Car · Subaru recalls
2016 Subaru Outback recalls
NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for the 2016 Subaru Outback, filed between August 10, 2015 and December 19, 2019. Each one is below with what is wrong and the free fix.
Stop-driving notice. 1 campaign below carries a "do not drive" or "park outside" advice from the maker. Read those first and call a dealer.
| Campaign | Filed | Part |
|---|---|---|
| 19V910000 | December 19, 2019 | Air bags: air bag/restraint control module |
| 16V292000 | May 11, 2016 | Steering: column |
| 15V794000 | November 24, 2015 | Power train: driveshaft |
| 15V502000 | August 10, 2015 | Power train: driveshaft |
Air bags: air bag/restraint control module (19V910000)
Filed December 19, 2019
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.
What could happen. 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 (16V292000)
Filed May 11, 2016 · Do not drive until fixed
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.
What could happen. 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: driveshaft (15V794000)
Filed November 24, 2015
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.
What could happen. 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: driveshaft (15V502000)
Filed August 10, 2015
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.
What could happen. 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.
Check that your car is on the list
Most campaigns cover only cars built in a certain date range or at a certain plant, so a 2016 Subaru Outback may or may not be included. The VIN is the only sure test. It is 17 characters, on the dashboard by the windshield and on the driver door jamb sticker. Look up your VIN.
How to confirm the repair is free
- Call any authorized Subaru dealer service desk and give them the VIN and the campaign number from the list above.
- Ask them to confirm the campaign is open for your car. If it is, the parts and labor are covered.
- If the dealer says the part is not in stock, ask for a written note with the date, and ask about a loaner if the notice says not to drive the car.
- Keep the repair order. It shows the campaign number and proves the work was done.
If you already paid for a repair that a recall later covered, Subaru may owe you a refund. Ask the dealer or Subaru customer service about reimbursement, and keep your receipts.
Other model years of the Outback
- 2023 (2)
- 2022 (4)
- 2021 (4)
- 2020 (6)
- 2019 (3)
- 2018 (3)
- 2017 (4)
- 2015 (5)
- 2014 (10)
- 2013 (12)
- 2012 (16)
- 2011 (16)
- 2010 (18)
- All years
More: all Subaru recalls, check-engine codes, car repair costs.
2016 Subaru Outback recall questions
How many recalls does the 2016 Subaru Outback have?
NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for the 2016 Subaru Outback. A campaign can cover only some cars of that model year, so check your VIN to see whether yours is included.
Is a recall repair on a 2016 Subaru Outback free?
Yes. A safety recall repair is free at an authorized Subaru dealer, whatever the age or mileage of the car and no matter who owns it now.
How do I know if my 2016 Subaru Outback was already fixed?
Enter the VIN on our recall page. If a campaign is still open, it shows as open. You can also ask a dealer to run the VIN, or look at the service history paperwork for the campaign number.
Source: NHTSA recalls API, checked 2026-10-28. Text is NHTSA's wording of each campaign. New campaigns are added over time. Not a repair shop, estimates only.