2016 Subaru Outback maintenance schedule

The 2016 Outback is part of the BS generation (2015-2019), sold as a wagon. Below: its service intervals with the source behind each one, the fluids it takes, the problems owners report for this year, and the NHTSA recalls issued for it.

Service schedule

What the 2016 Outback needs, and when

5 of these 10 items come from Subaru's own published schedule. Manufacturer rows link to Subaru's own schedule, Independent rows to a service shop or parts retailer's published guide.

ServiceIntervalSource
Engine oil and filter

Requires 0W-20 for 4-cyl and 5W-30 for 6-cyl.

6,000 mi / 6 monthsManufacturer
Engine air filter30,000 miIndependent
Cabin air filter12,000 miIndependent
Tire rotationInspect, replace as neededIndependent
Brake fluid

Inspect at 12,000 miles

30,000 mi / 30 monthsManufacturer
Engine coolant

Inspect at 24,000 miles

137,500 mi / 11 yearsManufacturer
Transmission fluid

Replace or inspect

Inspect, replace as neededManufacturer
Spark plugs (FB25)60,000 mi / 5 yearsManufacturer
Serpentine beltInspect, replace as neededIndependent
12V battery

Frequent testing required due to severe parasitic drain flaws.

Inspect, replace as neededIndependent

Intervals are for normal driving; towing, short trips, extreme heat or dust shorten them. Services we could not find an interval for are left off rather than guessed.

Fluids and engines

What goes in it

Engine oil
0W-20 (4-cyl) / 5W-30 (6-cyl)

Powertrains in this generation

  • CVT, AWD

Confirm the exact spec against the owner's manual or the label under the hood; capacities vary by engine and drivetrain.

Known problems

What 2016 Outback owners run into

Problems reported for this model year, with the mileage they tend to show up at. Buying past a window is not automatically a pass - it just needs to be priced in.

Excessive Oil Consumption

high severity

From about 50,000 mi · $1,500-$1,600 to fix

Engine burns massive amounts of oil, requiring frequent top-ups

Source: enginepatrol.com

12V Battery Drain

high severity

$185-$380 to fix

Battery prematurely dies without warning due to electrical draw

Source: subaruofdayton.com

Head Gasket Failure

high severity

$2,000-$4,000 to fix

Overheating, white smoke, oily smell in cabin

Torque Converter Failure

medium severity

$1,200 to fix

Shuddering when accelerating/stopping, whining noise

Safety recalls

4 NHTSA recalls for the 2016 Subaru Outback

From NHTSA's recall database, matched by model and year. Recall repairs are free at Subaru dealers, and a given car may already be fixed or fall outside a campaign, so check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls before you buy.

December 2019

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 air bag deployment.

Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger air bag module, free of charge. The recall began February 3, 2020. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUX-09.

May 2016

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.

Remedy: 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.

Power train

NHTSA 15V794000

November 2015

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 the improper tightening of the securing nuts, the drive shaft may separate from the rear differential.

Remedy: Subaru has notified owners, and dealers will inspect the fastening nuts, and tighten or replace them, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on December 10, 2015. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-856-488-8500. Subaru's number for this recall is WQV-57.

Power train

NHTSA 15V502000

August 2015

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.

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

Running costs

What maintenance typically costs

A typical year of maintenance
$617

Typical US independent-shop estimates for this generation; they vary by region and condition.

Other Outback model years

BT (2020-2026)

BS (2015-2019)

BR (2014-2014)

Shopping new? The Subaru Outback guide covers the current model, with what it costs to keep for 1 to 15 years.

Sources

Researched 2026-09-21. Modeling, not mechanic advice - always confirm against your car's owner's manual and service records.

Running an Outback for income?

Carlyle scores the exact listing on cost per remaining mile and projected Turo income, so you know what a 2016 Outback earns before you buy it.

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