2016 Subaru Outback Problems
Compared with other Subaru Outback years
Typical for this model
54/100 1.1× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 1.1× that of a typical Subaru Outback year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 145 of its 643 complaints were filed by the end of 2018.
- Most reported problem: Battery drains and dead battery / no-start (250 complaints, median 40,000 mi).
- 1 recall with a do-not-drive warning, 4 in total. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
Nearby years with fewer complaints than typical and no open NHTSA investigation: 2013, 2014
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 643filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 35,000miles, 349 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 41 do-not-drive
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- 5 / 5stars overall
- EPA fuel economy
- 28 mpgcombined, 2.5L 4-cyl AWD · 25 city / 32 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2016 Subaru Outback (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this model year most often report electrical problems, mainly batteries that go dead after the car sits for a few days and, separately, an ignition key that will not release from the switch when the vehicle is in park. Windshield cracking without an obvious impact is also frequently described, and a smaller group reports engine oil leaks, transmission trouble and unexpected acceleration at low speed or while parking.
- Electrical system
Battery drains and dead battery / no-start
- 250 complaints (39%)
- median 40,000 mi at 4.8 yrs old (104 state mileage)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $500 (median of 5 quotes)
- filed 2018–2026
Complaints describe a battery that goes flat after the car sits for a few days, or in some cases within minutes with the ignition off and only the radio or lights on. Owners report repeated jump starts, several battery replacements and batteries that fail again after replacement. According to the complaints, dealers often tested the battery and alternator as good, found no parasitic draw, and told owners they simply do not drive the car enough or that a software update was needed. Reported across a wide mileage range, from a few thousand miles to over 100,000, and often after the car sits for several days without use.
What to check: Ask how old the battery is and whether it has been replaced more than once, and check for a record of any battery-drain diagnosis or software update. If possible, let the car sit unused for several days before purchase and confirm it still starts.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I have a 2016 Subaru Outback. I bought it 2019. I had the car 2 weeks 7/2019 and I drove it 25 minutes to train station. Turned it off and tried to start it and it was dead. Took it in and dealer replaced battery. On saturday 4/3/21 went to start my car in my driveway and it was dead. Took it to dealer and they said I dont drive it enough.”
NHTSA complaint #11416753, filed 2021-05, 67,000 miles“Car electrical system get stalled without any reason after parking car for some minutes. Nothing works. I needed to call aaa or friend for help (battery jump). It has occurred several times. Sometimes, without any explanation, power to windows has failed. However, comes back at random times. I have changed battery several times but it does not solve problems.”
NHTSA complaint #11403411, filed 2021-03, 103,000 miles - Electrical system
Ignition key will not release when parked
- 103 complaints (16%)
- median 42,000 mi at 3.9 yrs old (64 state mileage)
- 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $600 (median of 7 quotes)
- filed 2016–2026
Owners describe the key not turning to the release position, or not coming out at all, after the car is shifted into park and shut off. The fix often involves restarting, cycling the shifter between park and drive several times, or pushing the lever firmly. Complaints state that dealers attributed it to a shift assembly or sensor not recognizing park, and some owners report the shifter assembly or ignition switch plate being replaced at their own cost. Described from a few thousand miles up into the 70,000-mile range, usually intermittent at first and then more frequent.
What to check: Try parking the car, shutting it off and removing the key several times during a test drive. Ask whether the shifter assembly or ignition switch has ever been replaced, and whether the car still has the original key-release behavior.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Sometimes the key won't come out of the ignition when I try to turn the car off (even though the car is in park). Based on what I've read, this is a defect with a sensor not recognizing that the car is in park. I think there should be a recall for this particular defect. I believe the service bulletin that addresses this defect is TSB number 16-112-18r.”
NHTSA complaint #11339582, filed 2020-07, 30,000 miles“My keys kept getting stuck in the ignition because of an electrical malfunction that caused the steering column to be unable to detect when the car was put into park. I had the entire gear shifter replaced. This seems to be a far too common problem on this model of Subaru outbacks. This is the number 1 car complaint and thousands of folks on forums report the same issue.”
