Does the 2016 Subaru Outback have recalls?

NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for the 2016 Subaru Outback, including Power Train › Driveline › Driveshaft; Air Bags › Air Bag/Restraint Control Module; Steering › Column. Recalls are matched by model year, so check your exact VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

What are the most common 2016 Subaru Outback problems?

Owners filed 643 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are electrical system (309), visibility/wiper (83), engine (53), power train (45).

How much does a 2016 Subaru Outback cost to own for 5 years?

About $38,806 over 5 years ($647/month) at an estimated $11,000 purchase price and 12,000 miles a year, including depreciation, insurance, fuel, maintenance, repairs, loan interest and taxes. Run a VIN report to personalize it.

2016 Subaru Outback

The 2016 Subaru Outback earns a fair Throttlebook Ownership Score of 65/100. Expect about $38,806 to own it for five years, or $647 a month. NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns that may apply, so check the exact VIN at nhtsa.gov before you buy. Owners have filed 643 complaints.

Recalls: 4
Complaints: 643
5-yr cost: $39k
MPG (EPA): 28

Fair

Ownership Score

2016 Subaru Outback vs nearby years

Compare this year with the model years next to it on the same hub.

Looking at a specific Outback?

Paste its VIN for the exact trim, recalls that may apply, and a Fits / Stretch / Not yet verdict for your budget. Free.

4 recalls may apply

For the 2016 Subaru Outback. NHTSA matches recalls by model and year — confirm by VIN.

Park-it warning

What's wrong: 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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.

Check recalls for this exact VIN at NHTSA

Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer.

5-year cost to own

Estimated $11,000 price, 20% down, 11.19% APR for 60 months (Experian avg.), 12,000 mi/yr.

$38,806

$647/month · $0.65/mile

Depreciation	$2,489
Insurance (national avg.)	$12,000
Fuel / charging	$7,180
Maintenance	$8,418
Repairs	$4,000
Loan interest	$3,059
Taxes & fees	$1,660

Estimate, not financial advice. How we calculate.

Owner complaints & safety

What real owners reported to NHTSA for this model year.

643 complaints22 involved a crash3 involved a fire

Electrical System309
Unknown Or Other124
Visibility/Wiper83
Engine53
Power Train45
Steering24

Complaint counts scale with how many were sold; compare against similar models.

NHTSA crash-test stars

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
Frontal: 5 out of 5 stars
Side: 5 out of 5 stars
Rollover: 4 out of 5 stars

Rated as: 2016 Subaru Outback SUV AWD

What to check on a used 2016 Subaru Outback

Ordered by what owners of this model year reported most. Reports are not proof of a defect.

Electrical and lights
- Test every window, lock, light and wiper.
- Watch for warning lights that stay on after start-up.
Engine and transmission
- Cold start: listen for knocking, ticking or rough running.
- Shifts should be smooth with no slipping or jerking.
Steering
- Does the car drift or pull on a straight road?
- Turn the wheel lock to lock and listen for clunks or whines.

If anything in a safety area feels wrong (brakes, steering, airbags, tires), stop driving and get it inspected before you buy or drive it further. Paste a VIN above for the full printable checklist.

Common 2016 Subaru Outback problems

Cheaper alternatives

FAQ

Is the 2016 Subaru Outback a good car to buy?: The 2016 Subaru Outback earns a fair Throttlebook Ownership Score of 65/100. Expect about $38,806 to own it for five years, or $647 a month. NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns that may apply, so check the exact VIN at nhtsa.gov before you buy. Owners have filed 643 complaints.
Does the 2016 Subaru Outback have recalls?: NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for the 2016 Subaru Outback, including Power Train › Driveline › Driveshaft; Air Bags › Air Bag/Restraint Control Module; Steering › Column. Recalls are matched by model year, so check your exact VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
What are the most common 2016 Subaru Outback problems?: Owners filed 643 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are electrical system (309), visibility/wiper (83), engine (53), power train (45).
How much does a 2016 Subaru Outback cost to own for 5 years?: About $38,806 over 5 years ($647/month) at an estimated $11,000 purchase price and 12,000 miles a year, including depreciation, insurance, fuel, maintenance, repairs, loan interest and taxes. Run a VIN report to personalize it.

Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and NCAP ratings; EPA fueleconomy.gov. Data refreshed weekly. Complaint counts scale with sales volume.