2016 SUBARU Outback Problems & Complaints
Real owner complaints and problems reported to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). View common issues by component.
627
Complaints Reported
Complaints by Component
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
249 complaints
I purchased a replacement battery in 2023. In August of 2025, the battery died, requiring a jump start. A local auto parts store checked the battery and it tested within acceptable limits, showing around 513 amps. A private shop confirmed this, and cleaned the battery terminals and cables. The battery functioned well until around November 2025, when it again died requiring a jump start. The battery again died in December 2025, about one month later, requiring a jump start.
Dec 31, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that the horn was inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer for a routine recall repair, and it was diagnosed and determined that the steering roll connector/clock spring had short-circuited. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
Dec 02, 2025
EYE SIGHT GOES OUT SHORTLY AFTER RECONFIGURATION (HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES), BRAND NEW BATTERY HAS BEEN DRAINED CAUSING COMPLETE SHUT DOWN, HAS BEEN IN SHOP FOR SIX WEEKS AND DEALERSHIP CANNOT FIND REASON FOR THIS HAPPENING AND HAS REPLACED BATTERY AND DRIVEN THE CAR WAITING FOR A REPLICA TO HAPPEN. MY RESEARCH LEANS TOWARD DCM/ECM/PARASITIC BATTERY DRAIN ISSUES BUT THERE DOES NOT SEEM TO BE A RECALL FOR THESE ELECTRONIC ISSUES.
Jul 18, 2025
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
May 06, 2024
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.
Mar 27, 2024
+ 244 more complaints for this component
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
79 complaints
Catalytic converter is cracked. This is confirmed by an independent service center. Apparently there is a recall for this issue for 2015 and 2016 Subaru Outbacks manufactured up until September 2015. My 2016 Subaru Outback has the same issue and was manufactured in April 2016. The recall should include all 2016 Subaru Outbacks, not just those manufactured in 2015.
Sep 23, 2025
I reached under the steering well to the foot well because it seemed that my AC was not putting out any air. I touched something and received a burn on my hand. I reached out to the SOA but was told to take it to the dealer. Then they asked me to call back and discuss further. When I called back I was told to take it to the dealer. I'm not sure I want to take it to the dealer to be charged a diagnosis fee. It seems the "kick panel" should cover this hot part to not allow access.
Sep 08, 2025
Horn quit working
Aug 31, 2025
There’s an open recall on an exhaust leak for similar models and years and my car needs the same work done but it’s not covered under the recall
Apr 05, 2025
The 8 month old battery on my 2016 Subaru Outback just died. I understand that the warranty on the DCM was extended by a year, but the dealership said that if it turned out the DCM was not defective, I would have to pay for the test ($185) . The warranty only covers having the battery recharged or replaced. If the DCM is the cause of the battery drain, than the warranty should pay for replacing the DCM, in addition to replacing the battery. Otherwise the problem will continue to reoccur. There should be a recall on the DCM!
Feb 26, 2025
+ 74 more complaints for this component
VISIBILITY/WIPER
75 complaints
1.Windshield crack in the deicing area. Driving on a highway heard a loud boom as if a very big rock hit the car. 30-40 second later there was another boom of normal loudness. At this moment windshield crack has been noticed. The windshield will not be available, replacing it on 12/22/2025 2. Visibility has been affected 3. No, problem was not reproduced. Dealer representative said that the problem is not covered by Subaru. 4. Windshield was visually inspected by the dealership representative. I will try to collect more data at the windshield replacement shop. 5. There were no symptoms of the problem. N.B - the crack outside is flat, as if no rock hit happened. - I have camera's MP4, where sounds can be heard, 1GB
Dec 21, 2025
I had a rock thrown at my vehicle's windshield and required a replacement. I went to a Subaru dealership, Zeigler Subaru of Kenosha, local to me for a replacement. A day after I received my car, the windshield developed a hairline crack emanating from the bottom. I brought it back to the dealer and they replaced it again. After that time, it was a whole week and a half when I noticed a hairline crack, this time from the top working its way down. I brought it once again to the dealer for a replacement and a better explanation as to what is going on. 1.5 months later, I took my car again and was good for a little over a month, when I noticed the same hairline crack, this time from the bottom. I am up to having three windshields being installed and have no confidence in the safety and longevity of the vehicle I have. Subaru has had engineers come out to evaluate my vehicle and determined that its structural construction is not compromised and have tried to diagnose another probable cause coming from the windshield wiper heater and unplugged it. I have heard crack noises when driving at random intervals and have it noted to the dealership. no further update has been told to me as of the writing of this concern.
Oct 23, 2025
Windshield cracks on its own. This is my 3rd time replacing windhield.
Mar 17, 2024
Windshield cracked on its own, this is the 3rd time I will be replacing windshield.
Mar 17, 2024
A crack appeared across the upper middle of the windshield. There was no event, damage, or accident involved. The crack just appeared one day. The crack runs across the windshield in the area of the rear view mirror and in front of the mounted cameras used for the collision avoidance, lane departure system.
Mar 24, 2023
+ 70 more complaints for this component
ENGINE
26 complaints
Accelerated on its own doing 25mph and accelerated quickly and took pumping brakes to get it to stop
Sep 16, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the low oil warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine seal had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.
Aug 25, 2025
Exhaust leak in or near exhaust manifold / bellows / flex pipe identical to problem identified in WUJ-95 recall, confirmed by both dealer and independent mechanic. Problem produces 'growl' and fumes in passenger cabin. This problem likely existed when we purchased the car used from LaFontaine Subaru in Commerce, MI.
Jun 18, 2025
Safety concern - Exhaust entering into the car. Smells of exhaust. Warranty should be extended to 15 years, 150,000 miles as was done on identical part 2017-2018MY Subaru Forrester Exhaust Pipe Front (EPF) Bellows Cracking. This part is known to be defective. 1. My 2016 Subaru Outback 2.5L if manufactured 12/9/2013 - 9/30/2015 is covered. My Subaru just outside this window, manufactured 12/2015. Service Program Bulletin Number: WUJ-95. 2. My Subaru is within the 80,000 routine emissions warranty, though 1 year outside the 8 years. 3. This Exhaust Pipe Front (EPF) Bellows Cracking happens on the identical part in the Forester and has an Exhaust Pipe (Front) Warranty Extension (W122-013) to 150,000, 15 years. Attached - Repair estimate, Service Program Bulletin WUJ-95 dealing with this year Outback, Service Bulletin Number 09-84-22 dealing with identical part 2017-8 Subaru Forester
Jun 18, 2025
Original owner of a 2016 Subaru Outback 2.5L, took in to Midas for small exhaust leak. Midas found that the Exhaust Pipe Front Bellows was cracking. They sent me a quote to repair the bellows and also a print out of Service Program Bulletin Number WUJ-95R n the 2015-2016MY Outback 2.5L referring to the Exhaust Pipe Front (EPF) Bellows Cracking. I called to speak with Subaru's corporate recall center and they said my VIN was not part of the recall, however, my car was manufactured in 2015 and is having the exact same issues as the other 2016 Subaru Outback 2.5L. Our safety is being put at risk as CO (carbon monoxide) is leaking into the vehicle due to the cracking in the Exhaust Pipe Front Bellows.
Jan 21, 2025
+ 21 more complaints for this component
POWER TRAIN
26 complaints
I’m unable to remove the car key from the ignition when the vehicle shifter is in Park.
Sep 12, 2024
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.
Aug 03, 2024
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.
Feb 19, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be serviced; however, while the mechanic was inspecting the vehicle, he noticed oil splatter inside the engine compartment. The vehicle was diagnosed with an oil leak. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the oil warning light illuminated. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V502000 (Power Train). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 74,315.
Mar 09, 2023
The transmission, without warning, stopped functioning.
Apr 21, 2022
+ 21 more complaints for this component
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
20 complaints
Known battery drain likely from DCM and also they designed the alternator not to completely charge battery causing frequent dead battery without warning and for no operator error and causing frequent need to replace car batteries over the years.There was a class action lawsuit but no recall for these issues so has not been addressed properly.
May 24, 2025
My key keeps getting stuck in the ignition, and forced me to have to leave the key in the car while I went in to a store, when i got back someone was in my car. I realize that this is a different type of safety issue, but it truly is a safety issue. I am having to leave my key in my car everywhere i do because it doesn't come out,, eventually it will come out randomly but not everytime I shut the car off. this should be a recall issue for Subaru's that have this problem. I have read many complaints about Subaru owners with this issue happpening to them. I am not the only one. Thank You!
Aug 22, 2023
THE BATTERY is completely unreliable - I have had 3 batteries since I purchased the car in 2015 - REPEATED RECURRENT DISCHARGE WITHOUT APPARENT CAUSE - SUCH AS LIGHTS LEFT ON - PARASITIC DRAIN IT SEEMS In recent research have discovered this is not a new issue and there is a class action lawsuit settlement - I did not exclude myself and somewhat now wish that I had, in order to attempt to get some buy back incentive from Subaru. Beginning in 2019 - and maybe prior though I had not recognized it as a chronic issue then - I have encountered recurrent issues of complete battery discharge after time periods ranging from 5 to 24 hours. Estimate at least 1 to 2 discharges per month requiring cable jump, and many more times when the car was very difficult to start (almost fully discharged) To minimize risk as consumer I have bought a HALO Bolt - but Subaru should be held accountable to fixing primary cause of this chronic issue for so many of us.
Jan 20, 2023
Summary of Electrical system issues: 1.pertaining to battery draining and 2. eyesight randomly goes out and other dash board lights flash and later goes away. As well as, 3. Windows that can not completely close at times. Details: I purchased 2016 Subaru outback - 4 cylinder in 2019 with 64,000 miles. By 2020, the car experienced random dashboard lights indicator flashing that would resolve itself (*the flashing light) in a few days. One issue was the eye sight would randomly inactivate while driving and resolve after turning off car for a half day or a day. However it happens often. Dealer Car repair shop said it could not duplicate. Besides the dash board lights issues; the passenger front window and moonroof would not go up to completely close at random times. Rendering the windows useless to use. These issues continued on and off from purchase thru to-date. The biggest issue came in 2021 & 2022, when the battery would drain. A jump of the battery seem to resolve the problem. Auto store would jump battery and show CCA and CA and Alternator output proficient for the battery. On random times the battery would have the same draining issue. I am not convinced it is a battery issue for these incidents. I believe it is related to an electrical issue for all of these issues. Risk: The components installed and advertised by the Subaru brand influenced me to purchase the vehicle over other vehicles because of its safety records and longevity of the vehicle. This is clearly a false and fraudulent marketing. The Subaru has failed to provide my confidence as a consumer of its safety record. I am extremely uncomfortable driving the vehicle more than 30 miles locally because of fear it will breakdown or I will be stranded. Even locally, I have had to purchase a AAA membership at an extra expense to ensure some means of assistance. Recently, within 2 days I have had ti use my membership for a drained battery. I am now seeing many Subaru owners make similar complaints.
Nov 08, 2022
Experienced intermittent starting problems, with other odd warning light behaviors, including unable to turn them off to try again. I know another 2016 Outback owner that was given a new battery at no charge. I paid $203.60 for new battery on 03/02/2022
May 10, 2022
+ 15 more complaints for this component
STEERING
13 complaints
I was turning around a bend, going approximately 35mpg, when the wheels no longer were turning as if not responding to the direction of the wheel, almost like it was operating independently of the steering column. The automobile slammed into the curb on the left of the road, damaging the alignment.
Apr 10, 2022
Key does not come out of ignition after turning car off. Gets stuck frequently (almost everytime I drive the car).
May 29, 2021
CURRENTLY AT LEAST A COUPLE TIMES A WEEK, MY KEY GETS STUCK IN THE IGNITION WHILE SHUTTING OFF VEHICLE TO PARK. YOU CAN TURN THE VEHICLE OFF, BUT YOU CAN'T REMOVE THE KEY. IF I FIDDLE WITH THE SHIFTER AND ROTATE THE STEERING WHEEL, RESTART THE VEHICLE, AND SHIFT IT INTO DRIVE, AND THEN SLAM IT BACK INTO PARK, THEN I CAN TURN THE VEHICLE OFF AND THE KEY WILL COME OUT. . BUT SOMETIMES I HAVE TO REPEAT THE PROCEDURE A FEW TIMES. THIS STARTED WHEN VEHICLE WAS APPROX A YEAR OLD AND I THOUGHT THAT MAYBE I HAD THE STEERING WHEEL NOT IN THE CORRECT LOCATION FOR THE KEY TO BE REMOVED AS TIME PASSED THE PROBLEM GRADUALLY GOT WORSE. I THEN DID SOME RESEARCH AND FOUND THAT A LOT OF OTHERS HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS SAME ISSUE.
Sep 22, 2020
DRIVING AT AROUND 40 MILES PER HOUR AND SUDDENLY LOST CONTROL OF THE STEERING WHEEL. THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME VERY LOOSE AND UNRESPONSIVE. IT WAS VERY DANGEROUS. TOOK TO DEALERSHIP RIGHT AWAY AND THEY COULDN'T FIGURE OUT ANYTHING.
