2016 Subaru Outback problems
The Subaru Outback is an automotive nameplate used by the Japanese automaker Subaru for two different SUV-themed vehicles: a Legacy-derived crossover station wagon, the Outback (1994–present, also sold as Legacy Outback (Japanese: スバル・レガシィアウトバック, Hepburn: Subaru Regashi Autobakku) in some markets), and an Impreza-derived off-road themed hatchback, the Outback Sport (1994–2011).
Most versions of the Outback wagon and Outback Sport have had all-wheel drive as standard equipment.
History
The original Outback station wagon was derived from the wagon variant of the second-generation Subaru Legacy. The first-generation Legacy, which made its debut in 1989, did not receive the cosmetic and suspension modifications to create an Outback version, although Subaru offered an Outdoor option package for the 1994 model year Legacy L all-wheel drive model, which added a compressed air strut height adjustable suspension, a luggage rack, a skidplate, and mud flaps.
Earlier, a raised-roof "Touring Wagon" variant had been offered on the preceding Subaru Leone for the 1988 and 1989 model years. Subaru also sold a raised-roof variant (chassis code BF) of the first-generation Legacy wagon outside the United States. North American Legacy wagons were only offered as the flat-roof variant (chassis code BJ) until a special "GT" model was marketed for the 1994 model year.
The second-generation Legacy wagon became the first generation of the Outback crossover series, called the "Legacy Grand Wagon" in Japan in 1995, and the "Legacy Outback" in most other markets. Compared to the existing Legacy wagon, the "Outback" variant added partial protective plastic side body cladding for off-road conditions, used a raised roof, and would later raise the suspension to provide additional ground clearance. It was introduced at the 1994 New York Auto Show. Aside from other small differences in trim, the Outback shares almost all of its components with the Legacy donor model.
When launched in Australia in 1996, the name "Legacy Outback" was shortened to "Outback", followed in other markets afterwards. In the United States, Subaru also retailed the Legacy SUS sedan between the 1997 and 2007 model years, with similar modifications to distinguish it from the equivalent Legacy model sedan. The Impreza Outback Sport was introduced at the 1996 New York Auto Show, but for the 1997 model year, the donor model names were dropped, and the cars were known as the "Outback" and "Outback Sport".
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Common 2016 Subaru Outback problems
The 2016 Subaru Outback has several common problems that have been reported by owners. One of the most prevalent issues is excessive battery drain, which has been reported by owners around 45,000 miles. This problem is often caused by electrical issues that can drain the battery, and diagnosing the source of the problem can cost around $150. Repairs can range from $20 to $350, depending on the specific issue causing the battery drain.
Another common problem with the 2016 Subaru Outback is stereo system issues, particularly with the GPS unit in the stereo losing connectivity often. This issue has been reported by owners in the first 10,000 miles, and can be resolved by installing software updates available from dealerships for under $50.
Engine surging noises have also been reported on some Subaru Outback models in the first 20,000 miles. This problem is usually caused by a failing sensor on the engine, such as the mass airflow sensor, and can be resolved by replacing the sensor for around $150.
In addition to these common problems, there are four fairly serious recalls on the 2016 Subaru Outback. The most serious recall covers the drive shaft detaching from the differential, which can cause it to strike the gas tank. Subaru will replace the driveshaft nuts on affected models for free. Other recalls cover a transmission oil leak, as well as a steering column issue, which are also mechanically serious.
Overall, the 2016 Subaru Outback is a reliable vehicle, with a well-cared-for model expected to last around 250,000 miles. However, owners should be prepared for higher than average annual maintenance costs, as well as potential issues with the battery, stereo system, and engine sensors.
What year was bad for Subaru Outback?
2010 and 2011 Subaru Outbacks Stand Out as the Worst Years Due to High Recall Count, Excessive Oil Consumption, Head Gasket Failures, and Transmission Problems.
Are there any recalls on 2016 Subaru Outback?
(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.
What is a common problem with a Subaru Outback?
