Recall Radar

2016 Subaru Outback recalls

NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns since 2013 that include the 2016 Subaru Outback. The most recent was reported on December 19, 2019.

Safety flags1 campaign marked “do not drive”. Check your VIN and follow the notice.
Check your own car by VIN. A recall applies only to certain vehicles, built in certain periods. NHTSA’s recall lookup checks your 17-character VIN against open recalls and is free.

Recalls at a glance

DateCampaignPartVehicles
December 19, 201919V-910Air bags: air bag/restraint control module46
May 11, 201616V-292Steering: column48,819
November 24, 201515V-794Power train: driveline, differential unit3,251
August 10, 201515V-502Power train: driveline, driveshaft2,893

Recall details

Air bags: air bag/restraint control module

December 19, 2019 · Subaru of America, Inc. · Campaign 19V-910

What is wrong: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Outback vehicles. A replacement air bag control module may have been installed that is not compatible with the passenger air bag module, possibly affecting air bag deployment.

Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating passenger frontal air bag deployment, the air bag may not deploy properly, increasing the risk of injury.

The fix: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger air bag module, free of charge. The recall began February 3, 2020. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUX-09.

Steering: column Do not drive

May 11, 2016 · Subaru of America, Inc. · Campaign 16V-292

What is wrong: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Legacy and Outback vehicles manufactured February 29, 2016, to May 6, 2016. The steering column on the affected vehicles may have been improperly machined, and as a result, turning the steering wheel may have no effect on the direction of the wheels.

Risk: The loss of steering ability would increase the risk of a crash.

The fix: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the lot number on the steering column, replacing the steering column, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 13, 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783 or by visiting http://www.wtd65.service-campaign.com. Subaru's number for this recall is WTD-65. Note: Until the vehicles have been inspected, owners are advised not to drive their vehicles.

Power train: driveline, differential unit

November 24, 2015 · Subaru of America, Inc. · Campaign 15V-794

What is wrong: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2016 Legacy vehicles manufactured October 24, 2015, to November 16, 2015, and Outback vehicles manufactured October 24, 2015, to November 17, 2015. Due to the improper tightening of the securing nuts, the drive shaft may separate from the rear differential.

Risk: If the drive shaft detaches from the rear differential, it may strike the fuel tank and result in a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire.

The fix: Subaru has notified owners, and dealers will inspect the fastening nuts, and tighten or replace them, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on December 10, 2015. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-856-488-8500. Subaru's number for this recall is WQV-57.

Power train: driveline, driveshaft

August 10, 2015 · Subaru of America, Inc. · Campaign 15V-502

What is wrong: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2015 and 2016 model year Subaru Legacy 4-Door and Outback vehicles manufactured July 3, 2015, to July 27, 2015. Transmission oil may leak from a deformed seal cap on the propeller shaft yoke.

Risk: If the transmission oil leaks onto the exhaust pipe, there is a possible risk of fire.

The fix: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the propeller shaft, free of charge. The recall began on August 28, 2015. Owners may contact 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WQU-56.

Other model years of the Subaru Outback

All Subaru Outback recalls · All Subaru recalls

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2016 Subaru Outback have recalls?

NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns since 2013 that include the 2016 Subaru Outback, the most recent reported on December 19, 2019. A campaign covers only certain vehicles, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours is affected.

What parts have been recalled on the 2016 Subaru Outback?

Power train (2), Air bags (1), Steering (1).

Are recall repairs free?

In 4 of the 4 campaigns listed here, the remedy states that the repair is free of charge. Read the remedy in each recall for the details.

Should I stop driving my 2016 Subaru Outback?

NHTSA marked 1 campaign for this model year as “do not drive”. Open the recalls below, check your VIN and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recall data for passenger vehicles, recalls since 2013, shown as published. This site is independent and not affiliated with NHTSA or any manufacturer. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and follow your manufacturer’s notice. Terms and disclaimer.