CarModelProblems.com

2016 Subaru Outback Problems & Recalls

Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/12/2026

High complaint levelIts most-reported problem — Electrical System — runs 4.3× the fleet median for that category across the 2547 model-years tracked on this site.
639Complaints
4Recalls
21Crashes
3Fires
13Injured
0Deaths

Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.

Is this problem acknowledged?

The most-reported problem — Electrical System (47.3% of complaints) — recall and investigation status for this vehicle is currently unavailable.

Electrical System complaints here are 4.3× the median for that category across the 2547 model-years tracked on this site.

Complaint categoryReportsOfficial statusReference
Electrical System302 · 47.3%not available
Visibility/wiper83 · 13%not available
Engine52 · 8.1%not available
Power Train42 · 6.6%RecalledRecall 15V502000 · Recall 15V794000
Steering24 · 3.8%RecalledRecall 16V292000
Vehicle Speed Control19 · 3%not available

Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Complaints by component

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM302 · 47.3%
Unspecified / other124 · 19.4%
ENGINE52 · 8.1%
POWER TRAIN42 · 6.6%
STEERING24 · 3.8%
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL19 · 3%
STRUCTURE:BODY19 · 3%
SERVICE BRAKES18 · 2.8%
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM13 · 2%

Percentages are the share of the 639 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.

Recalls — 4 campaigns

Air Bags: Air Bag/restraint Control Module

NHTSA campaign 19V910000 · 2019 · reported 12/19/2019

In the event of a crash necessitating passenger frontal air bag deployment, the air bag may not deploy properly, increasing the risk of injury. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Steering:column

NHTSA campaign 16V292000 · 2016 · reported 05/11/2016

The loss of steering ability would increase the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

Park it  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Power Train:driveline:driveshaft

NHTSA campaign 15V502000 · 2015 · reported 08/10/2015

If the transmission oil leaks onto the exhaust pipe, there is a possible risk of fire. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Power Train:driveline:driveshaft

NHTSA campaign 15V794000 · 2015 · reported 11/24/2015

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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

What owners report

“THE KEYS BECOME STUCK IN THE IGNITION WHEN ATTEMPTING TO PARK THE CAR. UNABLE TO REMOVE. ALSO UNABLE TO TURN OFF THE CAR FULLY. SOMETIMES…”NHTSA complaint 11109494 — filed 07/04/2018 · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
“THE IGNITION KEY DOES NOT RELEASE WHE THE IGNITION IS TURNED OFF AND THE CAR IS PUT IN PARK.”NHTSA complaint 11099465 — filed 06/04/2018 · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
“DEAD BATTERY. THREE TIMES MY CAR HAS FAILED TO START AND THE BATTERY WHEN TESTED WITH A LOAD TESTER SAYS,"BAD BATTERY". AFTER BOOSTING AND RUNNING…”NHTSA complaint 11097212 — filed 05/22/2018 · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.

Complaint trend by year filed

8201565201638201764201876201911620202042021812022382023372024272025162026

Frequently asked questions

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

Electrical system issues are the most-reported category, cited in 302 of 639 NHTSA complaints (47.3%), followed by unspecified/other issues (124), visibility/wiper (83), engine (52). Complaints are unverified owner reports.

How many complaints does the 2016 Subaru Outback have?

639 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/12/2026. Of those, 21 involved a crash, 3 involved a fire, and 13 reported injuries. No deaths were reported.

Does the 2016 Subaru Outback have any recalls?

Yes — 4 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 19V910000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Has NHTSA acted on the 2016 Subaru Outback's reported problems?

Recall or investigation data is partly unavailable for this vehicle right now — check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the authoritative answer.

Is a complaint proof of a defect?

No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.

About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 07/12/2026.