Subaru Outback Steering problems
71 of the 3,749 complaints about the Subaru Outback (1.9%) concern Steering, making it the model's #8 problem area. That share is 0.3× the Steering share across all tracked vehicles.
Analysis
By model year, Steering complaints peak with the 2018 model (27, 3% of that year's complaints) and are lowest for the 2023 model (1). 4 Steering complaints were filed in the last 12 months.
Owners most often describe: “steering”, “hydroplaning”, “feels”, “wind” and “right”. 2 of these reports (2.8%) describe a crash or fire, with 3 injuries and 0 deaths mentioned.
No recall campaign addresses Steering for the tracked model years.
By model year
When complaints were filed
Last 12 months: 4 · Previous 12 months: 2
Common terms in reports
- steering58
- hydroplaning11
- feels21
- wind14
- right28
- control31
What owners report
When engine auto-restarts after Auto Start-Stop has started engine, steering wheel jerks violently if it is not completely straight, dislocated my 5th finger.
While day driving on a clearly marked interstate in slightly hazy weather from fires, the car suddenly, unprompted, steered to the left without any warning or any indicators going off.
I bought a brand new 2025 subaru outback in April of 2025. At first service (oil change and tire rotation) in Jan 2026, I complained that the vehicle keeps swerving left and right and Subaru of Ann Arbor said they will diagnose the i-Sight vehicle system and…
I am filing this complaint regarding multiple serious safety defects in my 2021 Subaru Outback purchased in July 2021, currently at 48000 miles THERMO CONTROL VALVE FAILURE (26,307 miles) While traveling in the center lane on [XXX] southbound in [XXX] the…
The contact owns a 2025 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the vehicle oversteered, almost causing the contact to crash several times.
rccd email. nhsta david chin on 04 envoy vin and smog cali fraud.. ended case sold vehicle to pick a part. did not sur dealer. purchased 1 month later Carmax Ontario california 2019 subaru outback.
Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, trimmed for length. The ODI number is NHTSA's record identifier.
Related recalls
No recall campaign addresses Steering for the tracked model years.
Problem areas · Subaru Outback
- Body & structure1468
- Electrical1026
- Interior & equipment476
- Engine184
- Driver-assist systems130
- Transmission / powertrain95
- Airbags & seat belts73
- Steering71
- Brakes63
- Fuel system58
Subaru Outback problems, complaints & recalls by model year ›
Frequently asked questions
How common are Steering problems on the Subaru Outback?
71 of the 3,749 complaints about the Subaru Outback (1.9%) concern Steering, making it the model's #8 problem area. That share is 0.3× the Steering share across all tracked vehicles.
Which Subaru Outback model years have the most Steering complaints?
By model year, Steering complaints peak with the 2018 model (27, 3% of that year's complaints) and are lowest for the 2023 model (1).
Is there a recall for Subaru Outback Steering problems?
No recall campaign addresses Steering for the tracked model years.