2016 SUBARU OUTBACK Problems
Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2016 Subaru Outback. This model year has 633 NHTSA complaints β top issue: Electrical Faults.
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This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about the specific car β accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls.
Worst 2016 Subaru Outback Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
Electrical Faults
Uncategorized Issues
Visibility/Wiper
Considering a 2016 Subaru Outback?
This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about this specific car β accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99 (vs. Carfax $44.99).
All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2016 Subaru Outback. A single complaint may appear in multiple categories.
| 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.
Search Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2016 Subaru Outback. Type a keyword (e.g. βtransmissionβ, βstallingβ, βbrakesβ) to filter.
Showing 400 most recent complaints of 633 total. View all on NHTSA β
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.
Recalls for 2016 Subaru Outback
4 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2016 Subaru Outback. Recalls are free to fix at any authorized dealer. Run a VIN check below to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.
2016 Subaru Outback β FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 2016 Subaru Outback reliable?βΎ
Severe Issues. The 2016 Subaru Outback has 633 NHTSA owner complaints, 20 crash-related, and 4 recall campaigns. The most reported issue is Electrical Faults (306 complaints). Source: NHTSA via VinSpector AI.
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
The 2016 Subaru Outback has 20 crash-related complaints and 3 fire reports out of 633 total NHTSA complaints. 13 injuries were reported. For NCAP lab crash test star ratings, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2016 Subaru Outback have any recalls?βΎ
Yes β 4 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2016 Subaru Outback. The largest issue: AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.
Should I buy a 2016 Subaru Outback?βΎ
The 2016 Subaru Outback has severe issues β review the top problems before buying. Pay particular attention to Electrical Faults issues. Always run a VIN check on the specific car you're considering to check for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.
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.
Check Your Specific 2016 Subaru Outback
Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car β accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99.