The 2016 Subaru Outback is associated with 642 official NHTSA owner defect complaints and 4 safety recall campaigns in the federal safety database. The most frequently reported component area is Electrical System, accounting for 253 reports (39% of total complaints). EPA testing covers 2 certified vehicle configurations spanning 2.5l 4-cyl and 3.6l 6-cyl configurations. Gasoline and hybrid variants deliver 22 to 28 MPG combined.
Key Data Findings
- • NHTSA Owner Complaints: 642 reports
- • Safety Recall Campaigns: 4 campaigns
- • Top Reported Defect Area: Electrical System (253 / 39%)
- • Safety Incident Signals: 22 crash / 3 fire / 8 injury reports
- • NHTSA Overall Safety Rating: 5 / 5 Stars
- • EPA Efficiency: 22–28 MPG (2 variants)
Data Note: Compiled directly from official NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI), NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, and EPA FuelEconomy.gov databases.
| Variant | Engine | Drivetrain | Transmission | City | Highway | Combined | EV Range | Est. Annual Fuel Cost |
| Outback AWD | 2.5L 4-Cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AV-S6) | 25 MPG | 32 MPG | 28 MPG | — | $2,200 / yr |
| Outback AWD | 3.6L 6-Cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AV-S6) | 20 MPG | 27 MPG | 22 MPG | — | $2,800 / yr |
Data Boundary Note: EPA specifications are shown by certified vehicle configuration. NHTSA complaints and recall totals are recorded at the model-year level across all configurations.
| Tested Drivetrain / Cab Variant | Overall Rating | Frontal Crash | Side Crash | Rollover Rating | Rollover Risk |
| SUV AWD | | | | | 17.5% |
Active Driver Assistance Systems (NHTSA Recorded): Forward Collision Warning (FCW) is documented as Optional and Lane Departure Warning (LDW) is documented as Optional in official NHTSA records for tested 2016 Subaru Outback models.
View complete 2016 Subaru Outback crash test & safety breakdown →
Top Reported Problem Categories
Ranked by total consumer complaint submissions recorded by NHTSA
Data Attribution & Context: Complaints are self-reported by vehicle owners to NHTSA and represent unverified consumer submissions. Complaint volume does not equal a statistically controlled failure rate and is not adjusted for total vehicles sold or cumulative mileage driven.
View all 2016 Subaru Outback problems & component breakdown (77 categories) →
Affected Component: STEERING:COLUMN
Defect Summary: 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.
Free Manufacturer Remedy: Subaru 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.
Affected Component: AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE
Defect Summary: 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.
Free Manufacturer Remedy: Subaru 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.
Affected Component: POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT
Defect Summary: 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.
Free Manufacturer Remedy: Subaru 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.
View all 2016 Subaru Outback recalls & campaign history (4 campaigns) →