2016 Subaru Outback Transmission & Powertrain Problems
NHTSA lists 45 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2016 Subaru Outback, 7% of its 643 total complaints, with a median failure mileage of 35,021. Two related recalls exist for fastening nuts and a transmission oil seal, and owners report stalling, rollback, and CVT hesitation.
- Transmission & Powertrain complaints
- 45
- 7% of 643
- Crashes reported
- 2
- Fires reported
- 1
- Injuries reported
- 0
- Median mileage
- 35,021 mi
- Related recalls
- 2
Typical transmission symptoms owners report
- Owners report the vehicle rolling backward significantly on an incline even while in gear with an automatic transmission.
- Owners describe a 3 to 4 second hesitation before the vehicle moves forward after shifting from reverse to drive.
- Some owners report sudden loss of acceleration or forward movement while driving, sometimes with warning lights illuminating and the vehicle stalling or needing to be towed.
- One owner reported the transmission being replaced, then a pilot pin repair, then a related jerking incident within the same vehicle over a short span.
- Owners report the CVT jolting or jumping hard, including one case of the vehicle lurching backward out of a parking space, leading to a CVT replacement.
- One owner reported a shudder, pop, and RPM revving followed by sudden power loss at highway speed with limited steering and an inability to restart the vehicle.
When 2016 Subaru Outback transmission complaints were filed
First complaint Nov 16, 2015, latest Jun 15, 2026.
Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2016 Subaru Outback
- NHTSA 15V794000Nov 24, 2015Transmission & Powertrain3,251 vehicles
Power train:driveline:differential unit
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.
- NHTSA 15V502000Aug 10, 2015Transmission & Powertrain2,893 vehicles
Power train:automatic transmission
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.
Transmission & Powertrain complaints by Outback model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How many transmission complaints does the 2016 Subaru Outback have?
- NHTSA lists 45 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2016 Outback, which is 7% of its 643 total complaints for the year.
- Is there a transmission recall for the 2016 Subaru Outback?
- Yes. NHTSA lists recall 15V794000 covering fastening nuts and recall 15V502000 covering a deformed transmission oil seal cap on certain 2016 Outback vehicles.
- At what mileage do transmission problems typically show up?
- The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this problem area is 35,021 miles.
- What transmission symptoms do 2016 Outback owners report?
- Owners describe vehicle rollback on inclines while in gear, hesitation after shifting into drive, sudden loss of acceleration, CVT jolting or jerking, and in one case a shudder followed by stalling at highway speed.