Model year guide

2016 Subaru Outback

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2016 Subaru Outback is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 32 on record.

2016 Subaru Outback — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2016 Subaru Outback at a glance

Safety recalls4
Owner complaints637
Combined25 mpg
Typical price$17,555

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

2016 Subaru Outback recalls 4

Air Bags: Air Bag/restraint Control Module NHTSA Campaign #19V910000 · 19/12/2019

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.

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.

Steering:column NHTSA Campaign #16V292000 · 11/05/2016

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.

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.…

Power Train:driveline:driveshaft NHTSA Campaign #15V502000 · 10/08/2015

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.

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.

Power Train:driveline:driveshaft NHTSA Campaign #15V794000 · 24/11/2015

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.

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.

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

2016 Subaru Outback common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 637 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Steering
Steering should be tight and centered — no play, clunks or wandering. Test at low and highway speed; listen for power-steering whine.
Vehicle Speed Control
Test cruise control and throttle response, and watch for any hesitation or unintended acceleration.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.

2016 Subaru Outback MPG & running costs

Combined25 mpg
City23 mpg
Highway30 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$2,500

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

What's a 2016 Subaru Outback worth?

Low
$10,999
Typical price
$17,555
High
$22,000

From 29 comparable 2016 Subaru Outback listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2016 Subaru Outback costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$12,500
Depreciation (5 yrs)$3,100
Total$15,600
Per mile$0.21

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. Depreciation compares today's typical asking price for this model year ($17,555) with the same model 5 model-years older ($14,445), from CarLogs listing data. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2016 Subaru Outback trims & engines on record

Trims
Limited + MR + ES + NAVI · Premium + AWP · Premium + AWP + ES · Base · Limited · Premium + AWP + MR · Premium + AWP + ES + MR + NAVI
Engines
2.5L 4-cyl · 3.6L 6-cyl

2016 Subaru Outback vehicles on record

Other Subaru Outback model years

2016 Subaru Outback — frequently asked questions

Does the 2016 Subaru Outback have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls for the 2016 Subaru Outback. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 2016 Subaru Outback?

Based on 637 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are electrical system, engine, power train.

What gas mileage does the 2016 Subaru Outback get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2016 Subaru Outback at about 25 mpg combined (23 city / 30 highway).

How much is a 2016 Subaru Outback worth?

Comparable 2016 Subaru Outback listings run roughly $10,999–$22,000, typically around $17,555 (from 29 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.