# Subaru Outback oil pressure warning light: complaints, recalls and what to do **Verdict:** Stop driving - **Owner complaints:** 18 - **Most complaints:** 2016 (6) - **Related recalls:** 0 - **Verdict:** Stop now ## Quick answer NHTSA has 18 owner complaints about the oil pressure warning light on the Subaru Outback (2015-2026 models), most for the **2016** model year (6). No recall covers the parts behind this light, so a repair is usually at the owner's cost. Stop driving: No. ## Subaru Outback oil pressure warning light complaints by model year | Model year | Complaints mentioning the oil pressure light | All complaints that year | Share | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 2015 | 4 | 509 | 1% | | 2016 | 6 | 642 | 1% | | 2018 | 1 | 816 | 0% | | 2019 | 3 | 1036 | 0% | | 2020 | 1 | 905 | 0% | | 2022 | 3 | 465 | 1% | Counts are complaints filed with NHTSA whose description mentions this light. They show where owners have had trouble, not a failure rate: popular years collect more complaints simply because more cars are on the road. ## Is there a recall for the Subaru Outback oil pressure warning light? Not for the parts behind this light, as of 2026-11-04. The Subaru Outback has 24 recalls for other parts in 2015-2026; see the [Subaru Outback page](/vehicles/subaru-outback) or check your VIN at [nhtsa.gov/recalls](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). ## What Subaru Outback owners report - "Oil pressure warning light came on around the time the acceleration gave out altogether. We pulled over to the side of the highway and got out of the car, seeing steam/white smoke coming out of the front of the car. The smoke increased and after several minutes, the front of the car caught on fire." -- owner of a 2022 Subaru Outback, complaint filed 2025 - "The check engine, air bags, and oil warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that several other unknown warning lights and alerts were displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was jump-started, and the contact was escorted by a tow truck operator to the nearest dealer. The vehicle was not repaired...." -- owner of a 2020 Subaru Outback, complaint filed 2026 - "Had my first oil change at 5,000 miles and at 9,600 my oil light came on. Went home and put 1 quart of oil in vehicle and was still down low. Took to dealer and they changed oil and noted I had still been low 1/2 quart. Filed case with suburu of america. Nowin process of oil consumption test, but, saw that..." -- owner of a 2019 Subaru Outback, complaint filed 2020 Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly cleaned for reading. They are owners' own accounts and have not been verified. ## What the oil pressure warning light means The red oil pressure light means oil pressure has dropped too low to protect the engine. The most common cause is a low oil level, but a failing pressure sensor, a worn oil pump, or a clogged pickup can also do it. Pull over and shut the engine off as soon as it is safe; running without oil pressure can destroy the engine in minutes. The most common causes, on any make: 1. **Low oil level** (most common) 2. **Failing oil pressure sensor or switch** (common) 3. **Wrong or very old oil** (less common) 4. **Clogged oil pickup or failing oil pump** (less common) Full causes, what to do and how to reset it: [Oil pressure warning light](/warning-lights/oil-pressure). ## Frequently asked questions ### Is there a recall for the Subaru Outback oil pressure light? Not for the parts behind this light, as of 2026-11-04. A repair is usually at the owner's cost unless the car is under warranty. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, since new recalls are added often. ### Which Subaru Outback years have the most oil pressure light complaints? In NHTSA's database the 2015, 2016 and 2019 Outback model years have the most complaints mentioning the oil pressure warning light, with 6 for 2016. Complaint counts reflect how many cars were sold as well as how often problems happen. ### Is it safe to drive a Subaru Outback with the oil pressure light on? Stop driving. No. Stop driving as soon as it is safe and shut off the engine. Only drive again if adding oil turns the light off immediately and the engine sounds normal; otherwise have it towed. ### How do I check if my Subaru Outback has an open recall? Enter the 17-character VIN from your dashboard or registration at nhtsa.gov/recalls, or ask any Subaru dealer. Open recalls are fixed free of charge, even if you are not the first owner. ## Sources - [NHTSA: Vehicle safety complaints and recalls (api.nhtsa.gov)](https://www.nhtsa.gov/nhtsa-datasets-and-apis) - [NHTSA: Check for recalls by VIN](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) ## Other Subaru Outback warning lights - [ABS warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/abs/subaru-outback): 10 complaints - [Airbag (SRS) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/airbag/subaru-outback): 33 complaints - [Battery (charging system) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/battery/subaru-outback): 14 complaints - [Brake warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/subaru-outback): 46 complaints - [Check engine light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/subaru-outback): 67 complaints - [Coolant temperature warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/coolant-temperature/subaru-outback): 25 complaints - [Power steering warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/subaru-outback): 33 complaints - [Tire pressure (TPMS) light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/tire-pressure/subaru-outback): 13 complaints - [Traction control light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/subaru-outback): 15 complaints ## Oil pressure warning light on other models - [Kia Soul](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/oil-pressure/kia-soul): 230 complaints - [Kia Sorento](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/oil-pressure/kia-sorento): 216 complaints - [Hyundai Tucson](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/oil-pressure/hyundai-tucson): 202 complaints - [Hyundai Santa Fe](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/oil-pressure/hyundai-santa-fe): 175 complaints - [Hyundai Sonata](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/oil-pressure/hyundai-sonata): 168 complaints - [Kia K5](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/oil-pressure/kia-k5): 159 complaints - [Jeep Compass](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/oil-pressure/jeep-compass): 100 complaints - [Kia Sportage](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/oil-pressure/kia-sportage): 76 complaints - [Hyundai Elantra](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/oil-pressure/hyundai-elantra): 72 complaints - [Jeep Cherokee](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/oil-pressure/jeep-cherokee): 64 complaints ## Subaru Outback - [Subaru Outback specs and mpg by year](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/subaru-outback) --- Source page: https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/oil-pressure/subaru-outback Updated: 2026-11-04 General information, not a substitute for a qualified mechanic.