2016 Subaru Outback problems
The 2016 Subaru Outback was sold with an engine that we have documented: the Subaru bóxer. It has no documented serious faults for the cars of that year. Outside the engine, 2 documented faults affect 2016 cars, such as electric parking brake fault: the connector can come loose.
2016 Subaru Outback score: acceptable reliability
Calculated using only 4 documented faults and their sources: the most serious and frequent faults weigh more. How it is calculated
- Engine7.12 faults
- Gearbox9.31 fault
- Suspension8.1Technical inspection (ITV) only: 0.7 times the defects normal for its age
- Brakes8.11 fault and ITV (technical inspection)
- Tyres and wheels10.0No documented faults
- Steering8.6Technical inspection (ITV) only: 0.6 times the defects normal for its age
- Electrical system10.0No documented faults
- Headlights and lights7.7Technical inspection (ITV) only: 0.9 times the defects normal for its age
- Electronics and infotainment10.0No documented faults
- Climate control10.0No documented faults
- Bodywork and interior7.5Technical inspection (ITV) only: 1.0 times the defects normal for its age
- Airbags and safety10.0No documented faults
What changes compared with the 2015 Subaru Outback
The same engines and the same documented faults as in 2015.
Subaru bóxer engine in the 2016 Subaru Outback
Names: 2.5i · 2.0D (hasta 2018)
- With caution
2.0 D 147-150 hp Euro 6 (EE20, 2015-2018)
147–150 hp · EE20
AUTO BILD says the new 2015 block should bring peace of mind, but it still recommends the petrol engines and no source quantifies the failures of this version; same checks as on the Euro 5.[2][3]
- With caution
2.5i 175 hp (FB25, 2015-2021)
175 hp · FB25
None of the European sources consulted rates the FB25 or documents faults specific to it, and English Wikipedia does not list specific European models; the oil consumption of the FB engines documented in the US is not confirmed in Europe, so keep an eye on the oil level.[1][4]
Faults that affect 2016 cars
- Medium severityFrequency: CommonEmissions controlClogged particulate filter on the EE20 dieselThe particulate filter on the EE20 boxer diesel tends to clog, especially on those built up to the end of 2010 according to Gebrauchtwagenberater; AUTO BILD cites it on the XV I together with a rising oil level, among the diesel's problems.
- Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalInjectionImprecise injectors and sooty EGR valve on the EE20 dieselThe EE20's Denso injectors can work imprecisely and produce a knocking noise, and soot in the injectors and EGR valve can lead to expensive repairs; AUTO BILD cites 500-800 euros per injector in Germany.
Faults outside the engine in the 2016 Subaru Outback
- High severityFrequency: OccasionalBrakesElectric parking brake fault: the connector can come looseYes: Subaru recalled Outbacks from 2015 to 2018 (and other models from the brand) because the electric parking brake could fail to work as it should and let the car move with the brake applied. In the UK the cause described is a connector that can come loose; it is inspected and, if needed, secured with a clip.
- Medium severityFrequency: RareGearbox and clutchJudder on pull-away from the Lineartronic CVT automatic gearboxA Spanish commercial website describes judder on pull-away, especially when cold, in the CVT gearbox of the Outback V and attributes it to degraded oil. Other sources (CarWiki, CarsGuide) see barely any reliability problems with this gearbox. It is a disputed fault, with no official campaign or statistics.
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Frequently asked questions
Is the 2016 Subaru Outback reliable?
The 2016 Subaru Outback was sold with an engine that we have documented: the Subaru bóxer. It has no documented serious faults for the cars of that year. Outside the engine, 2 documented faults affect 2016 cars, such as electric parking brake fault: the connector can come loose.
Is the 2016 Subaru Outback better than the 2015?
Going by the documented faults, they are the same: the same engines and the same faults affect the 2015 and 2016 cars. Choose on condition, mileage and maintenance history.
What is the best year for the Subaru Outback?
According to our score, the best are 2021 and 2020 (9.5/10). The year with the worst score is 2015 (7.3/10). Each year's score counts only the engines sold that year and the faults that affect those cars.
What faults does the 2016 Subaru Outback have?
The most important ones documented for 2016 cars are: electric parking brake fault: the connector can come loose (brakes, high severity), clogged particulate filter on the EE20 diesel (Subaru bóxer, medium severity), imprecise injectors and sooty EGR valve on the EE20 diesel (Subaru bóxer, medium severity) and judder on pull-away from the Lineartronic CVT automatic gearbox (gearbox and clutch, medium severity).
Own a 2016 Subaru Outback? Tell us what faults you have had and at how many kilometres. Report your fault.
Sources
Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.
- Subaru OutbackWikipedia (de) · Other source · consulted 9 October 2026 · in German
- Subaru XV I im Gebrauchtwagen-Test: «Vorsicht vor dem Boxer-Diesel!»AUTO BILD · Motoring press · published 17 December 2019 · consulted 9 October 2026 · in German
- Jak to działa: silnik Boxer Diesel w samochodach SubaruAutoblog (Spider's Web) · Motoring press · published 29 August 2018 · consulted 9 October 2026 · in another language
- Subaru FB engineWikipedia (en) · Other source · consulted 9 October 2026