2016 Subaru Outback transmission & drivetrain problems

Related recalls

• Recall 15V794000Nov 24, 20153,251 vehicles
  POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DIFFERENTIAL UNIT · POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT

  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.

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

• Recall 15V502000Aug 10, 20152,893 vehicles
  POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION · POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT

  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.

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

What owners say

1. Filed Jun 15, 2026NJTransmission & Drivetrain

   While driving the 2016 Subaru Outback, the vehicle experienced a sudden, catastrophic failure of the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). The transmission completely failed, resulting in an immediate and dangerous loss of propulsion while operating the vehicle. This created an immediate safety hazard for myself, my toddler and other drivers on the road, as the vehicle could no longer maintain speed or accelerate safely to clear traffic. A certified repair facility…

   NHTSA complaint #11744173 · source
2. Filed Mar 25, 2026INEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain

   My 2016 Subaru Outback CVT transmission has exhibited an intermittent jerking and grabbing sensation when accelerating from a stop, worse when cold, since at least February 2023. This is a known defect covered under Subaru warranty extension bulletin 16-115-18. February 2023 — An authorized Subaru dealer documented the complaint in writing. The technician stated the vehicle never warmed up during the test drive and dismissed the concern. The CVT issue was never repaired. I…

   NHTSA complaint #11727074 · source
3. Filed Oct 10, 202435,000 miIDTowedElectrical SystemTransmission & Drivetrain

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11619069 · source
4. Filed Aug 3, 2024PATransmission & Drivetrain

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11606281 · source
5. Filed Feb 19, 2024CATransmission & Drivetrain

   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.

   NHTSA complaint #11572793 · source
6. Filed Mar 9, 202374,315 miVATransmission & Drivetrain

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11510945 · source
7. Filed Feb 20, 2023NMEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11508206 · source
8. Filed Nov 15, 2021IDElectrical SystemTransmission & Drivetrain

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11440462 · source
9. Filed Aug 27, 2021107,000 miNYTransmission & Drivetrain

   The contact owns a 2016 Subaru Outback. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently started shuddering and jerking. The contact also stated that the vehicle was making abnormal sounds. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that she was able to continue to drive the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the transmission had failed. Then, the vehicle was taken to the dealer who tests drove the…

   NHTSA complaint #11430755 · source
10. Filed Aug 13, 2021WIElectrical SystemOther / UnknownTransmission & Drivetrain

    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…

    NHTSA complaint #11428947 · source
11. Filed Aug 7, 2021NEElectrical SystemTransmission & Drivetrain

    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.

    NHTSA complaint #11428189 · source
12. Filed May 15, 202115,000 miCOEngineLightingTransmission & Drivetrain

    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 !

    NHTSA complaint #11416687 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology