Subaru Outback 2016 recalls, problems, complaints and safety

NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls issued for the Subaru Outback 2016 and 642 complaints filed by owners. One of them carries a do-not-drive or park-outside warning until repaired. It has 22% more complaints than the average Subaru Outback from 2016–2025 (524 per year).

These are recalls issued for this model and year, not for your specific car. A car may already be repaired or may not be included. Confirm with your VIN on NHTSA.

Recalls issued for the Subaru Outback 2016

Air bags
NHTSA campaign 19V910000 · 2019-12-19

What happens

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.

Consequence

In the event of a crash necessitating passenger frontal air bag deployment, the air bag may not deploy properly, increasing the risk of injury.

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.

The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.

NHTSA 19V910000

Steering
NHTSA campaign 16V292000 · 2016-05-11 !

NHTSA and the manufacturer advise NOT to drive this vehicle until it is repaired.

What happens

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

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.

The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.

NHTSA 16V292000

Powertrain and transmission
NHTSA campaign 15V794000 · 2015-11-24

What happens

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

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.

The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.

NHTSA 15V794000

Powertrain and transmission
NHTSA campaign 15V502000 · 2015-08-10

What happens

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

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.

The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.

NHTSA 15V502000

Complaints from other owners

642 complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of this model.

22 with a crash · 3 with a fire · 13 injuries

Most reported problems on the Subaru Outback 2016

• Electrical system: 309 (48% of complaints)
• Wipers: 83 (13% of complaints)
• Engine: 52 (8% of complaints)
• Powertrain and transmission: 44 (7% of complaints)
• Steering: 24 (4% of complaints)

Complaints are written by owners and NHTSA doesn't verify each one. They're useful to spot trends.

What to check before buying a Subaru Outback 2016

• Confirm by VIN on NHTSA that the recalls on this list were repaired.
• Test lights, windows, locks, the screen and dashboard warning lights; have trouble codes scanned.
• Test every wiper speed and the washer.
• Start it cold, listen for noises, look for oil or coolant leaks and exhaust smoke.
• Get an inspection from an independent mechanic before paying.

Safety rating (NCAP)

Subaru Outback recalls by year

• 2016 : 4 recalls · 642 complaints
• 2017 : 4 recalls · 918 complaints
• 2018 : 3 recalls · 813 complaints
• 2019 : 3 recalls · 1,035 complaints
• 2020 : 6 recalls · 899 complaints
• 2021 : 4 recalls · 296 complaints
• 2022 : 4 recalls · 465 complaints
• 2023 : 2 recalls · 89 complaints
• 2024 : 0 recalls · 2 complaints
• 2025 : 0 recalls · 82 complaints

Frequently asked questions

How many recalls does the Subaru Outback 2016 have?

NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls issued for the Subaru Outback 2016. That doesn't mean every car has them open: confirm with the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. The repair is free at the dealer.

What is the most common problem with the Subaru Outback 2016?

In complaints filed with NHTSA, the most mentioned component is: electrical system (309 of 642 complaints). Complaints aren't verified one by one, but they show trends.