A: Common issues with Subaru Outbacks across various years include vibration during acceleration, problems with the AC system, O2 sensor failures, weak windshields prone to cracking, cooling system failures, headlight burnouts, excessive oil consumption, and unintended acceleration in specific models.
What are common Subaru Outback starting problems?
The most common reasons a Subaru Outback won't start are a dead battery, an alternator problem, or failed starter.
What is a common problem with a Subaru Outback?
A: Common issues with Subaru Outbacks across various years include vibration during acceleration, problems with the AC system, O2 sensor failures, weak windshields prone to cracking, cooling system failures, headlight burnouts, excessive oil consumption, and unintended acceleration in specific models.
What year was bad for Subaru Outback?
2010 and 2011 Subaru Outbacks Stand Out as the Worst Years Due to High Recall Count, Excessive Oil Consumption, Head Gasket Failures, and Transmission Problems.
Are there any recalls on 2016 Subaru Outback?
(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.
What are common Subaru Outback starting problems?
The most common reasons a Subaru Outback won't start are a dead battery, an alternator problem, or failed starter.
2016 Subaru Outback car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Subaru Outback problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Electrical system problems
- Unknown or other problems
- Visibility/wiper problems
- Power train problems
- Engine problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2016 Subaru Outback vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 2016 Subaru Outback
The NHTSA has received 605 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2016 Subaru Outback. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 2016 Subaru Outback vehicles.
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-10-10
- VIN: 4S4BSALC4G3
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: The contact owns a 2016 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that the passenger’s side wheel window trim was slightly pivoted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who determined that the trim needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired because the dealer had not confirmed if parts had been ordered or received. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH in 2020, the vehicle experienced transmission failure and the vehicle came to a jerking stop, as if the parking brake had been activated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and the contact was informed that the CVT transmission had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact stated that approximately 4 years later, several warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but no cause for the failure was found. The contact stated that after leaving the dealer, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was returned to the dealer and was diagnosed with CVT failure. The CVT transmission was replaced. The contact was informed that the wiring harness needed to be replaced; however, the wiring harness had not been replaced. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and opened a case. The failure mileage was 35,000.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-05
- VIN: 4S4BSANC4G3
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: My 2016 Subaru Outback, manufactured 23 business days after the end date of recall WUJ-95, has the same exhaust system and now the same exhaust system failure as the cars covered under the recall. My car is available for inspection. This exhaust failure poses a risk of carbon monoxide poisioning. The problem in my car was identified by an independent mechanic who works exclusively on Subarus and has seen this failure in other clients' vehicles. He referred me to Subaru for repairs and recommended I look into why I hadn't received a recall notice. I contacted Subaru, opened a case, then didn't recieve a response in the timeframe they defined. After waiting a few days, I called back to learned my case had been closed. Their customer advocacy representative responded the next week and said my car was not recalled because it was manufactured on 11/3/2015, after the end date of the recall on 9/30/2015. She also cited a lack of service history with a Subaru retailer (I offered to provide records) and being out of warranty by time and miles (I mentioned 2017-18 Foresters received warranty extensions to 15 years or 150K miles for this failure.) I asked what their escalation process is for making exceptions and was told the representative was the only customer-facing person I would be able to speak with about this and she declined to offer any assistance, but did offer a loyalty discount on a new vehicle. My car has not been inspected by anyone else. I'm willing to take it to anyone who should look at it. There were no warning lights or messages related to the issue. It was diagnosed when I took the car in for regular maintenance and it explains the more noticable smell of exhaust in the car, that I had attributed to other traffic, when I'm sitting at stop lights.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-05
- VIN: 4S4BSAFC1G3
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: The catalytic converter on my vehicle has an air leak causing my engine light to come on and almost all features such as cruise control become disabled. There is a recall that was issued in 2020 for the exact same problem my vehicle is having and the recall covers the same year, make and model of my vehicle. I was told that my vehicle isn’t under the recall but the representative was unable to specify why. I am trying to get the part replaced as the vehicle is polluting the air and causing my vehicle to not perform as expected.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-12
