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.
Structure, Oct 30, 2017
ON 09/19/2017 I HAVE BROUGHT OUR VEHICLE TO LITHIA RENO SUBARU FOR SERVICE ON THE FRONT PASSENGER DOOR PANEL. WHEN THE DOOR HANDLE WAS PULLED ON WHILE CLOSING THE DOOR, THE DOOR PANEL PULLED IN EXCESSIVELY. LITHIA RENO SUBARU DETERMINED THAT THREE SCREWS WERE MISSING ON INNER DOOR PANEL. I BELIEVE THIS DEFECT EXISTED FROM THE TIME THE VEHICLE WAS FIRST ASSEMBLED AT THE FACTORY. THIS DEFECT WAS NOT COVERED BY MANUFACTURER WARRANTY.
Visibility/wiper, Sep 23, 2017
DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY EARLY IN THE MORNING, NO OTHER CARS AROUND, HEARD A LOUD POP FOLLOWED BY A LARGE UPSIDE DOWN "L" CRACK COMING FROM THE BOTTOM.
Electrical system, Engine, Visibility/wiper, Sep 19, 2017
I HAD DIFFICULTY SEVERAL TIMES REMOVING THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION. THE LAST TIME THIS HAPPENED, I WAS ABLE TO REMOVE THE KEY, BUT THE CAR DIED. I CALLED THE DEALER AND THEY GAVE ME THE LOCAL TOWING COMPANY. NAPLETON SUBARU KEPT THE CAR FOR TWO DAYS AND COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH IT. I HAVE BEEN AFRAID TO DRIVE THE CAR ON THE HIGHWAY, OR GO TOO FAR FROM HOME.
Visibility/wiper, Sep 8, 2017
THE WINDSHIELD DEVELOPED A CRACK WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED. THERE WAS NO DAMAGE FROM THE ROAD OR OTHER SOURCES. THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN REPORTED BY DOZENS OF OWNERS OF SUBARU OUTBACKS, ESPECIALLY ONES WITH THE SUBARU EYESIGHT SAFETY SYSTEM, WHICH MY VEHICLE HAS.
Visibility/wiper, Sep 6, 2017
THE WINDSHIELD DEVELOPED A FISSURE OVER 2 FEET LONG WITH NO KNOWN (VISIBLE OR AUDIBLE IMPACT) I SIMPLY NOTICED IT AS I WAS DRIVING HOME AND IT WAS NOT THERE WHEN I LEFT HOME. IT STARTS IN THE LOWER PASSENGER SIDE UNDER THE BLACK PORTION AND RUNS HALF WAY ACROSS THE WINDSHIELD.
Electrical system, Aug 18, 2017
INTERMITTENTLY ALL THE LIGHTS IN THE DASH WILL GO OUT FOR APPROXIMATELY TWO SECONDS, THEN COME BACK ON. DURING THIS PERIOD OF TIME, I HAVE NOTHING ON THE DASH, NO SPEEDOMETER, TURN SIGNALS, EYESIGHT, RADIO, ETC. TO ME THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD. IT HAPPENS, SO FAST THAT I DO NOT HAVE TIME TO SEE IF MY HEADLIGHTS OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE ARE FUNCTIONING CORRECTLY OR NOT, SO THAT I AM BEING SEEN BY OTHER MOTORISTS. IT HAS HAPPENED ON TWO OCCASIONS WHEN I HIT A POTHOLE. MY DEALERSHIP HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO RE-CREATE THIS PROBLEM. I FEEL IT IS A SHORT IN THE DASH. IT IS ALWAYS WHEN I AM DRIVING, BUT IT NEVER LASTS MORE THAN 2-3 SECONDS AND THE DEALER TELLS ME TO "BRING IT IN WHILE IT'S HAPPENING". THIS HAPPENS EVERY FEW WEEKS AND HAS HAPPENED SINCE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE.
