2016 Subaru Outback Electrical System Problems
NHTSA lists 311 electrical system complaints for the 2016 Subaru Outback, 48% of its 643 total complaints — the highest share of any model year. No related recalls are listed. Median mileage at failure is 40,000 miles.
- Electrical System complaints
- 311
- 48% of 643
- Crashes reported
- 3
- Fires reported
- 0
- Injuries reported
- 0
- Median mileage
- 40,000 mi
- Related recalls
- 0
Typical electrical symptoms owners report
- Battery dies without warning, especially in cold weather, leaving the car unable to start even when alternator and starter test fine.
- Ignition key sticks or will not release from the ignition, sometimes keeping the car stuck in the accessory position with electrical accessories left on.
- Rodents chew wiring bundles for fog lights and sensors, requiring repeated repairs.
- Dashboard lights and gauges, including the speedometer and turn signals, briefly go dark for a couple of seconds before returning.
- Tire pressure monitoring system falsely activates repeatedly even when tire pressure is correct.
- Steering column and steering rack were replaced multiple times on a vehicle also reporting a battery drain issue.
When 2016 Subaru Outback electrical complaints were filed
First complaint Nov 8, 2015, latest Aug 20, 2026.
Electrical System recalls for the 2016 Subaru Outback
No safety recalls on record for this model year.
Electrical System complaints by Outback model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How common are electrical problems on the 2016 Subaru Outback?
- NHTSA lists 311 electrical system complaints for the 2016 Outback, making up 48% of its 643 total complaints for the year.
- Is there a recall for the 2016 Subaru Outback electrical system?
- No related recalls are listed in NHTSA data for this problem area on the 2016 Outback.
- At what mileage do electrical problems usually show up?
- The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA is 40,000 miles.
- Did the electrical issues cause any crashes or fires?
- NHTSA data shows 3 crashes and 0 fires linked to electrical system complaints for the 2016 Outback, with 0 injuries reported.
- How does 2016 compare to other Outback model years for electrical complaints?
- The 2016 Outback's 48% share is the highest among the listed years, compared to 43% in 2017 and 33% in 2018.