2016 Subaru Outback problems
What owners report to NHTSA, grouped by component, with the recalls that cover them.
NHTSA has 642 owner complaints on file for the 2016 Subaru Outback, filed between 2015-08-31 and 2026-08-20. The most common problem areas are the electrical system (309, 48%), visibility/wiper (83, 13%) and engine (52, 8%). Owners reported 22 crashes, 3 fires and 13 injuries in these complaints. NHTSA lists 4 recalls for this model year.
Last updated: · Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases
2016 Subaru Outback complaints by component
| Component | Complaints | Share | Crashes | Fires | Injuries |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 309 | 48% | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Unknown or other | 124 | 19% | 2 | 3 | 2 |
| Visibility/wiper | 83 | 13% | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine | 52 | 8% | 2 | 2 | 5 |
| Power train | 45 | 7% | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Steering | 24 | 4% | 3 | 0 | 1 |
| Vehicle speed control | 22 | 3% | 5 | 0 | 1 |
| Structure | 19 | 3% | 2 | 0 | 1 |
| Service brakes | 18 | 3% | 7 | 0 | 3 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 12 | 2% | 3 | 0 | 2 |
| Air bags | 10 | 2% | 5 | 0 | 2 |
| Visibility | 8 | 1% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Forward collision avoidance | 7 | 1% | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Electronic stability control (esc) | 5 | 1% | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Exterior lighting | 5 | 1% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
A complaint can name several components, so shares can add up to more than 100%. Crashes, fires and injuries are as reported by owners.
The top problem areas, in plain English
Each summary is built from the complaint counts and NHTSA recall notices, not from individual owner stories.
Electrical system: 309 complaints
- 309 complaints of 642 (48%) name the electrical system — wiring, battery and charging, fuses, control modules and in-car electronics.
- 26 of them also name the unknown or other; owners reported 3 crashes in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2016 Subaru Outback covers this system.
Visibility/wiper: 83 complaints
- 83 complaints of 642 (13%) name the visibility/wiper — the windshield, windows, mirrors, wipers and defrosters.
- 3 of them also name the electrical system; owners reported 1 crash in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2016 Subaru Outback covers this system.
Engine: 52 complaints
- 52 complaints of 642 (8%) name the engine.
- 8 of them also name the electrical system; owners reported 2 crashes, 2 fires and 5 injuries in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2016 Subaru Outback covers this system.
Power train: 45 complaints
- 45 complaints of 642 (7%) name the power train — the transmission, transfer case, driveshafts and axles.
- 7 of them also name the electrical system; owners reported 2 crashes and 1 fire in these complaints.
- 2 NHTSA recalls cover this system on the 2016 Subaru Outback; the latest, campaign 15V794000, says: “Due to the improper tightening of the securing nuts, the drive shaft may separate from the rear differential.”
Steering: 24 complaints
- 24 complaints of 642 (4%) name the steering — the steering wheel, column, gear and power-steering assist.
- 8 of them also name the electrical system; owners reported 3 crashes and 1 injury in these complaints.
- One NHTSA recall covers this system on the 2016 Subaru Outback; the recall, campaign 16V292000, says: “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.”
Vehicle speed control: 22 complaints
- 22 complaints of 642 (3%) name the vehicle speed control — cruise control and accelerator/throttle control.
- 4 of them also name the service brakes; owners reported 5 crashes and 1 injury in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2016 Subaru Outback covers this system.
When the complaints were filed
| Year filed | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2015 | 7 |
| 2016 | 56 |
| 2017 | 32 |
| 2018 | 50 |
| 2019 | 67 |
| 2020 | 101 |
| 2021 | 171 |
| 2022 | 66 |
| 2023 | 31 |
| 2024 | 24 |
| 2025 | 21 |
| 2026 | 16 |
What is counted
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the model names OUTBACK, model year 2016. Complaints are unverified owner reports; a recall is NHTSA's confirmed safety defect. See the 2016 Subaru Outback recalls.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Subaru Outback?
By NHTSA owner complaints, the 2016 Subaru Outback's most common problem areas are the electrical system (309 of 642 complaints), visibility/wiper (83 of 642 complaints) and engine (52 of 642 complaints).
How many complaints does the 2016 Subaru Outback have?
NHTSA has 642 owner complaints on file for the 2016 Subaru Outback, including 22 reported crashes and 3 reported fires.
Is there a recall for the 2016 Subaru Outback's problems?
NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2016 Subaru Outback; 2 of the top 6 complaint areas have a matching recall. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN for open recalls.