2016 Subaru Outback common problems & recalls
What owners report most to NHTSA on the 2016 Subaru Outback, and the recalls issued for this model year. Got a symptom of your own? Start a case for your car.
Most reported 2016 Subaru Outback problems
Based on 643 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2016 Subaru Outback.
- Electrical System309 reports
- Unknown Or Other124 reports
- Visibility/Wiper83 reports
- Engine53 reports
- Power Train45 reports
2016 Subaru Outback recalls
Recalls issued for the 2016 Subaru Outback model year. Whether one is still open on a specific car depends on its VIN: check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Safety recalls are repaired free at a franchised dealer.
- AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE19V910000
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.
- STEERING:COLUMN16V292000
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.
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.
- POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT15V502000
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.
- POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT15V794000
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.
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.
Describe the symptom and start a case. Redline checks it against this model’s complaint and recall data and shows what evidence would confirm it.
Trouble-code guides for the Subaru Outback
The check-engine codes we see most on this model: likely causes, cost and fix, specific to the Outback.
Other Subaru Outback years
More Subaru models
Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaint volume reflects how often owners report an issue, not whether your car has it. Confirm with an inspection.
Problem with your Outback?
Every problem becomes a Case. Tell Redline what your Outback is doing: it shows what the evidence supports, what’s still missing, and what to check next, before you approve a repair.
“Inner pad ~1 mm. Outer pad 3 mm.”
Next: check the slide pins move freely before buying parts.