2016 Subaru Outback · symptom sheet
Engine stalls or loses power while driving
- 34owner reports
- 35,042median miles
- $500median quote
- 1involved a crash
Newest report Jun 15, 2026 · checked Sep 9, 2026
393 of the 643 complaints on this car are about the electrical system. 34 of those describe stalling.
Tick what matches of 34 reports
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the battery (25 reports).
Recalls and investigations
2 recalls on the electrical system cover the 2016 model year. A recall on the same system isn't always the same failure, so read the defect text.
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 and remedy
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.
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 and remedy
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.
What owners paid
5 of the 34 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $250 to $853.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 20,000 and 58,200 miles, from the 19 reports that gave a mileage.
What owners wrote
“2016 3.6 Subaru Outback has required battery replacement 4 times. If the battery dies while operating the car a dangerous shutdown of various electrical systems. This has happened twice, one instance no power steering, the next time the braking systems engaged. In both instances I was fortunately at a stop. If this happens while the car is moving especially at a high rate of speed, the results would be catastrophic.”
Filed Sep 8, 2021
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 1 of 34 reports involved a crash. Owners who file are the ones who had a bad experience, and nobody checks their reports. If the problem affects steering, braking, power or a fire risk, treat it as a safety fault and have it inspected before a long or high-speed drive.
File your own report with NHTSA. Complaint counts are how a problem gets an investigation.
Other problems on this car
- Battery dies or the car will not start 238 reports
- Windshield cracks or distorts 84 reports
- Infotainment, screen or backup camera fails 25 reports