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2016 Subaru Outback
Enter your VIN below for an instant free decode with NHTSA recalls, safety ratings, and owner complaints.
Recall campaigns
4
model-level · confirm on your VIN
Owner complaints
642
filed with NHTSA
NHTSA safety
5/5
federal crash test
2016 Subaru Outback — Safety Summary
The 2016 Subaru Outback has 4 NHTSA safety recalls and 642 owner complaints on record. The most frequently reported complaint area is electrical system. It earned an NHTSA overall safety rating of 5 out of 5. Based on this public data its Model Risk Score is 88/100 (low risk). These recall campaigns are matched at the year/make/model level — confirm any open recall for a specific VIN with a franchised dealer. Enter your VIN above to decode the exact vehicle, then get the Smart Buyer Report for a buyer analysis of this model's reliability, common issues by mileage, and a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
Should you buy the 2016 Subaru Outback?
On the public data available, the 2016 Subaru Outback does not show major recall or complaint red flags. That makes it a reasonable used-car candidate for most buyers — but public data reflects model-level patterns, not the condition of one specific car.
The best next step is to run the exact VIN and, if the car still looks promising, get a Smart Buyer Report for a model-specific reliability read and an inspection checklist before you visit the seller.
What owners complain about most
The complaint categories reported most often for the 2016 Subaru Outback, based on owner reports in the public NHTSA data.
Complaint patterns suggest where to look — they are not proof any specific vehicle has that issue. Treat them as inspection prompts.
What to check before buying a used 2016 Subaru Outback
- Owners report electrical system concerns most often for this model — worth checking during an inspection.
- Owners report unknown or other concerns most often for this model — worth checking during an inspection.
- Owners report visibility/wiper concerns most often for this model — worth checking during an inspection.
- Owners report engine concerns most often for this model — worth checking during an inspection.
- Confirm any open recall work was completed with a franchised dealer using the VIN.
Ownership considerations
General things worth checking on a used Outback in cold-weather states — winter, road salt, and cold-weather wear.
- Check AWD or 4WD operation if equipped — driveline components are costly to repair.
- Road salt drives corrosion on underbody and subframe points; inspect the undercarriage on salt-belt vehicles.
- Verify heater, defroster, and rear defogger all work ahead of winter.
- Battery and cold-start reliability are worth confirming for cold-climate states.
Pre-purchase inspection priorities
- Bring a qualified mechanic or book an independent pre-purchase inspection.
- Check the undercarriage for rust and corrosion, especially on salt-belt vehicles.
- Confirm all open recalls have been repaired with a franchised dealer using the VIN.
- Review maintenance records and look for gaps in servicing.
- Test all winter-critical systems: heater, defroster, battery, and (if equipped) AWD/4WD.
Want a buyer-focused summary for this VIN?
The free VIN Check helps you screen the vehicle. The Smart Buyer Report adds buyer risk scoring, inspection guidance, and a buyer-focused summary for this specific VIN.
Unlock the full buyer reportNHTSA Safety Ratings
Government crash test results
NHTSA Recalls
4 recall(s) for this year/model
AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE
19/12/2019Subaru 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.
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.
STEERING:COLUMN
11/05/2016Subaru 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.
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.
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT
10/08/2015Subaru 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.
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.
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT
24/11/2015Subaru 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.
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.
Owner Complaints
642 complaint(s) filed with NHTSA
Top complaint categories:
Want the full picture?
The free data above comes from public NHTSA records. The Smart Buyer Report adds buyer analysis for this exact model — reliability score, common problems by mileage, real maintenance costs in USD, a pre-purchase inspection checklist, a market value estimate, and notes on rust, winter, and fuel.
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Data disclaimer:Vehicle history information on SmartVINReport.com is compiled from publicly available government sources, primarily the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Reports may not include all incidents, recalls, or issues related to a specific vehicle. Data is provided "as-is" without warranty of completeness or accuracy. Always obtain a professional pre-purchase inspection before buying any used vehicle. SmartVINReport.com is not liable for purchasing decisions made based on report contents.