Sep 24, 2019
I WAS TRAVELING ON I49 AT ~60 MPH, IN LIGHT RAIN, AND NON FREEZING TEMPERATURE. I WAS ON A STRAIGHT STRETCH OF ROAD WITH CRUISE CONTROL OFF. THE TIRES WERE IN GOOD CONDITION. I WAS APPROACHING BRUSH CREEK BRIDGE AND HOLDING THE STEERING WHEEL STEADY AND STRAIGHT. THE CAR STARTED TO DRIFT LEFT AND STEERING WAS NOT RESPONDING. THE REAR OF THE CAR STARTED TO GET AHEAD OF THE FRONT AND THE CAR WAS GOING SIDEWAYS. AS SOON AS THE CAR STARED TO DRIFT, I TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE GAS AND TRIED TO REGAIN STEERING. WHEN SLIDING SIDEWAYS ON THE BRIDGE, I CUT THE STEERING WHEEL IN THE DIRECTION THE CAR WAS SLIDING. AT THAT TIME, THE CAR REGAINED SOME STEERING CAPABILITY AND OVERSTEERED TO THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE BRIDGE, TRAVELING SIDEWAYS AGAINST A CEMENT BARRIER UNTIL STOPPED. THE AIR BAGS NEVER DEPLOYED. THERE WAS EXTENSIVE FRONT END DAMAGE AMOUNTING IN ~$10000 IN REPAIRS. THE CAR STARTED AND WAS DRIVEN HOME AFTER THE INCIDENT. ALTHOUGH IT WAS RAINING, THERE WAS NO INDICATION THAT THE ACCIDENT WAS RELATED TO ANY TRACTION LOSS AND THE TRACTION LIGHT WAS NOT ACTIVATED. I THINK THE EXISTING STEERING RECALL MAY HAVE IMPACTED MORE VECHICLES THAN PREVIOUSLY THOUGHT. I SUSPECT THAT THE STEERING IS DEFECTIVE AND THE EXISTING STERLING RECALL DID NOT CATCH ALL OF THE AFFECTED VEHICLES. I ALSO FOUND IT SURPRISING THAT NO AIR BAGS DEPLOYS, EVEN THOUGH THIS WAS A HIGH IMPACT CRASH. I HAD BRUISING IN MY STERNUM, KNEES, ELBOWS AND ALONG THE SEAT BELT PATH.
Nov 24, 2018
+ 8 more complaints for this component
STRUCTURE
12 complaints
Our vehicle has factory-installed child safety locks incorporated into the rear passenger doors. The safety lock on the rear passenger-side has failed in the "engaged" position, and cannot be disengaged using the small black switch in the door. Consequently, the only way the door can be opened is by using the outside handle. We see this as a serious safety issue, since in an emergency egress situation, the only way a passenger in the right rear seat can exit the vehicle is if someone opens the door from the outside. Looking on online forums, there are many incidents of this same problem. However, Subaru has not chosen to correct this problem for cars that are outside of vehicle warranty.
Nov 03, 2021
WE HAD A DANGEROUS SITUATION WITH OUR CHILD A COUPLE OF MONTHS AGO AND HAD TO SET THE CHILD LOCK ON THE REAR PASSENGER DOOR (PASSENGER SIDE). THE CHILD LOCK DOES NOT UNDO NOW. AFTER AN INTERNET SEARCH, THIS SEEMS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM/DEFECT FOR MANY OWNERS, ESPECIALLY AFTER SETTING THE CHILD LOCKS FOR THE FIRST TIME. THIS IS A DANGEROUS SITUATION AS THE DOOR CANNOT BE OPENED FROM THE INSIDE NOW AT ALL AND WE DON'T NEED THE CHILD LOCKS ACTIVATED. IT IS VERY FRUSTRATING FOR OUR KIDS WHO ARE TEENAGERS TO NOT BE ABLE TO GET OUT OF THE CAR.
Nov 08, 2020
HOOD UNLATCHES UNEXPECTEDLY. THIS HAS PROBABLY OCCURED A HALF DOZED TIMES OR SO IN THE LAST YEAR. JUST YESTERDAY DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE IT UNLATCHED. FORTUNATELY THE SAFETY LATCH DIDN'T RELEASE, BUT THAT COULD CERTAINLY HAPPEN ESPECIALLY WITH THE WIND PRESSURE FROM DRIVING AT INTERSTATE SPEEDS.
Feb 19, 2020
WHILE STATIONARY, MY DAUGHTER ATTEMPTED TO EXIT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE DOOR WOULD NOT OPEN FROM INSIDE THE VEHICLE. DISCOVERED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE DOOR CHILD SAFETY LOCK SWITCH ON THE INSIDE EDGE OF THE DOOR WAS ENGAGED. TRIED TO DISENGAGE THE CHILD SAFETY LOCK; HOWEVER, THE SWITCH WAS SEIZED IN THE ENGAGED POSITION. CANNOT OPEN THE DOOR FROM INSIDE THE VEHICLE. TOOK IT TO THE ONLY SUBARU DEALER IN HALIFAX, NOVA SCOTIA, CANADA. THOUGH THE VEHICLE HAD LESS THAN 36,000 MILES AND SHOULD HAVE BEEN COVERED UNDER WARRANTY, THEY SAID IT WAS A CORROSION ISSUE CAUSED BY LACK OF USE; THEREFORE, IT WAS NOT COVERED BY THE WARRANTY. WE HAVE NEVER USED THE CHILD SAFETY LOCK.
Sep 04, 2019
DROVE ON FREEWAY ABOUT 65 MPH PASSED BY THE BIG TRUCK SUDDENLY EXPLODED SUNROOF. NOBODY IN FRONT OF ME AND IT JUST HAPPENED OUT OF NOWHERE.
Jul 04, 2018
+ 7 more complaints for this component
SERVICE BRAKES
9 complaints
WHILE TRYING TO COME OUT OF DRIVE WAY ONTO THE STREET, I TRIED TO STOP BY PRESSING THE BRAKES, BUT THE VEHICLE HAS ACCELERATED
Apr 10, 2019
BRAKES ARE SOFT AND HARDLY WORK WHEN CAR IS FIRST STARTED IN COLD WEATHER. ONCE CAR IS WARMED UP, BRAKES WORK NORMALLY. IT HAPPENS EVERY TIME WHEN THE TEMPERATURE IS LESS THAN 40 DEGREES.
Nov 14, 2018
THE ELECTRIC PARKING BRAKE APPEARS TO BE FAULTY. THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT TIRE LOCKED UP FOR NO APPARENT REASON. THE ELECTRIC PARKING BRAKE WAS NOT TURNED ON. WHEN MY VEHICLE MOVED IS CREATED A LOUD METALIC SOUND.
Oct 22, 2018
IN HOT WEATHER AND BUMPER-TO-BUMPER TRAFFIC CONDITIONS, BRAKE PEDAL BECOMES VERY SPONGY AND SLOWLY INCHES TO THE FLOOR WITH CONSTANT PRESSURE APPLICATION. THIS ISSUE OCCURRED ON SEVERAL HOT DAYS, WITH OBSERVED TEMPERATURES RANGING FROM 80-100F. ON ONE RECENT OCCASION, THE BRAKE PEDAL HIT THE FLOOR WHEN STATIONARY AT A RED LIGHT. THE VEHICLE'S OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE GAUGE REGISTERED 100F AT THE TIME OF THE MOST RECENT EVENT.
May 18, 2017
3 SEPARATE EPISODES OF ENGINE RACING WHEN STEPPING ON BRAKE PEDAL AND CAR LURCHING FORWARD. BRAKE PEDAL VERY SPONGY AND WITH CONTINUOUS PRESSING GOES ALMOST DOWN TO FLOORBOARD. OCCURS WHEN VEHICLE MOVING SLOWLY IN CLOSE QUARTERS. ONE EPISODE OF BRAKE PEDAL GOING ALMOST TO FLOOR WHEN STOPPED AT LIGHT
May 02, 2017
+ 4 more complaints for this component
VISIBILITY
8 complaints
The contact owns a 2016 Subaru Outback. The contact stated she pull the window bottom for the front passenger side window to roll up automatically, she stated the window rolled shut but rolled down again. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and they stated that it may be a sensor that needed to be replaced that was triggering the anti-entrapment. The contact stated she tried resetting the one-touch feature, but it did not repair the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 5,000.
Sep 09, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that upon defrosting the windshield and clearing it from the heavy ice that had collected on the windshield during an ice storm, he noticed that there was a 30-inch long crack at the bottom of the windshield. The dealer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the manufacturer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the repair of the windshield was not covered because the VIN was not included in Technical Service Bulletin Number: 12-192-15R; however, the manufacturer provided the contact with a coupon for the repair of the windshield. The failure mileage was approximately 78,000.
Mar 01, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Subaru Outback. The contact stated while approaching the vehicle in the morning, she noticed a L-shaped crack in the windshield which originated on the passenger’s side of the windshield. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer and was informed that an issue with the windshield wiper had caused the fracture. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 46,000.
Jan 10, 2022
WINDSHIELD CRACKED WITHOUT ANY REASON.
Jun 18, 2018
WHILE DRIVING SOUTHBOUND AT ABOUT 55 MPH ON A SMOOTH LEVEL DIVIDED HIGHWAY ON A CLEAR DAY WITH A TEMPERATURE OF ABOUT 45 DEGREES MY MOON ROOF EXPLODED. BOTH THE GLASS PORTION AND THE INNER SLIDING COVER WERE CLOSED. THERE WAS A LOUD "WHAM," AND THEN A RATTLING SOUND THAT TURNED OUT TO BE THE SHARDS OF CLASS BOUNCING AROUND ON THE INNER SLIDING COVER. NO DEBRIS OTHER THAN THE GLASS WAS INSIDE THE ROOF, AND WE CHECKED 100 YARDS BACK IN THE DIRECTION FROM WHICH WE CAME AND FOUND NOTHING THAT COULD HAVE HIT US FROM ABOVE. LUCKILY, THERE WAS A SUBARU DEALER NEARBY, AND WE WERE ABLE TO CONTINUE OUR VACATION WITH A LOANER WHILE THEY FIXED THE MOON ROOF. WE TOOK THE OPPORTUNITY TO REPLACE A LOST "SMART KEY" AT THE SAME TIME, AND THAT IS REFLECTED ON THE ATTACHED BILL BUT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THIS EVENT. WE WERE UNINJURED, BUT HAD THE INNER SLIDING COVER BEEN OPEN, WE WOULD HAVE BEEN SHOWERED WITH BROKEN GLASS WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED.
Apr 09, 2018
+ 3 more complaints for this component
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
7 complaints
The contact owns a 2016 Subaru Outback. The contact stated while the was stationary at a traffic light, the vehicle accelerated independently while depressing the brake pedal. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the RPM’s was elevated to 5,000. The contact stated that he turned off and restarted the vehicle and was able to continue driving to his destination. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 35,000. The consumer stated the vehicle was inspected and didn't find anything wrong with the vehicle.
May 09, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while his wife was parking the vehicle, the brake pedal was depressed but the vehicle accelerated forward going down a hill. The vines from the woods prevented the vehicle from going into a lake. The contact’s wife later received medical attention for an injury to her left leg. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it remained. The vehicle was not deemed totaled by the insurance company. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and sent an investigator to remove the black box from the vehicle. The manufacturer later informed the contact that, through their investigation findings, the floor mat below the accelerator pedal and the EZ pass mounted on the front windshield caused the failure. The manufacturer provided the contact with a printout of the vehicle manual. The failure mileage was approximately 38,000. The VIN was unavailable.
Apr 11, 2022
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 70-75 MPH IN THE RAIN, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO REMEMBER WHAT WAS DONE TO SLOW AND STOP THE VEHICLE. THE LOCAL DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
May 20, 2020
WHILE DRIVING SLOWLY ON STREET OR PULLING INTO INTERSECTION AFTER LIGHT TURNED GREEN, CAR HAS APPARENTLY SLIPPED INTO NEUTRAL FIVE TIMES IN THE LAST TWO YEARS. NO ABILITY TO ACCELERATE UNTIL PUT CAR INTO PARK AND THEN INTO DRIVE. NO WARNING LIGHTS OR ALARMS. DEALER UNABLE TO DUPLICATE AND SAYS WITHOUT DUPLICATING PROBLEM, CANNOT FIX. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE SINCE CAN EASILY BE REAR ENDED OR HIT ON SIDE IN INTERSECTION. I AM NOW AFRAID TO DRIVE THIS CAR SINCE DO NOT KNOW WHEN PROBLEM WILL REOCCUR.
