2016 Subaru Outback Recall

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Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

13 common questions answered

What owners need to know now
Several recalls in the NHTSA record specifically reference steering (including campaign WTD-65) and other safety systems for Outback models; for the steering recall affecting certain 2016 Outback vehicles, Subaru advises owners not to drive until inspection if they fall within the affected build dates. All recall repairs are completed free of charge by authorized dealers. To confirm your vehicle's status and schedule service at Mike Shaw Subaru Greeley, our service team will check your VIN and complete any required repairs at no cost.
What are the known NHTSA recalls for a 2016 Subaru Outback?
The NHTSA record lists 32 recall actions covering components including steering, airbags, transmission, electronic stability control, windshield wiper motors and more. Notable examples include a 2016 steering column machining defect (WTD-65) that can cause loss of steering and multiple air bag inflator campaigns affecting occupant safety. Mike Shaw Subaru Greeley can check your VIN and explain which campaigns apply to your vehicle.
How do I check if my 2016 Subaru Outback has an open recall?
Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov or bring your VIN to our service team and we will check for free and advise next steps. You can also call Subaru customer service (1-800-782-2783) for campaign updates, or contact Mike Shaw Subaru Greeley for help. To book a free VIN check and any needed work, schedule appointment with our service department.
How much does a 2016 Subaru Outback recall repair cost?
Manufacturer recall repairs are free of charge; Mike Shaw Subaru Greeley will complete required recall repairs using OEM parts at no cost to you. If secondary maintenance is needed outside the recall repair, we can discuss options and available service specials or service financing.
Can I get my 2016 Subaru Outback recall fixed at an independent shop or do I need a dealer?
Recall repairs must be completed by an authorized dealer to ensure OEM parts, manufacturer procedures, and warranty compliance — choose your local certified Subaru dealer for safe, correct repairs. Mike Shaw Subaru Greeley is a certified franchise dealer with factory-trained technicians and OEM diagnostic tools to perform recall work properly.
How long does a 2016 Subaru Outback recall repair take?
Repair time varies by campaign — many inspections are quick; some component replacements or part-order campaigns can take longer, typically a few hours to a day. When you schedule service we will provide an estimated turnaround and, if available, expedite parts through Subaru.
Does an open recall affect my 2016 Subaru Outback's trade-in or resale value?
An unresolved recall can reduce buyer confidence, affect resale or trade-in value, and some buyers or dealers will require recall completion before purchase. Resolving recalls at Mike Shaw Subaru Greeley protects value — we can provide documentation for resale or trade; start a valuation at value your trade.
Can I fail a state inspection because of an unresolved 2016 Subaru Outback recall?
Some recalls affect safety systems that can lead to inspection failures or registration issues depending on state rules; address safety recalls promptly to avoid inspection or insurance complications. Our team in Greeley, CO will advise if a specific recall may impact your inspection and can complete repairs free under the manufacturer program.
Safety Risks You Can't Ignore
The 2016 Subaru Outback faces several safety-related recalls documented by the NHTSA, including steering column defects that can cause loss of steering, air bag inflator campaigns that address inflator rupture risk, and brake/stability items that can reduce vehicle control. Addressing recalls promptly reduces crash risk and protects you, your passengers, and other road users. Ignoring an open steering recall such as campaign WTD-65 can lead to sudden loss of steering input; Subaru advised affected owners not to drive until an inspection if their vehicle is within the affected build dates. Insurance companies and state inspectors increasingly reference recall status; leaving a safety recall unresolved could complicate claims or inspections. At Mike Shaw Subaru Greeley we prioritize safety: our factory-trained technicians follow Subaru repair procedures exactly, using OEM parts and Subaru diagnostic tools to confirm repairs. If you're searching for ‘Subaru recall service near me’ in Greeley or surrounding communities — from Evans to Loveland — schedule service and let us make sure your Outback is safe and compliant.
Your Certified Recall Experts
Choose a certified franchise dealer for recall work — independent shops often lack Subaru OEM parts, factory diagnostic tools, and direct factory support. Mike Shaw Subaru Greeley is a full-service Subaru dealership staffed by factory-trained technicians who receive ongoing manufacturer training and access to Subaru technical bulletins and parts. We perform recall repairs free under the manufacturer campaigns and document the repair with Subaru-authorized paperwork, preserving warranty and resale documentation. Our service center supports customers across Greeley, Windsor, Fort Collins, and the northern Colorado region. We also offer convenient online scheduling, transparent estimates, and the option to review available service specials. If finance flexibility is needed, ask about our service financing options so needed repairs can be completed today and paid over time. Trust your local Subaru dealer — Mike Shaw Subaru Greeley — for recall repairs done right.
Check Your VIN Today
Not sure if your 2016 Subaru Outback is affected? Use your VIN at NHTSA.gov or bring it to our service desk for a free VIN lookup and recall verification. We’ll identify any open campaigns (for example, steering, airbags, transmission seals, or electronic stability control) and explain the manufacturer’s corrective action. Typical steps when you arrive include a VIN check, visual inspection and, if required, scheduling the needed repair or performing repairs immediately if parts are available. Many inspections are quick; certain part replacement campaigns may require scheduling based on parts availability. You can schedule service with our team, and we’ll provide a transparent timeline. Mike Shaw Subaru Greeley helps owners across Greeley and nearby towns get prompt, free recall service with OEM parts and Subaru-trained technicians.
Protect Your Resale Value
Open recalls can lower trade-in and private-sale value because buyers and dealers often check NHTSA records before purchase. Getting recalls completed at a certified Subaru dealer like Mike Shaw Subaru Greeley protects your vehicle's value and provides documented proof the work was done using OEM parts and Subaru-approved procedures. For owners planning to trade or sell, bringing the 2016 Subaru Outback current on recall repairs can increase buyer confidence and simplify transactions; some wholesale buyers will deduct value or refuse a vehicle with open safety recalls. We also assist with vehicle appraisals and trade valuations — start with our online value your trade form, then schedule appointment to complete any outstanding recall work. Completing recalls safeguards safety, resale value, and peace of mind for you and future owners.
2016 Subaru Outback Recall Summary
These summaries are based on NHTSA records. To verify which campaigns apply to your vehicle and to schedule service with Mike Shaw Subaru Greeley (your local certified Subaru dealer near Greeley, CO), contact our service department. All manufacturer recall repairs are free and should be completed at an authorized dealer to ensure proper OEM repair and documentation.

