CarProblemIndexSource: NHTSAData retrieved 2026-07-01

2016 Subaru OUTBACK — Recalls, Complaints & Buying Checklist

Quick summary

Recalls: 4 official NHTSA recall(s) on record, e.g. Air Bags: Air Bag/Restraint Control Module.

Most-reported issue: Electrical System (292 owner reports of 637 total).

Before you buy: owners reported issues most often with Electrical System, Unknown Or Other — worth having these checked on a used example.

VIN check: confirm any open recall by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Used-car buying checklist

Based on this model’s reported issues. Tick as you inspect.

Owner-reported complaints by category

Counts are voluntary reports to NHTSA and are not adjusted for how many cars were sold — they are not a failure rate or safety ranking.
Electrical System292
Unknown Or Other89
Visibility/Wiper76
Power Train45
Engine29
Steering24
Structure17
Vehicle Speed Control15
Service Brakes10
Air Bags9

Official recalls

Air Bags: Air Bag/Restraint Control Module — campaign 19V910000 (19/12/2019)
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Outback vehicles. A replacement air bag control module may have been instal…

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Outback vehicles. A replacement air bag control module may have been installed that is not compatible with the passenger air bag module, possibly affecting air bag deployment.

Confirm whether a specific vehicle is affected by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Steering:Column — campaign 16V292000 (11/05/2016)
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Legacy and Outback vehicles manufactured February 29, 2016, to Ma…

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Legacy and Outback vehicles manufactured February 29, 2016, to May 6, 2016. The steering column on the affected vehicles may have been improperly machined, and as a result, turning the steering wheel may have no effect on the direction of the wheels.

Confirm whether a specific vehicle is affected by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Power Train:Driveline:Driveshaft — campaign 15V502000 (10/08/2015)
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2015 and 2016 model year Subaru Legacy 4-Door and Outback vehicles manufactured July 3…

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2015 and 2016 model year Subaru Legacy 4-Door and Outback vehicles manufactured July 3, 2015, to July 27, 2015. Transmission oil may leak from a deformed seal cap on the propeller shaft yoke.

Confirm whether a specific vehicle is affected by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Power Train:Driveline:Driveshaft — campaign 15V794000 (24/11/2015)
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2016 Legacy vehicles manufactured October 24, 2015, to November 16, 2015, a…

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.

Confirm whether a specific vehicle is affected by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Compare related vehicles

Next year: 2017 Subaru OUTBACKRival: 2016 Subaru FORESTERRival: 2016 Honda CR-VSame class: 2016 Chevrolet EQUINOXSame class: 2016 Ford ESCAPESame class: 2016 Ford EXPLORER
Check another vehicleCompare similar vehiclesConfirm VIN
Source: U.S. NHTSA (api.nhtsa.gov), public domain. Data retrieved 2026-07-01 · data v0.1.
This page is general information, not medical, legal, or safety advice. Complaint data is voluntarily reported to NHTSA and is unverified; a complaint count is not a danger or failure rate. Always confirm open recalls for a specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with the manufacturer.