highway tests average roughly 48 mph. Driving at 75 mph increases aerodynamic drag exponentially. Expect your real-world highway fuel economy to drop by roughly 15-20% at interstate speeds.

5-Year Total Cost of Ownership

Estimated Monthly Cost
$568/mo
Includes estimated depreciation, fuel, insurance, and state fees over 5 years. Does not include loan interest.
15,000 mi
Value Depreciation
Est. value lost over 60 months
$16,000
47.0%
Fuel & Electricity
Based on National Average rates ($3.50/gal)
$9,052
26.6%
Estimated Insurance
Based on vehicle class risk profile
$8,600
25.3%
State Registration Fees
Based on National Average DMV base rates
$400
1.2%
Total 5-Year Cost$34,052

Recall Intelligence

Campaign #16V292000·2016-05-13
⛔ PARK IT
Component: STEERING:COLUMN

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.

Consequence & Remedy

Consequence: The loss of steering ability would increase the risk of a crash.

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.

Campaign #15V794000·2015-12-10
critical
Component: POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DIFFERENTIAL UNIT

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.

Consequence & Remedy

Consequence: If the drive shaft detaches from the rear differential, it may strike the fuel tank and result in a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire.

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.

Campaign #15V502000·2015-08-28
critical
Component: POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT

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.

Consequence & Remedy

Consequence: If the transmission oil leaks onto the exhaust pipe, there is a possible risk of fire.

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.

Loading live complaint data...

Looking for comprehensive historical data?

NHTSA FARS (Fatal Crash History) and broader generational safety trends are aggregated at the model level rather than by specific engine configurations. View the complete historical data profile for all Subaru Legacy AWD configurations.

View Model History

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Fuel Cost Analysis

Annual Fuel Cost$2,050
vs. Avg Vehicle (5 yrs)Spend $500

Based on 15,000 miles/year and current fuel prices.

Efficiency Breakdown

City26 MPG
Highway35 MPG
Combined29 MPG

Estimated Lifetime Carbon Footprint

(Based on 200,000 miles driven)

60.4 metric tons CO₂
Equivalent To:
🌳 75 tree seedlings grown for 10 yrs
✈️ 5.0 cross-country flights/yr

Data Provenance

Data directly from the EPA National Vehicle and Fuel Emissions Laboratory. The combined rating is a weighted average (55% city, 45% highway). For official figures, visit fueleconomy.gov.