Other or unspecified, Aug 14, 2017
WHY IS THIS SITE REJECTING THE VIN FOR THIS VEHICLE. VIN IS 18 NUMBERS AND LETTERS BUT SAFERCAR.GOV JUST ACCEPTS ONLY 17 NUMBERS AND LETTERS SO COULD YOU EMAIL WITH THE ANSWER AND IS THE OUTBACK ON RECALL FOR TAKATA AIRBAGS
Other or unspecified, Aug 12, 2017
TAKATA RECALL - NOTHING HAPPENED, RECEIVED NOTICE OF POSSIBLE RECALL.
Air bags, Aug 8, 2017
TAKATA RECALL
Steering, Aug 1, 2017
WHEN MAKING STEERING CORRECTIONS AS YOU DRIVE, THE STEERING MAKES THE CAR VERY TO THE LEFT OR RIGHT AS YOU MAKE SLIGHT STEERING CORRECTIONS. THE PROBLEM IS VERY NOTICEABLE AT HIGH SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE SWAYS ALLOT TO THE LEFT OR RIGHT AS YOU MAKE STEERING CORRECTIONS. THE PROBLEM HAPPENS CONSISTENTLY UNDER SLIGHT ACCELERATION OR DECELERATION. I WOULD DESCRIBE AS A DEAD ZONE WHEN STEERING. AT SPEEDS BETWEEN 55 AND 75 THE VEHICLE CAME VERY CLOSE TO SIDE SIDESWIPING ANOTHER VEHICLE.
Visibility/wiper, Jul 19, 2017
FRONT WINDSHIELD SPONTANEOUSLY CRACKED FROM TOP OF DRIVER SIDE DOWN BOTH SIDES WHILE SITTING IN HOME DRIVEWAY FOR ABOUT TWO HOURS ON CLEAR, 90 DEGREE DAY. NO IMPACTS NOTED WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 25 MILES EARLIER IN THE DAY, AND NO CHIP IN WINDSHIELD AT APPARENT IMPACT POINT. NOTHING FELL ON THE VEHICLE IN THE DRIVEWAY OR EXERTED PRESSURE ON THE GLASS.
Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Jul 10, 2017
EYESIGHT TECHNOLOGY WARNING SHOWED INOPERABLE ALONG WITH LANE DEPARTURE AND FRONT END COLLISION AVOIDANCE SYSTEM. THE CAR HAD BEEN RUNNING LESS THAN 3 MINUTES AFTER OVER 24 . PULLED OVER CALLED DEALER WHO ATTEMPTED TO WALK ME THROUGH RESET. UNSUCCESSFUL NO AVAILABILITY FOR SERVICE SO SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT 3 DAYS LATER. CAR WARNING LIGHTS CLEARED ON THEIR OWN. SHOWED ADVISOR EMAIL FROM AUTO MESS. FROM SUBARU INDICATING WARNING LIGHT WAS AN ISSUE. WAS TOLD CODE WOULD BE CHECKED BUT SUBARU WAS AWARE OF THE ISSUE WHEN SOME CARS WERE OVERHEATED. DEALERSHIP WAS ADVISED TO CLEAR THE CODE AND SEND PEOPLE ON THEIR WAY. NO CODES REGISTERED AT ALL IN THE SYSTEM AND WHEN I LET THEM KNOW THAT CAR WAS ABSOLUTELY NOT OVERHEATED, I WAS TOLD THERE WAS NOTHING THAT COULD BE DONE BECAUSE SUBARU KNOWS THAT WHEN CARS OVERHEAT IT SOMETIMES HAPPENS. NOTHING COULD BE DONE BUT THE GREATER CONCERN IS THAT THEIR PREMISE OF WHEN THE ISSUE IS OCCURRING IS INACCURATE AT LEAST IN OUR CAR'S CASE AND IT DID NOT APPEAR, DUE TO THE REPETITION OF THE COMPANY CONTENTION THAT OVERHEATING WAS THE CAUSE OF THE ISSUE NOR WERE THEY WILLING TO ENTERTAIN ANY OTHER SCENARIO THAN THAT WHICH SUBARU ALREADY DECIDED. SPOKE WITH SUBARU OF AMERICA WHO 7/10/17 CUSTOMER SERVICE WHO STATED NOT AWARE OF ANY ISSUES BUT WOULD LOOK IN TO IT. BY THE END OF DAY 7.13.17.
