VehicleVerdict

2016 Subaru Outback transmission problems

The 2016 Subaru Outback has 45 transmission complaints filed with NHTSA — 6% of the year's total, and roughly flat versus the prior model year.

45

Transmission complaints

6%

Share of year

2

Crash-involved

2

Related recalls

Transmission complaints by year

Related recalls

15V794000TransmissionNovember 24, 2015 · 3,251 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

15V502000TransmissionAugust 10, 2015 · 2,893 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

What owners report

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HIS WIFE HAD ATTEMPTED TO PARK THE VEHICLE, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY ACCELERATED WHILE AT A COMPLETE STOP. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE JUMPED A CURB AND HIT A TREE; HOWEVER, HIS WIFE WAS UNSURE IF ANY WARNING LIGHTS…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · September 26, 2019 · crash

Common questions

How many transmission complaints does the 2016 Subaru Outback have?

NHTSA has 45 complaints about the 2016 Subaru Outback transmission — 6% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 2016 Subaru Outback transmission?

Yes — 2 NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year are tied to the transmission: 15V502000, 15V794000.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.