Safety Risks You Can't Ignore

The 2016 Subaru Outback faces several safety-related recalls documented by the NHTSA, including steering column defects that can cause loss of steering, air bag inflator campaigns that address inflator rupture risk, and brake/stability items that can reduce vehicle control. Addressing recalls promptly reduces crash risk and protects you, your passengers, and other road users. Ignoring an open steering recall such as campaign WTD-65 can lead to sudden loss of steering input; Subaru advised affected owners not to drive until an inspection if their vehicle is within the affected build dates. Insurance companies and state inspectors increasingly reference recall status; leaving a safety recall unresolved could complicate claims or inspections. At Mike Shaw Subaru Greeley we prioritize safety: our factory-trained technicians follow Subaru repair procedures exactly, using OEM parts and Subaru diagnostic tools to confirm repairs. If you're searching for ‘Subaru recall service near me’ in Greeley or surrounding communities — from Evans to Loveland — schedule service and let us make sure your Outback is safe and compliant.

Your Certified Recall Experts

Choose a certified franchise dealer for recall work — independent shops often lack Subaru OEM parts, factory diagnostic tools, and direct factory support. Mike Shaw Subaru Greeley is a full-service Subaru dealership staffed by factory-trained technicians who receive ongoing manufacturer training and access to Subaru technical bulletins and parts. We perform recall repairs free under the manufacturer campaigns and document the repair with Subaru-authorized paperwork, preserving warranty and resale documentation. Our service center supports customers across Greeley, Windsor, Fort Collins, and the northern Colorado region. We also offer convenient online scheduling, transparent estimates, and the option to review available service specials. If finance flexibility is needed, ask about our service financing options so needed repairs can be completed today and paid over time. Trust your local Subaru dealer — Mike Shaw Subaru Greeley — for recall repairs done right.

Check Your VIN Today

Not sure if your 2016 Subaru Outback is affected? Use your VIN at NHTSA.gov or bring it to our service desk for a free VIN lookup and recall verification. We’ll identify any open campaigns (for example, steering, airbags, transmission seals, or electronic stability control) and explain the manufacturer’s corrective action. Typical steps when you arrive include a VIN check, visual inspection and, if required, scheduling the needed repair or performing repairs immediately if parts are available. Many inspections are quick; certain part replacement campaigns may require scheduling based on parts availability. You can schedule service with our team, and we’ll provide a transparent timeline. Mike Shaw Subaru Greeley helps owners across Greeley and nearby towns get prompt, free recall service with OEM parts and Subaru-trained technicians.