- VIN: 4S4BSBFC6G3
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: I’m unable to remove the car key from the ignition when the vehicle shifter is in Park.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-09
- VIN: 4S4BSANC1G3
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: The lock on the side of the door that turns on the child lock so kids cannot open the door from the inside is stuck in the lock position and will not disengage.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-13
- VIN: 4S4BSANC2G3
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: Excessive oil consumption. Have to add a quart every 3300 miles. Twice in last two months on highway and city street, low oil warning came on. Mileage on auto is 72000 miles. All scheduled maintenance performed by Subaru dealer.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-03
- VIN: 4S4BSENC2G3
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: The "SELECT LEVER COMPLETE" or fear shift neutral park sensor switch stops working. Subaru has acknowledged the issue and issued a TSB (NUMBER: 16-112-18R). The issue is that the car does not sense it is in park or Neutral, even though the shifter is in that position. For keyed cars, the key cannot be removed and for push to start the car rear gate does not open and an alarm sounds when doors are open when the ignition is on. The car warns to move shifter to Park, even though the car is shifted to park. Car has been serviced several times with complaints indicating symptoms of issue, but was never informed of cause and lever select was never replaced.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-01
- VIN: 4S4BSBFC8G3
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: There is a strong smell of engine exhaust in the cabin as other people have submitted similar complaints.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-01
- VIN: 4S4BSBFC8G3
- Components: FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
- Summary: The Eyesight system will malfunction and turn off at random times. The Automatic Emergency Braking and Forward Collision Warning will activate when there is nothing in front of my car causing it to brake abruptly. I have almost been in numerous collisions due to the random safety systems malfunctioning.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-16
- VIN: 4S4BSALC9G3
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: Recently, My daughter noticed the strong smell of exhaust in the car. It turns out the there is a leak in the exhaust manifold. Subaru issued SERVICE PROGRAM BULLETIN WUJ-95R to address a issue where a bellows in the exhaust cracked and allowed the leakage of exhaust gases in front of the CC, releasing noxious gases into the air and into the driver compartment. Problem is they only applied this to a small amount of the production of the 2016 outback. This issue has been occurring on 2015 to 2019 models since and they did not include them in the recall. To fix this issue because of a design flaw the CC (Catalytic Converter) also needs to be replaced at a cost of over 3000 dollars. My ask is that they should extend this recall to cover all the cars with this design as it is a serious health issue to drivers of the cars. This is not an issue where rust is causing exhaust to break out, This is a manufacturing design issue where cars are having the issue which were only a couple years old. In my case, the Bellows in question were replaced by the previous owner at less than 4 years old and I did not know about that. So when that repair failed(not the permanent fix offered in the service bulletin) Subaru told me I am on my own though the CC should be covered to 150K in New York State. I feel they should be responsible to address this issue for all the models with the defective design.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,LANE DEPARTURE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-10
- VIN: 4S4BSAFC2G3
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,LANE DEPARTURE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
- Summary: My 2016 Subaru Outback has gone through 5 batteries since purchase in 4/2016. The reason for my contact with you is that the Navigation function “eyesight” has been problematic for at least two years and began with the third of five batteries. The function stops working randomly at any hour of the day and in all conditions. This year it went off and on in excess of 300-400 times. Each time it stops, cruise control, lane warnings, etc. are off. This can be harrowing with highway driving. On the three occasions I took it to the dealer the past two years they could not find a cause. After I replaced the battery again recently, they reset a DCM whose warranty had been extended by Subaru and that I brought in myself. There have been a number of parasitic drain tests, some finding a drain, others not on the batteries When the car was returned to me, the navigation system went off only once that same day but I presume it will go off in the future. I do not find the car or system reliable. The problem appears to be exceedingly hard to diagnose. Since these are the types of systems used with automatic and self driving car functions, I thought it important that you be made aware of the hazards these systems present.