NHTSA complaint #11363197, filed 2020-10, 67,000 miles - Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
Windshield cracks without an impact
- 99 complaints (15%)
- median 35,500 mi at 3.0 yrs old (72 state mileage)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2015–2025
Complaints describe cracks appearing at the lower or passenger-side edge of the windshield, sometimes after cold weather or while defrosting, with no obvious rock strike or chip found. Owners who replaced the glass report new cracks forming in a similar spot; one dealer reportedly said an issue with the wiper was behind the fracture, while another told an owner nothing was wrong with the glass. Reported from a few thousand miles to around 78,000, often after cold or icy conditions or highway driving.
What to check: Inspect the windshield edges closely for cracks starting at the lower trim, and ask whether the glass has been replaced and whether the EyeSight cameras were recalibrated afterward.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I had purchased my car in feb 2016. We had to have windshield replaced 90 days later. And they told me the glass is thinner due to eye sight. I've had wind shield replaced 2 other times since then. We were driving down the highway,and it was struck by rocks. I went to Subaru and they stated there was nothing wrong with their glass. And each time it was replaced. 1 at their cost and 2 at mind. All of the papers work I can get from ins. Company”
NHTSA complaint #11310840, filed 2020-02, 1,700 miles“In february 2019 I had to replace the windshield in my 2016 Subaru Outback because of a crack that started from the passenger side edge from a very tiny chip, and paid about $950 (oem equipment and due to the eyesight system calibration required). On february 29, 2020, I discovered a crack in the new windshield, in a similar place (passenger side, tiny chip at the every edge (black part of windshield), that then extended half way across the windshield. …”
NHTSA complaint #11316459, filed 2020-03, 42,000 miles - Engine
Engine oil leaks and exhaust noise
- 73 complaints (11%)
- median 34,990 mi at 3.9 yrs old (32 state mileage)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2015–2026
Owners report oil leaks that show up as oil residue in the engine bay or a low oil warning light, with dealers diagnosing failed engine seals. Others describe a rattle from the engine bay at around 2,500 rpm on cold start that fades once warm, traced to a cracked front exhaust pipe bellows, and exhaust fumes noticeable around the car or entering the cabin. Mostly reported at higher mileage, roughly 74,000 to 171,000 miles, and often noticed on cold starts.
What to check: Check the oil level and look for residue around the engine and under the car, and listen for a rattle or exhaust smell during a cold start before the engine warms up.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The front exhaust pipe bellows cracked. When the car was cold started and then driven, a rattle came from the engine bay when driven at 2500 RPM. When the engine warms up, the rattle goes away. When the car is parked, exhaust fumes can be smelled from outside the car.”
NHTSA complaint #11386486, filed 2021-01, 122,400 miles“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 vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11682820, filed 2025-08, 110,000 miles - Other or unknown
Unexpected forward lurch or acceleration at low speed
- 61 complaints (9%)
- median 23,000 mi at 2.6 yrs old (41 state mileage)
- 15 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2015–2026
Complaints describe the car surging or lurching forward while stopped at a light with the brake applied, or accelerating while parking, in some cases over a curb and into an obstacle. Owners report the behavior happening on both flat and sloped surfaces and with the air conditioning on or off. According to the complaints, dealers and the manufacturer were notified, but no cause was identified in the reports. Reported from very low mileage, some within the first thousand miles, and up to around 75,000.
What to check: During a test drive, try holding the car stationary with the brake at a stop and while maneuvering slowly into a parking space, and ask whether the throttle body or engine software has ever been serviced or updated.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Upon slowing down & pulling into a parking space, to park my car in front of a business, my vehicle spontaneously accelerated forward, up over the sidewalk. The vehicle accelerated a 2nd time as I tried to stop the vehicle with the brakes. The vehicle did not stop until it impacted the wall of the building.”
NHTSA complaint #11387050, filed 2021-01, 75,000 miles“While sitting still at a red light with my foot on the brake and the gear in drive, the car will suddenly lurch forward several feet. It happens with such force that it feels like I was rear-ended. This has happened occasionally since I purchased the car in january 2016. Always when at a full stop on flat and sloped surfaces. At first I thought it only happened when the AC was on, but it has happened with the AC off.”
