Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.
2016 Subaru Outback recalls
Air bags: air bag/restraint control module
NHTSA campaign 19V910000 · reported December 19, 2019 · Subaru of America, Inc. · 46 vehicles potentially affected
- The 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.
- The 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.
- The 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 · reported May 11, 2016 · Subaru of America, Inc. · 48,819 vehicles potentially affected
- The 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.
- The risk
- The loss of steering ability would increase the risk of a crash.
- The 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.
Power train: driveline, differential unit · Power train: driveline, driveshaft
NHTSA campaign 15V794000 · reported November 24, 2015 · Subaru of America, Inc. · 3,251 vehicles potentially affected
- The 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.
- The 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.
- The 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.
Power train: automatic transmission · Power train: driveline, driveshaft
NHTSA campaign 15V502000 · reported August 10, 2015 · Subaru of America, Inc. · 2,893 vehicles potentially affected
- The 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.
- The risk
- If the transmission oil leaks onto the exhaust pipe, there is a possible risk of fire.
- The 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.
What owners report
Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.
Aug 20, 2026 · Electrical system · 207,000 miles
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2016 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that after purchasing the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale, but the contact discovered the seller was associated with a car dealer. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage…
Aug 18, 2026 · Vehicle speed control
The car accelerates on its own at times. I am not pressing the gas or going down a hill. It is flat road, sometimes even pulling into my driveway. There is also feeling like I am being bumped from the back and moving when I am idle. I am strict about oil changes and have it fully inspected when I take it every 3…
Aug 10, 2026 · Vehicle speed control · crash reported
UNKNOWN When pulling into a parking space at the […] diner my 2016 OUTBACK suddenly accelerated while I was ready to shift from drive to park. It was as if I put the gas peddle to the floor. There was a car about 6feet in front of me which I hit. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA)…
Jul 20, 2026 · Engine
There is a crack in the exhaust manifold and the exhaust smell is entering the cabin affecting driver and passengers' health. The problem has been confirmed by a Subaru dealer and an independent mechanic. There were no warning lights, I was made aware after routine maintenance by an independent mechanic. The same part…
Jul 1, 2026 · Electrical system
The reporting citizen was driving legally on […] going forward towards the parking lot next to the round about when an uncrewed, autonomous commercial vehicle operated by Waymo suffered a catastrophic software/hardware failure. The 6,000-pound driverless robot taxi aggressively pursued and chased the citizen’s vehicle…
Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received August 20, 2026.