Is the 2016 Subaru Outback a good car?
An honest AI verdict — reliability, common problems, and real cost to own.
The 2016 Subaru Outback offers excellent safety and all-weather capability, making it a solid choice for those who prioritize these features. However, be wary of potential CVT and oil consumption issues, which can be costly if not addressed early.
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Pros
- Standard all-wheel drive
- Strong safety ratings
- Spacious and comfortable interior
Cons
- Average acceleration
- Potential CVT issues
- Higher repair costs compared to some rivals
Ownership at a glance
Common problems to watch for
- CVT transmission issues
- Oil consumption problems
- Head gasket failures
CarsJudge exclusive data
Active recalls (4)
The 2016 Subaru Outback has 4 NHTSA recalls on record. Most recent: Power Train — Driveline — Driveshaft (campaign 15V794000). All recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer.
- Air Bags — Air Bag/Restraint Control Module — Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Outback vehicles. A replacement air bag control module may have been installed that is not compatible with the passenger air bag module, possibly affecting…
- Steering — Column — Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Legacy and Outback vehicles manufactured February 29, 2016, to May 6, 2016. The steering column on the affected vehicles may have been improperl…
- Power Train — Driveline — Driveshaft — 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…
- Power Train — Driveline — Driveshaft — 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…
Real owner data from the CarsJudge fleet
3 2016 Subaru Outback owners track this exact car in CarsJudge.
Recall data: NHTSA. Owner costs & MPG: anonymized aggregates from CarsJudge users who track this vehicle. Updated 2026-07-05.
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This AI-generated assessment is general guidance only, not a substitute for a professional inspection. Always inspect a used vehicle before purchase.