Recalls, complaints, and safety data from NHTSA
The 2016 Subaru Outback has 4 recalls, 630 complaints, and a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA.
4
Recalls
630
Complaints
★★★★★
Safety Rating
Data source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) · Last updated April 7, 2026
19V910000
AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Outback vehicles. A replacement air bag control module may have been installed that i...
16V292000
STEERING:COLUMN
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Legacy and Outback vehicles manufactured February 29, 2016, to May 6, 2016....
15V502000
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT
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...
15V794000
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2016 Legacy vehicles manufactured October 24, 2015, to November 16, 2015, and Outback...
Overall
★★★★★
Front Crash
★★★★★
Side Crash
★★★★★
Rollover
★★★★★
Rating for: 2016 Subaru Outback SUV AWD
| Date ↓ | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|
| Feb 17, 2026 | POWER TRAIN,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | My 2016 Subaru Outback CVT transmission has exhibited an intermittent jerking and grabbing sensation... |
| Feb 11, 2026 | ENGINE | My 2016 Outback 2.5L model experienced an exhaust noise and/or odor coming from cracks at the bellow... |
| Feb 2, 2026 | STEERING | Brake light comes on while driving and power steering also locks up.. |
| Jan 3, 2026 | AIR BAGS | Almost after I took ownership of my vehicle in August 2024 from Lexus of Pembroke Pines, I noticed a... |
| Dec 12, 2025 | VISIBILITY/WIPER | 1.Windshield crack in the deicing area. Driving on a highway heard a loud boom as if a very big rock... |
| Oct 24, 2025 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | Steering wheel controls frequently fail to work properly on the cruise control system specially the ... |
| Sep 23, 2025 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | Catalytic converter is cracked. This is confirmed by an independent service center. Apparently there... |
| Sep 12, 2025 | ENGINE | Accelerated on its own doing 25mph and accelerated quickly and took pumping brakes to get it to stop |
| Aug 25, 2025 | ENGINE | The contact owns a 2016 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed spee... |
| Aug 14, 2025 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | I reached under the steering well to the foot well because it seemed that my AC was not putting out ... |
| Aug 11, 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | I purchased a replacement battery in 2023. In August of 2025, the battery died, requiring a jump sta... |
| Jun 10, 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | EYE SIGHT GOES OUT SHORTLY AFTER RECONFIGURATION (HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES), BRAND NEW BATTERY HA... |
| May 1, 2025 | VISIBILITY/WIPER | I had a rock thrown at my vehicle's windshield and required a replacement. I went to a Subaru dealer... |
| Apr 9, 2025 | ENGINE | Safety concern - Exhaust entering into the car. Smells of exhaust. Warranty should be extended to 1... |
| Apr 5, 2025 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | There’s an open recall on an exhaust leak for similar models and years and my car needs the same wor... |
| Jan 21, 2025 | ENGINE | Original owner of a 2016 Subaru Outback 2.5L, took in to Midas for small exhaust leak. Midas found t... |
| Jan 18, 2025 | STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | The steering warning light came on and my steering wheel stiffened. Luckily I was able to make it ho... |
| Nov 1, 2024 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | Horn quit working |
| Sep 13, 2024 | ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ENGINE | The contact owns a 2016 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that there was an exhaust odor entering i... |
| Sep 12, 2024 | POWER TRAIN | I’m unable to remove the car key from the ignition when the vehicle shifter is in Park. |