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
642 reports, newest first.
Electrical system, Lane departure, May 27, 2021
My battery dies often and doesn’t seem to hold a charge as long as a typica new car I’ve had to jump it 6 times in the last 8 months- Regarding the side marker lane assist- it has been diagnosed as a loose sensor and had been re adjusted by dealership multiple times but end up failing again a couple weeks later.
Electrical system, May 26, 2021
During winter vacation in Upper Michigan my 2015 Subaru Outback did not start, (I'm from Illinois appox 45 miles west of Chicago) nothing electrical in it worked at all. Battery was totally drained. There were no problems prior to this happening. Went to try to start vehicle the next morning and to no avail. We did happen to find someone who was able to jump start our vehicle. Had to buy a new battery.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Engine, May 25, 2021
My 2016 Subaru OUTBACK has experienced 6 separate incidents where my vehicle battery was inexplicably drained, and hence the entire electrical system was shut down. I was unable to start it without an external boost in each occasion. Fortunately these incidents posed no safety threat to me or others as the car was parked at my home, or in a parking lot. Unfortunately, the problem has not been reproduced or confirmed by my Subaru Dealer, Gillman, in Schertz, TX although extensive diagnostics were performed on 2 occasions by Gillman. My OUTBACK has not been inspected by manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives. There were no warning lamps illuminated because of a total electrical failure, and no other symptoms of the problem prior to the 6 failures. The dates for the 5 incidents of total electrical failure are the following: (1) 6/18/2018 at 1240 Kahili Street, Kailua, HI. AAA replaced my original Subaru battery (I do not have original AAA receipt, but other documentation) (2) 10/13/2018 at 1240 Kahili Street, Kailua, HI. AAA replaced my battery. (3) 9/16/2019 at 306 FM 621, San Marcos, TX. AAA replaced my battery. (4) 7/27/2020 at 648 Sydney Circle, New Braunfels, TX. AAA replaced my battery. (5) 9/5/2020 at 648 Sydney Circle, New Braunfels, TX. AAA replaced by battery. (6) 10/7/2020 at 648 Sydney Circle, New Braunfels, TX. Gillman Subaru removed an aftermarket device for corrosion protection installed by SERVCO Subaru, Honolulu.
Electrical system, May 20, 2021
Battery failure numerous times, battery replaced 1/02/19. Battery drain several times during 2017 through 2021 .
Visibility/wiper, May 19, 2021
Windshield spontaneously developed a crack; there had been no impact to the vehicle or windshield.
Electrical system, May 18, 2021
Battery drains for any small electrical left on appears to be electrical defective
Electrical system, May 18, 2021
On two occasions, car would not start. Road service was able to start it by jumping. Third occasion of no start a jump start did not work. The battery was about three years old. I was unaware of the five year warrantee so I brought the battery to a auto parts store to have it check. Was told it won't accept a charge but the charging system was good. I purchased a new battery but about a year later the same dead battery issue happened. Checking to make sure that I did not leave a door open or any electrical component on, I jumped started the car. BUT each time I start the car, I hold my breath hoping it will start. I even purchased a portable charging kit just in case I am unable to get road service.
Electrical system, May 17, 2021
My car's battery dies frequently for no apparent reason. No faults have been reported by the dealer or repair shops during service calls. I had to purchase a jump starter in order to be able to start and operate my car.
Electrical system, May 15, 2021
I HAVE A 2016 SUBARU OUTBACK. I BOUGHT IT 2019. I HAD THE CAR 2 WEEKS 7/2019 AND I DROVE IT 25 MINUTES TO TRAIN STATION. TURNED IT OFF AND TRIED TO START IT AND IT WAS DEAD. TOOK IT IN AND DEALER REPLACED BATTERY. ON SATURDAY 4/3/21 WENT TO START MY CAR IN MY DRIVEWAY AND IT WAS DEAD. TOOK IT TO DEALER AND THEY SAID I DONT DRIVE IT ENOUGH.
Electrical system, Visibility/wiper, May 15, 2021
BATTERY IS DRAINED WHILE PARKED.
Electrical system, May 15, 2021
BATTERY DRAINS MUCH MORE QUICKLY THAN NORMAL. I HAVE REPLACED IT 3 TIMES IN 5 YEARS.
