2016 Subaru Outback recalls (4)

Every 2016 Subaru Outback recall

Each campaign as NHTSA published it: what is wrong, what can happen, and the fix. Newest first.

• Air Bags · NHTSA 19V910000

  Dec 19, 2019Air Bags: Air Bag/Restraint Control Module

  Problem

  Subaru 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.

  Risk

  In the event of a crash necessitating passenger frontal air bag deployment, the air bag may not deploy properly, increasing the risk of injury.

  Fix

  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.

  Full recall details for 19V910000 →

• Steering · NHTSA 16V292000

  Nov 5, 2016Steering:ColumnDo not drive

  Problem

  Subaru 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.

  Risk

  The loss of steering ability would increase the risk of a crash.

  Fix

  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.

  Full recall details for 16V292000 →

• Power Train · NHTSA 15V794000

  Nov 24, 2015Power Train:Driveline:Driveshaft

  Problem

  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 1-856-488-8500. Subaru's number for this recall is WQV-57.

  Full recall details for 15V794000 →

• Power Train · NHTSA 15V502000

  Oct 8, 2015Power Train:Driveline:Driveshaft

  Problem

  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.

  Full recall details for 15V502000 →

2016 Subaru Outback complaints and service bulletins

Owners filed 643 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016 Subaru Outback, reporting 22 crashes, 3 fires, 13 injuries. Subaru has issued at least 478 technical service bulletins (repair instructions to dealers) for this model year. Complaints are unverified owner reports; a recall is the manufacturer’s admission of a safety defect.

Most-reported components

• Electrical System310
• Unknown Or Other124
• Visibility/Wiper83
• Engine53
• Power Train45
• Steering24

Service bulletins by component

• Electrical System (203)
• Equipment (194)
• Power Train (43)
• Steering (38)
• Engine and Engine Cooling (33)
• Engine (30)

Read Subaru Outback owner complaints and bulletins, every year

NHTSA defect investigations covering the 2016 Subaru Outback

NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation lists this model year in one investigation. An investigation is not a recall; it is how NHTSA decides whether one is needed.

• Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
  EA21002Opened Sep 17, 2021Open

Other Subaru Outback model years

← 2015 Subaru Outback · 2017 Subaru Outback →

• 2023 (2)
• 2022 (4)
• 2021 (4)
• 2020 (6)
• 2019 (3)
• 2018 (3)
• 2017 (4)
• 2016 (4)
• 2015 (5)
• 2014 (10)
• 2013 (12)
• 2012 (16)
• 2011 (16)
• 2010 (18)
• 2009 (10)
• 2008 (6)
• 2007 (6)
• 2006 (5)
• 2005 (5)
• 2004 (4)
• 2003 (4)

All Subaru Outback recalls, every model year