2016 Subaru Outback Problems
What owners have reported about the 2016 Subaru Outback, which problems come up most, at what mileage, and which recalls to check.
From NHTSA owner complaints and recalls. Updated Oct 17, 2026.
Is the 2016 Subaru Outback a good year?
It's one of the worst years for the Outback. Owners have filed 643 complaints with NHTSA, the 6th most of 18 Outback model years. The most reported problems involve the electrical system, wipers and visibility and engine.
643 complaints 4 recalls, 1 do not drive 6th worst of 18 Outback years
Top 2016 Subaru Outback problems
Electrical problems
309 complaints (48%) name the electrical system, most often the ignition and 12v / 24v / 48v battery.
Wiper and visibility problems
91 complaints (14%) name the wipers and visibility, most often the windshield and glass, side / rear.
Engine problems
55 complaints (9%) name the engine, most often the manifold / header / muffler / tail pipe.
Transmission problems
45 complaints (7%) name the transmission, most often the column shift and control module (TCM / PCM / TECM).
Which parts fail most
Share of complaints that name each system. One complaint can name several.
Mileage when it failed
Each dot is a complaint that gave a mileage (344 of 643). The amber line is the middle value, about 35,000 miles.
When problems were reported
Complaints by the year the problem happened.
2016 Subaru Outback recalls
Passenger air bag may not deploy properly
Injury riskA replacement air bag control module may have been installed that is not compatible with the passenger air bag module. In a crash that requires the passenger frontal air bag, it may not deploy properly, raising the risk of injury.
Fix: Dealers will replace the passenger air bag module free of charge.
Recall 19V910000 · Dec 2019Column
Do not driveThe 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. The loss of steering ability would increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the lot number on the steering column, replacing the steering column, as necessary, free of charge. Note: Until the vehicles have been inspected, owners are advised not to drive their vehicles.
Recall 16V292000 · May 2016Drive shaft may detach, causing fuel leak
Fire riskLoose securing nuts can let the rear drive shaft separate from the rear differential. The detached shaft can strike the fuel tank, causing a fuel leak and a higher risk of fire.
Fix: The dealer will inspect the fastening nuts and tighten or replace them as needed, free of charge.
Recall 15V794000 · Nov 2015Transmission oil leak can cause fire
Fire riskA deformed seal cap on the propeller shaft yoke can let transmission oil leak out. If that oil drips onto the exhaust pipe, it can start a fire.
Fix: The dealer will replace the propeller shaft free of charge.
Recall 15V502000 · Aug 2015Get an email when your 2016 Subaru Outback gets a new recall
We check NHTSA every month. If a new recall or safety investigation covers the 2016 Subaru Outback, you'll hear about it the same week.
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Outback years to avoid
Total NHTSA complaints by model year. Newer years have had less time on the road, so their totals will keep climbing. See the full comparison.
2016 Subaru Outback problems by system
Common questions
Is the 2016 Subaru Outback a reliable year?
It's one of the worst years for the Outback. Owners have filed 643 complaints with NHTSA, the 6th most of 18 Outback model years. The most reported problems involve the electrical system, wipers and visibility and engine.
What are the most common 2016 Subaru Outback problems?
Owners most often report problems with the electrical system, wipers and visibility, engine and transmission. 309 complaints (48%) name the electrical system, most often the ignition and 12v / 24v / 48v battery.
At what mileage do 2016 Subaru Outback electrical system problems start?
Reported mileage ranged widely, but most complaints fell between about 26,000–60,000 miles, with a middle value near 40,000 miles.
How many recalls does the 2016 Subaru Outback have?
4. Passenger air bag may not deploy properly (19V910000); Column (16V292000); Drive shaft may detach, causing fuel leak (15V794000). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if the work was done.
Should I buy a used 2016 Subaru Outback?
Ask for service records covering the electrical system, confirm the recall work was done, and compare with the 2025, 2023 and 2024 models, which have the fewest complaints.
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases. Complaints are unverified owner reports. Counts include each complaint once per model year.