2016 Subaru Outback · recalls
2016 Subaru Outback recalls
NHTSA lists 4 recalls that include the 2016 Subaru Outback. The newest, 19V-910, was filed Dec 19, 2019 for the airbags. 2 of them are on the transmission and drivetrain. 1 carries a do-not-drive warning.
- 4recalls
- 1do not drive
- 3systems
- 643owner complaints
Newest recall or investigation Sep 17, 2021 · checked Sep 22, 2026
Whether your car is included depends on its VIN, and a finished repair drops it off the list. Check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Every recall, newest first
Air Bags: Air Bag/Restraint Control Module
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.
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.
10 of the 643 owner complaints on this car cite the airbags.
Do not drive Steering:Column
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.
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.
24 of the 643 owner complaints on this car cite the steering system.
Power Train:Driveline:Driveshaft
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.
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.
45 of the 643 owner complaints on this car cite the transmission and drivetrain. Symptom sheets that include this system: Engine stalls or loses power while driving (34).
Power Train:Driveline:Driveshaft
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.
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.
45 of the 643 owner complaints on this car cite the transmission and drivetrain. Symptom sheets that include this system: Engine stalls or loses power while driving (34).
Complaints with no recall behind them
The systems owners of the 2016 Subaru Outback complain about most that none of these recalls covers, as of Sep 22, 2026. A problem can be widespread without being a safety defect NHTSA can order fixed.
- Electrical: 309 complaints, no recalldead battery · stalling
- Windshield and wipers: 83 complaints, no recallwindshield · infotainment
- Engine: 53 complaints, no recallstalling
- Speed control: 22 complaints, no recall
- Structure: 19 complaints, no recallwindshield
NHTSA investigations
Desiccated air bag inflator rupture. Open.
NHTSA summary
More on the 2016 Subaru Outback
Problems by mileage on the 2016 Subaru Outback · Subaru Outback years to avoid