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2016 Subaru Outback recalls

Source: NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026. Last refreshed Sep 23, 2026, 2:43 AM UTC.

4 recalls found in NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026

For the 2016 Subaru Outback. These apply to the model and year, not to one particular vehicle: check your VIN to see whether yours is included and whether it has been repaired.

One of these recalls carries a manufacturer safety advisory to stop driving or to park outside until repaired. See below.

Has your Subaru been repaired?

Recalls here come from NHTSA’s records for the model and year. Not every vehicle of a model is included in every recall, and this site can’t see whether a repair has been done. Only a VIN lookup can tell you that.

NHTSA’s VIN search doesn’t show recalls that were already repaired, recalls more than 15 years old, or some small manufacturers’ recalls. A Subaru dealer can also check your VIN. Recall repairs are free.

2016 Subaru Outback recalls, newest first

December 19, 2019NHTSA 19V91000046 vehicles potentially affected

Air bags › Air bag/restraint control module

Summary
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.
Consequence
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.

This recall on nhtsa.gov

May 11, 2016NHTSA 16V29200048,819 vehicles potentially affected

Steering › Column

  • Do not drive until repaired
Summary
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.
Consequence
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.

This recall on nhtsa.gov

November 24, 2015NHTSA 15V7940003,251 vehicles potentially affected

Power train › Driveline › Differential unit

Summary
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.
Consequence
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.
Components
Power train › Driveline › Differential unit; Power train › Driveline › Driveshaft

This recall on nhtsa.gov

August 10, 2015NHTSA 15V5020002,893 vehicles potentially affected

Power train › Driveline › Driveshaft

Summary
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.
Consequence
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.
Components
Power train › Driveline › Driveshaft; Power train › Automatic transmission

This recall on nhtsa.gov

Owner complaints

Owners have filed 643 complaints about the 2016 Subaru Outback with NHTSA. Complaints are unverified reports from the public; NHTSA uses them to decide what to investigate.

Crashes reported
22
Fires reported
3
Injuries reported
13
Deaths reported
0

Most complained-about components

  1. Electrical system302
  2. Unknown or other124
  3. Visibility/wiper83
  4. Engine53
  5. Power train42

Other Subaru Outback years

Other 2016 Subaru models

Most recalled 2016 vehicles

  1. 2016 Thomas Built Buses SAF-T-Liner HDX (29 recalls)
  2. 2016 Blue Bird Vision (27 recalls)
  3. 2016 Altec Aerial Device (26 recalls)
  4. 2016 Thomas Built Buses SAF-T-Liner C2 (25 recalls)
  5. 2016 Autocar Xpeditor (22 recalls)
All of 2016’s most recalled vehicles

Questions

Does the 2016 Subaru Outback have any recalls?
4 recalls found in NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026, covering: air bags, steering, power train. Recalls apply to the model and year; whether a particular vehicle is included, and whether it has been repaired, depends on its VIN.
How do I check if my 2016 Subaru Outback recall has been fixed?
Enter your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, or ask a Subaru dealer. Recall repairs are free. NHTSA's VIN search doesn't list recalls that were already repaired.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2016 Subaru Outback?
643 complaints filed with NHTSA. Complaints are unverified reports from the public that NHTSA uses to decide what to investigate.