How many engine complaints does the 2016 Subaru Outback have?

NHTSA lists 74 Engine complaints for the 2016 Outback, which is 12% of the 643 total complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a recall for the 2016 Subaru Outback engine?

No related recalls are listed in the NHTSA data for this engine issue.

At what mileage do engine problems usually appear?

The median mileage at failure for this issue is 31,000 miles, though some complaints were filed at much lower mileage.

Did the engine issue cause any crashes or fires?

NHTSA data tied to this complaint area shows 6 crashes, 2 fires, and 6 injuries reported for the 2016 Outback.

Is the engine problem worse in 2016 than other Outback years?

The 12% share for 2016 is lower than earlier years like 2013 at 30% and 2011 at 17%, based on complaints filed per model year.

2016 Subaru Outback Engine Problems

NHTSA lists 74 Engine complaints for the 2016 Subaru Outback, 12% of all complaints filed for the year. Owners most often describe sudden unintended acceleration in parking-lot situations, with a median failure mileage of 31,000. No related recalls are on file for this issue.

Engine complaints: 74; 12% of 643
Crashes reported: 6
Fires reported: 2
Injuries reported: 6
Median mileage: 31,000 mi
Related recalls: 0

Typical engine symptoms owners report

Owners describe the vehicle suddenly accelerating on its own at low speed while parking or nosing into a spot, leading to crashes into walls or other cars.
Some drivers report the engine lunging forward independently even when they had not pressed the accelerator, sometimes repeating the same behavior on separate occasions.
One owner reported the engine catching fire while the car was parked and unattended, with the fire apparently originating in the engine area.
Another complaint describes hesitation to accelerate at very low mileage, which the dealer could not diagnose or repair.
A separate report describes the vehicle veering left on its own while cruise control was active at highway speed.

When 2016 Subaru Outback engine complaints were filed

First complaint Oct 29, 2015, latest Aug 18, 2026.

74 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2015 Q4 to 2026 Q3; peak 2021 Q1 (7).

Engine recalls for the 2016 Subaru Outback

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Engine complaints by Outback model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

201077 (22%)
2011113 (17%)
201259 (20%)
201388 (30%)
201449 (24%)
201574 (15%)
201674 (12%)
201769 (8%)
201857 (7%)
201964 (6%)
202061 (7%)
202137 (13%)
202226 (6%)
20233 (3%)
202410 (10%)
20258 (10%)

Frequently asked questions

How many engine complaints does the 2016 Subaru Outback have?: NHTSA lists 74 Engine complaints for the 2016 Outback, which is 12% of the 643 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for the 2016 Subaru Outback engine?: No related recalls are listed in the NHTSA data for this engine issue.
At what mileage do engine problems usually appear?: The median mileage at failure for this issue is 31,000 miles, though some complaints were filed at much lower mileage.
Did the engine issue cause any crashes or fires?: NHTSA data tied to this complaint area shows 6 crashes, 2 fires, and 6 injuries reported for the 2016 Outback.
Is the engine problem worse in 2016 than other Outback years?: The 12% share for 2016 is lower than earlier years like 2013 at 30% and 2011 at 17%, based on complaints filed per model year.