2016 Subaru Outback Recalls, Problems & Safety Rating

2016 Subaru Outback recalls

Most common 2016 Subaru Outback problems

Problem areas named in the 643 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.

Problem area	Reports
Electrical System	310
Unknown Or Other	124
Visibility/Wiper	83
Engine	53
Power Train	45
Steering	24
Vehicle Speed Control	22
Structure	19
Service Brakes	19
Fuel/Propulsion System	13

What owners report

2026-08-20, Electrical System
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2016 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that after purchasing the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale, but the contact discovered the seller was associated with a car dealer. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 87,059. After obtaining a Carfax report, the contact became aware that the mileage was 207,000.

2026-08-18, Vehicle Speed Control
The car accelerates on its own at times. I am not pressing the gas or going down a hill. It is flat road, sometimes even pulling into my driveway. There is also feeling like I am being bumped from the back and moving when I am idle. I am strict about oil changes and have it fully inspected when I take it every 3 months as I am a single mom and cannot afford for my children and I to be hurt in an accident or be without a car.

2026-08-10, Vehicle Speed Control
UNKNOWN When pulling into a parking space at the [XXX] diner my 2016 OUTBACK suddenly accelerated while I was ready to shift from drive to park. It was as if I put the gas peddle to the floor. There was a car about 6feet in front of me which I hit. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

2026-07-20, Engine
There is a crack in the exhaust manifold and the exhaust smell is entering the cabin affecting driver and passengers' health. The problem has been confirmed by a Subaru dealer and an independent mechanic. There were no warning lights, I was made aware after routine maintenance by an independent mechanic. The same part has failed in multiple Subaru models: Recall WUJ-95 (SOA says my car is not covered in the recall/campaign due to my car's production date being 24 days after the "Affected Production Dates") . Additionally, Subaru of America extended the exhaust pipe warranty on the same part on other models, as late as 2018, so the part continued to be in use and problematic. Subaru of Amer

2026-07-01, Electrical System
The reporting citizen was driving legally on [XXX] going forward towards the parking lot next to the round about when an uncrewed, autonomous commercial vehicle operated by Waymo suffered a catastrophic software/hardware failure. The 6,000-pound driverless robot taxi aggressively pursued and chased the citizen’s vehicle in reverse for that full city block despite honking the horn and then holding it down the entire time as the killing 6,000 lbs robot car kept reversing towards the citizens car instead of going forward, forcing the citizen out into a perpendicular intersecting road onto [XXX] The citizen safely evaded a severe collision solely through high-speed defensive driving, reversing

2016 Subaru Outback questions

Does the 2016 Subaru Outback have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls for the 2016 Subaru Outback: Passenger Front Airbag May Not Deploy Properly in a Crash; Steering Column May Fail, Causing Loss of Steering Control; Driveshaft May Detach and Puncture Fuel Tank; Transmission Oil Leak Can Drip on Exhaust, Causing Fire Risk. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

What are the most common problems with the 2016 Subaru Outback?

Based on 643 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Electrical System (310), Unknown Or Other (124), Visibility/Wiper (83).

How do I check if a recall on my 2016 Subaru Outback has been fixed?

Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.