2016 Subaru Outback
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Electrical system is the leading concern among 642 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 6th highest complaint count among 26 Outback model years with reports.
Of the 2016 reports, 22 involved a crash and 3 involved a fire. 13 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Air bags, air bag/restraint control moduleDec 19, 2019
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.
In the event of a crash necessitating passenger frontal air bag deployment, the air bag may not deploy properly, increasing the risk of injury.
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.
Campaign 19V910000 on NHTSA.gov
Steering, columnDo not drive until repairedMay 11, 2016
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.
The loss of steering ability would increase the risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign 16V292000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, driveline, driveshaftNov 24, 2015
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.
If the drive shaft detaches from the rear differential, it may strike the fuel tank and result in a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire.
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.
Campaign 15V794000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, driveline, driveshaftAug 10, 2015
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.
If the transmission oil leaks onto the exhaust pipe, there is a possible risk of fire.
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.
Campaign 15V502000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: power train
45 reports, newest first. Show all
Power train, Sep 25, 2019
I REGULARLY CANNOT REMOVE KEY FROM IGNITION WHILE IN PARK. THE IGNITION DOES NOT SEEM TO RECOGNIZE THE VEHICLE IS IN PARK, SO I HAVE TO RESTART CAR, SHIFT DO DRIVE, RESHIFT TO PARK AND TRY TO REMOVE KEY MULTIPLE TIMES. THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING CONSISTENTLY AND IS WORST WHEN PARKED ON A HILL.
Power train, Aug 13, 2019
SUBARU OUTBACK 2016 4DR 2.5I - VEHICLE BEGAN MAKING LOUD NOISE WHEN DRIVING IN THE HIGHWAY. NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE OF VEHICLE. TOOK TO SUBARU DEALER IN CHANDLER AZ AND DEALER CHANGED RIGHT-REAR WHEEL HUB BEARING. VEHICLE ONLY HAS 67 K MILES.
Power train, Aug 10, 2019
WOBBLING AND SHAKING OCCURS WHEN THE CAR IS IN MOTION (WHEN ACCELERATING). HAPPENS ON STREET AND ON HIGHWAY. SERVICE ADVISOR RECOMMENDED TRANSMISSION REPLACEMENT. PLEASE SEE ATTACHED EXTENDED WARRANTY OFFER FROM THE MANUFACTURER AS A RESULT OF PREVIOUS COMPLAINTS.
Power train, Jul 31, 2019
KEY GETS STUCK IN IGNITION WHEN PUT INTO PARK AND CAN'T TAKE KEY OUT OF IGNITION AFTER TURNING CAR OFF.
Power train, Jun 10, 2019
CAR STALLED IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION. IT WAS TRULY FRIGHTENING BECAUSE THE BABY WAS IN THE CAR AND IT WAS DURING MORNING COMMUTE RUSH HOURS WHEN EVERYONE IS RUSHING. THE CAR IS RELATIVELY NEW WITH 35K MILES AND AM THE ONLY OWNER OF THE VEHICLE. WAS AT AN INTERSECTION AND WAITING FOR MY TURN TO MAKE A LEFT. THE CAR WAS IN 'DRIVE' AND I HAD MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE. HOWEVER, WHEN THE GREEN LEFT TURN ARROW CAME, I PRESSED THE GAS PEDAL AND THE CAR DID NOT MOVE. I MOVED FROM 'DRIVE' TO 'PARK' AND BACK TO 'DRIVE' AND PRESSED THE GAS PEDAL AGAIN AND THE CAR DID NOT MOVE. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. I MOVED FROM 'DRIVE' TO 'PARK' AND TURNED OFF THE CAR ENGINE. THEN I RESTARTED THE CAR AND MOVED FROM 'PARK' TO 'DRIVE' AND PRESSED THE GAS PEDAL AGAIN AND THE CAR DID NOT MOVE. I BEGAN PRESSING THE GAS PEDAL HEAVY TRYING TO AT LEAST MAYBE MOVE TO SAFETY AND ALL OF SUDDEN THE CAR FELT VERY SLUGGISH BUT IT MOVED. I UNDERSTAND THERE IS AN EXTENDED WARRANTY OFFERED BY SUBARU REGARDING THE TRANSMISSION, BUT WHAT HAPPENED TO ME WAS DANGEROUS TO MYSELF, MY FAMILY AND OTHERS ON THE ROAD. THIS REQUIRES FURTHER INVESTIGATION AS TO NOT PUT ANY PEOPLE'S LIFE AT UNNECESSARY RISKS.