Jun 08, 2018
SUDDEN ACCELERATION: THIS SERIOUS UNSAFE CONDITION RELATES TO MY 2016 OUTBACK LIMITED 2.5L PURCHASED ON 2/29/2016 IN TAMPA FLORIDA. THE EXACT SAME UNSAFE CONDITION HAS HAPPENED TWICE; FIRST IN OCTOBER 2016 AT APPROXIMATELY 8800 MILES, AND SECOND IN DECEMBER 2017 AT APPROXIMATELY 24,000 MILES. DESCRIPTION OF INCIDENT: WHILE SLOWLY PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE AND GENTLY APPLYING THE BRAKE, THE CAR'S ENGINE RPM ACCELERATED AND I HAD TO BREAK HARD IN ORDER TO STOP THE CAR. I MOVED THE TRANSMISSION TO PARK, BUT THE ENGINE CONTINUED AT HIGH RPM SO I MOVED THE TRANSMISSION TO REVERSE, THEN TO NEUTRAL, THEN I TURNED OFF THE CAR OFF SINCE THE ENGINE WAS STILL AT A HIGH RPM. A NOTICE APPEARED IN MY ODOMETER AREA TO PUT THE CAR IN PARK, WHICH I DID. I THEN RESTARTED IT AND EVERYTHING WAS BACK TO NORMAL AGAIN. NOTE: I DID NOT SIMULTANEOUSLY PUSH THE BREAK AND THE ACCELERATOR TOGETHER WHICH COULD POSSIBLY CAUSE THIS SITUATION. I AM FORTUNATE NOTHING WAS IN FRONT OF ME EITHER TIME. I HOPE NO ONE HAS BEEN INJURED, BUT IT IS LIKELY PROPERTY DAMAGE HAS RESULTED. PLEASE DETERMINE THE CAUSE AND CORRECT THIS POTENTIALLY DEADLY SITUATION. I AM TAKING MY CAR FOR A 24,000 MILE SERVICE ON 1/3/2017 AND WILL DOCUMENT THIS WITH THE DEALER (MASTRO SUBARU) AT THAT TIME. I SUSPECT THIS IS A COMPUTER GLITCH, AND A POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS ONE AT THAT. I ALSO SUSPECT OTHER CAR MANUFACTURERS CAN HAVE THIS SAME ISSUE IF THESE COMPUTERS AND PROGRAMMING ALL COME FROM THE SAME THIRD PARTY.
Jan 02, 2018
+ 2 more complaints for this component
AIR BAGS
6 complaints
Almost after I took ownership of my vehicle in August 2024 from Lexus of Pembroke Pines, I noticed a light on the dashboard that would light intermittently. I purchased an extended warranty for almost four thousand dollars at the time of sale, thank God, as this car has needed a lot of work that I was never told about nor was anything in the CARFAX indicating so many issues. Subaru of Pembroke Pines service department took vehicle in to work on the air bag sensor as that is what seemed to be the issue. In the sixteen months that I have been paying off a loan, the car has been in service for at least a combined ten months plus. They have changed the sensor twice and have changed the harness twice to no avail and that has been covered by the warranty. Now Subaru wants to take apart the car to trace wires to try to find out why the light still won't go out. The warranty company is refusing to take responsibility for the payment for the work and I cannot and will not pay out of my pocket. Subaru wants me to take my car back and drive it. I DO NOT WANT TO DIE FROM A FAULTY AIRBAG. There is something grossly wrong with the vehicle, the service department and especially the warranty company. Please help me get my vehicle fixed without having to be further raped financially. Subaru is trying to get me to purchase yet another vehicle AND I was told by the service lane manager that I should never have been sold that car. IT IS DANGEROUS. My files you are requesting are in my car which is at the dealership.
Jan 04, 2026
WIFE HAD AN ACCIDENT WHERE SHE PULLED IN FRONT OF LARGE F350 TRUCK, HIT ON PASSENGER SIDE. SHE WAS GOING 15 MPH, AND TRUCK WAS GOING 50-60 MPH. THE SIDE CURTAIN AND FRONT AIRBAG ON PASSENGER SIDE DEPLOYED. HER CAR ALSO HIT A SIGN AND TREE, CAVING IN THE FRONT OF VEHICLE. HER DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND SHE WAS SEVERELY INJURED AND SPENT 8 DAYS IN HOSPITAL. LOST PARTIAL DENTURES, ANOTHER TOOTH AND BENT HER IMPLANT WHEN HER FACE HIT STEERING WHEEL. SHE HAD ABOUT 150 STITCHES TO FACE AND HAS PERMANENT SCARING TO FACE AS A RESULT OF THE FAILURE OF AIRBAG TO DEPLOY. SHE WAS WEARING SEAT BELT AND HAS BRUISES TO SHOW FOR IT. THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG SHOULD HAVE DEPLOYED. AIRBAG IS MADE BY TAKATA. COULD NOT FIND ANY OPEN RECALLS ON AIRBAG. INITIAL IMPACT WAS TO RIGHT SIDE, AND THEN FRONT OF HER 2016 SUBARU OUTBACK STRUCK TREE AND SIGN. AIRBAG SHOULD HAVE DEPLOYED.
Oct 27, 2020
PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG IS EXPANDING OUT. DASH IS SPLITTING. CONCERN FOR PREMATURE ACTIVATION.
Nov 28, 2018
TAKATA RECALL (UNKNOWN WHETHER MY SPECIFIC VEHICLE AIRBAGS ARE SUBJECT TO RECALL) PURCHASED AS NEW CAR.
Apr 03, 2018
TAKATA RECALL
Aug 08, 2017
+ 1 more complaint for this component
STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
6 complaints
The steering warning light came on and my steering wheel stiffened. Luckily I was able to make it home, but when I went back to crank it. The light was still on and it would only move forward of backwards; because I wasn't able at all to turn the steering wheel.
Jan 22, 2025
When trying to put the vehicle in park, the key will not release from the engine. After 10-15 minutes of trying, finally it will release, but in reading forums, thousands of customers have had similar issues. It seems to be a very known problem.
Apr 07, 2022
DIFFICULTY TURNING THE CARS IGNITION INTO THE OFF POSITION TO REMOVE KEY. KEY STOCKS IN IGNITION AND CAR STAYS TURNED ON IN ACCESSORY MODE. OFTEN TAKES UP TO 6 TIMES RESTARTING AND STOPPING TO GET KEY TO RELEASE. DEALER CLAIMS IT IS THE COMPUTER RELAY THAT ISN'T RECOGNIZING THAT THE CAR HAS BEEN PUT INTO PARK. THIS IS WHEN THE CAR IS STOPPED.... THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON SINCE APPROXIMATELY MAY OF 2019 TO CURRENT. AT FIRST IT WAS ONLY OCCASIONALLY BUT REACHED THE POINT WHERE IT HAPPENED 9 TIMES OUT OF 10.
Feb 11, 2020
IGNITION KEY GETS STUCK EVERYTIME AND I HAVE TO JAM IT INTO PARK TO GE IT OUT
Dec 16, 2019
BATTERY DIES IF CAR IS NOT DRIVEN WEEKLY. STEERING COLUMN REPLACED TWICE AND STEERING RACK ONCE.
Apr 01, 2018
+ 1 more complaint for this component
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
6 complaints
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.
Oct 10, 2024
Battery corrosion on terminal post and drained for no reason, failed battery test and had to be replaced. Windshield has imperfections throughout and cracks easily. Shift mechanism will not release the vehicle key while in park. Squeaking sound emanating from passenger seat belt buckle. Excessive exhaust noise and odor from exhaust pipe. Rear hatch will not close completely unless slammed very forcefully. Belts under the hood squeak very loudly when started and subside when warmed up.
Nov 15, 2021
Parking shifter sensor is failing intermittently. This prevents removing the key from the ignition. Seems to react better when you throw the shifter into park forcefully.
Aug 07, 2021
WE HAVE HAD 2 MAJOR ISSUES WITH THIS CAR: 1- MULTIPLE EPISODES OF BATTERY FAILURE REQUIRING A JUMP START OVER THE LAST YEAR. THIS HAS HAPPENED WHEN THE CAR WAS NOT USED FOR A WEEK, BUT ALSO RANDOMLY AFTER A DRIVE. JUST HAPPENED 4 DAYS AGO AFTER A 30 MINUTE HIGHWAY DRIVE- WHEN WE CAME BACK OUT TO THE CAR AFTER 15 MINUTES, IT WOULDN'T START. WE JUMP STARTED IT, AND IT WAS FINE FOR A FEW DAYS, BUT NOW DEAD AGAIN IN MY DRIVEWAY. THE CAR OFTEN HAS A SHUDDERING AND OCCASIONAL STALL WHEN STARTING IT. MOST WORRISOME, I WAS RECENTLY DRIVING WITH MY DAUGHTER AND AFTER WE EXITED THE HIGHWAY, AND SLOWED DOWN FOR A TOLL, THE CAR LOST IT'S ACCELERATION, DESPITE RPMS REVVING. WE PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, TURNED THE CAR OFF AND RE-STARTED, AND IT RAN REGULARLY HOME, BUT THIS WAS FRIGHTENING.
Aug 30, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. AAA WAS CONTACTED AND THE VEHICLE WAS JUMP STARTED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED 4 TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO COMPETITION SUBARU OF SMITHTOWN LOCATED AT 601 MIDDLE COUNTRY RD, ST JAMES, NY 11780 WHERE THE BATTERY WAS REPLACED. THE FAILURE RECURRED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE SAME DEALER AND THE BATTERY WAS REPLACED. THE FAILURE RECURRED AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED OF AN UNKNOWN VOLUNTARY MANUFACTURER RECALL TO REPLACE THE EXHAUST AND CATALYTIC CONVERTER HOWEVER, THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT WAS PROVIDED A LOANER VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED A WEEK LATER TO RETURN THE LOANER AND RETRIEVE HIS VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 13,270.
Jun 22, 2020
+ 1 more complaint for this component
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
3 complaints
As I was pulling slowly into a parking spot in a busy lot that serves a lot of small businesses, my Subaru suddenly accelerated forward, over the concrete parking bumper and raised sidewalk area, and into the side of the building. While I was uninjured and had no passengers in the vehicle, the car sustained damage to the apron and tire area on front passenger side of the car. The airbag did not inflate. Tiling on the exterior of the building was impacted, but not greatly damaged, and I had been able to avoid the plate glass entry to the business. A few customers were greatly alarmed by the Subaru's proximity to their lunch tables by the windows. I was able to put the vehicle into reverse and carefully move it off the sidewalk. I exited the car and went in to share my insurance information with the empathetic employees and manager of the business. I was able to drive my vehicle about two blocks to a larger lot, so that the towing company my husband contacted could access it, but not for several hours. The vehicle was taken to an auto body shop where it remains until they are finished with it. The claims people seem to have reached the conclusion that since I was driving, I must be at fault in this accident. I immediately, and still, continue to think over that incident, trying to determine how parking carefully and without distraction could turn into such a collision. I believe that I am not to blame. In reading the reports that have been made to your agency on Subarus of this vintage, there are marked similarities to the narratives on sudden unintended acceleration caused by Subaru equipment faults. I have lost confidence in what has been my favorite car. I'm hoping that some clear path exists for me to drive it again without anxiety.
Sep 12, 2023
WHEN THE CAR IS STARTED UP ON A COLD MORNING IT IDLES TOO FAST AND LURCHES DANGEROUSLY WHEN PUT INTO DRIVE. I HAVE TO HOLD THE CAR BACK WITH FIRM BRAKING. I HAVE HAD NUMEROUS CLOSE CALLS OVER THE LAST FOUR YEARS THAT I HAVE OWNED THE CAR. THE CAR IS A 2016 OUTBACK 3.6 R WITH A 6 CYLINDER ENGINE.
Oct 07, 2020
I DESCEND A STEEP, CROOKED COUNTRY ROAD TO REACH MY HOUSE AND LOCK MY TRANSMISSION IN SECOND GEAR TO AVOID HAVING TO APPLY BRAKES. IN LOW IDLE, THE VEHICLE SPEED IS WELL CONTROLLED BUT WHEN THE FUEL CONTROL SHIFTS TO HIGH IDLE THE ENGINE SPEED INCREASES FROM 2000 TO ABOUT 3500 RPM WITH A CORRESPONDING INCREASE IN VEHICLE SPEED WHICH REQUIRES RAPID, SHARP BRAKE APPLICATION. DURING THE SUMMER MONTHS THIS IS ONLY MILDLY IRRITATING BUT WHEN THE ROADS ARE COVERED WITH ICE AND SNOW THIS WINTER SUDDEN BRAKE APPLICATION WILL BECOME VERY DANGEROUS BECAUSE OF THE SHARP CURVES AND STEEP DROP-OFFS. THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN LOW AND HIGH IDLE SETTINGS IS EXCESSIVE AND SUBARU SHOULD BE FORCED TO CORRECT THIS DESIGN DEFICIENCY. I HAVE LIVED IN THIS LOCATION FOR OVER TWENTY YEARS AND DRIVEN THIS ROAD WITH ABOUT SIX OTHER VEHICLES WITHOUT DIFFICULTY BUT I DREAD THE APPROACH OF THIS WINTER. THE DEALER ADMITS THAT THIS IS A FREQUENT COMPLAINT BUT BEYOND THEIR CONTROL BECAUSE IT IS GOVERNED BY A COMPUTER IN THE FUEL CONTROL SYSTEM.
