2016 Subaru Outback problems and complaints
Owners have filed 643 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016 Subaru Outback. The most-reported areas: Electrical System (309), Unknown Or Other (124), Visibility/Wiper (83).
Key takeaways
- 643 owner complaints on file with NHTSA.
- 22 involve a crash, 3 a fire, 13 reported injuries.
- Complaints are unverified owner reports; recalls are confirmed defects.
| Component | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 309 | 48% |
| Unknown Or Other | 124 | 19% |
| Visibility/Wiper | 83 | 13% |
| Engine | 53 | 8% |
| Power Train | 45 | 7% |
| Steering | 24 | 4% |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 22 | 3% |
| Structure | 19 | 3% |
| Service Brakes | 18 | 3% |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 12 | 2% |
| Air Bags | 10 | 2% |
| Visibility | 8 | 1% |
One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
Parts for the 2016 Subaru Outback
GarageDex's verified specs for this car. Each Buy button searches Amazon for that exact part.
- Battery
- Engine oil
- Oil filter
- Engine air filter
- Cabin air filter
- Wiper blades
- Headlight bulb
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| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 Subaru Outback SUV AWD | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 |
Latest complaints, as filed
Owner-written and unverified by NHTSA.
Engine - filed 2026-11-02
I am submitting this complaint concerning a failure of the front exhaust assembly on my 2016 Subaru Outback 2.5L. the dealership diagnosed a leak at the exhaust bellows in the front exhaust assembly and recommended replacing the assembly. I proceeded with the repair at a cost exceeding $3,000. I subsequently learned ...
Electrical System - filed 2026-08-20
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2016 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that after purchasing the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale, but the contact discovered the seller was associated with a car dealer. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage ...
Vehicle Speed Control,service Brakes - filed 2026-08-18
The car accelerates on its own at times. I am not pressing the gas or going down a hill. It is flat road, sometimes even pulling into my driveway. There is also feeling like I am being bumped from the back and moving when I am idle. I am strict about oil changes and have it fully inspected when I take it every 3 months...
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More for the 2016 Subaru Outback
Complaints are reports filed by owners with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. NHTSA publishes them without verifying them, and counts rise with how many cars were sold, so compare years of the same model rather than different models. Crash ratings are NHTSA's own 5-Star Safety Ratings results.