Electrical system, May 15, 2021
THE BATTERY RANDOMLY DRAINS DOWN TO THE POINT WHERE IT WON'T START, IF IT HAS NOT BEEN DRIVEN IN A FEW DAYS. WE REPLACED THE FACTORY BATTERY WITH A LARGER AFTERMARKET BATTERY WHEN THE CAR WAS LESS THAN A YEAR OLD, BECAUSE IT KEPT GOING DEAD. THE FACTORY SERVICE DEALER TOLD US THAT THEY HAD NEVER HEARD OF THIS, SO WE ENDED UP REPLACING THE BATTERY ON OUR OWN. THE NEW BATTERY HELPED, BUT IT'S NOT A END ALL IF THE CAR HASN'T BEEN STARTED FOR A FEW DAYS. SOMETIMES IT NEEDS TO BE JUMPED IN ORDER TO START IT. THIS HAPPENS CONSTANTLY AND WE KNOW THAT IT'S AN ISSUE WITH THE OUTBACK'S.
Other or unspecified, May 15, 2021
THE BATTERY WAS REPLACED IN 2017 (I PAID) FOR THIS 2016 OUTBACK. IN NOVEMBER 2020, DURING OIL CHANGE, SUBARU DEALER STATED BATTERY NEED TO BE REPLACED, I PAID AND REPLACED BATTERY. LAST WEEK, MAY 2021, DURING OIL CHANGE, SUBARU DEALER STATED THAT BATTERY "FAILED" AND THEY REPLACED THE BATTERY FOR NO CHARGE. IT APPEARS THE BATTERY IS DRAINING RAPIDLY 24/7 BECAUSE OF A LIKELY SOFT WARE PROBLEM.
Electrical system, May 15, 2021
BATTERY WENT BAD AFTER BEING REPLACED JUST 3 MONTHS PRIOR. THEY DIDNT WANT TO ADMIT IT.
Electrical system, May 15, 2021
I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE MY BATTERY TWICE ALREADY IN 4 YEARS
Electrical system, May 15, 2021
THE BATTERY BARLEY STARTS THE CAR. WE HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE BATTERY TWO TIMES. WE HAVE TO CARRY A BATTERY STARTER PACK WITH USE, BECAUSE IT WILL NOT START SOME TIMES.SO WE HAVE TO JUMP IT. WE DO NOT TRUST THE CAR TO START. THE BATTERY HAS GOOD CLEAN CONNECTIONS, IT JUST SEEMS TO LOOSE IT CHARGE WHEN IT SITTING.
Power train, Exterior lighting, Engine, May 15, 2021
COMPLETE DRAINING OF BATTERY JUST SITTING THERE FOR NO REASON... WE SEE THIS IS AN ENORMOUS PROBLEM WITH OUTBACKS, AND WE HAVE ONE WITH GREAT PROBLEMS LEAVING US STRANDED !
Electrical system, May 15, 2021
FREQUENT BATTERY REPLACEMENT IN 2016 SUBARU OUTBACK PURCHASED 9/29/2016. DEALER REPLACED THE BATTERY UNDER WARRANTY ON 12/11/2017, DEALER REPLACED AGAIN ON 3/22/2019 WITH SUBARU BATTERIES BOTH TIMES. I REPLACED IT AGAIN ON 1/01/2021 WITH A WALMART BATTERY. MADE THIS COMPLAINT ON 5/15/2021. 3 BATTERIES IN 4 YEARS AND 8 MONTHS SEEMS TO INDICATE AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM
Electrical system, May 15, 2021
FREQUENT AND UNEXPLAINED BATTERY DRAIN. THE CAR HAS 47,520 MILES AND WE HAD TO REPLACE THE BATTERY AND HAVE HAD 2 INCIDENTS WHERE THE BATTERY HAS COMPLETELY DIED LEAVING US STRANDED ON THE HIGHWAY.
Electrical system, May 15, 2021
IN JUNE 2020 I COMPLAINED THAT MY BATTERY DRAINED TO THE POINT WHERE CAR WOULD NOT START A FEW TIMES CAUSING ME TO CHARGE THE BATTERY. I TOOK CAR TO MY SUBARU DEALER AND THEY TOLD ME THE BATTERY WAS OK AND ALTERNATOR WAS CHARGING. I INSISTED THE BATTERY BE REPLACED AND IT WAS. THROUGHOUT THE REST OF 2020 AND INTO 2021 I STILL EXPERIENCE BATTERY DRAINING. I TRY TO DRIVE THE CAR EVERY WEEK SO THE BATTERY WILL NOT GO DEAD. THE BATTERY DOES SEEM LOW AS THE STARTER MOTOR SOUNDS LIKE IT TURNS SLOWER THAN USUAL. DUE TO COVID-19, I HAVE NOT BROUGHT THE CAR BACK TO SUBARU YET TO HAVE THE CAR EVALUATED. I AM RAISING THE COMPLAINT HERE BECAUSE I AM SEEING ONLINE THAT OTHERS ARE HAVING THE SAME ISSUE.
Electrical system, Service brakes, May 14, 2021
I LEFT MY HOME TO GO GET GAS A FEW MINUTES AWAY. AFTER I FILLED UP AT THE PUMP, MY CAR WOULD NOT START. I TRIED SEVERAL TIMES, AND ASKED A GAS STATION ATTENDANT FOR HELP. HE SAID IT SOUNDED LIKE THE BATTERY OR ALTERNATOR. I WAS ABLE TO GET THE CAR INTO NEUTRAL, AND HE PUSHED MY CAR BACK INTO A PARKING SPOT SO I COULD CALL SOMEONE FOR A JUMP. HOWEVER, WITHIN THE FEW MINUTES OF TRYING TO START MY CAR AND BEING PUSHED, THE BATTERY DRAINED SO QUICKLY THAT THE CAR WAS COMPLETELY DEAD AND INOPERABLE. I COULD NOT GET THE CAR BACK INTO PARK, AND THE ELECTRONIC PARKING BRAKE DIDN'T WORK EITHER BECAUSE THERE WAS ABSOLUTELY NO ELECTRICITY LEFT IN THE CAR. THIS COULD NOT HAVE BEEN HAVE BEEN ANY LONGER THAN A 5 MINUTE TIMESPAN. THE PARKING SPOT I WAS IN HAD A SLIGHT SLOPE TO IT, SO SINCE I COULDN'T PUT THE CAR IN PARK OR USE THE EMERGENCY BRAKE, I HAD TO KEEP MY FOOT PRESSED ON THE BRAKE PEDAL UNTIL SOMEONE ARRIVED TO HELP ME. I COULD NOT GET OUT OF THE CAR TO EVEN CHECK UNDER THE HOOD. LUCKILY I HAD A PASSENGER THAT COULD GET OUT AND ASSIST, ESPECIALLY SINCE I COULDN'T OPEN ANY WINDOWS EITHER. WHEN HELP ARRIVED, THEY WERE ABLE TO JUMP THE CAR SO I COULD DRIVE BACK HOME. HAD I BEEN ALONE THOUGH, I WOULD HAVE BEEN COMPLETELY OUT OF LUCK - I WOULD HAVE BEEN STUCK IN THE CAR PRESSING THE BRAKE, OR RISK GETTING OUT AND HAVING THE CAR ROLL AWAY. IT WAS AN INCREDIBLY DANGEROUS SITUATION - I CANNOT BELIEVE THE POWER COULD DRAIN SO QUICKLY TO THE POINT THAT I COULDN'T EVEN PARK THE CAR. I PURCHASED A NEW BATTERY AFTERWARDS, BUT I'M NOT EVEN SURE THAT WAS THE PROBLEM. I'VE NEVER SEEN A BATTERY DRAIN SO QUICKLY - IT ALMOST SEEMS LIKE MORE OF AN ELECTRICAL ISSUE WITH THE CAR.
Electrical system, May 11, 2021
REPEATED FAILURE TO START STEMMING FROM A DEAD BATTERY, DESPITE DAILY OR MORE OFTEN TRIPS. WHEN PARKED TEMPORARILY TO PICK UP MY CHILDREN FROM SCHOOL, THE CAR FAILED TO START. RECEIVED A 'JUMP' TO RESTART. WILL MAKE AN APPOINTMENT WITH THE DEALER TO REPLACE THE BATTERY (OR WHATEVER SERVICE THEY OFFER) FOR THE THIRD BATTERY IN LESS THAN 3 YEARS. BATTERY IS DISCHARGING BEFORE MY EYES; VOLT METER ON THE BATTERY SHOWS A DECREASE OF 0.01VOLTS/PER 10 SECONDS.
Electrical system, May 8, 2021
KEY STUCK IN IGNITION WHEN PULL OUT THE KEY AFTER PARK THE CAR.
Electrical system, May 7, 2021
FOR THE PAST 2 YEARS, I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE BATTERY 4 TIMES BECAUSE IT KEPT DYING ON ME. I ALWAYS THOUGHT I HAD FAULTY BATTERIES UNTIL I READ AN ARTICLE ON THE PROBLEM WITH THE OUTBACK.
Electrical system, May 6, 2021
FREQUENT BATTERY DRAINING AND SOMETIMES NOT RECHARGING WHEN DRIVING. WHILE TURNED OFF IN THE GARAGE BATTERY WILL DRAIN IN AS LITTLE AS 9 DAYS. HAVE TO KEEP IT ON A TRICKLE CHARGE WHEN NOT IN USE IN ORDER TO BE ABLE TO START IT. NO MODERN CAR SHOULD LEAVE YOU STRANDED. THIS HAS BEEN ONGOING SINCE THE PURCHASE IN 2016.