2016 Subaru Outback Problems And Complaints

2016 Subaru Outback User Complaints and Problems

Mechanical Problems

• Engine- Engine noise, sputters, hesitation, and occasional stalls are some issues to look out for on the 2016 Subaru Outback’s engine. Though these issues are not all that common, reports of the low-pressure fuel pump supplied by Denso have been surfacing recently mostly so on high mileage vehicles.
• Transmission- Stuck shifter lever, lurching when trying to engage drive or reverse, and grinding sounds are some common issues reported on the 2016 Subaru Outback’s transmission. Internal hardware issues are something to look out for and transmission replacements on high mileage vehicles are not that uncommon. Oil leaks from faulty seals in the propeller end are common which also was a part of the recall (ID-15V502000) with cited risk of fires.

 Electric System Problems

• Battery draining problem- Premature battery drain is pretty common on the 2016 Subaru Outback. The key fob receivers or CAN systems were discovered to be the cause of parasitic battery drain when the vehicle is left stationary for long durations. Excessive corrosion of stock battery terminals also reduces contact preventing the engine from cranking.
• Stuck Key- The gets stuck in the switch after the vehicle has been turned off and slotted to park mode. Owners are forced to disconnect the battery to release the key from the module. Even though Subaru had a recall for faulty ignition switches, owners of the 2016 Subaru Outback complain of their VINs not being included. Replacements of ignition switches do cost around $600 and most dealers have them on backorder, which delays the fix.
• Radio/ infotainment issues- The radio unit on the 2016 Subaru Outback is subject to multiple software glitches. Occasional freezing, reboots, and no audio from speakers are some common complaints reported. Updates have been provided for the user interface software but bugs still trouble a few owners occasionally.

Structural Problems

• Steering problems- The steering column on the 2016 Subaru Outback is prone to failure and prevents any type of motion transfer to the wheels. This is a major concern on this SUV and has been tagged with a “high risk of crash” label advising drivers to not use the vehicle unless the issue has been fixed. A nationwide recall (ID-16V292000) has been rolled out to inspect or replace steering columns if necessary.

Safety Issues

• Airbags issues- Passenger side-curtain and frontal airbags have a high risk of failure and tend to deploy without the occurrence of a collision. An incompatible control module used was traced to be the reason behind this problem. A Takata recall (ID 19V910000) has been initiated to replace the airbag control module on affected vehicles.
• Forward collision system issue- The Subaru Eyesight system on the 2016 Outback is prone to several software niggles. Complaints range from the system disengaging in rainy/ snowy conditions to unexpected braking when there are no imminent obstructions or traffic in the car's vicinity. The system has received multiple software updates from the dealer end, but issues recur even then as owner reports suggest.

2016 Subaru Outback Recalls

S. No	Date	NHTSA ID	Issues Noticed	Additional Remarks	Remedy
1	19th December 2019	19V910000	Airbag control module incompatible with airbag.	A replacement airbag control module may have been installed that is not compatible with the passenger airbag module, causing it to not deploy properly and increase the risk of injury.	Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger airbag module, free of charge. The recall began on February 3, 2020.
2	11th May 2016	16V292000	Loss of steering ability.	The steering column on the affected vehicles may have been improperly machined. As a result, turning the steering wheel may not affect the wheels' direction, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.	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 on May 13, 2016.
3	24th November 2015	15V794000	The driveshaft may detach from the differential.	Improper tightening of the securing nuts on the drive shaft may cause it to separate from the rear differential and may strike the fuel tank and increase the risk of a fire.	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.
4	10th August 2015	15V502000	Transmission oil may leak.	Transmission oil may leak from a deformed seal cap on the propeller shaft yoke, which when spread to hot surfaces like the exhaust pipe can increase the risk of a fire.	Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the propeller shaft, free of charge. The recall began on August 28, 2015.

Should you buy a used 2016 Subaru Outback?

Recommending a vehicle that has been tagged with a “high-risk factor” by the NHTSA would be something difficult for us to do. But on being an SUV that has been loved by many for its rugged built, standard AWD, and superb practicality, it is also hard for us not to recommend the 2016 Subaru Outback, given the fact that it ranks petty high on our list this year.

Given that the SUV is pretty new for this year, a rise in problems and complaint numbers is something we expect. So, the complaints mentioned above and recalls do come in as a priority fix before you start driving one. We are not trying to dispirit anyone planning to buy this SUV, but make sure that you got all the significant issues like the steering column, oil leak, and drive-shaft fitment checked or resolved for a safer experience.