Protect Your Resale Value

Open recalls can lower trade-in and private-sale value because buyers and dealers often check NHTSA records before purchase. Getting recalls completed at a certified Subaru dealer like Mike Shaw Subaru Greeley protects your vehicle's value and provides documented proof the work was done using OEM parts and Subaru-approved procedures. For owners planning to trade or sell, bringing the 2016 Subaru Outback current on recall repairs can increase buyer confidence and simplify transactions; some wholesale buyers will deduct value or refuse a vehicle with open safety recalls. We also assist with vehicle appraisals and trade valuations — start with our online value your trade form, then schedule appointment to complete any outstanding recall work. Completing recalls safeguards safety, resale value, and peace of mind for you and future owners.

Recall Summary

32 recalls found · All repairs FREE

Steering

FREE2 OPEN RECALLS

Defect

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 improperly machined, and as a result, turning the steering wheel may have no effect on the direction of the wheels.

Consequence

The loss of steering ability would increase the risk of a crash.

Corrective Action

Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the lot number on the steering column, replacing the steering column, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 13, 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783 or by visiting http://www.wtd65.service-campaign.com. Subaru's number for this recall is WTD-65. Note: Until the vehicles have been inspected, owners are advised not to drive their vehicles.

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Steering2
FREE2 OPEN RECALLS

Defect

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 improperly machined, and as a result, turning the steering wheel may have no effect on the direction of the wheels.

Consequence

The loss of steering ability would increase the risk of a crash.

Corrective Action

Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the lot number on the steering column, replacing the steering column, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 13, 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783 or by visiting http://www.wtd65.service-campaign.com. Subaru's number for this recall is WTD-65. Note: Until the vehicles have been inspected, owners are advised not to drive their vehicles.

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Electronic Stability Control1
FREE1 OPEN RECALL

Defect

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2015 Legacy and Outback vehicles manufactured on July 20, 2015. The brake fluid used in these vehicles may contain excess moisture which may adversely affect the performance of the electronic stability control system. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 126, Electronic Stability Control Systems.

Consequence

Poor performance of the electronic stability control system when it is activated may result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Corrective Action

Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will perform an ABS activation, then flush and replace the brake fluid, free of charge. The recall began on May 20, 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WTC-64.

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Transmission2
FREE2 OPEN RECALLS

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.

Corrective Action

Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the propeller shaft, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on August 28, 2015. Owners may contact 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WQU-56.

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Brake Light1
FREE1 OPEN RECALL

Defect

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2015 Legacy vehicles manufactured March 10, 2014, to April 16, 2015, Outback vehicles manufactured February 24, 2014, to April 16, 2015, Impreza vehicles manufactured September 9, 2014, to April 14, 2015, XV Crosstrek vehicles manufactured October 16, 2014, to April 15, 2015, and 2016 WRX vehicles manufactured March 23, 2015, and equipped with the Eyesight Driver Assist System. If the switch that activates the brake lights fails, the automati

Consequence

If the automatic pre-collision braking system does not function as intended, the vehicle will not react to an obstacle in its path, increasing the risk of a crash.

Corrective Action

Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the driver assist system, free of charge. The recall began on July 20, 2015. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WQS-54.

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Trailer Hitch1
FREE1 OPEN RECALL

Defect

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2015 Outback vehicles manufactured January 22, 2014, to August 18, 2014, and equipped with a Subaru accessory trailer hitch assembly. During installation, the trailer hitch mounting nuts may have been overtightened, potentially resulting in failure of the trailer hitch mounting studs.

Consequence

The mounting nut(s) may not provide sufficient force to remain attached to the studs or the studs themselves might break. If this were to happen while a trailer is being towed, the driver might not be able to operate the vehicle as desired or the trailer may detach from the vehicle. Either situation could increase the risk of a crash.

Corrective Action

Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace all eight mounting nuts for the trailer hitch assembly, and will inspect all eight mounting studs for damage, free of charge. The recall began on October 7, 2014. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WQN-50.

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Air Bag13
FREE13 OPEN RECALLS

Defect

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (including STI), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2005-2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming or Zone C." These vehicles h

Consequence

An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Corrective Action

Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020. Subaru owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Saab owners may contact the Saab Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKC-20.

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Ignition2
FREE2 OPEN RECALLS

Defect

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester vehicles, 2008-2011 Impreza vehicles, 2008-2014 WRX vehicles, 2005-2014 Legacy vehicles, 2005-2014 Outback vehicles and 2006-2008 Tribeca vehicles equipped with a mechanical key ignition switch installed as a replacement part. The ball spring inside the switch may break, reducing the strength of the ignition switch. If this occurs, the weight on the key ring and certain road conditions could cause the ignition switch to move out of t

Consequence

The engine turning off unexpectedly can increase the risk of a crash. If a crash occurs under this condition, the air bag may not deploy, increasing the risk of injury.

Corrective Action

Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the ignition switch, replacing the ignition switch, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 10, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUF-91.

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Parking Brake2
FREE2 OPEN RECALLS

Defect

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2010-2014 Subaru Legacy and Outback vehicles equipped with a manual transmission. The electronic parking brake (EPB) may not engage as intended, allowing the vehicle to rollaway if the transmission is not in the proper gear when parked.

Consequence

A vehicle rollaway can increase the risk of a crash.

Corrective Action

Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the EPB actuator assembly, free of charge. The recall is scheduled to begin November 7, 2018. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WTV-81.

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Windshield Wiper2
FREE2 OPEN RECALLS

Defect

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Legacy vehicles manufactured November 26, 2008, to June 7, 2013, and 2010-2014 Outback vehicles manufactured January 9, 2009 to June 7, 2013. Due to contamination, components within the windshield wiper motor bottom cover may interfere with each other. If an obstruction, such as a buildup of snow or ice prevents the wiper arms from being able to stop in the parked position, the wiper motor may overheat and the bottom cover may melt

Consequence

If the windshield wiper motor overheats, the wipers may fail, reducing driver visibility and increasing the risk of a crash. Additionally, the wiper motor cover may melt, increasing the risk of a fire.

Corrective Action

Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the windshield wiper motor bottom cover assembly, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WTK-71. Note: This recall supersedes recall 11V-469. All vehicles that were remedied under that campaign are affected by this campaign, and need to have their wiper motor bottom cover replaced again.

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Electrical System1
FREE1 OPEN RECALL

Defect

Subaru is recalling certain model year 2010-2012 Legacy and Outback vehicles equipped with an automatic or CVT transmission and an Audiovox remote engine starter (RES) accessory, certain model year 2012-2013 Impreza vehicles equipped with a CVT transmission and an Audiovox remote engine starter (RES) accessory, and certain model year 2013 XV Crosstrek vehicles equipped with a CVT transmission and an Audiovox remote engine starter (RES) accessory. Additionally included are certain model year 2013 Legacy and

Consequence

The engine may inadvertently start and run for up to fifteen minutes. The engine may continue to start and stop until the fob battery is depleted, or until the vehicle runs out of fuel. If the vehicle is parked in an enclosed area, there is a risk of carbon monoxide build-up which may cause headaches, dizziness or, in extreme cases, unconsciousness and/or asphyxiation.

Corrective Action

Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the RES key fobs, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin by the end of April 2013. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783 for more information.

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Structure1
FREE1 OPEN RECALL

Defect

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Legacy and Outback vehicles. Spot welds located on the duct below the cowl panel may have been improperly applied, impacting the vehicle's body strength.

Consequence

In the event of a crash, the reduced strength of the vehicle body may increase the risk of injury.

Corrective Action

Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles and repair or repurchase the vehicle, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began July 26, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUH-93.

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Fuel Pump1
FREE1 OPEN RECALL

Defect

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Impreza, Outback, Legacy, and Ascent vehicles. The low pressure fuel pump may become inoperative.

Consequence

If the low pressure fuel pump fails, the engine may stall without the ability to restart the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Corrective Action

Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the low pressure fuel pump, free of charge. The recall began June 4, 2020. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRD-20.

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Backup Camera1
FREE1 OPEN RECALL

Defect

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2020 Legacy and Outback vehicles equipped with high" grade and "mid" grade multimedia navigation. The August 2020 over-the-air software update may have timed out without completing the installation

Consequence

The intermittent loss of the rearview image reduces the driver's visibility and increases the risk of crash.

Corrective Action

Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the software and, if necessary, replace the Cockpit Control Module, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 22, 2021. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRH-20.

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Brake Pedal1
FREE1 OPEN RECALL

Defect

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2020 Outback and Legacy vehicles. The brake pedal mounting bracket may have a missing or insufficiently tightened bolt.

Consequence

A missing or loose bolt may cause the brake pedal mounting area to deform over time, which can reduce braking performance and increase the risk of a crash.

Corrective Action

Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake pedal mounting bracket hardware and replace the hardware or brake pedal assembly, as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin October 1, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUL-97.

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CVT Lever Cable Nut1
FREE1 OPEN RECALL

Defect

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2021 Outback and Impreza vehicles. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) select lever cable nut may not have been tightened properly, allowing the nut to loosen.

Consequence

A loose nut can lead to a lost of retention in the CVT select lever cable and the gear selector not functioning properly, increasing risk of crash.

Corrective Action

Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect, and, if necessary, tighten the nut, free of charge. The recall began February 12, 2021. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRA-21.

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