2016 Subaru Outback
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
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 | 276 |
| 2007 | 129 |
| 2008 | 226 |
| 2009 | 106 |
| 2010 | 360 |
| 2011 | 651 |
| 2012 | 292 |
| 2013 | 296 |
| 2014 | 208 |
| 2015 | 509 |
| 2016 | 642 |
| 2017 | 917 |
| 2018 | 807 |
| 2019 | 1032 |
| 2020 | 896 |
| 2021 | 296 |
| 2022 | 461 |
| 2023 | 88 |
| 2024 | 96 |
| 2025 | 75 |
| 2026 | 13 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
48% of complaints: electrical system — 309 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing ignition and horn.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
BATTERY DIES IF CAR IS NOT DRIVEN WEEKLY. STEERING COLUMN REPLACED TWICE AND STEERING RACK ONCE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180401
Also filed under STEERING
13% of complaints: visibility/wiper — 83 distinct reports on file.
CRASH8% of complaints: engine — 53 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow 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, 20180829
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, 20260720
7% of complaints: power train — 45 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing floor shift and column shift.
CRASH FIRE4% of complaints: steering — 24 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYSAFETY TIMELINE
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.
Campaign 15V502000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 15V794000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 16V292000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 19V910000 — check if this car was fixed
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2016 Subaru Outback — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (309 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for visibility/wiper issues (83 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (53 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 15V502000 (power train) has been completed.
- Verify recall 15V794000 (power train) has been completed.
- Verify recall 16V292000 (steering) has been completed.
- Verify recall 19V910000 (air bags) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST 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 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.