Sep 13, 2016
SEAT BELTS
3 complaints
Passenger side front seatbelt locked up and became non-functional, unable to be used. This left our passenger without a safe or legal way to ride in the vehicle with all other seats being used. The part was replaced by the dealer under warranty
Jul 13, 2021
THE CENTER SEATBELT IN THE BACK SEAT ( THE ONE THAT COMES DOWN FROM THE ROOF OF THE VEHICLE) HAS FRAYED AND BECOME TORN THREE TIMES IN 20 MONTHS. THE FIRST REPAIR WAS DONE DEC 21, 2016, SECOND WAS OCT 27,2017 AND THE MOST RECENT WAS FEB 13,2018. THE BELT SYSTEM HAS BEEN REPORTED AS REPLACED ALL THREE TIMES, BUT IT KEEPS OCCURRING IN THE SAME PLACE AND MANNER EACH TIME. I AM CONTINUALLY TOLD THAT THIS IS FROM OUTSIDE FORCES, BUT HAVE INVESTIGATED AND DON'T BELIEVE THIS TO BE TRUE AT ALL, MY CHILDREN RIDE BACK THERE, TOYS AND OTHER OBJECTS ARE NOT BROUGHT INTO THE VEHICLE AND THE BOOSTER THAT IS OCCASIONALLY USED THERE HAS BEEN RULED OUT BY SUBARU.. I WAS TOLD THAT SINCE 2013 14 BELTS HAVE BEEN REPLACED BY THEY GENERAL PARTS MANAGER IN MY DISTRICT, AND THREE OF THEM HAVE BEEN MY CAR. I HAVE LEASED THIS WITH THE INTENTION TO OWN, BUT NOW FEEL THAT IF THIS HAS OCCURRED 3 TIMES IN 20 MONTHS THIS CAR IS NOT SAFE FOR MY CHILDREN. SUBARU ISN'T BEING MUCH HELP, I NEED ANSWERS SO THAT I CAN GUARANTEE MY CHILDREN ARE SAFELY SECURED IN THIS CAR.
Feb 27, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DEALER (PERFORMANCE SUBARU, 1810 DURHAM-CHAPEL HILL BLVD, CHAPEL HILL, NC 27514, (919) 897-2146) WAS NOTIFIED THAT THE THREE REAR SEAT BELTS FAILED TO SECURE PROPERLY AND UNLATCHED INTERMITTENTLY. THE DEALER INDICATED THAT THEY HAD NO SPECIFIC REMEDY AND ADVISED THE CONTACT TO CALL THE MANUFACTURER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Jun 15, 2017
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
3 complaints
STEERING WHEEL LOCKS AND ALL LIGHTS LIGHT UP ON DASH THEN VEHICLE COMPLETELY SHUTS OFF. TRIED TO JUMP VEHICLE AND VEHICLE WILL START BUT TURNS OFF A FEW SECONDS LATER. SUBARU ADVISE IT WAS A DEFECTIVE BATTERY. SUBARU THEN REPLACE BATTERY UNDER WARRANTY ON 11/05/2020. THE BATTERY WAS NOT EVEN 1 YEAR OLD WHEN IT WAS REPLACED. TODAY ON 01/29/2021 IT HAPPENED AGAIN WHILE DRIVING. LUCKY BOTH TIMES I WAS NOT TRAVELING AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED LIKE ON A HEY. I WAS ABLE TO PULL OFF ON THE SIDE STREET. NOW I'M WAITING FOR A TOW TRUCK TO TOW MY VEHICLE TO THE SUBARU DEALERSHIP.
Jan 29, 2021
I HAVE A 2016 SUBARU OUTBACK PURCHASED SEPTEMBER 2019 LAST YEAR REPLACED THE BATTERY, YESTERDAY THE CAR WOULD NOT STRAT. JUMP IT GOT IT TO THE SHOP AND THEY SHOWED THE BATTERY, & ALTERNATOR WERE GOOD. I SREACHED AND SEEN SEVERAL COMPLAINTS THE ARE THE SAME ON 2016 TO 2020. WE NEED A RECALL.
Jan 19, 2021
BATTERY DIES UNEXPECTEDLY WITHIN A FEW MINUTES OF THE VEHICLE OFF AND IN ACCESSORY MODE ONLY (I.E. CAR OFF, RADIO OR LIGHTS ON). VEHICLE WILL NOT START WITHOUT JUMP FROM BATTERY PACK OR ANOTHER VEHICLE. CAR WILL NOT EVEN CRANK BUT WILL ONLY MAKE A CLICKING NOISE. OCCASIONALLY, ENGINE TIMING WILL BE AFFECTED AFTER JUMP AND MISFIRES WILL OCCUR CAUSING VEHICLE TO RUN VERY ROUGH UNTIL RESTARTED, AT WHICH POINT ELECTRICAL SYSTEM SEEMS TO RESET ITSELF. TO DATE, DEALER HAS FOUND NO DIRECT CAUSE FOR THE PROBLEM (I.E. NO PARASITIC DRAWS) BUT HAS REPLACED THE BATTERY (WHICH ARE UNDER WARRANTY) MULTIPLE TIMES. PROBLEM HAS OCCURRED NUMEROUS TIMES SINCE IT WAS PURCHASED IN LATE 2015.
Aug 06, 2020
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES
3 complaints
UPON SLOWING DOWN & PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE, TO PARK MY CAR IN FRONT OF A BUSINESS, MY VEHICLE SPONTANEOUSLY ACCELERATED FORWARD, UP OVER THE SIDEWALK. THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED A 2ND TIME AS I TRIED TO STOP THE VEHICLE WITH THE BRAKES. THE VEHICLE DID NOT STOP UNTIL IT IMPACTED THE WALL OF THE BUILDING.
Jan 07, 2021
THE SUBARU EYESIGHT SYSTEM IS DANGEROUS. I'VE HAD TWO INSTANCES WHERE THE VEHICLE ACTIVATED THE FORWARD-COLLISION WARNING AND STARTED TO BREAK FOR REASONS UNKNOWN TO ME. ONCE WAS IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION. FORTUNATELY, THE CARS BEHIND ME WERE NOT TOO CLOSE TO REAR END ME. THIS HAPPENED AROUND 2 P.M. IN THE MIDDLE OF SUMMER WITH THE SUN BEHIND THE VEHICLE. I BROUGHT THE VEHICLE IN FOR RECALL WORK TO THE LOCAL SUBARU DEALERSHIP SEVERAL MONTHS LATER AND ASKED THEM TO PULL ANY RELEVANT DATA FOR THE TWO INCIDENTS. BY THEN, THE SYSTEM CLEARED THOSE TWO EVENTS. THE DEALER SAID I SHOULD PURCHASE A VIDEO CAMERA AND RUN IT IN THE CAR WHILE DRIVING TO CAPTURE ANY FALSE ALARMS IN ORDER TO HELP THEM TROUBLESHOOT IT AS ACCORDING TO THEM THE SYSTEM DOES NOT CAPTURE ANY VIDEO/IMAGE DATA WHEN IT RECORDS AN EVENT. THIS IS ABSOLUTELY OUTRAGEOUS. SUBARU HAS CAMERAS IN THE EYESIGHT SYSTEM AND FLASH MEMORY TO STORE DATA IN - STORING AN IMAGE SNAPSHOT IS NOT OVERLY STORAGE INTENSIVE, AND YET I AM SUPPOSED TO INVEST SEVERAL HUNDRED DOLLARS IN AN INDEPENDENT VIDEO CAMERA TO HELP SUBARU DEBUG THEIR SYSTEM. THE DEALERSHIP SUGGESTED NOT USING EYESIGHT ON SUNNY DAYS WHERE THE CAMERA COULD BE BLINDED BY THE SUN. HELLO - I LIVE IN NEVADA, IT'S SUNNY HERE OVER 300 DAYS PER YEAR. THIS WOULD MAKE THE EYESIGHT SYSTEM PRACTICALLY USELESS AND I'LL LOSE CRUISE CONTROL. HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO KNOW WHEN IT'S TOO SUNNY FOR THE SYSTEM THAT IT WILL MALFUNCTION?
Nov 17, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL TO STOP THE VEHICLE, IT ACCELERATED AND BRAKED INDEPENDENTLY. THE FAILURE RECURRED VARIOUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHERE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS UNDETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,300. THE VIN WAS NOT PROVIDED.
Apr 25, 2016
POWER TRAIN,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
3 complaints
1ST OCCURRENCE: WHILE DRIVING ON A COUNTY ROAD, ALL WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON. BROUGHT VEHICLE BACK TO DEALER, DEALER REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION. *TR
Nov 27, 2016
LESS THAN 1 WEEK LATER, 2ND OCCURRENCE: WHILE DRIVING ON INTERSTATE, ALL WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON AND VEHICLE SUDDENLY LOST FORWARD MOVEMENT. VEHICLE WAS RUNNING BUT NOT ENGAGING ENOUGH TO PROPEL VEHICLE. TOWED TO DEALER, DEALER REPAIRED PILOT PIN IN TRANSMISSION. *TR
Nov 27, 2016
3RD OCCURRENCE: WHILE DRIVING ON A STATE HIGHWAY, VEHICLE JERKED, ALL WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON AND VEHICLE LOST MOVEMENT WITH RESISTANCE. TOWED TO DEALER. *TR
Nov 27, 2016
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
2 complaints
Exhaust gas smells in the driver cabin and the exhaust shield and the pipe is breaking off.
May 16, 2025
My car spontaneously burst into flames after I parked it. I had left the car parked and locked in a parking lot next to a rental house and went in to prepare dinner. 20 minutes later my friends arrived at the scene and alerted us to the fact that my car was engulfed in flames. It seems that the fire originated in the engine somehow, but exactly what started it is unclear. There was no accident or collision, and no foul play. Security cameras in the area couldn't see much, but indicate that the vehicle burst into flames pretty much just after I had left it parked and locked.
Jan 31, 2022
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
2 complaints
The contact owns a 2016 Subaru Outback. The contact stated while the vehicle was occupied and parked at residence and attempting to start the vehicle, there was an abnormal sound coming from the underneath the vehicle. The contact stated while driving at various speeds there was exhaust fumes entering the cabin of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that front exhaust manifold connected to the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the technician inspected the vehicle and became aware that the exhaust pipe was rusted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The manufacturer informed the contact that there were no recalls associated with the VIN. The contact related the failure to a Service Program Bulletin: WUJ-95R (Exhaust Pipe Front (EPF) Bellows Cracking); however, the VIN was not included in the bulletin. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 171,000.
Apr 11, 2025
I AM CONCERNED ABOUT THE TOXIC CHEMICALS THAT MAY HAVE BEEN USED ON THE PLASTICS INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE "NEW CAR SMELL" IS ESPECIALLY FRAGRANT, AND AFTER SITTING IN THE CAR FOR LESS THAN FIVE MINUTES, I DEVELOP A METALLIC TASTE IN MY MOUTH THAT LINGERS, EVEN IF I HAVE LEFT THE CAR. IT CAN LINGER FOR HOURS. I AM TAKING MEASURES TO WIPE OFF CHEMICALS THAT MAY RELEASE DURING A HOT DAY/OPEN THE WINDOWS, ETC. THIS SMELL IS SO INTENSE, HOWEVER, THAT THE TASTE IN MY MOUTH AND THE MOUTHS OF MY FAMILY MEMBERS, IS ALMOST UNBEARABLE AT TIMES. I AM CONCERNED FOR OUR HEALTH, FOR THE TOXIC GASES WE MAY BE BREATHING IN AND EVEN COMING IN CONTACT WITH. WE HAVE OWNED THE CAR SINCE APRIL 2016 (ABOUT TWO MONTHS) AND THERE IS NO SIGN OF IT GETTING BETTER. I HAVE READ THAT IT CAN TAKE UP TO 6 MONTHS FOR THE SMELL TO DIMINISH, BUT DOES THAT REALLY REDUCE THE AMOUNT OF HARMFUL CHEMICALS WE ARE BEING SUBJECTED TO? THANK YOU FOR YOUR ASSISTANCE. *TR
Jul 01, 2016
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
2 complaints
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.
Jul 26, 2024
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A TURN, THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED HESITATION WHILE THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONED AND THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED UNINTENDED DECELERATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE REPLICATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 10,000.
Sep 09, 2016
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,VISIBILITY/WIPER
2 complaints
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.
Jun 10, 2024
DRIVING TO WORK ON THE HIGHWAY AND THE WINDSHIELD JUST POPPED AND CRACKED. LITTLE SHARDS OF GLASS FLEW ONTO THE DASHBOARD. HAPPENED UNDER THE DRIVERS SIDE WIPER.
Oct 27, 2019
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
2 complaints
While driving on the highway at about 60mph my 2016 Outback suddenly accelerated much faster. The only way to avoid collision with another car or cars or end up in a ditch was to drive around them. The brake did not work! After a minute or more(?) I eventually was able to stop using the brake.
Jul 10, 2023
EYESIGHT TECHNOLOGY WARNING SHOWED INOPERABLE ALONG WITH LANE DEPARTURE AND FRONT END COLLISION AVOIDANCE SYSTEM. THE CAR HAD BEEN RUNNING LESS THAN 3 MINUTES AFTER OVER 24 . PULLED OVER CALLED DEALER WHO ATTEMPTED TO WALK ME THROUGH RESET. UNSUCCESSFUL NO AVAILABILITY FOR SERVICE SO SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT 3 DAYS LATER. CAR WARNING LIGHTS CLEARED ON THEIR OWN. SHOWED ADVISOR EMAIL FROM AUTO MESS. FROM SUBARU INDICATING WARNING LIGHT WAS AN ISSUE. WAS TOLD CODE WOULD BE CHECKED BUT SUBARU WAS AWARE OF THE ISSUE WHEN SOME CARS WERE OVERHEATED. DEALERSHIP WAS ADVISED TO CLEAR THE CODE AND SEND PEOPLE ON THEIR WAY. NO CODES REGISTERED AT ALL IN THE SYSTEM AND WHEN I LET THEM KNOW THAT CAR WAS ABSOLUTELY NOT OVERHEATED, I WAS TOLD THERE WAS NOTHING THAT COULD BE DONE BECAUSE SUBARU KNOWS THAT WHEN CARS OVERHEAT IT SOMETIMES HAPPENS. NOTHING COULD BE DONE BUT THE GREATER CONCERN IS THAT THEIR PREMISE OF WHEN THE ISSUE IS OCCURRING IS INACCURATE AT LEAST IN OUR CAR'S CASE AND IT DID NOT APPEAR, DUE TO THE REPETITION OF THE COMPANY CONTENTION THAT OVERHEATING WAS THE CAUSE OF THE ISSUE NOR WERE THEY WILLING TO ENTERTAIN ANY OTHER SCENARIO THAN THAT WHICH SUBARU ALREADY DECIDED. SPOKE WITH SUBARU OF AMERICA WHO 7/10/17 CUSTOMER SERVICE WHO STATED NOT AWARE OF ANY ISSUES BUT WOULD LOOK IN TO IT. BY THE END OF DAY 7.13.17.
Jul 10, 2017
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE
2 complaints
At low rate of speed, while parking vehicle accelerated without warning and damaged 3 cars . This happened previously with separate family drivers without damage. This is a serious defect and could potentially cause serious injury or death. This was not driver error. the car lurched forward with absolutely no gas pedal involvement. The previous times it happened at a stoplight with enough room in front to hit the brake. Not this time.
Apr 11, 2023
WHILE SITTING STILL AT A RED LIGHT WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE AND THE GEAR IN DRIVE, THE CAR WILL SUDDENLY LURCH FORWARD SEVERAL FEET. IT HAPPENS WITH SUCH FORCE THAT IT FEELS LIKE I WAS REAR-ENDED. THIS HAS HAPPENED OCCASIONALLY SINCE I PURCHASED THE CAR IN JANUARY 2016. ALWAYS WHEN AT A FULL STOP ON FLAT AND SLOPED SURFACES. AT FIRST I THOUGHT IT ONLY HAPPENED WHEN THE AC WAS ON, BUT IT HAS HAPPENED WITH THE AC OFF. *TR
May 16, 2020
POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
2 complaints
Subaru dealer diagnosed oil leaks on the valve cover gaskets. I took the car to an independent repair business and the problem was diagnosed as a camshaft carrier oil leak. Upon removing the necessary parts, the company reported to me they found chunks of silicone around the carrier. I first noticed a smell of something burning after Subaru had done an oil change about 2 months prior. I was also getting the Check Oil lamp about 2 months after the oil change. It was losing oil. That’s when I had Subaru diagnose the problem. The loss of oil could have started a fire. Parts are available for inspection.
Feb 20, 2023
2.12 FEBRUARY 2021, VEHICLE MILAGE APPROACHING 42,000. TRAVELING FROM MAZAMA WA TO SEATTLE VIA WA HWY 20, US 97 AND I-90, TRAVELED +/- 200 MILES. TEMPERATURE RANGES FROM 10F TO 20F. TRAVELING WEST ON I-90 +/-50 MPH, LANES CLEAR, SNOW IN BETWEEN LANES. NEW MICHELIN TIRES ON ALL 4 WHEELS. HOLDING THE SPEED CONSTANT FOLLOWING 18-WHEEL RIG. SUBARU STARTED WOBBLING AS IF ONE OF THE TIRES WAS GOING FLAT. TRIED ACCELERATING AND SLOWING TO DETERMINE IF THIS WAS FRONT OR BACK TIRE. DETERMINED IT MUST BE A REAR TIRE. NO LOW-PRESSURE INDICATION ON THE INSTRUMENT GAGES (I HAVE HAD TIRE WARNING DURING SUMMER DRIVING AND FOUND A NAIL IN TIRE). NEXT OFF RAMP CHECKED ALL 4 TIRES, ALL APPEARED TO BE THE SAME IN APPEARANCE. RESUMED TRAVEL. DURING ACCELERATION AND DE-ACCELERATING NO DIFFERENTIAL SWAY. WHEN CONSTANT SPEED MAINTAINED AROUND 50 MPH SWAYING OCCURRED UN TO WE REACHED THE WEST SIDE OF SNOQUALMIE PASS AND THE TEMPERATURE WAS INTO THE 30'S. LAST YEAR WHEN HAVING VEHICLE SERVICED, I TOLD THE SERVICE CHECK-IN PERSON & A SUPERVISOR THE CAR WAS STALLING OUT WHEN HARD ACCELERATION DURING MERGING LEFT INTO HIGHWAY WHERE SPEED LIMIT WAS 50 MPH. THE CAR STALLED AND I KICKED THE ACCELERATOR. LUCKILY, THE CAR RESPONDED THE SUPERVISORS RESPONSE WAS 'THERE'S NO WAY THIS CAN HAPPEN'.
Feb 16, 2021
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,LANE DEPARTURE
2 complaints
Since we've owned the car it has gone through 3 batteries and the blind site and lane assist go on and off all the time. Windows lock. Dealership said there is nothing wrong with the car. My mother is 80 and we have kept the car in the garage most of the time unless it's a grocery trip. She has called my uncle twice this year to boost her because the car wouldn't start. We keep the car on a slow trickle charge and it doesn't make a difference. How are we suppose to sell this?
Sep 29, 2022
My battery dies often and doesn’t seem to hold a charge as long as a typica new car I’ve had to jump it 6 times in the last 8 months- Regarding the side marker lane assist- it has been diagnosed as a loose sensor and had been re adjusted by dealership multiple times but end up failing again a couple weeks later.
May 27, 2021
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
2 complaints
I bought this used 2016 Subaru Outback about a year and a half ago from McCords Vancouver Dealership. I've had the battery dying problem ever since I got it. I have had to call AAA for jump starts. I took the car into my mechanic because the "change warning light" had been on when I turned off the ignition the night before, and it was still blinking the next morning when I came out to start the car. He suggested that I go to Costco to get the battery replaced because it was down to only 22% efficient. They declined for several reasons. It wasn't the battery fault, it was the car! I am 92 years old and disabled. I can't get stuck on a freeway with a dead battery. I am still looking for someone to fix it. I bought this car because I assumed that a newer car would be more dependable. Boy was I wrong! I have already spent a lot of money trying to fix it. [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
May 01, 2022
THE CAR WAS PARKED IN THE GARAGE AND IT WAS ABOVE FREEZING. NONE OF THE LIGHTS HAD BEEN LEFT ON/DOORS OPEN... THE CAR DOESN'T HAVE A FOB KEPT TOO CLOSE... THE CAR WOULDN'T START. THIS ISN'T THE FIRST TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED AND WE'RE NOT SURE IF IT'S A BATTERY, ALTERNATOR, ELECTRICAL ISSUE OR WHAT. WE'VE HAD THE BATTERY REPLACED ONCE ALREADY. IT FIRST HAPPENED WITHIN A WEEK OF PURCHASING THE CAR IN 2017 IN THE SUMMER TIME, AND HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES SINCE WITHOUT EXCESSIVE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS IN USE.
Mar 30, 2021
STRUCTURE,VISIBILITY/WIPER
2 complaints
2016 SUBARU OUTBACK. A FOUR-INCH WAVY CRACK ON THE LEFT BOTTOM OF THE WINDSHIELD; A WEEK LATER ANOTHER CRACK OF ABOUT 6 INCHES APPEARED. THE CRACKS OCCURRED WITH THE SUBARU CAR IN MOTION ON A HIGHWAY.
Apr 23, 2021
WINDSHIELD SPONTANEOUSLY CRACKED. I HAVE DASHCAM FOOTAGE SHOWING BEFORE AND AFTER THE FORMATION OF THE CRACK. THERE WAS NO IMPACT OF ANY OBJECT TO CAUSE THE CRACK OVER ANY PERIOD OF TIME.
May 06, 2018
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
2 complaints
PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE 3/2019, STARTED HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE BATTERY DYING IN A FEW MONTHS, EVEN HAVING THE HATCH OPEN DURING CLEANING WOULD DRAIN THE BATTERY. WE WOULD JUMP IT WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE AND THE BATTERY WOULD DRAIN IN A FEW DAYS WHETHER WE USED THE VEHICLE OR NOT. I HAVE BEEN STRANDED ALONE IN NOT A SAFE ENVIRONMENT N MORE THAN ONE OCCASION. TOOK THE BATTERY IN TO BE CHECKED AND THEY SAID IT WAS FINE. PURCHASED A BATTERY TENDER AND WOULD LEAVE IT HOOKED UP AND THEN FINALLY THAT NO LONGER FUNCTIONED. HAD TO PURCHASE A NEW BATTERY. WE WILL SEE HOW LONG THIS ONE WILL LAST BEFORE THE SAME THING HAPPENS. SINCE WE LIVE FAR OUT OF TOWN WE RELY ON THIS CAR TO BE IN TIP TOP RUNNING ORDER FOR ANY EMERGENCIES WE MAY HAVE. NOT THE CASE, SORRY TO SAY, BUT I REALLY EXPECTED MORE FROM SUBARU AND RIGHTFULLY SO. THEY HAVE EARNED AN AMAZING REPUTATION SO SURPRISED THEY KNOW ABOUT THE PROBLEM AND WON'T FIX IT.
Oct 26, 2020
MY CAR REQUIRED 2 REPAIRS 5 WEEKS APART OF THE WIRING BUNDLE CONTROLLING THE FOG LIGHTS AND LOW OIL LEVEL SENSOR DUE TO A CRITTER CHEWING THE BUNDLE WHILE IT WAS PARKED. I NOW HAVE BOUNCE LAUNDRY SHEETS STUFFED AROUND THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AT THE SUGGESTION OF THE DEALER; THEY SEE THIS OFTEN FROM CARS OUT OF THE MOUNTAINS.
Nov 08, 2015
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
2 complaints
DRIVING ON HIGHWAY IN 18F WEATHER WITH LIGHT SNOW AND PREVIOUSLY PLOWED ROAD. NO ISSUES DRIVING AROUND 50-60 MPH UNTIL PASSING UNDER A HIGHWAY OVERPASS. THE CAR TURNED INTO THE OTHER LANE AND THEN CORRECTED ITSELF. THIS KEPT ON HAPPENING AT ALMOST EVERY OVERPASS WE WENT UNDER. SLOWING DOWN REDUCED THE DEGREE OF VEERING BUT WE KEPT EXPERIENCING THE WOBBLE EFFECT AS WE CROSSED UNDER EACH OVERPASS. ALMOST LIKE THE TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM WAS "SLOW IN RESPONDING". TOOK TO THE DEALER BUT THEY REPORTED THAT THEY COULD NOT FIND ANY ISSUES WITH THE VEHICLE. DEALER SUGGESTED I BRING THE CAR IN AND HAVE A TECH RIDE WITH ME NEXT TIME THERE IS A SIMILAR WEATHER PATTERN.
Jan 23, 2018
I JUST PICKED UP AND DROVE HOME. THE DRIVER MIRROR ALWAYS DETECTED - EVERY TIME. THE PASSENGER SIDE WOULD NOT ALWAYS DETECT , MAYBE MISSING 20-25%,EVEN SOME LARGE TRUCKS, I DID BRING BACK TO DEALER TWICE BUT THEY SAID CAN NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. THAT MADE ME NERVOUS IN THAT "THE TECHNOLOGY MIGHT LEAD TO AN ACCIDENT ,NOW THE CAR WAS 3200 MILES AND NOT WORK AT ALL WHEN I DROVE FROM MY HOUSE TO WORK THIS MORNING FROM RENTON TO REDMOND ON 405 WITH AVERAGE 50 MILE PER HOURS
Nov 18, 2015
AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
2 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2016 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY EXPERIENCED UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. THE DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO A UTILITY POLE. THE FRONT END WAS SEVERELY DAMAGED AND THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED; HOWEVER, THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 4,000. UPDATED 08/09/17*LJ UPDATED 10/13/2017*JS
Jun 08, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS SECURED IN PARK WITH THE EMERGENCY BRAKE ENGAGED, THE VEHICLE LUNGED FORWARD INDEPENDENTLY WHEN THE BRAKE WAS RELEASED. THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE DRIVER THEN SHIFTED INTO REVERSE AND THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY IN REVERSE. THE DRIVER SHIFTED INTO DRIVE AND THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY ACCELERATED FORWARD AGAIN AND CRASHED INTO THE SIDE OF A BUILDING. THE VEHICLE JUMPED A CURB AND CRASHED INTO A TREE COMING TO A STOP. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, BUT WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY THE DEALER; HOWEVER, A DIAGNOSTIC TEST SHOWED NO FAULT CODES. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,100.
Sep 09, 2016
WHEELS
2 complaints
WHILE DRIVING ON THE LEFTIST LANE (FOUR-LANE IN TOTAL) OF A BUSY HIGHWAY, I SUDDENLY FELT THAT MY CAR LOST BALANCE AND RAN TOWARD/ALONG THE GUARDRAIL IN THE MIDDLE OF HIGHWAY, WHICH SLOWED MY CAR IN SEVERAL SECONDS AND SAVED MY LIFE. LATER I FOUND THAT MY LEFT FRONT WHEEL WAS TOTALLY GONE (NOT ONLY THE TIRE, BUT ALSO THE WHOLE WHEEL SYSTEM). SEE MY PHOTOS TAKEN ON THE SCENE. IT WAS A CLEAR DAY WITH GREAT VISIBILITY AND THERE WERE MANY CARS ON THE HIGHWAY. THE ROAD WAS DRY, STRAIGHT AND SMOOTH, WITH ONLY GUARDRAILS IN THE MIDDLE OF HIGHWAY AND NO CONCRETE DIVIDENDS. THERE WAS NOTHING ON THE ROAD THAT I CAN HIT FIRST BEFORE THE WHEEL CAME OFF. THE AIRBAG WAS NOT ON. I DID NOTHING WRONG (NO CITATION AND TICKET). THIS IS A BRAND NEW CAR I BOUGHT JUST 20 DAYS AGO. HOW COULD A BRAND NEW CAR LOSE ONE WHEEL WHILE DRIVING WITHIN 20 DAYS OF PURCHASE? THIS MIGHT INDICATE A MECHANICAL PROBLEM OR A DEFECT WITH THE CAR. OF COURSE, SUBARU DENIED NOTHING WRONG WITH THE CAR. FOR A TERRIBLE ACCIDENT LIKE THIS, I COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED. A THOROUGH INVESTIGATION WILL HELP TO SAVE LIVES.
Mar 16, 2016
BRIDGESTONE DUELER H/P SPORT AS 225/60R18 100H M&S D97WBZ. THESE ARE VERY DANGEROUS TIRES THAT CAME WITH BRAND NEW SUBARU. TERRIBLE ICE/SNOW TRACTION. SHOULD BE BETTER QUALITY ON AWD CAR. HAD TO BUY NEW MICHELINS WITH 55 MILES ON CAR.
Feb 19, 2016
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
1 complaint
Steering wheel controls frequently fail to work properly on the cruise control system specially the speed control. Also the exhaust system bellow has cracked. The moonroof leaks into the cabin and floor area of the passenger side. Also leaking into the A pillar on the passenger side. I only have a picture of the engine valve cover that is leaking and had to be replaced. I have video of the exhaust leak coming from the crack in the bellow pipe. Do not have video of the cruise control speed issues as I can’t take a video while driving.
Oct 27, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ENGINE
1 complaint
The contact owns a 2016 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that there was an exhaust odor entering into the cabin of the vehicle, which was most noticeable when the heater was activated. The contact stated that while the vehicle was idling, there was an abnormally loud sound as if the exhaust was releasing in large amount of fumes. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to the emissions and was related to NHTSA ID Number: 10182196 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Equipment, Equipment Adaptive/Mobility). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not covered under NHTSA ID Number: 10182196 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Equipment, Equipment Adaptive/Mobility) or under warranty. The manufacturer opened a case and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
May 13, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,LANE DEPARTURE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
1 complaint
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.
Jul 10, 2024
VISIBILITY/WIPER,BACK OVER PREVENTION
1 complaint
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.
Jul 05, 2024
LANE DEPARTURE,BACK OVER PREVENTION
1 complaint
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.
Jun 09, 2024
STRUCTURE,ENGINE
1 complaint
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.
Apr 09, 2024
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
I was in a parking lot at a near-complete stop. I needed to nose the car about 18 inches to move it all the way into the spot. I lightly touched the accelerator to inch the car forward, and it shot forward as if some outside force had stomped on the accelerator. The car jumped the sidewalk and slammed into the wall of the building. The car inner body bent and the car is totaled. The airbags did not inflate. The passenger in the passenger seat sustained a fractured sternum and two broken ribs from going into the seatbelt. The driver sustained a sore neck and dizziness.
Jan 27, 2023
STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
The rear passenger side child lock will not disengage. The child lock is engaged when the dog is in the back seat and disengaged otherwise. The lock was engaged once and will not disengage. If adults are riding in the back seat and there is an emergency, they are limited to the driver's side to exit. If the driver's side child lock mechanism fails, they will be forced to rely on someone to open the door from the outside. I feel this is a massive safety concern and could be potentially dangerous.
Aug 31, 2022
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
This incident occurred on Friday July 29, 2022 @ 5pm. I was pulling into a parking space while my foot was on the brake I proceeded to put the car in park when the car suddenly lunged forward into the concrete patio of the Market/Store. I was in disbelief at what just happened. I would happily make my car available for inspection. I want to find out what is wrong with the car. I believe this could happen again and I am fearful for my life and the lives of others. I was so lucky that the table and chairs were roped off that evening for some reason. People could have been sitting or walking there at the time of this incident. This incident has not been reproduced or confirmed by the dealer or independent service center. I brought the car to the Subaru dealer for them to do a diagnostic test and any other things needed to give me some answers & repairs. I was told no issues were found. They also told me they would like to have my car for a week so they could drive it & do more test. I asked for a loaner and they said they could not do that. I can’t afford to rent a car for a week. And I feel they will come back to me with the same answer of not being able to find an issue. I have had this car for almost 3 years and I park by putting my foot on the brake and then shift into park. There was a malfunction! What it was I don’t know. But I do know something went very wrong with the vehicle. There was never any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to this failure.
Aug 01, 2022
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
on 2/8/22 I brought my car in for service to an independent repair shop. The service was for the 120k standard service. I had been noticing exhaust smells. They checked the exhaust and found "exhaust leak from center exhaust flange, and exhaust leave from exhaust manifold". They recommended a complete replacement of the exhaust manifold "under Subaru recall". They printed the recall for me. It is WUJ-95. Which recalls 2015-2016 outbacks for this issue. When I contacted the dealer they indicated my vehicle was not under this recall. Subaru Customer care indicated the same as did your website. Subaru said that the recall was initiated by NHTSA and that until NHTSA indicated my vehicle was included in the recall they would not repair it. My vehicle has exactly the same issue as what was found for the recall. The only thing I can assume is that my actual 2016 Subaru outback was manufactured after 9/30/15. I cannot find the exact date of manufacture so cannot tell if that is the issue. However, that actual manufacture date should not be controlling as my 2016 outback has exactly the same issue as the recall. If 2016 outbacks manufactured after 9/30/15 have this same issue they should be included in this recall. I am asking you to review this issue and include my vehicle in the recall.
Feb 11, 2022
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
1 complaint
I OWN A 2016 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40:MPH ON A LOCAL MAIN ROAD (CT RTE 10) THE EYESIGHT PRE-COLLISION BRAKE ASSIST SUDDENLY ACTIVATED AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO COMPLETELY STOP. THE BRAKES THEN RELEASED AND I WAS ABLE TO CONTINUE DRIVING. THIS IS THE SECOND INCIDENT WITH IN A MONTH THAT THIS HAS HAPPENED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 104,000 THERE WERE NO PRIOR WARNING LIGHTS OR ENGINE LIGHTS ON. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN INSPECTED BY THE DEALER. THIS SUDDEN STOPPING CAN CAUSE AN ACCIDENT.
Jan 23, 2022
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
1 complaint
The contact owns a 2016 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while stationary or while in motion, the tailgate would independently open without warning. The contact stated that due to the failure, the battery was drained. The vehicle was towed to a dealer. The dealer was unable to duplicate or diagnose the cause of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was filed; the contact was referred to NHTSA for further assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.
Dec 13, 2021
SEAT BELTS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
Incident occurred on Interstate 25 Northbound at approximately mm 190. My speed was approximately 70 mph. Weather was dry and about 70 degrees. I was in the next to left lane in 4 lanes of traffic. The moonroof on my 2016 Subaru Outback exploded violently sending glass outward into traffic. I had never heard of this phenomena so when I saw black material from the top of my car going into traffic I thought it was pieces of my roof rack. I pulled over to the shoulder to examine my car and saw a massive hole in the moonroof. Knowing that if I continued shards of glass would continue to be expelled onto the interstate I pulled the remaining pieces of glass into the interior of the car. Not that it mattered, that's where they fell anyway when I opened the moonroof. The pieces of the moonroof fell into the slots for the seatbelts, rendering the drivers side inoperable. It was a miracle that no other car was seriously impacted and that I was able to get home safely. Subaru and any other car manufacturer that is involved with this problem needs to be held accountable for the damages and remedial repairs. This problem should be addressed by the NHTSA immediately.
Aug 22, 2021
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
Unable to turn key to off position when in neutral and unable to remove key from the ignition. In order to get the key out of the ignition, the car needs to be restarted and turned back off or the gear shift needs to be pushed as hard as possible into the neutral position multiple times. With the inability to turn the car totally off and remove the key, there are multiple safety issues that can arise. Was informed that the entire select lever assembly needs to be replaced due to a known issue by Subaru. The issue was reproduced by an independent service center. No warning lamps are illuminated.
Aug 13, 2021
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SEAT BELTS,ENGINE
1 complaint
My Outback lost AC/Heat and even after repair at an Outback dealership, it still goes out intermittently. My car battery seems to drain for no reason at all, without any consistency to the drainage of power either. I have it looked at, and the dealership said there isn’t a cause and there isn’t anything that can be done. Back rear door doesn’t lock and unlock with the key fob designation; sets off the alarm when we don’t pay attention to it. Hatch door only lifts about 14 inches upon designation. Has to be manually lifted the rest of the way. Has been fixed once at a dealership, but since returned to the aforementioned diagnosis.
Jul 22, 2021
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,VISIBILITY/WIPER
1 complaint
The adjustment of the passenger side side view mirror has malfunctioned. The mirror can not be adjusted properly for visibility of cars to the side of the vehicle. Only the driver-side window is operable. All other windows fail to open from the driver side control. The passenger window will no longer operate from the passenger side either. These windows would have to be broken in order to escape the vehicle in some situations (flooding). My mechanic says that this is a common problem in 2016 Subaru Outbacks. No warning lights were activated. A mirror not able to be adjusted for optimum sighting of other vehicles is surely a safety issue.
Jul 19, 2021
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,ENGINE
1 complaint
My 2016 Subaru OUTBACK has experienced 6 separate incidents where my vehicle battery was inexplicably drained, and hence the entire electrical system was shut down. I was unable to start it without an external boost in each occasion. Fortunately these incidents posed no safety threat to me or others as the car was parked at my home, or in a parking lot. Unfortunately, the problem has not been reproduced or confirmed by my Subaru Dealer, Gillman, in Schertz, TX although extensive diagnostics were performed on 2 occasions by Gillman. My OUTBACK has not been inspected by manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives. There were no warning lamps illuminated because of a total electrical failure, and no other symptoms of the problem prior to the 6 failures. The dates for the 5 incidents of total electrical failure are the following: (1) 6/18/2018 at 1240 Kahili Street, Kailua, HI. AAA replaced my original Subaru battery (I do not have original AAA receipt, but other documentation) (2) 10/13/2018 at 1240 Kahili Street, Kailua, HI. AAA replaced my battery. (3) 9/16/2019 at 306 FM 621, San Marcos, TX. AAA replaced my battery. (4) 7/27/2020 at 648 Sydney Circle, New Braunfels, TX. AAA replaced my battery. (5) 9/5/2020 at 648 Sydney Circle, New Braunfels, TX. AAA replaced by battery. (6) 10/7/2020 at 648 Sydney Circle, New Braunfels, TX. Gillman Subaru removed an aftermarket device for corrosion protection installed by SERVCO Subaru, Honolulu.
