2016 Subaru Outback Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 0%of 643 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 171,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2016 Subaru Outback, 0% of the 643 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 171,000 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I am concerned about the toxic chemicals that may have been used on the plastics inside the vehicle. The new car smell is especially fragrant, and after sitting in the car for less than five minutes, I develop a metallic taste in my mouth that lingers, even if I have left the car. It can linger for hours. I am taking measures to wipe off chemicals that may release during a hot day/open the windows, etc. This smell is so intense, however, that the taste in my mouth and the mouths of my family members, is almost unbearable at times. …”
NHTSA complaint #10882076, filed 2016-07“The contact owns a 2016 Subaru Outback. The contact stated while the vehicle was occupied and parked at residence and attempting to start the vehicle, there was an abnormal sound coming from the underneath the vehicle. The contact stated while driving at various speeds there was exhaust fumes entering the cabin of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that front exhaust manifold connected to the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. …”
NHTSA complaint #11654163, filed 2025-04, 171,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10240121Jul 25, 2023This bulletin announces diagnostic procedures along with availability of new Engine Control Module (ECM) reprogramming files to address DTC P2404 (Evap System Leak Detection Pump…
- 10210836Apr 26, 2022This bulletin announces availability of new reprograming files for the Engine Control Module (ECM).
- 10209924Mar 7, 2022This bulletin announces design change to the water pump assembly.
- 10207172Jan 2, 2022This Bulletin announces design changes to the engine oil and CVT fluid drain plugs.
- 10205910Dec 2, 2021This bulletin announces design change to the water pump assembly.
- 10202828Oct 15, 2021This bulletin provides a new flow chart and additional diagnostic tools to assist technicians with troubleshooting DTC P0841- SECONDARY OIL PRESSURE SENSOR PERFORMANCE.
- 10199936Jul 30, 2021Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is initiating a service campaign for certain 2015-2016MY Legacy and Outback 2.5L models which may experience an exhaust noise and/or odor coming…
- 10198749Jun 7, 2021This bulletin is to advise of SOAâs revised catalytic converter recycling program shipping procedure.
- 10198741Jun 1, 2021This bulletin outlines changes in the service procedure for engine oil pressure inspection.
- 10188163Feb 4, 2021This bulletin announces availability of reprogramming files to optimize the Engine Control Module (ECM). The new files will address DTC P0116 and hard starting in cold…
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 1% |
| 2022 | 1 | 0% |
| 2021 | 2 | 1% |
| 2020 | 3 | 0% |
| 2019 | 1 | 0% |
| 2016 | 3 | 0% |
| 2015 | 3 | 1% |
| 2014 | 1 | 0% |
| 2013 | 1 | 0% |
| 2012 | 2 | 1% |
| 2011 | 8 | 1% |
| 2010 | 23 | 6% |
| 2009 | 3 | 3% |
| 2008 | 6 | 3% |
| 2007 | 3 | 2% |
| 2006 | 7 | 3% |
| 2005 | 16 | 6% |
| 2004 | 13 | 14% |
| 2003 | 14 | 15% |
| 2002 | 17 | 12% |
| 2001 | 22 | 13% |
| 2000 | 35 | 17% |
| 1999 | 23 | 21% |
| 1998 | 40 | 32% |
| 1997 | 24 | 30% |
| 1996 | 10 | 22% |
Other parts of the 2016 Subaru Outback
309 complaintsOther or unknown
124 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
91 complaintsEngine
53 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
45 complaintsSteering
24 complaintsVehicle speed control
22 complaintsBrakes
19 complaintsBody and structure
19 complaintsFuel system
13 complaintsAir bags
10 complaintsForward collision avoidance
7 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2016 Subaru Outback
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.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology