2016 Subaru Outback Forward collision avoidance Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 1%of 643 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 10,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the forward collision avoidance of the 2016 Subaru Outback, 1% of the 643 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 10,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
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.
“The Eyesight system will malfunction and turn off at random times. The Automatic Emergency Braking and Forward Collision Warning will activate when there is nothing in front of my car causing it to brake abruptly. I have almost been in numerous collisions due to the random safety systems malfunctioning.”
NHTSA complaint #11604745, filed 2024-07“Steering wheel controls frequently fail to work properly on the cruise control system specially the speed control. Also the exhaust system bellow has cracked. The moonroof leaks into the cabin and floor area of the passenger side. Also leaking into the A pillar on the passenger side. I only have a picture of the engine valve cover that is leaking and had to be replaced. I have video of the exhaust leak coming from the crack in the bellow pipe. Do not have video of the cruise control speed issues as I can’t take a video while driving.”
NHTSA complaint #11695930, filed 2025-10“I own a 2016 Subaru Outback. While driving approximately 40:MPH on a local main road (ct rte 10) the eyesight pre-collision brake assist suddenly activated and caused the vehicle to completely stop. The brakes then released and I was able to continue driving. This is the second incident with in a month that this has happened. The approximate failure mileage was 104,000 there were no prior warning lights or engine lights on. The vehicle has not been inspected by the dealer. This sudden stopping can cause an accident.”
NHTSA complaint #11448563, filed 2022-01“My 2016 Subaru Outback has gone through 5 batteries since purchase in 4/2016. The reason for my contact with you is that the Navigation function “eyesight” has been problematic for at least two years and began with the third of five batteries. The function stops working randomly at any hour of the day and in all conditions. This year it went off and on in excess of 300-400 times. Each time it stops, cruise control, lane warnings, etc. are off. This can be harrowing with highway driving. On the three occasions I took it to the dealer the past two years they could not find a cause. …”
NHTSA complaint #11600940, filed 2024-07“The contact owns a 2016 Subaru Outback. While attempting to make a turn, the vehicle experienced hesitation while the accelerator pedal was depressed. In addition, the contact stated that the forward collision avoidance system malfunctioned and the vehicle experienced unintended deceleration. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but the failure could not be replicated. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 10,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10905034, filed 2016-09, 10,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11023536Sep 30, 2025In the interest of customer satisfaction Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) is extending the New Car Limited Warranty coverage in the models listed. The extension will address…
- 11021263Jul 29, 2025This announcement provides information about a Subaru of America, Inc. preliminary settlement in a class action lawsuit regarding the EyeSight system in certain Subaru vehicles.
- 10243372Sep 11, 2023This Bulletin announces additional information regarding error codes 1403- 1407 encountered when attempting an adjustment/calibration of the EyeSight® system after body repair…
Forward collision avoidance: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 4 | 19% |
| 2025 | 21 | 25% |
| 2024 | 18 | 17% |
| 2023 | 22 | 25% |
| 2022 | 23 | 5% |
| 2021 | 29 | 10% |
| 2020 | 49 | 5% |
| 2019 | 36 | 3% |
| 2018 | 18 | 2% |
| 2017 | 23 | 3% |
| 2016 | 7 | 1% |
| 2015 | 5 | 1% |
| 2014 | 1 | 0% |
| 2013 | 4 | 1% |
| 2012 | 1 | 0% |
| 2011 | 3 | 0% |
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 complaintsElectronic stability control
5 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