Subaru Forester Steering Problems
Owners have filed 180 complaints with NHTSA about steering problems on the Subaru Forester across 27 model years. The 2017 model year has the most (25). The words owners use most often: “control arm” (12% of reports).
- 180steering complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 24mention a crash
- 14mention an injury
- 1related recalls
- 48%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Control arm: mentioned in 22 of 180 complaints (12%)
- Turn steering wheel: mentioned in 9 of 180 complaints (5%)
At what mileage do steering problems happen?
Based on 105 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 180 complaints, 24 mention a crash, 1 a fire, 14 an injury.
Subaru Forester steering complaints by model year
| Model year | Steering complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Forester | 1 | 1% | — |
| 2024 Forester | 1 | 3% | 5,000 |
| 2023 Forester | 1 | 1% | 15,000 |
| 2022 Forester | 2 | 2% | — |
| 2021 Forester | 3 | 1% | — |
| 2020 Forester | 11 | 2% | 5,300 |
| 2019 Forester | 14 | 2% | 10,000 |
| 2018 Forester | 25 | 5% | 7,900 |
| 2017 Forester | 25 | 4% | 23,825 |
| 2016 Forester | 19 | 5% | 15,000 |
| 2015 Forester | 19 | 3% | 39,500 |
| 2014 Forester | 16 | 4% | 62,000 |
| 2012 Forester | 1 | 1% | 86,000 |
| 2011 Forester | 1 | 1% | — |
| 2010 Forester | 5 | 2% | 12,647 |
| 2009 Forester | 3 | 2% | 55,000 |
| 2008 Forester | 4 | 8% | 32,000 |
| 2007 Forester | 3 | 4% | 82,850 |
| 2006 Forester | 9 | 10% | 118,814 |
| 2005 Forester | 2 | 2% | 118,360 |
| 2004 Forester | 1 | 0% | 244,123 |
| 2003 Forester | 4 | 2% | 157,622 |
| 2002 Forester | 1 | 1% | 170,701 |
| 2001 Forester | 2 | 1% | 189,000 |
| 2000 Forester | 1 | 1% | 70,000 |
| 1999 Forester | 3 | 2% | — |
| 1998 Forester | 3 | 3% | — |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (1)
Steering:electric power assist system
Model years: 2019
Problem: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Forester and Crosstrek vehicles. A connector inside the Electronic Power Steering (EPS) unit may short circuit resulting in a loss of electric power steering assistance.
Risk: Loss of power steering assist would require higher steering effort, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: None of the affected vehicles have been sold yet. Subaru has notified dealers and they will inspect the steering gearbox, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began February 7, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUC-88.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
On July 31, 2026, I was driving with my daughter when the a/c compressor clutch seized up and experienced a catastrophic compressor failure that also blew out the expansion valve o-rings. The failure led to a total loss of engine power and control of the vehicle. The car would not start back up…
On May 30, 2026, I was driving the freeway 2(Glendale Fwy) south, I was using the cruise control and driving 63 0r 68 miles. All of sudden, my car start to shaking violently, moving toward right lane, so I tried move my car back to my lane. My car was out of control and driving zig zag way then…
The contact owns a 2014 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while his wife was driving and stopped in traffic, the steering wheel locked up. The contact stated the steering wheel warning light illuminated and the vehicle was towed. The dealer was contacted and notified of the failure, and the…
I am reporting a serious safety issue involving my 2019 Subaru Forester related to failure of the Electric Power Steering (EPS) system. Since April 21, 2026, I have been in communication with Subaru of America regarding whether this issue is related to an existing safety recall (WUC-88). During…
Intermittently, for the past few months, either when I wish to back up or go forward, a buzzer will sound, the anti-lock brakes and eye-sight indicators on the dash will say that neither system is working. The brakes malfunction and the steering wheel is very difficult to turn. Turning off the…
Frequently asked questions
Do all Subaru Foresters have steering problems?
No. NHTSA has 180 owner complaints about steering for the Subaru Forester. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the Subaru Forester steering?
Yes: 1 safety recall list steering. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
What do owners say about steering problems on the Subaru Forester?
The most frequent phrase is “control arm”, in 22 of 180 complaints, followed by “turn steering wheel” (9).
Other Subaru Forester problems
- Visibility/wiper problems (1,061)
- Engine problems (827)
- Air Bags problems (817)
- Electrical System problems (797)
- Power Train problems (556)
- Vehicle Speed Control problems (532)
- Suspension problems (415)
- Fuel/propulsion System problems (350)
See all Subaru Forester problems.