May 25, 2021
POWER TRAIN,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,ENGINE
1 complaint
COMPLETE DRAINING OF BATTERY JUST SITTING THERE FOR NO REASON... WE SEE THIS IS AN ENORMOUS PROBLEM WITH OUTBACKS, AND WE HAVE ONE WITH GREAT PROBLEMS LEAVING US STRANDED !
May 15, 2021
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY/WIPER
1 complaint
BATTERY IS DRAINED WHILE PARKED.
May 15, 2021
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
I LEFT MY HOME TO GO GET GAS A FEW MINUTES AWAY. AFTER I FILLED UP AT THE PUMP, MY CAR WOULD NOT START. I TRIED SEVERAL TIMES, AND ASKED A GAS STATION ATTENDANT FOR HELP. HE SAID IT SOUNDED LIKE THE BATTERY OR ALTERNATOR. I WAS ABLE TO GET THE CAR INTO NEUTRAL, AND HE PUSHED MY CAR BACK INTO A PARKING SPOT SO I COULD CALL SOMEONE FOR A JUMP. HOWEVER, WITHIN THE FEW MINUTES OF TRYING TO START MY CAR AND BEING PUSHED, THE BATTERY DRAINED SO QUICKLY THAT THE CAR WAS COMPLETELY DEAD AND INOPERABLE. I COULD NOT GET THE CAR BACK INTO PARK, AND THE ELECTRONIC PARKING BRAKE DIDN'T WORK EITHER BECAUSE THERE WAS ABSOLUTELY NO ELECTRICITY LEFT IN THE CAR. THIS COULD NOT HAVE BEEN HAVE BEEN ANY LONGER THAN A 5 MINUTE TIMESPAN. THE PARKING SPOT I WAS IN HAD A SLIGHT SLOPE TO IT, SO SINCE I COULDN'T PUT THE CAR IN PARK OR USE THE EMERGENCY BRAKE, I HAD TO KEEP MY FOOT PRESSED ON THE BRAKE PEDAL UNTIL SOMEONE ARRIVED TO HELP ME. I COULD NOT GET OUT OF THE CAR TO EVEN CHECK UNDER THE HOOD. LUCKILY I HAD A PASSENGER THAT COULD GET OUT AND ASSIST, ESPECIALLY SINCE I COULDN'T OPEN ANY WINDOWS EITHER. WHEN HELP ARRIVED, THEY WERE ABLE TO JUMP THE CAR SO I COULD DRIVE BACK HOME. HAD I BEEN ALONE THOUGH, I WOULD HAVE BEEN COMPLETELY OUT OF LUCK - I WOULD HAVE BEEN STUCK IN THE CAR PRESSING THE BRAKE, OR RISK GETTING OUT AND HAVING THE CAR ROLL AWAY. IT WAS AN INCREDIBLY DANGEROUS SITUATION - I CANNOT BELIEVE THE POWER COULD DRAIN SO QUICKLY TO THE POINT THAT I COULDN'T EVEN PARK THE CAR. I PURCHASED A NEW BATTERY AFTERWARDS, BUT I'M NOT EVEN SURE THAT WAS THE PROBLEM. I'VE NEVER SEEN A BATTERY DRAIN SO QUICKLY - IT ALMOST SEEMS LIKE MORE OF AN ELECTRICAL ISSUE WITH THE CAR.
May 14, 2021
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,WHEELS
1 complaint
THIS VEHICLE IS 5 YEARS OLD. THE FIRST BATTERY LASTED 4 YEARS. THE SECOND BATTERY WAS DEAD IN 10 MONTHS. NOW WE WILL TRY A THIRD. IN LOOKING UP OTHER DRIVERS COMMENTS, THIS IS A KNOWN PRODUCT PROBLEM. THERE IS A TECHNICAL BULLETIN OUT ABOUT THIS, BUT IT DOESN'T DO ANYTHING TO FIX THE PROBLEM. THERE IS ALSO A KNOW TIRE WEARING PROBLEM. I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THOSE, 3 TIMES. I HAVE 92000 MILES. I HAVE REPLACED THEM WITH MICHELIN TWICE. GOOD FOR 60,000. LUCKY TO GET 30,000 ON THEM. TWICE NOW BECAUSE OF THE BATTERY, I HAVE BEEN STRANDED. THIS LAST TIME, I WAS AT MY VACATION HOME, ONLY ONE OTHER PERSON IN THE AREA. LUCKILY THEY HAD JUMPER CABLES, AND JUMPED THE CAR AND FOLLOWED ME TO THE AUTO STORE. THE FIRST TIME I MISSED WORK, AND HAD TO WAIT TILL MY HUSBAND CAME HOME TO GIVE MY CAR A JUMP. BOTH TIMES, THE CAR WAS SITTING OVERNIGHT.
Apr 15, 2021
POWER TRAIN,AIR BAGS,BACK OVER PREVENTION
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HIS WIFE HAD ATTEMPTED TO PARK THE VEHICLE, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY ACCELERATED WHILE AT A COMPLETE STOP. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE JUMPED A CURB AND HIT A TREE; HOWEVER, HIS WIFE WAS UNSURE IF ANY WARNING LIGHTS HAD ILLUMINATED DURING THE FAILURE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY UPON IMPACT AND THE CONTACT'S WIFE WAS NOT INJURED. THE POLICE WERE CALLED TO THE SCENE; HOWEVER, THE CONTACT WAS UNAWARE IF A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. DUE TO THE FAILURE, THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED FOR THE DAMAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT PRIOR TO THE FAILURE, THE VEHICLE WAS PLACED UNDER RECALL NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V794000 (POWER TRAIN) WHERE IT WAS SERVICED BY NORTH END SUBARU(757 CHASE RD, LUNENBURG, MA 01462). THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER HAD YET TO BE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 44,343.
Apr 08, 2021
STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
KEY GETS STUCK ON IGNITION SWITCH WHEN I TURN CAR OFF AND PUT IT IN PARK. KEY WILL NOT RELEASE FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. IT TAKES SEVERAL MINUTES, SOME TIMES UP TO 20 MINUTES FOR THE KEY TO RELEASE FROM THE COLUMN. VEHICLE NEEDS TO BE STARTED AND TURNED OFF SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE KEY RELEASES. THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING FOR A FEW WEEKS NOW, VERY FRUSTRATING AND DANGEROUS AS HAVING TO START AND STOP THE VEHICLE HAS DRAINED THE BATTERY TWICE NOW AND I HAVE HAD TO GET THE VEHICLE JUMP STARTED. HOPEFULLY THIS DOES NOT HAPPEN IN THE MIDDLE OF NO WHERE.....
Feb 01, 2021
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
SINCE PURCHASING VEHICLE ON 6/16/2016 WE HAVE HAD A RECURRING PROBLEM WITH DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW ENGAGING THE AUTO-REVERSING (ANTI-ENTRAPMENT) FEATURE CAUSING AN INABILITY TO CLOSE WINDOW. WE HAVE MENTIONED THIS ISSUE TO DEALERSHIP NUMEROUS TIMES SOMETIMES DOCUMENTED, SOMETIMES NOT. THEY RESET SWITCH, ONLY FOR THE PROBLEM TO RETURN. ON OUR LAST VISIT6/31/2020 WE WERE TOLD THERE WAS A TSB (12-272-19R) BUT WE WOULD BE CHARGED $276.22 FOR THE REPAIR. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND SHOULD BE COVERED. WE ALSO PURCHASED AN EXTENDED WARRANTY FOR $2547.00 GOOD UNTIL 6/16/2026 OR 126000 MILES AND WERE TURNED DOWN ON COVERAGE FROM THEM AS WELL.
Aug 04, 2020
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
MY 2016 SUBARU OUTBACK ALL OF SUDDEN HAD WARNING LIGHTS SUCH AS: BRAKE, ABS, AND STABILITY TRACTION CONTROL POPPED UP ON THE DASHBOARD WHEN THE CAR WAS IN PARK ANS WHEN I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND WILL NOT GO AWAY. IT HAS MADE MY STEERING WHEEL REALLY HARD TO TURN.
Aug 04, 2020
POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
NOTICING WHEN I PARK MY CAR THE KEY WON'T RELEASE FROM IGNITION SWITCH WHEN CAR LEVER IS SET IN "P" POSITION. AS I PUSH IN AND TURN THE KEY FROM START TO LOCK THE KEY WILL STAY ACC POSITION WON'T GO INTO LOCK.
Oct 16, 2019
STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
1 complaint
I HAD AN ACCIDENT @ 5PM-ENTERING A BUSY ROAD FROM A DRIVEWAY-HIT THE SIDE DOOR OF A CAR RACING LEFTTORIGHT IN FRONT OF ME. MY FAULT OF COURSE. I HEARD NO BEEP WARNING FROM THE SO-CALLED COLLISION MITIGATION SYSEM (?), NOR DID I FEEL ANY BRAKING. SUBSEQUENTLY I TESTED THIS FEATURE IN MY DRIVEWAY WHERE I SLOWLY DROVE THE CAR FORWARD TOWARD MY LARGE GARAGE, I WOULD HAVE HIT THE GARAGE-NO BEEP-NO BRAKING. THEN, IN A SNOW STORM, I HAD TO BRAKE SOASTO NOT HIT A LARGE TRUCK SKIDDING IN FRONT OF ME. I MISSED HITTING HIM BY INCHES. AGAIN, I HEARD NO BEEP AND FELT NO BRAKING. DEALER TESTED THIS FEATURE ON MY CAR BY LETTING IT GO TOWARDS BRUSHES IN A CARWASH, I HEARD BEEP WARNING, BUT AGAIN FELT NO BRAKING. DEALER SAID SYSTEM IS WORKING PROPERLY. AND SO-I CONCLUDE THAT WHENEVER I HEAR ANY KIND OF WARNING BEEO, I SHOULD MANUALLY AND QUICKLY 'HIT THE BRAKES', NO MATTER WHAT. AFTER ALL, I HAVE TO KEEP MY EYES ON THE ROAD FOR GOD'S SAKE. I AM NOT HAPPY.
Mar 01, 2019
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
1 complaint
PROBLEM: 360 CCA BATTERIES INSTALLED IN NEW CARS ARE NOT ENOUGH AND THEY CAUSE PROBLEMS. MY FIRST INDICATION WAS A YEAR AGO WHEN I WENT TO THE STORE, WAS IN THERE 10-15 MINUTES, AND WHEN I CAME OUT THE CAR DID NOT START. A FRIEND CAME 2 HOURS LATER TO JUMP IT BUT TRIED IT FIRST AND IT STARTED RIGHT UP. SECOND PROBLEM WAS ON A TRIP TO DC IN NOVEMBER '18. NOR'EASTER CAME THROUGH AND WE GOT STUCK ON THE INTERSTATE IN THE MOUNTAINS FOR A FEW HOURS. CAR WAS STOPPED, NOT RUNNING. WENT TO GET DINNER THEN TO CAR TO GO ON AGAIN. WOULD NOT START. WERE STRANDED FOR 3 MORE HOURS, AS THE WEATHER AND MOUNTAIN DRIVE MADE IT IMPOSSIBLE TO GET HELP. WE WERE EVENTUALLY ABLE TO FIND SOMEONE TO JUMP IT. OVER NEXT FEW MONTHS, ODD THINGS HAPPENED LIKE THE RADIO NOT WORKING SPORATICALLY, SLOW STARTS, AND THE KEY NOT COMING OUT OF IGNITION OCCASIONALLY. TOOK IT TO THE DEALER, THEY RECOMMEND A $853 NEW SHIFT MECHANISM, BUT IN THE DISCUSSION HE HAPPENED TO MENTION THE 360CCA BATTERY NOT BEING ENOUGH FOR THE CAR. MY SUSPICIONS TELL ME TO GET A NEW BATTERY AND SEE HOW THINGS GO. GOT BATTERY- 640CCA, A WEEK AGO AND NO PROBLEMS AT ALL NOW. IT'S NOT RIGHT THAT THE DEALERS KNOW ABOUT THE BATTERY NOT BEING ENOUGH, AND WHEN YOU BRING THE CAR IN THEY TRY TO GET YOU TO PAY FOR LARGE DOLLAR FIX-IT'S AND AVOID TALKING ABOUT THE BATTERY ISSUE. I DON'T KNOW HOW MANY YEARS AND MAKES OF SUBARUS HAVE THESE, BUT PROB AT LEAST A FEW YEARS. THEY NEED TO RECALL AND PUT IN BETTER BATTERY, AT LEAST A $500CCA. I HAVE READ CAR GURU BLOG THAT MAKES IT OBVIOUS THAT AT LEAST HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE HAVE STORIES OF BEING STRANDED. FOR A LONG TIME OR IN A BAD PLACE. MY BATTERY COST ME $173 AND THEY SHOULD REFUND THAT TO ME.
