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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.
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.
- Every owner quote, 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 them, with quotes about the engine in the car you are looking at first.
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. 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 17, 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.
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.
Should I buy a 2016 Subaru Outback?
That depends on the car in front of you, not just the model year. The 2016 Subaru Outback shows no elevated engine or transmission pattern in owner complaints, which is a good starting point. It is still one car with its own history, so get an independent pre-purchase inspection and a vehicle history report before you commit.
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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.