2016 Subaru Outback
Common Problems
Ranked from 336 federal NHTSA complaints and 1 recalls. Every problem links to the complaint IDs behind it.
35 Common Problems
Ordered by how often owners reported each one to NHTSA. The bar shows how common a problem is relative to the most-reported on this vehicle. Expand any problem to see the federal complaint IDs.
- 1
Key Stuck in Ignition
91complaintsMedium severityElectricalThe key becomes stuck in the ignition, preventing the car from being unlocked or started.
- 2
Battery Drain Without Use
36complaintsHigh severityElectricalThe battery drains without the car being used, leading to frequent need for jump starts.
$150–$700est. parasitic-drain diagnosis + battery · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotes - 3
Windshield spontaneous cracking
33complaintsMedium severityOtherThe windshield spontaneously cracks without any apparent impact or cause, leading to frequent replacements.
- 4
Battery Drain or Premature Failure
28complaintsHigh severityElectricalThe battery frequently dies or drains prematurely, even when the car is not driven for extended periods.
$150–$700est. parasitic-drain diagnosis + battery · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotes - 5
Battery Drain Due to Electrical System Failure
27complaintsHigh severityElectricalThe battery frequently drains without an obvious cause, leading to the car not starting.
$150–$700est. parasitic-drain diagnosis + battery · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotes - 6
Key Sticking in Ignition
23complaintsLow severityOtherThe key gets stuck in the ignition, requiring multiple attempts to remove it.
- 7
Battery Drain and Frequent Replacements
20complaintsHigh severityElectricalThe battery frequently drains and requires replacement, leaving the vehicle stranded.
$150–$700est. parasitic-drain diagnosis + battery · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotes - 8
Battery Drain Due to Parasitic Draw
19complaintsHigh severityElectricalThe car experiences rapid battery discharge due to an unknown electrical component drawing power, leading to frequent dead batteries and potential safety risks.
$150–$700est. parasitic-drain diagnosis + battery · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotes - 9
Multiple Battery Replacements Within Short Timeframe
18complaintsMedium severityElectricalOwners report needing to replace the battery multiple times within a few years, indicating a persistent electrical issue.
- 10
Vehicle Does Not Start After Sitting Idle
18complaintsMedium severityElectricalThe car frequently fails to start after being parked for a short period, requiring jump starts or battery replacements.
- 11
Windshield Cracking Without Impact
14complaintsMedium severityOtherWindshields cracked without any apparent impact or visible damage, often occurring while driving at normal speeds.
- 12
Vehicle speed control issues
11complaintsMedium severityOtherThe vehicle experiences sudden acceleration or deceleration without warning, posing a safety risk.
- 13
Windshield Cracking Spontaneously
10complaintsHigh severityOtherWindshields crack spontaneously without any apparent cause or impact, leading to reduced visibility.
- 14
Battery discharge and failure
9complaintsHigh severityElectricalThe battery frequently discharges or fails to maintain charge, causing the car to not start.
- 15
Battery Drain When Not Driven
8complaintsMedium severityElectricalThe battery drains when the car is not driven for extended periods, even with the car parked overnight.
$150–$700est. parasitic-drain diagnosis + battery · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotes - 16
Battery Failure Due to Overwhelming Electrical Load
8complaintsMedium severityElectricalThe battery fails due to an overwhelming electrical load, causing the car to not start.
- 17
Battery issues leading to car not starting
8complaintsMedium severityElectricalThe car's battery dies unexpectedly, causing the vehicle to fail to start.
- 18
Battery Repeatedly Failing Within Warranty Period
8complaintsMedium severityElectricalThe battery repeatedly fails within the warranty period, requiring multiple replacements.
- 19
Exhaust System Failure
8complaintsHigh severityEngineThe exhaust system has multiple issues including cracks, leaks, and fumes entering the cabin, posing a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
- 20
Steering System Malfunction
8complaintsHigh severitySteeringSteering system failed to respond properly during turns, causing the vehicle to become stuck at an angle or not move when expected.
Related recall: 16V292000
- 21
Unexplained Engine Issues
8complaintsMedium severityEngineThe engine experiences unexpected issues such as stalling or rough idling, especially in cold weather.
- 22
Engine stalling or sudden power loss
7complaintsHigh severityEngineThe engine suddenly stalls or loses power at high speeds, making it difficult to accelerate.
$150–$1,200est. stalling / shutdown diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs laborGet local quotes - 23
Transmission Issues
6complaintsMedium severityTransmissionThe automatic transmission does not engage properly, causing jerking motions and undiagnosed issues.
$200–$2,500est. drivetrain diagnosis + repair · 1–8 hrs laborGet local quotes - 24
Steering Issues
5complaintsMedium severitySteeringThe steering wheel becomes loose and unresponsive at higher speeds, posing a safety risk.
Related recall: 16V292000
- 25
Unexplained Windshield Cracking
5complaintsMedium severityOtherWindshields crack unexpectedly under minimal stress, often while the car is in motion.
- 26
Vehicle Speed Control Malfunction
5complaintsHigh severityEngineThe vehicle spontaneously accelerates or decelerates uncontrollably, posing a safety risk.
- 27
Windshield Cracking Without Obvious Cause
5complaintsLow severityOtherThe windshield cracks spontaneously without any apparent reason or impact.
- 28
Windshield cracks during warm weather
5complaintsMedium severityOtherWindshields crack during warm, sunny days without any apparent cause or impact.
- 29
Child Lock Malfunction
4complaintsMedium severityOtherThe child lock on the right side door malfunctions, preventing the door from opening from the inside.
- 30
Unexplained Acceleration
3complaintsHigh severityOtherThe vehicle accelerates unexpectedly without driver input, posing a risk of collision.
- 31
Windshield Wiper Malfunction
3complaintsLow severityOtherWindshield wipers fail to operate properly, leading to poor visibility during rainy or snowy conditions.
- 32
Brake Lock-Up
2complaintsMedium severityBrakesBrakes lock up unexpectedly while driving, causing the car to lurch forward.
$150–$1,000est. brake system diagnosis + repair · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotes - 33
Exhaust Pipe Failure
2complaintsMedium severityEngineThe front exhaust pipe develops cracks or leaks, causing fumes to escape and potentially damaging the engine.
- 34
Unreliable Eyesight System
2complaintsMedium severityOtherEyesight system malfunctions, causing unexpected braking or deceleration.
- 35
Visibility Issues
2complaintsLow severityOtherWindshield cracks and visibility issues arise from external impacts or manufacturing defects, affecting the driver's view.
Other years & sources
Data source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) owner complaints and recalls. Problems are clustered and ranked from the complaint record; occurrence counts reflect corroborating complaints, not total incidence. Vehicle image is illustrative. Repair-cost figures are typical U.S. independent-shop ranges (parts + labor) for the class of repair shown — actual quotes vary by region, engine, and diagnosis; always confirm with a local shop.