2016 Subaru Outback Coolant Capacity & Type

The 2016 Subaru Outback typically holds around 7.5 to 8.0 quarts (approximately 7.1 to 7.6 liters) of coolant in its cooling system, depending on the engine. Properly maintaining your Outback's cooling system is crucial for its longevity and performance.

Quick Answer

• Total Cooling System Capacity: 7.5 - 8.0 quarts (7.1 - 7.6 liters)
• OEM Coolant Spec: Subaru Super Blue Coolant (SBR) or equivalent long-life, ethylene glycol-based, silicate-free, phosphate-free, and amine-free HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) coolant. This coolant is typically blue in color.
• Mix Ratio: 50/50 Pre-mixed (or mix concentrated coolant with distilled water to a 50/50 ratio).

Capacity by Engine Option

For the 2016 Subaru Outback, the coolant capacity can vary slightly depending on the engine. Always consult your owner's manual for the most precise figures.

Flush Interval

Maintaining the correct coolant and adhering to flush intervals is vital for preventing corrosion and ensuring optimal engine cooling.

• Normal Duty: Replace coolant every 137,500 miles or 11 years, whichever comes first.
• Severe Duty (e.g., frequent towing, extreme temperatures, dusty conditions): Consider more frequent inspections and potentially earlier replacement, typically around 60,000 miles or every 5 years.

How to Refill & Bleed

Properly refilling and bleeding air from the cooling system is critical after any coolant service to prevent air pockets that can lead to overheating.

1. Preparation: Ensure the engine is cool. Position the vehicle on level ground. You may want to elevate the front of the car slightly to help air escape.
2. Drain: Open the petcock on the bottom of the radiator and remove the radiator cap to allow the old coolant to drain completely into a suitable container. Some models may also have drains on the engine block.
3. Flush (Optional but Recommended): If performing a full flush, close the drain and refill with distilled water. Run the engine with the heater on until it reaches operating temperature, then drain. Repeat until the drained water is clear. Do NOT use tap water for flushing or mixing, only distilled water.
4. Refill: Close all drains. Slowly add the specified Subaru Super Blue Coolant (50/50 mix) to the radiator until full. Fill the overflow reservoir to the "FULL" mark.
5. Bleed Air: Leave the radiator cap off (or loosely secured) and run the engine with the heater on high. As the engine warms up, coolant will circulate, and air bubbles will rise to the top. Gently squeeze the upper and lower radiator hoses to help dislodge air pockets. The 2016 Subaru Outback does not typically have a dedicated bleed screw. Instead, air is usually bled by allowing the engine to cycle through several warm-up and cool-down cycles. Keep the coolant topped off in the radiator and reservoir as needed.
6. Final Check: Once the engine reaches operating temperature and no more air bubbles appear, replace the radiator cap securely. Drive the vehicle for a day or two and recheck the coolant level in the overflow reservoir, topping off if necessary.

Common Cooling System Issues for this Generation (2015-2019 Subaru Outback)

Subaru Outbacks, particularly in this generation, are generally reliable, but some cooling system issues can arise:

• Head Gasket Leaks: While less prevalent than in older generations, head gasket issues can still occur, leading to external oil/coolant leaks or internal mixing of fluids. Symptoms include unexplained coolant loss, white smoke from the exhaust, or engine overheating.
• Radiator Leaks: Over time, the plastic end tanks of the radiator can become brittle and crack, leading to coolant leaks. Visible leaks or a sweet smell under the hood can indicate this problem.
• Water Pump Failure: The water pump circulates coolant through the engine. A failing water pump can cause leaks, unusual noises (whining or grinding), or engine overheating. A common symptom is a puddle of coolant under the front of the car.
• Thermostat Issues: A stuck-open thermostat can cause the engine to run too cool, leading to poor fuel economy and reduced heater performance. A stuck-closed thermostat is more serious, causing rapid overheating.
• Coolant Expansion Tank Leaks: The plastic overflow tank can develop cracks, leading to slow coolant loss. Regularly inspect this tank for cracks or discoloration.

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