VISIBILITY/WIPER,BACK OVER PREVENTION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-25
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 4S4BSBNC0G3
- Components: VISIBILITY/WIPER,BACK OVER PREVENTION
- Summary: Media screen failure. Is available for inspection. Safety of pedestrians or other accident at risk because the screen is useless in bright sunlight. Planning to complain to dealer. No warning signal or alert when backing up when screen is unreadable. This has caused accidents x 3 for my family. Backed into another car with no warning.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-25
- VIN: 4S4BSAAC1G3
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: Can not take the key out of ignition.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-04-14
- VIN: 4S4BSAHC6G3
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: I have a vehicle built in 11/15. I had an issue with cracked pipes associated with the catalytic converter that appear to match an existing nhsta recall for vehicles built between 12/09/2013 – 9/30/2015. It appears that the previous recall was not expansive enough.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,VISIBILITY/WIPER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-09
- VIN: 4S4BSBNC6G3
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER,VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Summary: Travelling on I-95 southbound at approx. 70 mph in the right lane at least 8-10 car lengths behind another vehicle in front of me. Clear skies, 78* F, calm weather. I heard a loud, sudden noise followed by wind and what sounded like glass on my roof, thought it was fireworks or a gunshot. Pulled over to make sure my dogs are OK (all good, just spooked!) and see what happened to the car when I observed a large hole and continued cracking noise in the sunroof - glass was pushed outwards/ convex rather than concave as if an object had struck the glass from above or in front of my vehicle. Notified insurance then carefully drove home the remaining 20 or so miles, called dealership and started researching the issue. There are nearly 40 reports of spontaneous sunroof explosions on NHTSA website for Subaru Outbacks. Dealing with Subaru Corporate and a local dealership for repairs.
LANE DEPARTURE,BACK OVER PREVENTION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-04-30
- VIN: 4S4BSAJC7G3
- Components: LANE DEPARTURE,BACK OVER PREVENTION
- Summary: The blind spot warning and rear cross traffic warning system stopped working. It was safer to drive on the highway when it was working. I had it looked at and I was told that the sensors are known to fail. It is an expensive replacement and not under warranty or recall.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-05-04
- VIN: 4S4BSALC4G3
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: The battery is dying very quickly The DCM Data Communication Module is draining the battery causing the vehicle to become stranded This is the fifth battery in this vehicle Subaru is aware of this issue but refuses to find a solution to fix it
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-04-10
- VIN: 4S4BSACC8G3
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: The child lock of right side is stuck its on on position we can't open the door from inside nd now the button is broken.
STRUCTURE,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-04-02
- VIN: 4S4BSACC5G3
- Components: STRUCTURE,ENGINE
- Summary: Car exhaust inside the vehicle when driving at low speeds, idling, or parked into the cab of the vehicle. Only way to stop the exhaust fumes is to use the recirculate interior air. Rear hatch hydraulics are failing, hatch will not open completely and partially shuts when opened. When driving very loud squeaking from vehicle.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-03-01
- VIN: 4S4BSAJC7G3
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: Front Passenger Side window will not roll down. The electrical button on the driver's side is not functioning to allow it to roll down. This was a similar problem with the back passenger side window which was taken care within the first year of purchase.
VISIBILITY/WIPER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-03-14
- VIN: 4S4BSBHC2G3
- Components: VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Summary: Windshield cracks on its own. This is my 3rd time replacing windhield.
VISIBILITY/WIPER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-03-14
- VIN: 4S4BSBHC2G3
- Components: VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Summary: Windshield cracked on its own, this is the 3rd time I will be replacing windshield.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-06-27
- VIN: 4S4BSACC5G3
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: Transmission went out at 72,000 miles. Was told it was not covered by warranty even though I purchased extended warranty. Will never buy another Subaru again. Spoke to a person at customer service who said she would take care of it. Made 19 calls over 3 months and no one returned a call. Terrible customer service at the main office.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-01-25
- VIN: 4S4BSAFC3G3
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: Since owning this new Subaru vehicle, I have replaced the battery once. Today I had the car towed to the dealer with them diagnosing the car telling me it needs a certain module that has been draining the battery. Due to this problem, I have had to take an Uber to work. When the vehicle would not start, I had AAA come out and was told that the battery had 13% power on the one call out and 20% on the second call. In speaking with the tow truck driver for AAA he told me that this battery problem has been going on for a while with the 2015 to 2020 Subaru's. Now the dealer wants to charge me nine hundred and fifty-eight dollars to replace the module. If there was a problem with the module, why was I not told sooner about it? It seems to me that the factory battery is not strong enough to hold a charge and they are blaming it on the module. There were no warnings or messages telling me there was a problem with the battery.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-10-24
- VIN: 4S4BSBNC8G3
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: Dead battery issues and DCM battery issue
2016 Subaru Outback recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 4 recalls for different components of the 2016 Subaru Outback.
- Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.
- Components: 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.
- Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.
- Park It: 1
- Components: STEERING:COLUMN
- 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.
- Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.
- Components: POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT
- 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.
- Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.
- Components: 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.
Negative 2016 Subaru Outback car reviews
Positive 2016 Subaru Outback car reviews
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I absolutely love my 2016 PZEV 2.5 Limited Outback with all the safety options. The leather is incredibly soft and luxurious, although the taupe color I chose did show some wear from my jeans rubbing off on the cushion after only 3 months. I would recommend opting for black leather instead. The two-tone leather interior is stunning, but the handle that one uses to close the door is in taupe and tends to show dirt quickly. Despite my MPG being only 25 due to my use of cruise control, I believe it is well worth it. The rubber exterior along the bottom of the car can rub off on legs or pants in extremely hot weather after the car has been in the sun for long periods, but this is a minor issue. Overall, I am extremely confident in my choice of car and would highly recommend it to others.
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Hello! I'm glad to hear that you and your wife are okay after the accident. It sounds like your Honda has been a reliable car for you since 2016. I'm happy to hear that the A/C works well and the navigation system is accurate. It's great that you're still getting good gas mileage too! I understand your concerns about the small side mirrors and doors not locking automatically while driving. Additionally, I can imagine how uncomfortable it must be when the car gets hot in the sun. Have you considered getting an aftermarket auto start to help with this issue? Thank you for sharing your experience and remember to always drive safely!
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I recently purchased a 2016 Outback Limited with all the bells and whistles. The car looks great inside and out. In fact, the interior is almost as nice as any luxury car I have owned (MB, BMW, Acura), with leather all around, a great sound system (HK, including sub), comfy seats, and excellent safety features. I am only 1,000 miles in, so I can't comment on reliability, etc. However, I will say that the EyeSight system is awesome! I love that it detects anything behind or to the side of me and alerts me when I am veering or getting too close to other traffic. It is easy to see all around this car, much better than the Toyotas and VWs we have recently owned. While it is a workmanlike car on the road, the comfort features in the cabin keep us happy.
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I love my Outback! I have the eyesight and navigation system, and the eyesight is incredible - it's one of the reasons I purchased the vehicle. As someone who frequently travels the Midwest for work, safety was a top priority for me, and the eyesight with auto-adjust cruise control is probably the best feature of any car I've ever owned. The front driver's seat is also super comfortable, especially when the butt warmer is on! Although there are a few things that could be improved, I would still buy this vehicle. The navigation system can be frustrating at times and the entertainment system integration with my phone could be better, but these are minor issues in the grand scheme of things. The gas mileage is also not quite what I was expecting, but overall, I'm very happy with my purchase.
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The car has great safety features, but not all of them are standard, so you may need to pay extra for them. As a parent with a young child and many children in my neighborhood, the safety features and back-up camera were very important to me and definitely worth the cost. Compared to my previous car, a Volvo XC70, the interior is a little roomier, but the material is not as luxurious. However, the visibility is much better, and I like that the vehicle rides a little higher, but not quite as high as an SUV. I have only had the car for a month, and so far, I have not experienced any maintenance issues. At first, the car was a little
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2016 Subaru Outback problems:
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Other years of Subaru Outback
Are you having problems with your 2016 Subaru Outback?