NHTSA complaint #11324748, filed 2020-05, 1,000 miles
Buying note. Check the battery history, the key-release behavior and the windshield edges on any example you look at, since those three come up most in owner complaints. A pre-purchase inspection that includes a cold start and a scan for stored codes is worthwhile on higher-mileage cars.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 643 consumer complaints for the 2016 Subaru Outback. 349 of the complaints include a mileage, and 68% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 35,000 miles. Of all complaints, 22 involved a crash, 3 a fire, 13 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns (1 marked do-not-drive) and 478 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 15 Subaru Outback model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 54 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Electrical system309 48%
- Other or unknown124 19%
- Engine53 8.2%
- Transmission and drivetrain45 7.0%
- Steering24 3.7%
- Vehicle speed control22 3.4%
- Brakes19 2.9%
- Body and structure19 2.9%
- Fuel system13 2.0%
Also reported: Air bags (10), Forward collision avoidance (7), Electronic stability control (5), Exterior lighting (5), Seat belts (5), Lane departure (4), Back-over prevention (rear camera) (3), Engine cooling (3), Wheels (3), Equipment (1), Latches, locks and linkages (1), Seats (1), Suspension (1).
Example complaints
Electrical system: “The car battery has died multiple times in the past three years. The battery was factory replaced in 2019 because of this issue and has since needed to be jumped at least 3 times. There is also corrosion on the new battery already. When the battery has died it's either been parked in our driveway or has left me stranded somewhere needing a jump when it wouldn't start.”
NHTSA complaint #11412828, filed 2021-04, 28,000 milesOther or unknown: “Battery runs down often. I've had the battery checked multiple times and no problem with the alternator either. I know it will run down during loading or unloading that lasts more than 30 minutes, so I manage that situation. But it is starting to run down more often while parked. This has left me stranded multiple times over the last 6 months.”
NHTSA complaint #11321323, filed 2020-04, 50,000 milesVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): “Sudden 6 crack in windshield originating on the lower edge under the wipers. I had driven the car home for lunch and back to work at 1:15pm and the crack was not there. When I got off work at 4pm the crack was there. Drove car home and put it in the garage. The next morning at 7am the crack was approximately 12 long running at a diagonal towards the outer edge of the windshield.”
NHTSA complaint #11072064, filed 2018-02, 19,500 milesEngine: “Coming to a stop at curbside. Applying light pressure to the brake. Vehicle started to pull forward. Was able to stop by increasing pressure on the brake. Engine speed increased quickly after I shifted to park. Engine sound was loud enough to be noticed by people in the area. I responded by turning off the engine. Cruise control was enabled at the time.”
NHTSA complaint #11192574, filed 2019-03, 111,500 milesMileage when problems were reported
68% of the 349 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 12,029 and 54,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2016 Subaru Outback. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Outback · SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | 5 / 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 17.5% risk |
Driver aids listed by NHTSA for the 2016 model year: forward collision warning optional, lane departure warning optional, automatic emergency braking not available.
Neighbouring years: 2015: same overall rating; 2017: same overall rating. A redesign between years can change both the car and the test.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2016 Subaru Outback version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Outback AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | CVT | 25 | 32 | 28 | $2,400 |
| Outback AWD | 3.6L 6-cyl | CVT | 20 | 27 | 22 | $3,050 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- Steering › ColumnCovers: Subaru Outback 2015–2017, Legacy 2016–2017
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…
- 19V910000Dec 19, 2019Air bags › Air bag/restraint control moduleCovers: Subaru Outback 2016–2017
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.
- 15V794000Nov 24, 2015Power train › Driveline › Differential unitCovers: Subaru Outback 2016, Legacy 2016
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…
- 15V502000Aug 10, 2015Power train › Automatic transmissionCovers: Subaru Outback 2015–2016, Legacy 2015–2016
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.
Recall details for the 2016 Subaru Outback → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 478 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11037943Oct 5, 2026Other or unknown, Electrical system. This announcement provides information on a new software update for the Midtronics Dss and DCA machines.
- 11037940Sep 18, 2026Other or unknown. This bulletin provides paint code information for 2027 model year vehicles.
- 11037938Sep 18, 2026Electrical system. "This Bulletin announces additional troubleshooting steps for the following DTCs: DTC C1956: RH Actuator Circuit DTC C1957: LH Actuator Circuit"
- 11037930Sep 15, 2026Other or unknown. This announcement provides an update to all 2027 model year Subaru warranty coverages for wear items and adjustments.
- 11037929Sep 14, 2026Other or unknown, Electrical system. This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure. This is an revised version of the original bulletin.