Seat belts, Jun 15, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DEALER (PERFORMANCE SUBARU, 1810 DURHAM-CHAPEL HILL BLVD, CHAPEL HILL, NC 27514, (919) 897-2146) WAS NOTIFIED THAT THE THREE REAR SEAT BELTS FAILED TO SECURE PROPERLY AND UNLATCHED INTERMITTENTLY. THE DEALER INDICATED THAT THEY HAD NO SPECIFIC REMEDY AND ADVISED THE CONTACT TO CALL THE MANUFACTURER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Visibility, Jun 15, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED THROUGH THE REARVIEW MIRROR THAT THE REAR WINDOW LOOKED FROSTED OR WHITE. WHEN THE CONTACT CLOSED THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR, THE REAR WINDOW SHATTERED INTO PIECES AND LEFT A BIG HOLE AROUND THE GLASS. THE CONTACT CALLED BROWN SUBARU DEALER AND WAS INFORMED THAT IT WAS OK TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BROWN SUBARU COLLISION CENTER WHERE THE REAR WINDOW WAS REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 14,500. UPDATED 08/04/17*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE MANUFACTURER WOULD BE GRANTING A REIMBURSEMENT. UPDATED 09/25/2017*JS
Other or unspecified, Jun 8, 2017
AT TIMES, NOT ALL TIMES, THE IGNITION SWITCH LOCKS UP AND YOU HAVE TO DO ALL KINDS OF THINGS TO GET FREED. IT HAS HAPPENED TO WIFE A FEW TIMES IN PLACES THAT IS NOT THE BEST PLACES. ALSO IN THE DARKS, IN PARKING LOTS, AT THE STORE. WE HAVE TAKEN IT BACK TO THE DEALER 3 OR 4 TIMES OVER THE SAME PROBLEM THEY SAY BECAUSE THEY CANNOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM THERE IS NO PROBLEM. MY WIFE HAS CALLED ROADSIDE ASSIST FOR HELP A FEW TIMES. WE FEEL THERE IS A PROBLEM AND FALLS ON DEAF EARS. WE THROUGH WE WERE BUYING A GOOD CAR AND OUR LAST CAR. MAYBE WE PICKED THE WRONG DEALERSHIP, THEY KNOW HOW TO SELL, TALK A GOOD STORY BUT DON'T KNOW HOW TO FIX THE PROBLEM. ALL WE HERE IS CANNOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM SO THERE IS NO PROBLEM. ALSO WE WERE TOLD TO LEAVE THE STEERING WHEEL IN THE 3 AND 9 0'CLOCK POSITION, BEFORE WE TURN THE IGNITION OFF AND IT HAS LOCKED UP THERE ALSO. HOW WOULD YOU LIKE TO HAVE YOUR WIFE AND YOUR KIDS BE STRANDED BECAUSE THE IGNITION LOCKED UP AND COULD NOT GET IT UNSTUCK? ALSO HAS STARTED THE CAR AND IT HAS DIE RIGHT A WAY THIS HAS HAPPEN A COUPLE OF TIMES.[ THERE WERE MORE TIMES THAN 1 ONE.] STATIONARY, CITY
Air bags, Vehicle speed control, Jun 8, 2017, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2016 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY EXPERIENCED UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. THE DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO A UTILITY POLE. THE FRONT END WAS SEVERELY DAMAGED AND THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED; HOWEVER, THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 4,000. UPDATED 08/09/17*LJ UPDATED 10/13/2017*JS
Service brakes, May 18, 2017
IN HOT WEATHER AND BUMPER-TO-BUMPER TRAFFIC CONDITIONS, BRAKE PEDAL BECOMES VERY SPONGY AND SLOWLY INCHES TO THE FLOOR WITH CONSTANT PRESSURE APPLICATION. THIS ISSUE OCCURRED ON SEVERAL HOT DAYS, WITH OBSERVED TEMPERATURES RANGING FROM 80-100F. ON ONE RECENT OCCASION, THE BRAKE PEDAL HIT THE FLOOR WHEN STATIONARY AT A RED LIGHT. THE VEHICLE'S OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE GAUGE REGISTERED 100F AT THE TIME OF THE MOST RECENT EVENT.
Service brakes, May 2, 2017
3 SEPARATE EPISODES OF ENGINE RACING WHEN STEPPING ON BRAKE PEDAL AND CAR LURCHING FORWARD. BRAKE PEDAL VERY SPONGY AND WITH CONTINUOUS PRESSING GOES ALMOST DOWN TO FLOORBOARD. OCCURS WHEN VEHICLE MOVING SLOWLY IN CLOSE QUARTERS. ONE EPISODE OF BRAKE PEDAL GOING ALMOST TO FLOOR WHEN STOPPED AT LIGHT
Visibility/wiper, Apr 20, 2017
WHILE DRIVING DOWN AN OPEN ROAD GOING ABOUT 45MPH WITH NO TREES AND NO OTHER VEHICLES AROUND US, OUR SUNROOF EXPLODED. I SAY EXPLODED BECAUSE WE THOUGHT WE HAD BEEN SHOT. IT WAS A VERY LOUD POP AND THEN WE WERE INSTANTLY COVERED IN GLASS. LIKE ALMOST THE ENTIRE SUNROOF WAS NOW IN PIECES AND INSIDE THE CAR. I ACTUALLY GOOGLED "EXPLODING SUNROOF" BECAUSE WE KNEW WE DIDN'T HIT ANYTHING. THERE ARE LITERALLY PAGES OF ACCOUNTS OF THIS HAPPENING AND THERE ARE NUMEROUS MANUFACTURERS LISTED AS HAVING THIS PROBLEM. ANYWAY, SUBARU DID REPLACE IT AND WE DID NOT HAVE TO FILE A CLAIM WITH OUR INSURANCE BUT WE COULD HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED IF WE WERE GOING ANY FASTER. THE PREVAILING THEORY IS THAT IN ORDER THE SAVE WEIGHT ON THE AFFECTED VEHICLES, THE FRAME OF THE SUNROOF ISN'T RIGID ENOUGH ALLOWING THE GLASS TO MOVE TOO MUCH WHICH CAUSES THE SPONTANEOUS EXPLOSION.
Air bags, Structure, Apr 8, 2017, crash
HIT DEER WITH RIGHT FRONT FENDER AT ABOUT 40 MPH ON A DRY, STRAIGHT HWY. IMPACT WAS MINOR, SHEET METAL DAMAGE ONLY,NO FLUID LOSS OR SUSPENSION SYSTEM DAMAGE BUT AIR BAGS DEPLOYED VIOLENTLY, MUCH SMOKE. SIDE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEFLATE MAKING IT VERY DIFFICULT TO EXIT VEHICLE. AIRBAG IMPACT ON LEFT EAR HAS DAMAGED HEARING, PROBABLY PERMANENTLY. CLEARWATER COUNTY IDAHO SHERIFFS OFFICE CASE NUMBER P2017-00350.
Other or unspecified, Apr 4, 2017
WHENEVER IT RAINS, THE FRONT PASSENGER FLOOR IS FLOODED WITH WATER. I HAVE COMPLAINED ABOUT THIS ISSUE TO THE DEALERSHIP AND SUBARU OF AMERICA, THEY MADE 4 ATTEMPTS TO FIX THE PROBLEM. EVERY TIME I COMPLAINED ABOUT THE PROBLEM, THE DEALERSHIP KEEPS MY VEHICLE FOR MORE THAN 2 WEEKS, THEY TELL ME SOME CAR STORY THAT I DO NOT UNDERSTAND, REASSURE ME THAT THE PROBLEM IS FIXED, BUT THE NEXT TIME IT RAINS, I AM BACK AT THE DEALERSHIP. ALL THESE PROBLEMS HAPPENED WITHIN 18 MONTHS OF MY VEHICLE PURCHASE. AT THE MOMENT, MY CAR IS STILL AT THE DEALERSHIP, THIS WILL BE THE 4TH TIME THE FLOOR IS FLOODED WITH WATER. I HAVE ASKED SUBARU OF AMERICA FOR MY FULL MONEY BACK, BUT THEY KEEP TELLING ME, THAT THEY ARE INVESTIGATING THE PROBLEM AND A REPRESENTATIVE WILL REACH OUT TO ME. WHEN THE FLOOR WAS FLOODED WITH WATER, THE CAR WAS STATIONARY AND IT WAS PARKED AT A PRIVATE PROPERTY PARKING LOT (NOT A GARAGE).
Electronic stability control (ESC), Service brakes, Mar 17, 2017, crash
THE EYESIGHT SYSTEM FAILED TO BRAKE THE CAR AUTOMATICALLY.
Structure, Mar 4, 2017
DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR CRACKED-OPEN UNEXPECTEDLY WHEN VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION (DOOR WAS CAUGHT BY LATCH, PREVENTING IT FROM SWINGING OPEN FULLY). ISSUE FIRST OCCURRED AT AROUND 4000MI IN EARLY OCTOBER 2016 WHEN TRAVELING ON I278 EASTBOUND AT 50MPH. DRIVER THOUGHT SOMETHING WAS STUCK IN DOORJAMB. ISSUE REOCCURRED AT 4500MI IN MID OCTOBER 2016 ON RT17 SOUTHBOUND WITH 4 PEOPLE IN TOW, TRAVELING AT 65MPH. LOCAL SERVICE CENTER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE TWO OCCURRENCES AT 4573MI ON 22 OCT. 16. DOOR LATCH MECHANISM WAS INSPECTED AND DETERMINED WORKING AS DESIGNED. ISSUE REOCCURRED 500MI AFTER DOOR LATCH MECHANISM WAS LAST INSPECTED ON I278 WESTBOUND, TRAVELING AT 20MPH. ISSUE WAS ADDRESSED AT 5071MI ON 15 NOV. 16. DOOR LATCH ASSEMBLY WAS REPLACED AND NO ISSUE ENCOUNTERED SINCE REPAIR. OBSERVED CONDITIONS AT TIME OF DOOR LATCH FAILURE WERE: HUMID, 60-74F TEMPERATURES, SMOOTH ROADS, NO POTHOLES, VEHICLE WAS TURNING TWICE LEFT AND ONCE RIGHT.
Seats, Mar 4, 2017
FRONT PASSENGER SEATS LOOSENED AT THE FLOOR LEVEL (PERHAPS FROM THEIR ANCHORAGE TO THE FLOOR OR AT THEIR TRACKS). SPECIFICALLY, REAR PART OF SEATS CAN MOVE UP AND DOWN AND FORWARD ON AN ARC WITH DRIVER AND PASSENGER IN RESPECTIVE SEATS. EVENT HAPPENS WHEN DECELERATING AND WHEN VEHICLE IS DIVING FORWARD AS A RESULT OF A BUMP. THIS UNINTENDED SEAT MOVEMENT CAUSES THE DRIVER TO MOVE CLOSER TO THE STEERING WHEEL AND WINDSHIELD WITH THE SEAT. THE FRONT PASSENGER ALSO GETS PUSHED FORWARD TOWARD THE WINDSHIELD AND DASH. THIS ISSUE HAPPEN(S/ED) AT CITY AND HIGHWAY SPEEDS. ISSUES WERE MADE AWARE TO SERVICE TECHNICIANS AT 3748MI ON 08 OCT. 16 AND 4573MI ON 22 OCT. 16. DRIVER'S SEAT IS LOOSENING AGAIN WITH VEHICLE AT 9090MI ON 03 MAR. 17.
Service brakes, Feb 26, 2017
THE BREAKS LOCKED UP ON ME AS I WAS ABOUT TO PASS A TURNING CAR. THEY ALSO LOCKED UP ON ME ONCE WHEN A CAR WAS GETTING IN MY LANE. I SAW BOTH OF THESE CARS AND WAS NOT IN DANGER OF HITTING ONE OF THEM.