2016 Subaru Outback electrical system problems
Owners reported electrical system problems in 310 complaints for the 2016 Subaru Outback, 40% of the complaints on file. It is the most reported problem area for this model year.
At a glance
- Complaints
- 310 40% of this year's complaints
- Typical mileage
- 40,000 miles 146 complaints with mileage
- Crashes and fires
- 3 and 0
- Injuries and deaths
- 0 and 0
Source: NHTSA owner complaints
When electrical system problems show up
View the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 0k to 20k miles | 25 |
| 20k to 40k miles | 41 |
| 40k to 60k miles | 42 |
| 60k to 80k miles | 24 |
| 80k to 100k miles | 8 |
| 100k to 120k miles | 4 |
| 120k to 140k miles | 0 |
| 140k to 160k miles | 1 |
| 160k to 180k miles | 0 |
| 180k to 200k miles | 0 |
| 200k+ miles | 1 |
What the data shows
Of the 146 electrical system complaints that report mileage, the median is about 40,000 miles, and 74% were reported before 60,000 miles.
These complaints mention 3 crashes.
What owners wrote
This issue is a safety enhancement request affecting top of the line subaru outback 2016 limited/premium models equipped with keyless ignition systems. This issue is similar to that reported in NHTSA id number:10881286. Issue: it is possible for a driver to inadvertently turn off the engine (we are only human) using the start/stop button when the vehicle is in drive, park or neutral. If vehicle is on a slope, the vehicle will roll forwards or backwards on it's own.
The ignition key keeps getting stuck in the ignition. When attempting to stop the vehicle to park, the key cannot be removed. This is a well known problem as far as internet reports go yet subaru has not been called out on this. This means that the customer my be required to leave the key in the ignition should some other emergency arise.
Other problems reported for the 2016 Subaru Outback
- Wipers, windshield & visibility 91 complaints
- Engine 56 complaints
- Drivetrain & axles 42 complaints
- Steering 24 complaints
- Cruise control 22 complaints
- Brakes 19 complaints
- Body & structure 19 complaints