- 11037927Sep 14, 2026Electrical system. This bulletin has been developed to outline the steps for gathering basic but essential information during diagnosis of Infotainment concerns. This is an revised version of the original bulletin.
- 11036810Aug 20, 2026Transmission and drivetrain. This bulletin announces a design change made to the CVT Control Valve Body. The updated valve body incorporates an enhanced valve sleeve to improve durability. This is an revised version of the…
- 11036807Aug 20, 2026Electrical system. This Service Information Bulletin outlines a systematic procedure for diagnosing parasitic draw (dark/standby current) in vehicles experiencing battery drain when the ignition is off, leading to…
- 11036796Aug 13, 2026Electrical system. This Bulletin has been developed to outline the steps for gathering basic but essential information during diagnosis of Infotainment concerns. (This is an revised version of the original bulletin.)
- 11036794Aug 5, 2026Electrical system. Techtips newsletter locator index.
Other model years of the Subaru Outback
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 21 | — | 0 | — | 24 | — | Too new |
| 2025 | 83 | 2,000 | 0 | 5 | 25 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2024 | 104 | 3,395 | 0 | 5 | 25 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2023 | 89 | 7,500 | 2 | 5 | 25 | 0 · Fewer | Too new |
| 2022 | 465 | 13,947 | 4 | 5 | 26 | 77 · More | Stable |
| 2021 | 298 | 3,600 | 4 | 5 | 29 | 59 · Typical | Falling |
| 2020 | 901 | 5,750 | 6 | 5 | 29 | 100 · More | Falling |
| 2019 | 1,036 | 10,194 | 3 | 5 | 28 | 87 · More | Falling |
| 2018 | 816 | 16,794 | 3 | 5 | 28 | 72 · More | Falling |
| 2017 | 919 | 30,000 | 4 | 5 | 28 | 68 · More | Falling |
| 2016 | 643 | 35,000 | 4 | 5 | 28 | 54 · Typical | Falling |
| 2015 | 510 | 20,000 | 5 | 5 | 28 | 70 · More | Falling |
| 2014 | 208 | 35,000 | 10 | 5 | 24 | 13 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2013 | 297 | 44,100 | 12 | 5 | 24 | 21 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2012 | 294 | 90,000 | 16 | 4 | 22 | 3 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2011 | 653 | 85,000 | 16 | 4 | 22 | 46 · Typical | Falling |
| 2010 | 360 | 68,000 | 18 | — | 22 | 37 · Typical | Falling |
| 2009 | 106 | 70,350 | 13 | — | 20 | 0 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2008 | 226 | 79,150 | 8 | — | 20 | 0 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2007 | 130 | 81,147 | 8 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 277 | 95,316 | 7 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 273 | 82,000 | 9 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 90 | 67,693 | 10 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2003 | 93 | 73,762 | 14 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2002 | 143 | 70,500 | 4 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2001 | 171 | 72,000 | 3 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2000 | 207 | 68,318 | 1 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1999 | 111 | 89,500 | 1 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1998 | 127 | 91,486 | 2 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1997 | 79 | 103,995 | 4 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1996 | 46 | 125,453 | 2 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
All Subaru Outback model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Subaru Outback?
Owners of this model year most often report electrical problems, mainly batteries that go dead after the car sits for a few days and, separately, an ignition key that will not release from the switch when the vehicle is in park. The issues reported most often: Battery drains and dead battery / no-start; Ignition key will not release when parked; Windshield cracks without an impact.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2016 Subaru Outback have?
NHTSA recorded 643 consumer complaints for the 2016 Subaru Outback as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2016 Subaru Outback is reported most often?
Electrical system is named most often, in 309 complaints (48% of the total), followed by other or unknown with 124.
Has the 2016 Subaru Outback been recalled?
NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for this model year, 1 of them with a do-not-drive advisory. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2016 Subaru Outback do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2016 Subaru Outback 5 out of 5 stars overall. Ratings from different model years are only comparable when the vehicle was not redesigned in between.
What gas mileage does the 2016 Subaru Outback get?
The EPA rates the 2016 Subaru Outback (Outback AWD, 2.5L 4-cyl) at 28 mpg combined, 25 city and 32 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,400 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2016 Subaru Outback reported?
Among the 349 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 35,000 miles and the middle half falls between 12,029 and 54,000 miles; 68% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.