Steering complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 20% | 6,000 miles |
| 2024 | 4 | 13% | — |
| 2022 | 2 | 14% | — |
| 2021 | 2 | 14% | 1,000 miles |
| 2020 | 1 | 1% | — |
| 2019 | 5 | 3% | 1,000 miles |
| 2018 | 3 | 2% | — |
| 2017 | 1 | 1% | 3,000 miles |
| 2016 | 5 | 7% | 24,000 miles |
| 2015 | 6 | 8% | 60,000 miles |
| 2014 | 4 | 4% | 40,000 miles |
| 2013 | 14 | 6% | 51,000 miles |
| 2012 | 10 | 4% | 74,000 miles |
| 2011 | 1 | 2% | 0 miles |
| 2009 | 1 | 1% | 72,000 miles |
| 2008 | 2 | 1% | 48,000 miles |
| 2007 | 1 | 1% | — |
| 2006 | 1 | 2% | — |
| 2005 | 3 | 4% | 63,000 miles |
| 2004 | 1 | 1% | — |
| 2002 | 8 | 3% | 128,000 miles |
| 2001 | 1 | 9% | 121,000 miles |
| 2000 | 1 | 2% | — |
| 1999 | 1 | 5% | — |
| 1997 | 1 | 3% | — |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Part 3 SUBARU STRUT ISSUE I called the service department at Peltier Subaru and told them what happened and that I should be reimbursed for the tire. I was told that I needed to bring the tire in so that it could be inspected, along with the car to make there wasn't something else going on. I talked with the service manager and he talked with his manager, who okayed a reimbursement verbally to me which was witnessed by the service manager. They said a check would be mailed from the finance department, which never happened. Supposedly they inspected the vehicle while I was in the lobby, and they found nothing, nothing at all. Basically this was another waste of time and money on my part. I live an hour away, they don't give you a gas card, or even wash your car, just you have a good day sir, that they really don't mean. …
PART 4 SUBARU STRUT ISSUE How come no one can tell me what's actually wrong. Was this a faulty part or was it not installed correctly, who knows, no one can tell me. The strut was loose and I could hear it rattling or jolting on many occasions before I knew that's what it was. Was it not torqued to specs, installed in hurry, or defective part. They had my car for atleast a week the first time, so why not take the time to fix it right. The fact remains though, the problem was never initially fixed. You again let me drive an unsafe vehicle which caused premature wear on the tire, and god knows what else. On multiple occasions of inspections you said you found nothing or the vehicle was fine, when it wasn't. This has created anxiety for me when driving my car, and visiting your facility. I don't feel comfortable or trust this dealership, service department, or any staff there. …
Vehicle sways significantly and continuously left and right in lane at highway speeds, including in low or no wind conditions, since the car was new. This happens regardless of whether eyesight/lane keep assist is enabled or not, and all tire pressures are regularly monitored and at manufacturer recommended levels. Changing tires from the OEM Continental Pro Contact to Michelin CrossClimate 2, while maintaining OEM wheels and 205/55R16 tire size, has not impacted the car's behavior. This weaving occurs at speeds of 50-70 mph on the highway, including on straight, smooth road. Swaying does not disappear with absence of adjacent vehicles influencing air turbulence. Neighboring vehicle air wakes will cause significant additional pushing of the car to the opposite side of the lane. The steering feel of this car on the highway is extremely "floaty" and unsettling. …
The power steering pump on this car makes it feel like it is floating on the road at highway speeds. The tires are like new and have the correct amount of air pressure. As someone familiar with power steering pumps, this behavior is consistent with a pump that is either delivering too much fluid or too little during acceleration. It is a dangerous situation since it gives the driver the impression that the car is losing contact with the road.
Bought this car 1 year ago at East Hills Subaru. Among other problems such as water leaking inside vehicle due to clogged drains, most recent issue is the steering column not locking firmly. This is causing the steering wheel to shift up or down while driving, even though locking mechanism under steering wheel column is engaged. The car has under 40k miles. The safety of the driver is at risk here as the shifting movement of the steering wheel affect proper steering. Dealer is unable to give me a reasonable appointment to address this and only has drop off service, no loaner cars available. I am not happy with the Subaru service department and the inability of this service department to address serious issues in a timely matter.
Vehicle Information: 2018 Subaru ImprezaVIN: [redacted] Affected: Steering (Electronic Power Steering / EPS Gear Box Assembly)Description of the Safety Defect:I am reporting a severe safety defect regarding a sudden and total loss of power steering assist while driving my 2018 Subaru Impreza.The Electronic Power Steering (EPS) gear box assembly experienced a catastrophic failure, resulting in an immediate, heavy steering condition that severely impacted my ability to control the vehicle safely. Upon inspection, the EPS gear box housing was found to have suffered structural failure/cracking due to environmental corrosion.This is a well-documented safety hazard for this vehicle generation. Subaru previously issued a voluntary 10-year warranty extension for 2012-2018 models (TSB 04-27-21R) to address this exact housing defect. …
I contacted Subaru in Mentor Oh at adventure subaru under TSB 19V065000 and was told to take it in to get looked at, my issue when I purchased the car at 67k miles i found that the car had a loud clunky sound while steering and going over bumps. After seeing the dealer and the stated the issue was from the steer rack and was exactly what was described exactly in the TSB but the only thing was they did not see a visible crack, the repair was denied. I then took the car to another dealer near Beavercreek oh after calling Subaru of America Case # [redacted]. Subaru of America was very certain that the repair was going to get performed. After going to the dealer it was yet again denied again, now it is outside the TSB warranty window. The car has had the entire suspension repaired and the noise is so bad and the steering doesn't feel right. …
Hello, I just purchase this vehicle from a dealership, 615 auto sales. After purchasing the vehicle I decided to go and get the recall done that was never done to the vehicle at the repair shop they did the recall but then ask me where did I purchase this vehicle from then I told them. The repair shop told me the grim news that the car was very rusted and should have not been sold like it was. There was nothing on the CARFAX about anything else and the shop told me that the car was a safety hazard. When I purchase the vehicle AS IS all I have seen was a TPM light on and a recall and getting some tires they were also bad but did not have any knowledge of how bad the frame was even there were rust in the engine bay area like it been sitting in water or something but nothing was reported on the CARFAX.
Frequently asked questions
Which Subaru Impreza years have steering problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2013 (14), 2012 (10), 2002 (8), 2015 (6) and 2016 (5) model years. Steering complaints make up 6% of all complaints for the 2013.
Is there a recall for Subaru Impreza steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for any Subaru Impreza model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Subaru Impreza steering problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 61,000 miles; 51% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the steering wheel/handle bar (3 mentions), followed by the linkages › knuckle › spindle › arm (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.