The Lemon Index2016 Subaru Outback.
The 2016 Subaru Outback is worse than average by owner complaints: 212 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 116, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about wipers & visibility, it has 4 recalls, and it gets 22 to 28 mpg combined. The best Subaru Outback year is 2012.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
Fixes owners look up most.
From 100 YouTube videos about the 2015–2019 Subaru Outback, 18.8M views. The 2016 is the same generation.
- Timing chain & engine452K views
How to Guide: CABIN Air Filter Change 2015-2019 Subaru Outbackbruceyyyyy · 196K views · 3 videos - Gauges, lights & wiring276K views
2017 Subaru Outback Dash Lights Apocalypse – P2005 TGV Code ExplainedSouth Main Auto LLC · 128K views · 3 videos - Transmission & shifter252K views
2012-2019 Subaru Legacy Outback TR690 Transmission Fluid Change How To DIYValley Mobile Automotive · 119K views · 3 videos - Brakes & ABS227K views
How to Replace Front Brakes 2015 Subaru Outback1A Auto: Repair Tips & Secrets Only Mechanics Know · 158K views · 2 videos
Show 4 more
- Spark plugs & ignition coils218K views
How to Replace Spark Plugs on a 2017 Subaru OutbackJack Fletcher · 154K views · 2 videos - Oil leaks & gaskets176K views
Project 2015 Outback: Spark Plugs & Cam Cover Gasket Replacement! Easy-ish DIY!MrSubaru1387 · 176K views - Windows, doors & mirrors166K views
Adjust rear Roof Crossbar spacing 2017 Subaru OutbackGroove Subaru · 106K views · 2 videos - Infotainment, battery & electrical150K views
Subaru Outback Legacy 2018 and 2019 HK Touchscreen repairKinetic Vehicles · 88K views · 2 videos
Before you buy, watch
Top 5 Problems Subaru Outback Wagon 2015 - 2019 5th Generation1A Auto: Repair Tips & Secrets Only Mechanics Know · 64K views
2015 Subaru Outback takes on the TFL Cliffhanger: Ultimate Off-Road ReviewThe Fast Lane Car · 1.0M views
2017 Subaru Outback - Review and Road TestKelley Blue Book · 848K viewsViews show how many people looked up each fix, not how often it breaks. Videos belong to their creators; we link to them.
How serious. Out of 643 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Subaru Outback year. 2016 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 12K to 54K miles on the car (349 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- electrical complaints mostly came at 25K–60K miles
- wipers & visibility complaints mostly came at 5K–55K miles
- engine complaints mostly came at 15K–90K miles
Recalls 4
- airbags 2019
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.
- steering 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.
- transmission & drivetrain 2015
Due to the improper tightening of the securing nuts, the drive shaft may separate from the rear differential.
Show all 4 recalls
- transmission & drivetrain 2015
Transmission oil may leak from a deformed seal cap on the propeller shaft yoke.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Subaru told dealers about
Subaru sent dealers 478 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Subaru of america, inc
- ONLY 2016-2017MY: Those Models equipped with STARLINK Telematics
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- OpenDesiccated air bag inflator rupture2021
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Subaru Outback SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2300–2900 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.5L 4-cyl, 3.6L 6-cyl.
In owners' words
Driving on the highway early in the morning, no other cars around, heard a loud pop followed by a large upside down "l" crack coming from the bottom.
2016 Subaru Outback owner · NHTSA complaint 11025142
More owner reports
On multiple occasions while parked for only a few hours. The battery voltage has dropped to a level that required the vehicle to be jump started. The vehicle has no aftermarket devices.
NHTSA complaint 11232574
Ignition key gets stuck in the ignition and won't come out. Even after trying to turn the steering wheel which isn't locked. This happens when turning the car off.
NHTSA complaint 11217543
Quick answers
Is the 2016 Subaru Outback reliable?
No, it is worse than average by government complaints. It drew 1.2× the average car's complaints filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 116; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Subaru Outback year by this measure is 2012.
What are the most common 2016 Subaru Outback problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are wipers & visibility (20%), electrical (18%) and transmission & drivetrain (11%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2016 Subaru Outback have?
4 safety recalls (latest: airbags). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2016 Subaru Outback get?
22 to 28 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2016 Subaru Outback safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2016 Subaru Outback problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 12,000 and 54,500 miles. The middle report was at 35,000 miles, from 349 complaints.
Does the 2016 Subaru Outback have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 11% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2016 Subaru Outback cost in fuel a year?
About $2300 to $2900 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2016 Subaru Outback have?
2.5L 4-cyl, 3.6L 6-cyl.
What Subaru Outback year is better than the 2016?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2012, 2014 and 2013.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works