2016 Subaru Outback: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2016 Subaru Outback? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 633 complaints, with Electrical Faults as the top reported area.
2016 Subaru Outback Fuel Economy
β EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 2 2016 Subaru Outback trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 2 trims analysed.
2016 Subaru Outback Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
17.5% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
17.5% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2016 Subaru Outback has 633 owner complaints, 20 crash-related complaints, and 4 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Electrical Faults. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Subaru
- Model
- Outback
- Model year
- 2016
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 633
- Crash-related complaints
- 20
- Safety recall campaigns
- 4
- Top reported component
- Electrical Faults
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 28
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 25 / 32
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2016 Subaru Outback Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Electrical Faults
Uncategorized Issues
Visibility/Wiper
Complaint patterns center on Electrical Faults, Uncategorized Issues, Visibility/Wiper. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2016 Subaru Outback?
The 2016 Subaru Outback shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2016 Subaru Outback
Inspection Focus
- Inspect the electrical system, including battery, alternator, and wiring, for any signs of issues.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for reported components like electrical, visibility, and engine.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase, focusing on common complaint areas.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect the electrical system, including battery, alternator, and wiring, for any signs of issues.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for reported components like electrical, visibility, and engine.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase, focusing on common complaint areas.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2016 Subaru Outback, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
The 2016 Subaru Outback has a high number of NHTSA complaints, with electrical faults being the most frequently reported issue. Other notable complaint areas include visibility/wiper problems and engine issues. The data suggests potential reliability concerns, but the low confidence level and consumer-submitted nature of the data limit definitive conclusions.
- Electrical faults account for the largest share of complaints among the 2016 model year.
- Visibility/wiper issues are the third most reported component, with 83 complaints.
- There are 20 crash-related complaints out of 633 total complaints.
- Electrical faults are the most common complaint, with 306 reports.
- Visibility/wiper problems are a recurring issue, with 83 complaints.
- Engine problems are reported in 54 complaints.
All 2016 Subaru Outback Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2016 Subaru Outback. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical Faults | 306 | 3 | β | β | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 123 | 2 | 3 | β | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 83 | 1 | β | β | |
| Engine Problems | 54 | 2 | 2 | β | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 44 | 2 | 1 | β | |
| Steering Defects | 23 | 3 | β | β | |
| Structural Problems | 19 | 2 | β | β | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 19 | 4 | β | β | |
| Brake System | 16 | 6 | β | β | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 12 | 3 | β | β | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 10 | 5 | β | β | |
| Visibility | 8 | β | β | β | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 7 | 1 | β | β | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 5 | β | β | β | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 5 | β | β | β | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 5 | 1 | β | β | |
| Lane Departure | 4 | β | β | β | |
| Back Over Prevention | 3 | 2 | β | β | |
| Wheel Issues | 3 | β | β | β | |
| Door Lock Issues | 1 | β | β | β | |
| Suspension Failures | 1 | β | β | β | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 1 | β | β | β | |
| Equipment | 1 | β | β | β |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2016 Subaru Outback. Type a keyword (e.g. βtransmissionβ, βstallingβ, βbrakesβ) to filter.
Parasitic battery drain due to a faulty DCM module. I've purchase 3 batteries in the past 16 months. I now have to keep a trickle charger on my car at night to ensure my battery is not dead in the morning. Unable to park overnight without charger due to fear of another dead batteβ¦
The DCM (Data Communication Module), also referred to as the Starlink telematics module, has failed. This failure is causing a continuous parasitic battery drain, which rapidly depletes the vehicleβs battery even after charging or replacement. The component remains installed in tβ¦
leak in cam carrier gasket caused large ammounts of smoke to fill engine bay and enter cabin air system. Struggled to breath and vision to an extent was obstructed. when car was parked, smoke continued to fill the engine bay. problem was confirmed by an independent technitian, wiβ¦
My 2016 Subaru Outback CVT transmission has exhibited an intermittent jerking and grabbing sensation when accelerating from a stop, worse when cold, since at least February 2023. This is a known defect covered under Subaru warranty extension bulletin 16-115-18. February 2023 β Anβ¦
My 2016 Outback 2.5L model experienced an exhaust noise and/or odor coming from cracks at the bellows section of the front exhaust pipe which includes the catalytic converter. It was diagnosed as leak occurring at the front exhaust pipe. Quoted repair for replacement part only isβ¦
Brake light comes on while driving and power steering also locks up..
Almost after I took ownership of my vehicle in August 2024 from Lexus of Pembroke Pines, I noticed a light on the dashboard that would light intermittently. I purchased an extended warranty for almost four thousand dollars at the time of sale, thank God, as this car has needed a β¦
I purchased a replacement battery in 2023. In August of 2025, the battery died, requiring a jump start. A local auto parts store checked the battery and it tested within acceptable limits, showing around 513 amps. A private shop confirmed this, and cleaned the battery terminals aβ¦
1.Windshield crack in the deicing area. Driving on a highway heard a loud boom as if a very big rock hit the car. 30-40 second later there was another boom of normal loudness. At this moment windshield crack has been noticed. The windshield will not be available, replacing it on β¦
The contact owns a 2016 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that the horn was inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer for a routine recall repair, and it was diagnosed and determined that the steering roll connector/clock spring had short-circuited. The vehicle was nβ¦
Steering wheel controls frequently fail to work properly on the cruise control system specially the speed control. Also the exhaust system bellow has cracked. The moonroof leaks into the cabin and floor area of the passenger side. Also leaking into the A pillar on the passenger sβ¦
I had a rock thrown at my vehicle's windshield and required a replacement. I went to a Subaru dealership, Zeigler Subaru of Kenosha, local to me for a replacement. A day after I received my car, the windshield developed a hairline crack emanating from the bottom. I brought it bacβ¦
Catalytic converter is cracked. This is confirmed by an independent service center. Apparently there is a recall for this issue for 2015 and 2016 Subaru Outbacks manufactured up until September 2015. My 2016 Subaru Outback has the same issue and was manufactured in April 2016. β¦
Accelerated on its own doing 25mph and accelerated quickly and took pumping brakes to get it to stop
I reached under the steering well to the foot well because it seemed that my AC was not putting out any air. I touched something and received a burn on my hand. I reached out to the SOA but was told to take it to the dealer. Then they asked me to call back and discuss further. Whβ¦
Horn quit working
The contact owns a 2016 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the low oil warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine seal had failed and needed to be replaced. The β¦
EYE SIGHT GOES OUT SHORTLY AFTER RECONFIGURATION (HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES), BRAND NEW BATTERY HAS BEEN DRAINED CAUSING COMPLETE SHUT DOWN, HAS BEEN IN SHOP FOR SIX WEEKS AND DEALERSHIP CANNOT FIND REASON FOR THIS HAPPENING AND HAS REPLACED BATTERY AND DRIVEN THE CAR WAITING Fβ¦
Exhaust leak in or near exhaust manifold / bellows / flex pipe identical to problem identified in WUJ-95 recall, confirmed by both dealer and independent mechanic. Problem produces 'growl' and fumes in passenger cabin. This problem likely existed when we purchased the car used frβ¦
Safety concern - Exhaust entering into the car. Smells of exhaust. Warranty should be extended to 15 years, 150,000 miles as was done on identical part 2017-2018MY Subaru Forrester Exhaust Pipe Front (EPF) Bellows Cracking. This part is known to be defective. 1. My 2016 Subaruβ¦
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2016 Subaru Outback.
2016 Subaru Outback Recalls
4 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2016 Subaru Outback. 4 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2016 Subaru Outback Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2016 Subaru Outback reliable?βΎ
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 633 owner complaints, 20 crash-related complaints, and 4 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2016 Subaru Outback shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Subaru Outback?βΎ
#1: Electrical Faults (306 complaints). #2: Uncategorized Issues (123 complaints). #3: Visibility/Wiper (83 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2016 Subaru Outback?βΎ
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2016 Subaru Outback?βΎ
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2016 Subaru Outback, NHTSA complaints include 20 crash-related reports and 3 fire reports out of 633 total complaints. 13 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2016 Subaru Outback have any recalls?βΎ
Yes. 4 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2016 Subaru Outback. A major recall area is AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE. 4 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2016 Subaru Outback?βΎ
The 2016 Subaru Outback shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Electrical Faults during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Subaru Outback reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2016 Subaru Outback based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.