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2016 Subaru Outback problems: engine and transmission complaints and recalls
No elevated drivetrain complaint concentration in the available NHTSA records for the 2016 Subaru Outback. Engine, transmission and fuel system account for 16% of relevant complaints.
Better than 93% of the 1,790 model years we track (2010–2023).
Does the 2016 Subaru Outback have engine or transmission problems?
Not as a pattern, going by owner complaints. 99 of 642 relevant complaints filed with NHTSA about the 2016 Subaru Outback concern the engine, transmission or fuel system (16%). For comparison, the 2015 scores 18% and the 2017 scores 11%. This describes the model year, not any one car: a well-maintained or already-repaired example can be fine, and a clean model year can still have a bad car in it.
Complaints by component
The years either side
Manufacturers fix things mid-generation. A bad year next to a clean one is common; the fix usually arrived in between.
How the 2016 compares with other Subaru Outback years
Of the 14 Subaru Outback years with enough complaints to score, the 2016 is the 7th-worst on engine and transmission share (16%). The worst is the 2011 (62%), the best the 2019 (7%). By volume, the 2016 drew 642 complaints (99 drivetrain), against 509 for the 2015 and 917 for the 2017.
Subaru Outback years to avoid and best years →
2010 Outback problems · 2011 Outback problems · 2012 Outback problems · 2013 Outback problems · 2014 Outback problems · 2015 Outback problems · 2016 · 2017 Outback problems · 2018 Outback problems · 2019 Outback problems · 2020 Outback problems · 2021 Outback problems · 2022 Outback problems · 2023 Outback problems
The rest of the picture on the 2016 Subaru Outback
- The mileage where it happens. When owners of the 2016 Subaru Outback said the problem showed up, and the range most of them fell in.
- Up to 15 owner reports, with the ones about your car's own engine first.
- What to ask the seller and what to check on the test drive, for this car.
- Two cars side by side, if you are deciding between them.
What one owner reported
One of 99 drivetrain complaints. The full report shows up to 15, with quotes about the engine in the car you are looking at first.
2016 Subaru Outback powertrain recalls
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns on the 2016 Subaru Outback involving the engine, transmission or fuel system, out of 4 in total. A recall is the manufacturer admitting a defect and paying to fix it; whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN, which the full report checks. The owner complaints above are a separate record and often point at problems that never became a recall.
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.
Fix: 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…
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.
Fix: 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.
2 other recalls on this model year (airbags, lighting, brakes and the rest)
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns filed against this year, make and model. Checked October 3, 2026.
Checking one particular 2016 Subaru Outback? This page is about the model year. Accidents, title brands and odometer records belong to the individual car, and that is what a vehicle history report covers.
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Does the 2016 Subaru Outback have engine or transmission problems?
Not as a pattern, going by owner complaints. 99 of 642 relevant complaints filed with NHTSA about the 2016 Subaru Outback concern the engine, transmission or fuel system (16%). It describes the model year, not any one car, so an inspection still matters.
What is the most common problem with the 2016 Subaru Outback?
Going by NHTSA owner complaints, the most common problem filed against the 2016 Subaru Outback is electrical system: 309 of 642 complaints (48%) name it, followed by visibility/wiper (83) and engine (52). A complaint can name more than one component, so these overlap. Engine, transmission and fuel-system complaints together make up 16% of the relevant total.
Is the 2016 Subaru Outback reliable?
On the engine and transmission, nothing stands out: 16% of relevant complaints filed with NHTSA concern the drivetrain, below the 33% line where we call a signal elevated. That is better than 93% of the 1,790 model years we track. Among the 14 Subaru Outback years we score, it ranks 7th-worst. Complaint data describes the model year, not one car, and it says nothing about trim, paint or electronics outside the drivetrain; an independent inspection still decides it.
Are there engine or transmission recalls on the 2016 Subaru Outback?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns on the 2016 Subaru Outback involving the engine, transmission or fuel system, out of 4 in total: 15V794000 (power train: driveline: driveshaft), 15V502000 (power train: driveline: driveshaft). Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.
Which Subaru Outback years are better?
Among the Subaru Outback years we track, the 2019 (7%), the 2022 (9%) and the 2023 (9%) have a lower engine and transmission complaint share than the 2016 (16%). Manufacturers fix things mid-generation, so the year before or after can be a different car. Every year side by side: https://thelanecheck.com/cars/subaru-outback
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Check a VINExperimental model-level information. This is not a vehicle inspection, vehicle-history report, financial advice or purchase recommendation. It describes patterns across a model year, not the condition of any individual vehicle.