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2016 Subaru Outback: Recalls, Complaints & Safety Ratings

4Safety recalls
642Owner complaints
5★NHTSA overall
Quick answer

The 2016 Subaru Outback has 4 NHTSA safety recall campaigns and 642 owner complaints on file, with an overall 5-star NHTSA crash-test rating. Check a specific VIN to confirm whether recalls apply, whether repairs were completed, and what to verify before you buy.

2016 Subaru Outback safety record graphic showing 4 recalls, 642 owner complaints and 5-star overall NHTSA rating.
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2016 Subaru Outback pages show model-level safety data. A Carchieve VIN report checks the exact car before you buy.

Safety record reviewed October 2026 · sourced from NHTSA

The 2016 Subaru Outback has 4 safety recall campaigns and 642 owner complaints on file with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and it earned an overall 5-star NHTSA crash-test rating. Below is the public model-level safety record. To see whether a specific Outback had applicable recalls repaired and what its decoded VIN says, run that car's VIN.

Safety recalls

1

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 installed that is not compatible with the passenger air bag module, possibly affecting air bag deployment.

RiskIn the event of a crash necessitating passenger frontal air bag deployment, the air bag may not deploy properly, increasing the risk of injury.
RemedySubaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger air bag module, free of charge. The recall began February 3, 2020. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUX-09.
2

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 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.

RiskThe loss of steering ability would increase the risk of a crash.
RemedySubaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the lot number on the steering column, replacing the steering column, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 13, 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783 or by visiting http://www.wtd65.service-campaign.com. Subaru's number for this recall is WTD-65. Note: Until the vehicles have been inspected, owners are advised not to drive their vehicles.
3

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, 2015, to July 27, 2015. Transmission oil may leak from a deformed seal cap on the propeller shaft yoke.

RiskIf the transmission oil leaks onto the exhaust pipe, there is a possible risk of fire.
RemedySubaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the propeller shaft, free of charge. The recall began on August 28, 2015. Owners may contact 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WQU-56.
4

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, 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.

RiskIf the drive shaft detaches from the rear differential, it may strike the fuel tank and result in a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire.
RemedySubaru has notified owners, and dealers will inspect the fastening nuts, and tighten or replace them, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on December 10, 2015. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-856-488-8500. Subaru's number for this recall is WQV-57.

What owners complain about

The systems 2016 Subaru Outback owners report most often to federal regulators:

Electrical System309
Unknown Or Other124
Visibility91
Wiper83
Engine52
Power Train45

NHTSA crash-test ratings

Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★
Overall★★★★★

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2016 Subaru Outback have any recalls?

Yes. The 2016 Subaru Outback has 4 NHTSA recall campaigns associated with this model year. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer when the exact VIN is affected. Check your specific VIN to confirm applicability and completion.

What problems do 2016 Subaru Outback owners report?

Owners have filed 642 complaints with the NHTSA for the 2016 Subaru Outback, most often about the electrical system, unknown or other, visibility.

How do I check a specific Outback's history?

Enter the 17-character VIN into Carchieve. You get the recalls, owner complaints and crash ratings shown here for that exact vehicle, plus full decoded specifications and a guided title and odometer check.

Check a specific 2016 Subaru Outback

This page covers the model. For one exact car, run its 17-character VIN to confirm recalls, decoded specifications and buyer checks.

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Other model years

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