2016 Subaru Outback Safety Report

2016 Subaru Outback: Excellent Crash Test Scores Mask Significant Electrical, Exhaust, and Transmission Reliability Concerns with Multiple Safety Recalls.

630Complaints
4Recalls
★★★★★Safety Rating
55/100Reliability Score
20Crash Reports
3Fire Reports
13Injuries
Most reported components: Electrical System (249)Unknown Or Other (79)Visibility/Wiper (75)Engine (27)Power Train (26)Electrical System,Unknown Or Other (20)Steering (14)Structure (12)Service Brakes (9)Visibility (8)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2016 Subaru Outback

The 2016 Subaru Outback presents a mixed safety picture. While it boasts excellent crash test performance with 5-star overall, frontal, and side ratings from NHTSA, and a 4-star rollover rating, its complaint data reveals several concerning patterns. With 630 total complaints, 20 crashes, 3 fires, and 13 injuries reported, there are clear areas of concern. The most frequently reported component is the ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, accounting for 249 complaints, often related to battery drain issues and various electrical malfunctions. This is followed by 'UNKNOWN OR OTHER' and 'VISIBILITY/WIPER' issues, with 79 and 75 complaints respectively, including numerous reports of windshield cracking and EyeSight system failures. Recall history further highlights potential safety vulnerabilities. Four recalls have been issued for this model. Two recalls are related to the POWER TRAIN, specifically driveshaft issues that could lead to detachment, fuel leaks, and fire risk. Another significant recall addresses AIR BAGs, where an incompatible control module could prevent proper passenger frontal airbag deployment, increasing injury risk. A fourth recall pertains to the STEERING column, where a manufacturing defect could lead to a loss of steering ability, increasing crash risk. These recalls indicate that critical safety systems have had manufacturing or design flaws. Common complaint patterns include persistent issues with the CVT transmission, often described as jerking or grabbing, and widespread reports of exhaust system leaks, particularly at the front exhaust pipe bellows, leading to exhaust fumes entering the cabin. Many owners report these exhaust issues despite their vehicles falling outside the specific VIN ranges of related recalls. The high number of electrical complaints, especially concerning battery drain and EyeSight system malfunctions, suggests a systemic electrical vulnerability. Despite strong crash test ratings, the volume and nature of complaints, coupled with the recalls, indicate that owners may face significant reliability and safety-related challenges.

Reliability Score

The 2016 Subaru Outback receives a reliability score of 55 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.

Known Issues for the 2016 Subaru Outback

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2016 Subaru Outback:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Electrical System Malfunctions & Battery Drain
Frequent reports of battery draining, EyeSight system failures, and various electrical glitches, often leading to vehicle shutdown or loss of critical functions.		 Medium Common all miles
Exhaust System Leaks/Cracks
Cracks in the front exhaust pipe bellows and catalytic converter, leading to loud noises and exhaust fumes entering the cabin, posing a carbon monoxide risk.		 High Common 50000-100000 miles
Cvt Transmission Issues
Intermittent jerking, grabbing, or hesitation during acceleration, particularly from a stop, often linked to a known defect covered by warranty extensions.		 High Occasional 30000-60000 miles
Windshield Cracking
Reports of windshields cracking spontaneously or from minor impacts, sometimes in the deicing area, leading to costly replacements and visibility issues.		 Medium Common all miles
Airbag Control Module Incompatibility
Recall for replacement airbag control modules that may not be compatible with the passenger airbag, potentially preventing proper deployment in a crash.		 High Rare all miles
Steering Column Defect
Recall for steering columns that may have been improperly manufactured, leading to a loss of steering ability.		 High Rare all miles
Driveshaft Detachment/Fuel Leak
Recall for driveshaft issues that could lead to detachment from the rear differential, potentially striking the fuel tank and causing a fire.		 High Rare all miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2016 Subaru Outback:

Electrical System 39% of complaints

Dominant issues include battery drain, EyeSight system malfunctions, and various electrical glitches affecting vehicle operation.

Unknown Or Other 12% of complaints

A broad category including various unclassified issues, often related to general vehicle reliability and unexpected failures.

Visibility/Wiper 11% of complaints

Frequent reports of windshield cracking, often spontaneous or from minor impacts, and issues with the EyeSight camera system.

Engine 4% of complaints

Includes reports of exhaust leaks, catalytic converter issues, and occasional oil consumption or engine seal failures.

Power Train 4% of complaints

Concerns primarily revolve around CVT transmission performance, including jerking and hesitation, and driveshaft-related recalls.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2016 Subaru Outback

Is the 2016 Subaru Outback safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2016 Subaru Outback received excellent 5-star ratings for overall, frontal, and side crash tests, and a 4-star rollover rating, indicating strong crash protection. However, it has 630 total complaints, 20 crashes, 3 fires, and 13 injuries reported, along with 4 safety recalls addressing critical components like airbags, steering, and powertrain, suggesting potential reliability and safety concerns outside of crash performance.

What are common problems with the 2016 Subaru Outback?

The most reported issues for the 2016 Subaru Outback are related to the ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (249 complaints), including battery drain and EyeSight system failures. Other common problems include windshield cracking (part of 75 VISIBILITY/WIPER complaints), exhaust system leaks, and CVT transmission issues like jerking or hesitation.

Are there any recalls for the 2016 Subaru Outback?

Yes, the 2016 Subaru Outback has 4 recalls. These include issues with the AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE (potentially preventing proper airbag deployment), the STEERING COLUMN (risk of loss of steering), and two separate POWER TRAIN recalls related to the driveshaft (risk of detachment, fuel leak, and fire).

Does the 2016 Subaru Outback have exhaust problems?

Yes, there are numerous complaints about exhaust problems, specifically cracks in the front exhaust pipe bellows and catalytic converter, leading to exhaust fumes entering the cabin. While some vehicles were covered by recalls for similar issues, many owners report these problems outside of the recall VIN ranges.

How reliable is the 2016 Subaru Outback's electrical system?

The electrical system appears to be a significant weak point for the 2016 Subaru Outback, with 249 complaints, making it the most reported component. Common issues include persistent battery drain, requiring frequent replacements or jump starts, and malfunctions of the EyeSight driver-assist system.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: While offering strong crash protection, potential buyers should be aware of the 2016 Subaru Outback's documented electrical, exhaust, and transmission issues, and ensure all 4 recalls have been addressed.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2016 Subaru Outback

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2016 Subaru Outback. The data includes 630 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 4 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 20 reported crashes, 3 fire incidents, 13 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.

The NHTSA has assigned the 2016 Subaru Outback an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 5 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.

All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.

Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.