Power train, Mar 2, 2019
WHEN STOPPED, UNABLE TO REMOVE KEY FROM IGNITION (UNABLE TO MOVE KEY FROM ACC POSITION TO LOCK POSITION SUCH THAT KEY REMAINS IN IGNITION). SAFETY CONCERN: UNACCOMPANIED CHILD COULD START VEHICLE. UNLOCKED VEHICLE COULD BE STOLEN WITH KEYS IN IGNITION.
Power train, Feb 8, 2019
THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION DOES NOT ENGAGE OFTEN CAUSING A JERKING MOTION OF THE CAR WHICH IS UNDIAGNOSED FOR THE PAST 3 YEARS. SUBARU EXTENDED THE TRANSMISSION WARRANTY FOR ONE YEAR. I WANT IT FIXED. MY WIFE AND I HAVE COMPLAINED SINCE THE CAR WAS NEW (2016 MODEL)
Power train, Sep 8, 2018
MY 2016 SUBARU OUTBACK 3.6 LIMITED HAS 64,000 MILES ON IT. RECENTLY I NOTICED AN UNFAMILIAR NOISE. WHEN I BROUGHT IT TO A MECHANIC HE SAID IT NEEDED A WHEEL BEARING AND THE WHEEL WAS ABOUT TO FALL OFF. HE REPLACED THE WHEEL BEARING/HUB BUT SAID THE NOISE WAS STILL THERE AND SUGGESTED I BRING IT TO A SUBARU DEALER FOR FURTHER EVALUATION. WHEN I BROUGHT IT TO THE SUBARU DEALER THEY SAID IT NEED TWO ADDITIONAL WHEEL BEARINGS. THEY SAID IT WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE AND GAVE ME A LOANER CAR UNTIL IT CAN BE FIXED. AS MY CAR IS STILL WAITING TO BE FIXED I DON'T HAVE ALL THE DOCUMENTATION YET. BUT I STILL DO WORRY WHEN AND IF THAT 4TH BEARING/HUB WILL FAIL.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Aug 29, 2018, fire
I HAD A MAJOR ISSUE WITH THIS VEHICLE ON JUNE 24. WE WERE DRIVING BACK FROM OUR FAMILY VACATION WHEN I WAS PASSING A SEMI TRUCK ON A TWO LANE ROAD THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY LOST POWER TO THE WHEELS AND WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. AS I STEPPED ON THE GAS THE ENGINE REVVED UP BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT ACCELERATING. I THOUGHT IT SLIPPED OUT OF GEAR. I PUT IT IN NEUTRAL THEN BACK INTO DRIVE AND STILL HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. I PUT MY FLASHERS ON TO ALERT THE TRUCK THAT I WAS HAVING ISSUES. I PULLED ONTO THE SHOULDER AND HE PASSED ME. I NOTICED THE TACHOMETER READ BETWEEN THE 3 AND 4 MARK WHEN I PUT MY FOOT ON THE ACCELERATOR TRYING TO SPEED UP. HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE DID NOT SPEED UP AT ALL. I WAS ABLE TO PULL OFF THE ROAD ONTO A TURNOUT AREA. THE PASSENGER IN THE FRONT SEAT ASKED IF ANY WARNING LIGHT CAME ON. NO LIGHTS OF ANY SORT CAME ON. THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE WAS IN THE NORMAL OPERATING RANGE. AFTER THE CAR STOPPED I TURNED OFF THE IGNITION AND OPENED MY DOOR AND NOTICED FLAMES COMING FROM THE BOTTOM OF THE CAR. I IMMEDIATELY INSTRUCTED THE OTHER THREE (3) PASSENGERS TO IMMEDIATELY EXIT THE CAR BECAUSE OF THE FLAMES. LUCKILY WE WERE ABLE TO EXIT THE VEHICLE AND GET A SAFE DISTANCE AWAY TO CALL 911 FOR ASSISTANCE. UNFORTUNATELY THE FIRE CONTINUED TO BURN AND ENGULFED THE CAR. BLACK SMOKE STARTED TO APPEAR. