2016 Subaru Outback

Introduction to the 2016 Subaru Outback

The 2016 Subaru Outback is a midsize SUV known for its versatility, safety features, and all-wheel drive capabilities. It is powered by a variety of engine options, including a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 175 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque, a 3.6-liter six-cylinder with 256 horsepower and 247 lb-ft of torque, and a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 250 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The Outback offers a choice of a six-speed manual transmission, six-speed continuously variable transmission (CVT), and a five-speed automatic transmission.

People like the Outback for its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and rugged capabilities. However, some owners have reported issues with various aspects of the vehicle.

Engine

2.5-liter four-cylinder

• Cylinder head gasket failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaking externally from the engine, overheating, and loss of power
  • Solution: Replace the cylinder head gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Timing chain tensioner failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Rattling or ticking noise from the engine, especially on startup
  • Solution: Replace the timing chain tensioner
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
  • Recalls: None Found

3.6-liter six-cylinder

• Head bolt failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaking externally from the engine, overheating, and loss of power
  • Solution: Replace the head bolts
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder

• No Issues Found

Transmission

Six-speed manual transmission

• Grinding or difficulty shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty shifting gears, especially into and out of reverse
  • Solution: Replace synchronizers or other internal transmission components
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Six-speed CVT

• Hesitation or shuddering during acceleration
  • Description/Symptoms: Transmission slipping or hesitating during acceleration
  • Solution: Software update or replacement of CVT assembly
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Five-speed automatic transmission

• Shifting problems
  • Description/Symptoms: Transmission slipping, delayed shifting, or refusing to shift
  • Solution: Replace transmission control module, solenoids, or other internal components
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Strut mount failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking or rattling noises from the suspension, especially over bumps
  • Solution: Replace the strut mounts
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Battery fails prematurely, resulting in difficulty starting the vehicle
  • Solution: Replace the battery
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Alternator failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Low voltage or charging issues, dim headlights, dead battery
  • Solution: Replace the alternator
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Windshield cowl leaking
  • Description/Symptoms: Water leaking into the cabin from the windshield area
  • Solution: Install a cowl sealant or replace the windshield cowl
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Sun visor breaking
  • Description/Symptoms: Sun visor hinge breaks, causing the visor to droop or fall down
  • Solution: Replace the sun visor
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Armrest lid loose
  • Description/Symptoms: Armrest lid becomes loose or rattles
  • Solution: Tighten or replace the armrest lid hinges
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $150
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

While the 2016 Subaru Outback is generally a reliable vehicle, it is not without its issues. Engine problems, particularly with the 2.5-liter four-cylinder and 3.6-liter six-cylinder, can be costly to repair. Transmission issues, such as hesitation or shuddering with the CVT, have also been reported. Suspension and electrical problems can also occur, but they are generally less severe. Interior issues are relatively minor, mostly involving sun visor and armrest lid problems.

Overall, the severity of the issues with the 2016 Subaru Outback can vary. While some issues, such as engine failures, can be major and costly, others are more minor and less expensive to fix. It is important for owners to be aware of potential problems and to take steps to maintain their vehicles properly to minimize the risk of costly repairs.