Representative model. Photo: Elise240SX, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

Recalls & complaints · NHTSA data

2016 Subaru Outback recalls

Every recall campaign and owner complaint NHTSA has on file for the 2016 model year. Not every vehicle is affected by every campaign: check a specific car by VIN below.

Recall campaigns: 4
Park-it warnings: 1
Complaints: 642
Latest campaign: Dec 19, 2019

Recall summary by component4

NHTSA Recalls API · cached ≤24 h

Component	Campaigns	Park‑it	Latest	Campaign IDs
Power train	2	–	Nov 24, 2015	15V794000 15V502000
Air bags	1	–	Dec 19, 2019	19V910000
Steering	1	1	May 11, 2016	16V292000

Safety recalls4

NHTSA Recalls API · cached ≤24 h

1Park-it warnings

0Fixable over the air

Dec 19, 2019Latest campaign


Dec 19, 201919V910000	Air bags: air bag/restraint control module In the event of a crash necessitating passenger frontal air bag deployment, the air bag may not deploy properly, increasing the risk of injury. DetailsHide details for campaign 19V910000 What's wrong 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. Risk In the event of a crash necessitating passenger frontal air bag deployment, the air bag may not deploy properly, increasing the risk of injury. 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. Campaign NHTSA 19V910000 · Dec 19, 2019
May 11, 201616V292000	Steering: column The loss of steering ability would increase the risk of a crash. Do not drive until repaired DetailsHide details for campaign 16V292000 What's wrong 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. Risk The loss of steering ability would increase the risk of a crash. 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. Campaign NHTSA 16V292000 · May 11, 2016
Nov 24, 201515V794000	Power train: driveline driveshaft If 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. DetailsHide details for campaign 15V794000 What's wrong 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. Risk If 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. 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. Campaign NHTSA 15V794000 · Nov 24, 2015
Aug 10, 201515V502000	Power train: driveline driveshaft If the transmission oil leaks onto the exhaust pipe, there is a possible risk of fire. DetailsHide details for campaign 15V502000 What's wrong 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. Risk If the transmission oil leaks onto the exhaust pipe, there is a possible risk of fire. Remedy Subaru 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. Campaign NHTSA 15V502000 · Aug 10, 2015

To see whether a recall is still open on your car, enter the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or the Subaru recall lookup. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer (federal law; see limits).

Buying a used 2016 Subaru Outback? Recalls cover the model; a history report checks one car's title, odometer and accident records. VinAudit history report → Sponsored · disclosure

Owner complaints by component642

NHTSA Complaints API · cached ≤24 h

642Complaints filed

22Involving a crash

3Involving a fire

13Injuries reported

Component	Complaints	%	Crashes	Fires	Injuries
Electrical system	309	48	3	0	0
Unknown or other	124	19	2	3	2
Visibility/wiper	83	13	1	0	0
Engine	52	8	2	2	5
Power train	45	7	2	1	0
Steering	24	4	3	0	1
Vehicle speed control	22	3	5	0	1
Structure	19	3	2	0	1
Service brakes	18	3	7	0	3
Fuel/propulsion system	12	2	3	0	2
Air bags	10	2	5	0	2
Visibility	8	1	0	0	0
Forward collision avoidance	7	1	1	0	0
Seat belts	5	1	0	0	0
Exterior lighting	5	1	0	0	0

9 more components with fewer complaints not shown. An owner can tag several components, so percentages add up to more than 100. Complaints are unverified owner reports, de-duplicated by NHTSA ODI number.

Latest reports

Electrical system
“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.”
Filed 08/20/2026 · ODI 11758212
Vehicle speed control
“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.”
Filed 08/18/2026 · ODI 11757580
Vehicle speed control
“UNKNOWN When pulling into a parking space at the [XXX] diner my 2016 OUTBACK suddenly accelerated while I was ready to shift from drive to park. It was as if I put the gas peddle to the floor.”
Filed 08/10/2026 · ODI 11755851

Other Subaru Outback model years

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Other Subaru models

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2016 Subaru Outback recall questions

How many recalls does the 2016 Subaru Outback have?

NHTSA lists 4 safety recall campaigns for the 2016 Subaru Outback. The most recent, 19V910000 (reported December 19, 2019), concerns air bags. 1 campaign carries a park-it or park-outside warning. Not every vehicle is covered by every campaign; check a specific car by VIN.

What are the 2016 Subaru Outback recalls for?

The largest group is power train, with 2 campaigns. Others: air bags (1), steering (1). Each campaign below lists the defect, the risk and the free remedy.

What is the most common complaint about the 2016 Subaru Outback?

Electrical system is the most-reported component, named in 309 complaints out of 642 filed with NHTSA (48%). Across all complaints, owners reported 22 crashs and 3 fires. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

How do I check if a recall is open on my 2016 Subaru Outback?

Enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or the Subaru recall lookup. That shows campaigns still unrepaired on that exact car. Safety recall repairs are free at a franchised Subaru dealer.

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