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT SHOWED UP AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. WE WATCHED HELPLESSLY WHILE OUR CAR AND POSSESSIONS WENT UP IN SMOKE. WE CONTACTED SUBARU AND FILED A COMPLIANT. THEY TOOK THEIR TIME AND EVENTUALLY SENT THEIR QA TEAM TO INSPECT WHAT WAS LEFT OF THE VEHICLE. THEY FINALLY SENT US AN EMAIL STATING THEY COULD NOT FIND THE ROOT CAUSE OF THE FIRE BECAUSE THE FIRE DAMAGE WAS TOO INTENSE. WE BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE NEW JUST TWO YEARS PRIOR AND IT ONLY HAD ABOUT 30K MILES AND HAD ALL THE FACTORY RECOMMENDED SERVICES AT THE DEALERSHIP. THE VEHICLE IS UNDER WARRANTY.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Aug 3, 2018
I HAD EXPERIENCED A SHUDDER, POP, REVVING RPMS OF THE VEHICLES BEFORE A SUDDEN POWER LOSS AT HIGHWAY SPEED (65MPH). I WAS UNABLE TO ACCELERATE AND HAD LIMITED STEERING TO GET OFF THE HIGHWAY SAFELY. THE VEHICLE HAD STALLED BY THE TIME I WAS ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. I WAS THEN UNABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS. A TOWING SERVICE WAS CALLED TO BRING IT TO A LOCAL DEALERSHIP. WITHIN AN HOUR TIME PERIOD THE VEHICLE RAPIDLY LOST ELECTRICAL POWER AND HAZARD LIGHTS WERE NO LONGER FUNCTIONAL. THIS UNFORTUNATELY WAS LATE AT NIGHTTIME, MAKING THE VISIBILITY OF THE VEHICLE VERY MINIMAL. THE VEHICLE WAS EVALUATED AT A LOCAL DEALERSHIP AND REPORTED THAT THERE WAS A SOFTWARE PROBLEM WITH THE CHARGING SYSTEMS OF THE CAR. THE SYSTEM WAS UPDATED, BUT THE DEALERSHIP COULD NOT PROVIDE AN EXPLANATION FOR THE REVVING ENGINE, SHUDDERING, POWER LOSS AND STALLING THAT OCCURRED PRIOR TO THE INABILITY TO RESTART THE VEHICLE ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD.
Power train, Jul 12, 2018
HAD COMPLAINED ABOUT CAR JOLTING AT STOP LIGHTS ON OCCASION IN GEAR AT FULL STOP AT LIGHTS. NO DIAGNOSIS. CHANGED GAS THINKING IT MIGHT HELP. SEEMED TO. NO DIAGNOSIS. THEN CAR JUMPED HARD BACKWARDS IN REVERSE COMING OUT OF PARKING SPACE. COULD HAVE HIT CAR BEHIND HAD WE BEEN PARALLEL PARKED INSTEAD OF ANGLE. TOOK CAR IN AND DEALER REPLACED CVT AT NO CHARGE BUT WARNED US IT WOULD CONTINUE TO JUMP IN REVERSE WITH THE NEW CVT AND IT DOES JUST AS IT DID WHEN WE TOOK IT IN. NOW WE HAVE TO REMEMBER TO GRIND DOWN ON THE BRAKE PEDAL WHEN GOING INTO REVERSE. THAT ISN'T RIGHT OR SAFE.
Power train, Feb 1, 2018
KEY STICKS IN THE IGNITION AND WILL NOT COME OUT. THE FAILING PARK POSITION SWITCH DID NOT ALLOW THE KEY TO BE TURNED TO THE FULLY OFF POSITION FOR KEY REMOVAL.
Power train, Electrical system, Dec 22, 2016, crash
THIS ISSUE IS A SAFETY ENHANCEMENT REQUEST AFFECTING TOP OF THE LINE SUBARU OUTBACK 2016 LIMITED/PREMIUM MODELS EQUIPPED WITH KEYLESS IGNITION SYSTEMS. THIS ISSUE IS SIMILAR TO THAT REPORTED IN NHTSA ID NUMBER:10881286. ISSUE: IT IS POSSIBLE FOR A DRIVER TO INADVERTENTLY TURN OFF THE ENGINE (WE ARE ONLY HUMAN) USING THE START/STOP BUTTON WHEN THE VEHICLE IS IN DRIVE, PARK OR NEUTRAL. IF VEHICLE IS ON A SLOPE, THE VEHICLE WILL ROLL FORWARDS OR BACKWARDS ON IT'S OWN. THIS PRESENTS A SERIOUS RISK OF GRAVE BODILY HARM TO PEOPLE IN THE PATH OF THE UNATTENDED MOVING VEHICLE. THIS ALREADY HAPPENED WITH MY VEHICLE, LUCKILY IT HAPPENED INSIDE MY GARAGE ON A VERY SLIGHT SLOPE AND MY CLOSED GARAGE DOOR STOPPED THE VEHICLE. IF MY CHILDREN HAD BEEN BEHIND THE VEHICLE, REMOVING THEIR SCHOOL BAGS, THEY WOULD HAVE BEEN PINNED TO THE GARAGE DOOR BY A 3500 LB VEHICLE. UNACCEPTABLE. I REPAIRED THE SLIGHT DAMAGE BODY WORK ON THE VEHICLE AT THE DEALER BUT THAT IS IRRELEVANT COMPARED TO THE SAFETY RISK PRESENTED BY THIS "WORKS AS DESIGNED" BEHAVIOR OF THE CAR. POSSIBLE WORKAROUND: 1. SUBARU NEEDS TO CHANGE THIS BEHAVIOR AND ELIMINATE THE RISK BY AUTOMATICALLY ENGAGING THE ELECTRIC "PARK BRAKE" THAT IS ALREADY INSTALLED IN THIS MODEL VEHICLE, WHEN THE ENGINE IS TURNED OFF. 2. DISABLE ENGINE STOP UNTIL TRANSMISSION IS SET TO PARK. THE CURRENT AUDIBLE WARNING IS INSUFFICIENT. MY 15 YEAR OLD VEHICLE DID NOT ALLOW THE KEY TO BE REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION SLOT UNTIL PARK LEVER WAS ENGAGED TO PREVENT THIS EXACT PROBLEM. *TR
Power train, Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 27, 2016
3RD OCCURRENCE: WHILE DRIVING ON A STATE HIGHWAY, VEHICLE JERKED, ALL WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON AND VEHICLE LOST MOVEMENT WITH RESISTANCE. TOWED TO DEALER. *TR
Power train, Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 27, 2016
LESS THAN 1 WEEK LATER, 2ND OCCURRENCE: WHILE DRIVING ON INTERSTATE, ALL WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON AND VEHICLE SUDDENLY LOST FORWARD MOVEMENT. VEHICLE WAS RUNNING BUT NOT ENGAGING ENOUGH TO PROPEL VEHICLE. TOWED TO DEALER, DEALER REPAIRED PILOT PIN IN TRANSMISSION. *TR
Power train, Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 27, 2016
1ST OCCURRENCE: WHILE DRIVING ON A COUNTY ROAD, ALL WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON. BROUGHT VEHICLE BACK TO DEALER, DEALER REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION. *TR
Power train, Sep 4, 2016
WHEN I BACK UP AND STOP AND PUT TRANSMISSION INTO DRIVE THERE IS A 3 TO 4 SECOND HESITATION BEFORE THE VEHICLE GOES FORWARD. THIS HESITATION PUTS ME INTO RISK AS I BACK OUT OF DRIVEWAY ONTO A BUSY URBAN STREET. THE DEALERSHIP SAYS THIS THE WAY THE CVT TRANSMISSION WORKS. THE PROBLEM WAS BROUGHT TO THE ATTENTION OF THE DEALER THE 1ST WEEK THAT I PURCHASED THE CAR ON 09/30/2015. THE PROBLEM STILL EXISTS WHEN GOING FROM A QUICK REVERSE TO DRIVE.
