Worst 2016 Subaru Outback Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
Electrical Faults
Wipers & Visibility
Engine Problems
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All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2016 Subaru Outback.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical Faults | 301 | 2 | — | 47,183 mi | |
| Wipers & Visibility | 83 | 1 | — | 33,058 mi | |
| Engine Problems | 52 | 2 | 2 | 97,536 mi | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 41 | 2 | 1 | 39,430 mi | |
| Steering Defects | 23 | 3 | — | 12,072 mi | |
| Body Structure | 19 | 2 | — | 30,054 mi | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 18 | 4 | — | 12,535 mi | |
| Brakes | 17 | 6 | — | 24,515 mi | |
| Fuel System | 13 | 3 | — | 14,864 mi | |
| Airbags | 10 | 5 | — | 20,732 mi | |
| Electronic Stability Control | 5 | 1 | — | 23,501 mi | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 5 | — | — | 13,846 mi | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 5 | — | — | 20,000 mi | |
| Visibility:Windshield | 5 | — | — | 34,320 mi | |
| Electrical System:Ignition | 4 | 1 | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking | 4 | 1 | — | — | |
| Lane Departure: Blind Spot Detection | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention: Rearview System Braking | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Engine & Cooling | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Adaptive Cruise Control | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Lane Departure: Warning | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention: Warnings | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Electrical System:12v/24v/48v Battery | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical System:Horn | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System:Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment:Other:Labels | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Forward-Collision Avoidance Issues | 1 | — | — | — |
Search Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2016 Subaru Outback. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Recalls for 2016 Subaru Outback
4 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting ~55,009 vehicles.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Other Subaru Outback Years
2016 Subaru Outback — FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 2016 Subaru Outback reliable?
What are common problems with the 2016 Subaru Outback?
At what mileage do problems start on the 2016 Subaru Outback?
How safe is the 2016 Subaru Outback?
Does the 2016 Subaru Outback have any recalls?
Should I buy a 2016 Subaru Outback?
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinItel.
Wider context: See the full Subaru Outback reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.
Check Your Specific 2016 Subaru Outback
Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud.
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