Recall 15V794 affects 3,251 2016 Subaru Outback and Legacy vehicles for loose drive-shaft nuts. Repair is free at any franchised Subaru dealer.
Subaru is recalling 3,251 2016 Outback and Legacy vehicles because improperly tightened securing nuts can let the drive shaft separate from the rear differential. If it detaches, the drive shaft can strike the fuel tank and cause a fuel leak, which increases fire risk; Subaru dealers will complete the free repair.
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What's wrong?
The propeller shaft, also called the drive shaft, carries engine power toward the rear differential on 2016 Subaru Outback and Legacy vehicles. The rear differential then routes that power to the rear wheels. That connection depends on securing nuts that hold the shaft tight against the differential.
On affected vehicles, those nuts were not tightened correctly during assembly. Subaru traced the problem to torque wrench use and poor socket contact with the nut. As the vehicle is driven, the loose nuts can back off over time. If they loosen enough, the propeller shaft can separate from the rear differential.
There is no reliable warning sign before the shaft separates. The issue was found during inspection, not because owners had a clear symptom to watch for.
Who's affected?
Covers both Outback and Legacy models, with driveline scope split between the differential unit and driveshaft.
| 2016 Subaru Outback | driveline |
|---|---|
| 2016 Subaru Outback | driveline |
| 2016 Subaru Legacy | driveline |
| 2016 Subaru Legacy | driveline |
| Units affected | 3,251 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching 2016 Subaru Outback or Legacy does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included.
What's the safety risk?
If the drive shaft detaches, the fuel tank is at risk of being struck, causing a fuel leak and increasing the risk of a fire. This can happen without prior warning, so schedule the dealer inspection soon and avoid driving if you smell fuel or see a leak. Repair is free at any franchised Subaru dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2016 Subaru Outback or Legacy is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Subaru dealer to schedule the free fastening-nut inspection and tightening that keeps the drive shaft secured to the rear differential.
- Bring the recall notice if Subaru mailed one. If not, reference recall number 15V794 and Subaru recall WQV-57 when you call.
- Call Subaru customer service at 1-856-488-8500 with questions before your dealer visit.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete, and stop driving if you see or smell a fuel leak.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Subaru technician inspects the fastening nuts that secure the drive shaft at the rear differential. The technician tightens the nuts or replaces them if needed. The recall repair is free, including parts and labor. Subaru lists a general reimbursement plan for this campaign. If you've already paid out of pocket for a repair tied to these fastening nuts or the drive shaft separating from the rear differential, contact Subaru customer service or ask the dealer service desk what documentation Subaru needs for a claim.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| November 20, 2015 | Dealer notification began |
|---|---|
| November 20, 2015 | Dealer notification ended |
| November 24, 2015 | NHTSA published the recall |
| December 10, 2015 | Owner notification mailed |
| December 10, 2015 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 15V794?
Recall 15V794 covers 3,251 2016 Subaru Outback and Legacy vehicles with rear differential fastening nuts that were tightened improperly. If the drive shaft separates from the rear differential, it can strike the fuel tank and cause a fuel leak, raising fire risk. Subaru dealers inspect, tighten, or replace the nuts for free.
What should I do if my 2016 Subaru Outback or 2016 Subaru Legacy is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 15V794. If it is, contact a franchised Subaru dealer and ask for recall WQV-57. The dealer will inspect the rear differential fastening nuts and tighten or replace them at no charge.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires Subaru to repair the defect at no cost to the owner. For recall 15V794, Subaru dealers inspect the fastening nuts and tighten or replace them for free at any franchised Subaru dealer.
What is the safety risk in recall 15V794?
The safety risk is a fuel leak and fire risk if the drive shaft separates from the rear differential. In recall 15V794, the loose fastening nuts affect the driveline connection near the fuel tank. Confirm your VIN, then schedule the free dealer inspection and repair if your vehicle is included.
When were owners notified about recall 15V794?
Subaru began the recall on December 10, 2015. The repair is available now through franchised Subaru dealers. When you call, reference recall WQV-57 or campaign 15V794, and have your VIN ready so the service desk can confirm coverage.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/15V794000 |
|---|---|
| Subaru customer service | 1-856-488-8500 |
| NHTSA recall # | 15V794 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 15V794000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 31, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →