Is the 2016 Subaru Outback reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2016 Subaru Outback is rated "significantly worse".

What are the most common problems with the 2016 Subaru Outback?

The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 48% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2016 Subaru Outback have?

4 recalls on file for this model year.

2016 Subaru Outback

■ Significantly worse — known issue year

2016 Subaru Outback
BUILT 2026-10-10

This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 642
Recalls: 4
Investigations: 1
Top problem: Electrical system

Complaints per year

2016: 642 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
1995	2
1996	46
1997	79
1998	127
1999	111
2000	207
2001	171
2002	143
2003	93
2004	90
2005	273
2006	277
2007	129
2008	226
2009	106
2010	360
2011	652
2012	292
2013	297
2014	208
2015	509
2016	642
2017	918
2018	813
2019	1,034
2020	899
2021	296
2022	465
2023	89
2024	103
2025	81
2026	16

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Electrical system

48% · 309 reports

Most commonly citing ignition and horn.

CRASH

Show complaint excerpts

Battery dies if car is not driven weekly. Steering column replaced twice and steering rack once.

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-04-01

Also filed under Steering

Visibility/wiper

13% · 83 reports

CRASH

Engine

8% · 53 reports

CRASHFIREINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

I had a major issue with this vehicle on June 24. We were driving back from our family vacation when I was passing a semi truck on a two lane road the vehicle suddenly lost power to the wheels and would not accelerate.

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-08-29

There is a crack in the exhaust manifold and the exhaust smell is entering the cabin affecting driver and passengers' health. The problem has been confirmed by a Subaru dealer and an independent mechanic.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-20

Power train

7% · 45 reports

Most commonly citing floor shift and column shift.

CRASHFIRE

Steering

4% · 24 reports

CRASHINJURY

Safety timeline

4 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

R

2015-08-28Power train15V502000 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2015-12-10Power train15V794000 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.

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.

Check if this car was fixed →
▮
2016Complaint volume 642 complaints filed for this model year.
R

2016-05-13Steering16V292000 Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Legacy and Outback vehicles manufactured February 29, 2016, to May 6, 2016.

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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2020-02-03Air bags19V910000 Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Outback vehicles. A replacement air bag control module may have been installed that is not compatible with the passenger air bag module, possibly affecting air bag deployment.

Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger air bag module, free of charge. The recall began February 3, 2020. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUX-09.

Check if this car was fixed →
I
2021-09-17Engineering analysisOpen Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture

Buy-smart checklist

2016 Subaru Outback — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Electrical system: 309 reports on file for this year.
Visibility/wiper: 83 reports on file for this year.
Engine: 53 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 15V502000 · Power train
Recall 15V794000 · Power train
Recall 16V292000 · Steering
Recall 19V910000 · Air bags

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2016 Subaru Outback reliable?: Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2016 Subaru Outback is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Subaru Outback?: The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 48% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2016 Subaru Outback have?: 4 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.