Alexzander Nader 2024-07-19
I recently traded in my beloved 2002 Ford Explorer for a fully loaded 2016 Outback, which has exceeded all my expectations. It's perfect for road trips, with its ability to handle any weather and road conditions. The car is comfortable, roomy, and smooth on the interstates, with off-road capability as well. The adaptive cruise control is a standout feature, and the visibility and sight lines are superb. The automatic temperature control is also perfect. The overall price is very reasonable, and the gas mileage is good too. However, the navigation system is a bit of a letdown. It's overly safety conscious, not allowing you to look ahead at the next few turns unless you're at a full stop, which can be a serious drawback in unfamiliar areas. The system is also overly sensitive at the factory settings, and it's hard to find the controls to limit the re-routing function. The maps need updating, as even a well-established interstate in existence for over 10 years was not located correctly, giving me wrong directions to get on it. There were also bugs in the system, freeze-ups, although there is a factory I also have another car, my little convertible, so I only use this one about half the time. As of March 2019, my radio, which incorporates the navigation system, has now been replaced a second time. Unfortunately, both the radio function and the navigation function are affected, and the unit is prone to failing internally. It's such a shame because this issue ruins an otherwise superior vehicle.
Ray Dach 2024-06-20
I am experiencing transmission or torque converter problems at only 27k miles. Despite my attempts to have the dealer fix the issue, they seem uninterested or unable to do so. However, I am confident in my decision to contact Subaru directly to resolve the issue. While the recent alternator malfunction was a setback, I am pleased to report that it has been resolved and no further issues have arisen. Despite these challenges, I am still satisfied with my decision to purchase this vehicle, particularly for the Eyesight technology which has proven to be an amazing and useful feature that improves driver safety and makes long trips more pleasant. The 6 cylinder engine is also strong, quiet and smooth, and the AWD system is impressive in its sure-footedness. While the front seats could be more accommodating for taller individuals on long trips, this is a minor issue. If you are considering a 2016 3.6 6 cylinder model, I recommend taking a careful test drive and checking for any potential transmission issues. Overall, I remain confident in my decision to purchase this vehicle and am optimistic that any remaining issues will be resolved under warranty.It is a great car, with the only downside being the transmission.
Cristian Robel 2024-02-19
I have noticed a few things that have been disappointing to me with this car. Firstly, after 6 different trips to 2 different dealers, I learned that the random hesitation I was experiencing was due to a bad coil pack on a spark plug. It took me more than 15 hours of drive time back and forth to the dealers because the computer they have running the car randomly decides when it wants to save error codes. For my mechanical issue, the engineers who created the computer felt it made sense for it to only hold my error code when the check engine light came on for the exact same reason in 2 consecutive ignitions. My cylinder 1 misfire was impossible to duplicate by the dealer until I made the 6th trip to the dealer. Another disappointment is the hatchback. It will not release unless the vehicle is in park and all the doors are unlocked. I am guessing the engineers who created this have never dropped a child off at ball practice or been in a slow moving school pick up lane before. If they had, they would know you never put your car in park and unlock the auto lock doors before your child jumps out to grab their bags from the back and you quickly get out of the way of the next family dropping off or picking up. Lastly, I am not a fan of the keyless FOB. It is my first time owning one and I will never purchase it again. You cannot lock the car with the FOB inside. As a human, I should be able to decide when I want my car locked and when I don't, regardless if I have a key inside or not. I could elaborate more on this, but this may just be a personal preference thing versus an engineering mistake. It is surprising to me that this car does not have one dedicated USB for charging a phone when it is not running. There is no possible way that 1 cell phone can draw enough power to damage a car battery if it is not running.The fuel mileage has been disappointing, as I have never averaged more than 25 mpg regardless of whether it is combined driving or not. I had some trouble with my Subaru and unfortunately, the dealership I bought it from, Lou Fusz in St. Louis, was not very helpful in resolving the issue. However, I was able to find some assistance at Webster Groves Subaru in St. Louis. Although I have had some challenges with my car, I am hopeful that I will be able to resolve them and enjoy my Subaru in the future.