2016 Subaru Outback

The 2016 Subaru Outback is a popular wagon known for its practicality, safety, and standard all-wheel-drive. It offered two engine choices: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 175 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.6-liter six-cylinder engine making 256 horsepower and 247 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Owners often praise the Outback for its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and off-road capability. Criticisms often include the somewhat unrefined CVT transmission, and the underwhelming performance of the base 2.5L engine when fully loaded.

Engine

2.5L 4-Cylinder

• Excessive Oil Consumption
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners report excessive oil consumption, requiring frequent top-offs between oil changes. This may be indicated by the low oil pressure light illuminating, or the engine making unusual noises.
  • Solution: Subaru released Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 02-165-16R addressing the issue. The suggested repair is to perform an oil consumption test and potentially replace the short block.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $4,000+ depending on the repair needed.
  • Recalls: None Found

3.6L 6-Cylinder

No Issues Found

Transmission

CVT (Both Engine Options)

• Torque Converter Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have experienced issues with the torque converter, leading to shuddering, hesitation, or vibration, especially during low-speed acceleration.
  • Solution: Torque converter replacement, fluid flush, and software update.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Valve Body Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have experienced issues with the valve body, leading to harsh shifting, erratic behavior, or complete transmission failure.
  • Solution: Valve body replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Harsh Engagement
  • Description/Symptoms: The CVT can exhibit harsh engagement and jerking, especially when cold.
  • Solution: Software updates to the transmission control module (TCM) may improve the behavior. In severe cases, replacement of the CVT may be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100-$300 (software update), $4,000-$8,000 (CVT Replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Rear Wheel Bearing Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Premature rear wheel bearing failure. The symptom is a grinding or humming noise that increases with vehicle speed, originating from the rear of the vehicle.
  • Solution: Replacement of the rear wheel bearing.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $700 per wheel.
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Dead Battery
  • Description/Symptoms: Premature battery failure, especially in cold climates. The car may not start, or require a jump start frequently.
  • Solution: Replacement with a higher-capacity battery. Ensure proper charging system function.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300
  • Recalls: None Found
• Navigation/Infotainment System Freezing/Crashing
  • Description/Symptoms: The infotainment system, including navigation, may freeze, become unresponsive, or crash intermittently.
  • Solution: Software updates can sometimes resolve these issues. In severe cases, replacement of the head unit may be required.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (software update) - $1,000+ (head unit replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Windshield Cracking
  • Description/Symptoms: The windshields on some 2016 Outbacks seem prone to cracking, even from small impacts.
  • Solution: Windshield replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Rattling in Dashboard/Door Panels
  • Description/Symptoms: Rattling noises emanating from the dashboard or door panels, especially on rough roads.
  • Solution: Securing loose components or adding sound-deadening material. This is a case-by-case basis.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $500+ depending on the severity.
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2016 Subaru Outback has a few common issues that potential buyers should be aware of. The most significant is the potential for excessive oil consumption in the 2.5L engine and CVT transmission problems, which can lead to costly repairs. Electrical gremlins, such as battery drain and infotainment issues, can be annoying but are typically less expensive to address. Although the severity of issues varies, it is advisable to have a pre-purchase inspection performed by a qualified mechanic, paying particular attention to the engine oil level and transmission performance.