2016 Subaru Outback Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Model data compiled from public NHTSA records; may be incomplete, inaccurate, or out of date. General information, not professional advice — see Terms.
One honest thing before you start
We're car-data nerds, not mechanics. This checklist is general information — not professional advice — built from real recall records and thousands of owner complaints to make you a sharper shopper. Think of it as triage, not a diagnosis.
Before any money moves, get an independent inspection from a qualified mechanic (typically $100–$250). Our data comes from public sources and may be incomplete, inaccurate, or out of date — no checklist catches everything.
So here's the deal: use this to decide whether a car is worth that inspection. You're evaluating and buying the car entirely at your own risk — we're not liable for anything this checklist misses, anything it gets wrong, or any loss resulting from your purchase decision. Fair?
Known issues for the 2016 Outback
5
Electrical System complaints Red flag
Test all electronics — lights, windows, infotainment, and driver aids — and confirm no warning lights stay on. (309 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 309 NHTSA complaints
Visibility/Wiper complaints Red flag
Test wipers, washers, headlights, and all exterior lights, including the backup camera if equipped. (83 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 83 NHTSA complaints
Engine complaints Red flag
Watch the temperature gauge and warning lights on a long test drive, and look for leaks under the engine. (52 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 52 NHTSA complaints
Power Train complaints Red flag
Note any hesitation, harsh shifting, or slipping during city and highway driving. (45 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 45 NHTSA complaints
Steering complaints Red flag
Check for looseness, pulling, or unusual noise in the steering at low and highway speeds. (24 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 24 NHTSA complaints
Verify on NHTSA → · How we get our data →
80 additional complaints were filed without a specific component.
Open recalls
4
Air Bags Red flag
In the event of a crash necessitating passenger frontal air bag deployment, the air bag may not deploy properly, increasing the risk of injury.
Steering Red flag
The loss of steering ability would increase the risk of a crash.
Power Train Red flag
If the transmission oil leaks onto the exhaust pipe, there is a possible risk of fire.
Power Train Check
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.
The 31-point checklist
31
0 / 31 checked · 0 red flags ·
Before you go
We may earn a commission — it keeps the checklist free.
Check the VIN history on EpicVIN
Check it on CarFax (we don't earn from this)
Get an OBD2 scanner DEMO
Paperwork & history
Exterior & wheels
Interior & electronics
Under the hood
Test drive (15+ min, city + highway)
This tells you whether the car deserves a pro inspection (typically $100–$250) — it's not the inspection.
2016 Outback–specific issues
Your verdict
Keep inspecting — you're under halfway. The red-flag items matter most.
No red flags? Nice. A pro's eyes on it before your money moves is still the play.
Two red flags just saved you the inspection fee. Plenty more cars out there.
We may earn a commission — it keeps the checklist free.
Frequently asked questions
How many recalls does the 2016 Subaru Outback have?
NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2016 Outback. The most serious involve Air Bags (19V910000) and Steering (16V292000). Ask the seller for proof each recall was completed.
What are the most common complaints about the 2016 Outback?
The top complaint areas are Electrical System (309 complaints) and Unknown or Other (124 complaints), out of 642 total complaints.
What should I check before buying a used 2016 Outback?
Run through the full inspection checklist below, verify any open recalls were completed, and get an independent pre-purchase inspection. Pay special attention to Electrical System, which drew 309 complaints for this model-year.