Subaru Outback Steering Problems
Owners have filed 366 complaints with NHTSA about steering problems on the Subaru Outback across 30 model years. The 2010 model year has the most (41). The words owners use most often: “feels like” (6% of reports).
- 366steering complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 28mention a crash
- 10mention an injury
- 4related recalls
- 59%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.
- Feels like: mentioned in 22 of 366 complaints (6%)
At what mileage do steering problems happen?
Based on 260 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 366 complaints, 28 mention a crash, 1 a fire, 10 an injury.
Subaru Outback steering complaints by model year
| Model year | Steering complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Outback | 1 | 6% | — |
| 2025 Outback | 6 | 7% | 8,022 |
| 2024 Outback | 5 | 5% | 2,800 |
| 2023 Outback | 2 | 2% | — |
| 2022 Outback | 4 | 1% | — |
| 2021 Outback | 5 | 2% | 17,500 |
| 2020 Outback | 13 | 1% | 1,300 |
| 2019 Outback | 36 | 3% | 2,024 |
| 2018 Outback | 36 | 4% | 4,700 |
| 2017 Outback | 23 | 3% | 19,966 |
| 2016 Outback | 24 | 4% | 8,000 |
| 2015 Outback | 13 | 3% | 45 |
| 2014 Outback | 17 | 8% | 8,800 |
| 2013 Outback | 34 | 11% | 1,500 |
| 2012 Outback | 9 | 3% | 1,750 |
| 2011 Outback | 36 | 6% | 1,200 |
| 2010 Outback | 41 | 11% | 1,200 |
| 2009 Outback | 3 | 3% | 62,500 |
| 2008 Outback | 5 | 2% | 44,000 |
| 2007 Outback | 6 | 5% | 83,000 |
| 2006 Outback | 12 | 4% | 68,000 |
| 2005 Outback | 13 | 5% | 88,261 |
| 2004 Outback | 2 | 2% | 85,000 |
| 2003 Outback | 3 | 3% | 73,250 |
| 2002 Outback | 2 | 1% | 49,000 |
| 2001 Outback | 4 | 2% | — |
| 2000 Outback | 4 | 2% | 48,883 |
| 1999 Outback | 2 | 2% | 89,000 |
| 1998 Outback | 3 | 2% | — |
| 1997 Outback | 2 | 3% | — |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (4)
Air bags:knee bolster; steering:column
Model years: 2017
Problem: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2017 Legacy and Outback vehicles manufactured September 21, 2016, to September 23, 2016. In the affected vehicles, the knee guard bracket may not be properly attached to the steering beam assembly.
Risk: If the knee guard is not properly attached and the driver is not wearing a seatbelt, the knee guard may not be able to properly restrain the driver's lower body in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the knee guard welding on each vehicle's steering beam, replacing the beam as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 14, 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WTL-72.
Steering:columnDo not drive
Model years: 2015, 2016, 2017
Problem: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Legacy and Outback vehicles manufactured February 29, 2016, to May 6, 2016. The steering column on the affected vehicles may have been improperly machined, and as a result, turning the steering wheel may have no effect on the direction of the wheels.
Risk: The loss of steering ability would increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the lot number on the steering column, replacing the steering column, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 13, 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783 or by visiting http://www.wtd65.service-campaign.com. Subaru's number for this recall is WTD-65. Note: Until the vehicles have been inspected, owners are advised not to drive their vehicles.
Steering:column
Model years: 2013
Problem: Subaru is recalling certain model year 2013 Outback and Legacy vehicles manufactured from February 15, 2012, through June 15, 2012. In the affected vehicles, the inner and outer shafts of the steering column assembly may become disengaged from one another.
Risk: If the shafts become disengaged, the driver would lose the ability to steer the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering column assembly with a new one, free of charge. The recall began on May 14, 2013. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's recall campaign number is WQI-45.
Steering:column
Model years: 2010
Problem: Subaru is recalling certain model year 2010 outback and legacy passenger vehicles manufactured from february 16, 2009 through april 12, 2010. The wiring in the steering column electrical roll connector located behind the vehicle's steering wheel may develop stress cracks and eventually break. If this were to happen certain electrical components may not operate as intended.
Risk: Possible circuits affected are the driver's frontal airbag, paddle shifter function, cruise control, horn control and radio functions increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will check lot number of the steering roll connector. The roll connector will be replaced with a new one if the lot number showed any affected range of the failure occurrence. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on july 7, 2010. Owners may contact subaru at 1-800-782-2783.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
SUMMARY OF SAFETY DEFECT: The vehicle exhibits severe, premature corrosion and rust perforation of the front subframe (crossmember) assembly. This structural component is deteriorating at an accelerated rate, compromising the vehicle's structural integrity. This was confirmed at a Subaru dealership…
Brand new 2026 Outback experienced a "Sudden Unintended Acceleration / Brake Ineffectiveness. This occurred 3 times this week after the car had been driven over 90 miles or over 90 minutes. Engine and components were warmed up. Car was initially reported to dealer 10/6, car was examined by dealer…
Subaru has a tsb for a steering rack pinion rattle noise problem front end rattle, Subaru refused to repair it
9/20/26 my 2020 Subaru Outback experienced repeated electrical failures followed by loss of power-steering assistance. The underlying failed component is unknown. The vehicle is parked and available for inspection. While driving, the vehicle intermittently lurched/jerked as the center display went…
During normal vehicle operation, the castle nut came off the control arm causing it to disengage from the wheel. It is currently with the dealer for inspection and service. They still have not confirmed if this and the associated damage will be covered under the extended warranty. I have also…
Frequently asked questions
Do all Subaru Outbacks have steering problems?
No. NHTSA has 366 owner complaints about steering for the Subaru Outback. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the Subaru Outback steering?
Yes: 4 safety recalls 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 Outback?
The most frequent phrase is “feels like”, in 22 of 366 complaints.
Other Subaru Outback problems
- Electrical System problems (2,285)
- Visibility/wiper problems (1,760)
- Power Train problems (988)
- Engine problems (718)
- Air Bags problems (693)
- Vehicle Speed Control problems (530)
- Service Brakes problems (431)
- Exterior Lighting problems (335)
See all Subaru Outback problems.