Steering complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 1% | — |
| 2024 | 1 | 3% | 5,000 miles |
| 2023 | 1 | 1% | 15,000 miles |
| 2022 | 2 | 2% | — |
| 2021 | 3 | 1% | — |
| 2020 | 11 | 2% | 10,000 miles |
| 2019 | 14 | 2% | 10,000 miles |
| 2018 | 25 | 5% | 8,000 miles |
| 2017 | 25 | 4% | 24,000 miles |
| 2016 | 19 | 5% | 15,000 miles |
| 2015 | 19 | 3% | 41,000 miles |
| 2014 | 16 | 4% | 69,000 miles |
| 2012 | 1 | 1% | 86,000 miles |
| 2011 | 1 | 1% | — |
| 2010 | 5 | 2% | 13,000 miles |
| 2009 | 3 | 2% | 55,000 miles |
| 2008 | 4 | 8% | 32,000 miles |
| 2007 | 3 | 4% | 125,000 miles |
| 2006 | 9 | 10% | 119,000 miles |
| 2005 | 2 | 2% | 157,000 miles |
| 2004 | 1 | 0% | 244,000 miles |
| 2003 | 4 | 2% | 189,000 miles |
| 2002 | 1 | 1% | 171,000 miles |
| 2001 | 2 | 1% | 189,000 miles |
| 2000 | 1 | 1% | 70,000 miles |
| 1999 | 3 | 2% | — |
| 1998 | 3 | 3% | — |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
While driving on I-17 Southbound near mile marker 311 at approximately 75 mph, I experienced a sudden and dangerous malfunction of the Lane Keep Assist (Auto-Steer) system in a 2021 Subaru Forester. The feature was active at the time and unexpectedly veered the vehicle sharply toward the concrete wall on the left shoulder of the highway. I attempted to regain control, but due to the abrupt nature of the malfunction, I overcorrected and collided with the wall on the rear driver side. There were no vehicles in the immediate vicinity, or this could have resulted in a multi-vehicle collision at high speed. I hit my head during the impact but did not require emergency medical services at the scene. Road conditions were dry and clear, with no visible debris or extreme weather factors. There were no warning lights or error messages from the vehicle prior to or during the incident. …
The automatic shut off feature causes the car to lose all power. No power at all in the middle of traffic and I can't even use hazard lights to warn anyone. When at a stop the auto shut off turns off the car and when I take my foot off the brake it completely dies. It has happened 5 times in the last 3 days. Very dangerous. Imagine this happening on the freeway during rush hour. It's a miracle if no one has been killed. I saw countless posts from others on different forums. I have only owned this car for a week and half, taking it to the dealer today. This needs to be a recall paid for by Subaru, it is unacceptable.
On 11/18/2023, as soon as I started the vehicle, put it in reverse and let off the brake to back down the driveway, the car made a loud unfamiliar noise (like bzzzzzt) and suddenly and unexpectedly accelerated on its own. Nothing worked, brakes, automatic gear shift, gas pedal, and steering were all disengaged. It was terrifying to me and I was worried about anyone or anything behind me. At the street corner the car turned somehow (I was trying to steer, but the vehicle was jostling wildly and the steering, brakes didn't work at all), ran over a high curb, knocked over a street sign, and took out the neighbor's sprinkler system, and then came to a stop, dead!
I was on cruise control, and it randomly decided to go 81 MPH instead of 50 mph i set it to, it did not respond when I tried to turn off the cruise control, and I ended up crashing into a semi, I survived but my [redacted] daughter died.
The contact owned a 2019 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal needed to be depressed to the floorboard to stop the vehicle. Additionally, the steering wheel would jerk out of the contact's hand while at a stoplight. The dealer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that it was normal. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The contact traded the vehicle in for another vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 23,000.
On December 30, 2021, I was driving on I-95 S around 4 pm about 1/2 a mile from exit 43B when my 2019 Subaru Forester with 64,000 miles stalled in the middle of the highway. I was going about Highway speed during rush hour 55-65 pmh when the check engine light came ON, the EyeSight feature light came ON, and the emergency Brake light came ON. Scariest moment in my life. The vehicle stalled, the steering got really stiff, and the vehicle started sputtering along probably at 2 mph. I managed to make my way to the breakdown lane and called Subaru Starlink Roadside Assistance. After towing the vehicle to the dealership, the diagnosis revealed that both tumble generators on the Air Intake Manifold failed and I also needed a fuel line replacement. …
The contact owns a 2018 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that the front passenger's side seat was extremely hot. Additionally, air bag warning light was illuminated. The contact also stated that the taillights were inoperable. While his wife was driving at an undetermined speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost power steering functionality. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the taillight bulbs were replaced; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 90,400.
The contact owns a 2018 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that after shifting to drive, the steering wheel suddenly became very difficult the turn in either direction. The contact stated that the power steering fault message was displayed. After turning off and restarting the vehicle, the vehicle operated as needed. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. A service appointment was scheduled with the local dealer. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 51,000.
Related recalls (1)
Steering › Electric power assist system
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.
Remedy: 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.
Frequently asked questions
Which Subaru Forester years have steering problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2017 (25), 2018 (25), 2015 (19), 2016 (19) and 2014 (16) model years. Steering complaints make up 4% of all complaints for the 2017.
Is there a recall for Subaru Forester steering problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 19V-065 (electric power assist system, Feb 6, 2019). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Subaru Forester steering problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 45,000 miles; 64% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the hydraulic power assist system (3 mentions), followed by the hydraulic power assist › hose, piping, and connections (1).
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.