2016 Subaru Outback Recalls, Problems & MPG

NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls and 642 owner complaints for the 2016 Subaru Outback. The EPA rates it 22 to 28 MPG combined, depending on engine and drivetrain.

Recalls
4
Owner complaints
642
Crashes / fires reported
22 / 3
EPA combined
22–28 MPG

2016 Subaru Outback recalls

  • Air BagsDec 19, 2019 · NHTSA 19V910000+

    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.

    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.

  • SteeringMay 11, 2016 · NHTSA 16V292000Park it+

    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.

    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.

  • Power TrainNov 24, 2015 · NHTSA 15V794000+

    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.

    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.

  • Power TrainAug 10, 2015 · NHTSA 15V502000+

    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.

    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.

Recall repairs are free. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours still needs one.

Most reported 2016 Subaru Outback problems

Owner complaints to NHTSA by system. One complaint can name more than one system.

  • Electrical System309
  • Unknown or Other124
  • Visibility/Wiper83
  • Engine52
  • Power Train45
  • Steering24
  • Vehicle Speed Control22
  • Structure19

2016 Subaru Outback gas mileage

EPA ratings for each version (city / highway / combined).

VersionEngineCityHwyComb.Fuel / yr
Outback AWD2.5 L 4 cyl, Automatic (AV-S6)253228$2,300
Outback AWD3.6 L 6 cyl, Automatic (AV-S6)202722$2,900

Real-world mileage depends on how and where you drive. Logbay compares your actual MPG with these EPA numbers.

Questions

Does the 2016 Subaru Outback have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2016 Subaru Outback, most recently for the air bags (Dec 19, 2019). Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common 2016 Subaru Outback problems?

Owners filed 642 complaints with NHTSA. The most reported areas are electrical system (309), unknown or other (124), visibility/wiper (83).

What gas mileage does the 2016 Subaru Outback get?

The EPA rates the 2016 Subaru Outback at 22 to 28 MPG combined (best version: 25 city / 32 highway).

Sources: NHTSA recalls and owner complaints (api.nhtsa.gov), EPA fuel economy (fueleconomy.gov). Updated Oct 26, 2026. Complaint counts are unverified owner reports.