Feb 17, 2019
ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
ON TWO OCCASIONS WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE AT 65-75 MPH WITH NO WARNING THE GAS PEDAL STOPPED RESPONDING TO INPUTS. WHILE MANEUVERING THE VEHICLE TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD THROUGH TRAFFIC THE ENGINE SHUTOFF. ON ONE OCCASION I WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AND ON THE SECOND OCCASION IT WOULD NOT RESTART. AFTER TOWING THE VEHICLE TO A REPAIR SHOP THE VEHICLE STARTED UP AND RAN WITH NO ISSUES. NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS WERE EVER DISPLAYED. THE BATTERY WAS WORKING FINE AND FULLY CHARGED. THE CAR IS IN PERFECT MECHANICAL SHAPE WITH ALL REGULAR SERVICE PERFORMED. THE GAS REMAINING AT TIME OF INCIDENT WAS APPROXIMATELY 1/4 TANK FULL. THE CAUSE IS UNKNOWN TO ME.
Jan 02, 2019
STEERING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
KEY GETS STUCK IN THE IGNITION. CAN'T REMOVE THE KEY REGARDLESS OF PUSHING, TURNING, PUTTING PARKING BREAK ON, PARKING BREAK OFF. HAVE BEEN STUCK WITH ROAD SIDE ASSISTANCE FOUR TIMES THIS BLACK FRIDAY WEEKEND. SO WRONG. READ SEVERAL OTHER COMPLAINTS CONCERNING THIS ISSUE AND STEERING WHEEL ISSUES. SUBARU SHOULD RECALL THE 2016 OUTBACK PREZ 2.5I AND PREMIUM 2.5I. DUDS FOR IGNITIONS. SAFETY ISSUE WHILE TRAVELING AND SAFETY ISSUE IF CAR CAN'T BE LEFT UNATTENDED. HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL MONDAY MORNING TO SEE IF I CAN GET AN APPOINTMENT TO GET IT FIXED SO I CAN MAKE IT HOME SAFELY AND GET THE KEY OUT OF THE IGNITION WHEN I GET THERE. LOVE SCOOBY BUT THIS SERIOUSLY STINKS.
Nov 25, 2018
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH ON A LOCAL ROADWAY, THE EYESIGHT PRE-COLLISION BRAKE ASSIST SUDDENLY ACTIVATED AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO COMPLETELY STOP. THE BRAKES RELEASED SHORTLY AFTER THE FAILURE. THE DEALER (SUBARU OF DAYTON, 995 MIAMISBURG CENTERVILLE RD, WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP, OH 45459, 1-(888) 431-9557) WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE SERVICE CENTER MANAGER INDICATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS ESCALATED TO THE MANUFACTURER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND THE CONTACT WAS WAITING FOR A FOLLOW-UP RESPONSE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 54,000. *TT CONSUMER STATED CAR WAS TAKEN INTO THE DEALER AND SO INCIDENT SINCE. UPDATED 12/20/18*JB
Sep 28, 2018
POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
1 complaint
I HAD A MAJOR ISSUE WITH THIS VEHICLE ON JUNE 24. WE WERE DRIVING BACK FROM OUR FAMILY VACATION WHEN I WAS PASSING A SEMI TRUCK ON A TWO LANE ROAD THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY LOST POWER TO THE WHEELS AND WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. AS I STEPPED ON THE GAS THE ENGINE REVVED UP BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT ACCELERATING. I THOUGHT IT SLIPPED OUT OF GEAR. I PUT IT IN NEUTRAL THEN BACK INTO DRIVE AND STILL HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. I PUT MY FLASHERS ON TO ALERT THE TRUCK THAT I WAS HAVING ISSUES. I PULLED ONTO THE SHOULDER AND HE PASSED ME. I NOTICED THE TACHOMETER READ BETWEEN THE 3 AND 4 MARK WHEN I PUT MY FOOT ON THE ACCELERATOR TRYING TO SPEED UP. HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE DID NOT SPEED UP AT ALL. I WAS ABLE TO PULL OFF THE ROAD ONTO A TURNOUT AREA. THE PASSENGER IN THE FRONT SEAT ASKED IF ANY WARNING LIGHT CAME ON. NO LIGHTS OF ANY SORT CAME ON. THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE WAS IN THE NORMAL OPERATING RANGE. AFTER THE CAR STOPPED I TURNED OFF THE IGNITION AND OPENED MY DOOR AND NOTICED FLAMES COMING FROM THE BOTTOM OF THE CAR. I IMMEDIATELY INSTRUCTED THE OTHER THREE (3) PASSENGERS TO IMMEDIATELY EXIT THE CAR BECAUSE OF THE FLAMES. LUCKILY WE WERE ABLE TO EXIT THE VEHICLE AND GET A SAFE DISTANCE AWAY TO CALL 911 FOR ASSISTANCE. UNFORTUNATELY THE FIRE CONTINUED TO BURN AND ENGULFED THE CAR. BLACK SMOKE STARTED TO APPEAR. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT SHOWED UP AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. WE WATCHED HELPLESSLY WHILE OUR CAR AND POSSESSIONS WENT UP IN SMOKE. WE CONTACTED SUBARU AND FILED A COMPLIANT. THEY TOOK THEIR TIME AND EVENTUALLY SENT THEIR QA TEAM TO INSPECT WHAT WAS LEFT OF THE VEHICLE. THEY FINALLY SENT US AN EMAIL STATING THEY COULD NOT FIND THE ROOT CAUSE OF THE FIRE BECAUSE THE FIRE DAMAGE WAS TOO INTENSE. WE BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE NEW JUST TWO YEARS PRIOR AND IT ONLY HAD ABOUT 30K MILES AND HAD ALL THE FACTORY RECOMMENDED SERVICES AT THE DEALERSHIP. THE VEHICLE IS UNDER WARRANTY.
Aug 29, 2018
POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
I HAD EXPERIENCED A SHUDDER, POP, REVVING RPMS OF THE VEHICLES BEFORE A SUDDEN POWER LOSS AT HIGHWAY SPEED (65MPH). I WAS UNABLE TO ACCELERATE AND HAD LIMITED STEERING TO GET OFF THE HIGHWAY SAFELY. THE VEHICLE HAD STALLED BY THE TIME I WAS ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. I WAS THEN UNABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS. A TOWING SERVICE WAS CALLED TO BRING IT TO A LOCAL DEALERSHIP. WITHIN AN HOUR TIME PERIOD THE VEHICLE RAPIDLY LOST ELECTRICAL POWER AND HAZARD LIGHTS WERE NO LONGER FUNCTIONAL. THIS UNFORTUNATELY WAS LATE AT NIGHTTIME, MAKING THE VISIBILITY OF THE VEHICLE VERY MINIMAL. THE VEHICLE WAS EVALUATED AT A LOCAL DEALERSHIP AND REPORTED THAT THERE WAS A SOFTWARE PROBLEM WITH THE CHARGING SYSTEMS OF THE CAR. THE SYSTEM WAS UPDATED, BUT THE DEALERSHIP COULD NOT PROVIDE AN EXPLANATION FOR THE REVVING ENGINE, SHUDDERING, POWER LOSS AND STALLING THAT OCCURRED PRIOR TO THE INABILITY TO RESTART THE VEHICLE ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD.
Aug 03, 2018
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
AFTER STOPPING AT A STOP SIGN ON A CITY STREET, I TRIED TO ACCELERATE BUT THERE WAS A LONG HESITATION FOLLOWED BY A SURGE OF POWER. THIS HAPPENED ON 2 OCCASIONS. I HAD THE SALES MAN DRIVE THE VEHICLE AND ALSO THE SERVICE MANAGER DROVE IT FOR 1 WEEK - NEITHER TIMES DID THIS ISSUE REPEAT ITSELF. THE DEALERSHIP DID NOT HAVE ANY KNOWLEDGE OF THIS TYPE OF PROBLEM. I REFUSED TO DRIVE THIS VEHICLE AND RETURNED IT TO THE SUBARU DEALER IN BERLIN, CT.
Jul 13, 2018
SUSPENSION
1 complaint
WHEN DRIVING ON SNOW AND ICE WITH GEAR IN THE BACK OR REAR SEAR PASSENGERS THE CAR CAN BECOME VERY UNSTABLE. THE BACKEND WILL START CHANGING DIRECTIONS ON ITS OWN, THIS IS REFERRED TO AS GHOST WALKING BY SEVERAL OTHER PEOPLE POSTING ON THE INTERNET. FROM WHAT I UNDERSTAND IT IS A DESIGN PROBLEM THAT ALLOWS THE CAMBER ADJUSTMENT TO CHANGE WHEN WEIGHT IS ADDED TO THE REAR OF THE CAR. IT IS A REAL PROBLEM AND SOMEONE IS GOING TO GET KILLED.
Feb 08, 2018
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,VISIBILITY/WIPER
1 complaint
I HAD DIFFICULTY SEVERAL TIMES REMOVING THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION. THE LAST TIME THIS HAPPENED, I WAS ABLE TO REMOVE THE KEY, BUT THE CAR DIED. I CALLED THE DEALER AND THEY GAVE ME THE LOCAL TOWING COMPANY. NAPLETON SUBARU KEPT THE CAR FOR TWO DAYS AND COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH IT. I HAVE BEEN AFRAID TO DRIVE THE CAR ON THE HIGHWAY, OR GO TOO FAR FROM HOME.
Sep 19, 2017
AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
HIT DEER WITH RIGHT FRONT FENDER AT ABOUT 40 MPH ON A DRY, STRAIGHT HWY. IMPACT WAS MINOR, SHEET METAL DAMAGE ONLY,NO FLUID LOSS OR SUSPENSION SYSTEM DAMAGE BUT AIR BAGS DEPLOYED VIOLENTLY, MUCH SMOKE. SIDE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEFLATE MAKING IT VERY DIFFICULT TO EXIT VEHICLE. AIRBAG IMPACT ON LEFT EAR HAS DAMAGED HEARING, PROBABLY PERMANENTLY. CLEARWATER COUNTY IDAHO SHERIFFS OFFICE CASE NUMBER P2017-00350.
Apr 08, 2017
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
THE EYESIGHT SYSTEM FAILED TO BRAKE THE CAR AUTOMATICALLY.
Mar 17, 2017
SEATS
1 complaint
FRONT PASSENGER SEATS LOOSENED AT THE FLOOR LEVEL (PERHAPS FROM THEIR ANCHORAGE TO THE FLOOR OR AT THEIR TRACKS). SPECIFICALLY, REAR PART OF SEATS CAN MOVE UP AND DOWN AND FORWARD ON AN ARC WITH DRIVER AND PASSENGER IN RESPECTIVE SEATS. EVENT HAPPENS WHEN DECELERATING AND WHEN VEHICLE IS DIVING FORWARD AS A RESULT OF A BUMP. THIS UNINTENDED SEAT MOVEMENT CAUSES THE DRIVER TO MOVE CLOSER TO THE STEERING WHEEL AND WINDSHIELD WITH THE SEAT. THE FRONT PASSENGER ALSO GETS PUSHED FORWARD TOWARD THE WINDSHIELD AND DASH. THIS ISSUE HAPPEN(S/ED) AT CITY AND HIGHWAY SPEEDS. ISSUES WERE MADE AWARE TO SERVICE TECHNICIANS AT 3748MI ON 08 OCT. 16 AND 4573MI ON 22 OCT. 16. DRIVER'S SEAT IS LOOSENING AGAIN WITH VEHICLE AT 9090MI ON 03 MAR. 17.
Mar 04, 2017
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
1 complaint
THERE IS A GLARE ON THE INFO SCREEN THAT MAKES IT IMPOSSIBLE TO READ MOST DAYLIGHT TIMES, NEEDS TO BE RECESSED AND/OR HOODED, THE AREA BELOW THAT SAYS TEMP AND TIME IS PLAIN UNREADABLE -ALSO VERY SMALL. HAVE SEEN THIS PROBLEM ON SUBARU FORUM FOR YEARS - SEEMS TIME TO ADDRESS BEFORE SOMEONE HAS A CRASH WITH THIS VEHICLE THEY BOUGHT BECAUSE IT WAS SO SAFE.
Jul 16, 2016
STEERING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ACTIVATED, THE VEHICLE VEERED TO THE LEFT WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,400.
Jun 24, 2016
EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INFORMATION ON THE TOWING LABEL WAS INCORRECT, STATING THAT THE VEHICLE COULD TOW 3,000 LBS. THE DEALER CONFIRMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO TOW ONLY 2,000 LBS. FOR A HITCH. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.
Mar 14, 2016
Frequently Asked Questions
How many problems does the 2016 SUBARU Outback have?
The 2016 SUBARU Outback currently has 627 owner-reported complaints according to NHTSA database. These complaints are organized by component to help identify common issues.
What are the most common problems with 2016 SUBARU Outback?
The most common problems reported for the 2016 SUBARU Outback are organized by component above. Each component section shows owner-reported issues, crash reports, and fire incidents to help identify patterns and problem areas.
Where does this 2016 SUBARU Outback problem data come from?
All problem and complaint data for the 2016 SUBARU Outback comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.
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