Power train, Mar 22, 2016
STATIONARY VEHICLE ROLLS BACK SIGNIFICANTLY WHEN ON ANY INCLINE WHEN IN GEAR. IT HAS AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WHICH ROLLS IN DRIVE AND REVERSE. THE DEALER SAID ALL VEHICLES ROLL WHEN IN GEAR. I HAVE OWNED 13 VEHICLES IN MY LIFE, THE ONLY VEHICLES THAT WOULD ROLL IN GEAR WERE MANUAL TRANSMISSION VEHICLES WHICH IS WHY THE LAST 8 VEHICLES I HAVE OWNED HAVE BEEN AUTOMATIC. THE DEALER DENIED THIS WAS A PROBLEM BUT ON THE SUBARU OUTBACK FORUM, THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM FOR AT LEAST THE PAST TWO ITERATIONS OF THIS VEHICLE. THE FIRST OCCASION THE VEHICLE ROLLED BACK ON A GOOD SLOPE FOR AT LEAST THREE FEET AND THEN THE TIRES SPUN WHEN I DEPRESSED THE ACCELERATOR. THE HILL ASSIST FEATURE ON THIS CAR MAY HAVE BEEN OF ASSISTANCE BUT I WAS UNFAMILIAR WITH IT. THE HILL ASSIST FEATURE SHOULD NOT HAVE TO BE ENGAGED DURING NORMAL DRIVING. HAD THIS SLIPPAGE HAPPENED AT A STOPLIGHT, THE VEHICLE WOULD HAVE ROLLED INTO ANOTHER AND CAUSED DAMAGE TO BOTH VEHICLES. ABSOLUTELY DANGEROUS AND UNACCEPTABLE. THE TRANSMISSION ACTS LIKE A MANUAL WITHOUT A CLUTCH.
Power train, Mar 22, 2016
STATIONARY VEHICLE ROLLS BACK SIGNIFICANTLY WHEN ON ANY INCLINE WHEN IN GEAR. IT HAS AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WHICH ROLLS IN DRIVE AND REVERSE. THE DEALER SAID ALL VEHICLES ROLL WHEN IN GEAR. I HAVE OWNED 13 VEHICLES IN MY LIFE, THE ONLY VEHICLES THAT WOULD ROLL IN GEAR WERE MANUAL TRANSMISSION VEHICLES WHICH IS WHY THE LAST 8 VEHICLES I HAVE OWNED HAVE BEEN AUTOMATIC. THE DEALER DENIED THIS WAS A PROBLEM BUT ON THE SUBARU OUTBACK FORUM, THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM FOR AT LEAST THE PAST TWO ITERATIONS OF THIS VEHICLE. THE FIRST OCCASION THE VEHICLE ROLLED BACK ON A GOOD SLOPE FOR AT LEAST THREE FEET AND THEN THE TIRES SPUN WHEN I DEPRESSED THE ACCELERATOR. THE HILL ASSIST FEATURE ON THIS CAR MAY HAVE BEEN OF ASSISTANCE BUT I WAS UNFAMILIAR WITH IT. THE HILL ASSIST FEATURE SHOULD NOT HAVE TO BE ENGAGED DURING NORMAL DRIVING. HAD THIS SLIPPAGE HAPPENED AT A STOPLIGHT, THE VEHICLE WOULD HAVE ROLLED INTO ANOTHER AND CAUSED DAMAGE TO BOTH VEHICLES. ABSOLUTELY DANGEROUS AND UNACCEPTABLE. THE TRANSMISSION ACTS LIKE A MANUAL WITHOUT A CLUTCH.
Power train, Nov 16, 2015
I WAS IN A STORE PARKING LOT. I DROVE APPROX. 2 BLOCKS AND CAME TO A FULL STOP WHERE THERE WAS A PEDESTRIAN CROSSING. I ACCELERATED MAKING A LEFT TURN AND BEGAN CLIMBING A SMALL HILL TO EXIT THE PARKING AREA. I TRAVELED APPROXIMATELY 20 FEET AND MY CAR LOST ACCELERATION. I PLACED MY FOOT ON THE GAS PEDAL AND PRESSED IT DOWN APPROX. 50 PERCENT. WHILE DOING SO, I DID NOT HEAR THE ENGINE RACING. THE SPEEDOMETER REGISTERED 2 MILES PER HOUR. I BRAKED, CAME TO A FULL STOP AND TOOK MY CAR OUT OF GEAR. I MOVED IT BACK TO DRIVE AND THE CAR RESPONDED NORMALLY.