Mile ratingKnown issues to check on the 2016 Subaru Outback
One widely reported problem pattern applies to this model year. That does not mean this car has the fault — many were fixed under warranty or recall — but it is what to check, and what to ask the seller for, before you buy.
- FB-series engine and CVTWorth checking
These years draw consistent complaints of oil consumption on the naturally aspirated FB engines and of shudder or judder from the CVT's torque converter.
What to check: Ask for oil top-up frequency and any consumption test. Drive from a stop and at light throttle feeling for shudder; ask about CVT fluid service.
Patterns are drawn from NHTSA recalls and complaints, manufacturer service bulletins and consistent owner reporting. Always confirm open recalls against the VIN and get an independent pre-purchase inspection.
What owners of the 2016 Outback say
Owner reviews for this exact model year are the fastest way to find out what breaks, what it costs to fix and whether the car lives up to the spec sheet.
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About this car
The Subaru Outback is No. 46 on the Caboose longevity table: 6.8% of them reach 250,000 miles, against 5.4% of all vehicles. This 2016 Subaru Outback 2.5i Premium is listed at $10,199, about $463 below the CarGurus expected market price of $10,662. It has 128,848 miles and comes in Lapis Blue Pearl. Power comes from a 175 hp 2.5L H4 with all-wheel drive, rated around 29 MPG combined. It is offered by Smart Auto LLC in South Windsor, CT.
Why it's a good buy
- 6.8% of Subaru Outbacks reach 250,000 miles — No. 46 of 52 on the Caboose table
- 71,152 miles of runway before 200,000
- 4% below market price ($463 savings)
- 5-star NHTSA overall safety rating
- Alloy Wheels
- Bluetooth
Features
Caboose PRO
The full 791-word analysis of this car
The verdict
The 2016 Subaru Outback 2.5i Premium is listed at $10,199 with 128,848 miles. The Caboose score is 7.6 out of 10, built from three things: how far below market the price sits, how much of the 200,000-mile target is still ahead of the odometer, and how often this model reaches 250,000 miles in the iSeeCars study (6.8% of Subaru Outbacks do).
The asking price is within a few hundred dollars of the CarGurus expected price of $10,662, so the discount is thin and the deal rests on the car itself. That puts it in the middle of the pack, so treat it as a candidate to compare rather than a car to rush.
- Price against the market
- Mileage runway to 200,000
- Odds of reaching 250,000 miles
- Ownership budget (planning estimates)
- What to inspect on this exact car
- Questions for Smart Auto LLC
- Your next seven days
Get it road-ready
The usual first-week purchases for a 2016 Subaru Outback, from partners we trust.
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