Steering complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 17% | — |
| 2022 | 1 | 3% | — |
| 2020 | 1 | 1% | — |
| 2019 | 3 | 2% | 2,000 miles |
| 2018 | 4 | 3% | 3,000 miles |
| 2017 | 9 | 8% | 12,000 miles |
| 2016 | 16 | 11% | 21,000 miles |
| 2015 | 1 | 1% | 90,000 miles |
| 2014 | 2 | 4% | 28,000 miles |
| 2013 | 4 | 6% | 12,000 miles |
| 2012 | 7 | 8% | 75,000 miles |
| 2011 | 16 | 10% | 16,000 miles |
| 2010 | 12 | 8% | 5,000 miles |
| 2009 | 1 | 2% | 136,000 miles |
| 2007 | 1 | 3% | 94,000 miles |
| 2006 | 2 | 2% | 82,000 miles |
| 2005 | 3 | 2% | 70,000 miles |
| 2003 | 1 | 2% | 201,000 miles |
| 2001 | 1 | 1% | 46,000 miles |
| 2000 | 3 | 3% | — |
| 1999 | 2 | 2% | — |
| 1998 | 8 | 7% | 38,000 miles |
| 1997 | 7 | 5% | 226,000 miles |
| 1996 | 3 | 2% | — |
| 1995 | 5 | 3% | — |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Power steering stopped working. I see online this problem was reported with other Subaru vehicle 2019 models and a recall was made but for some reason my car is not included. I believe this is the same issue of faulty equipment.
What we notice is a change in response of the steering in some situations. Coming 'off-center' there is a slight change in steering feel and response ' almost as if it has a dead spot 'on-center'. Additionally, I have noted a change in response at highway speed entering and exiting curves. Particularly, the steering has a nice 'weighted' feel entering and maintaining through the corner, but just as one begins to unwind the steering as the road straightens, the steering changes feel and response requiring an unexpected adjustment. The car seems to want to turn more aggressively into the corner as I begin to unwind the steering. Both of these responses seem to be more noticeable at highway speeds. One must immediately correct the direction travel by either turning more into the curve or out of the curve. In either case, the car responds and the non-linearity momentarily disappers
Replaced steering rack 2/12/20 Replaced steering rack 12/07/22 Replaced sway bar links 11/09/23 Inspection found rear Lateral Link Bushings torn and alignment hardware seized in bushings torn and seized/replaced bushings and hardware to complete a proper alignment. 01/23/24 Replaced front sway bar links and strut mounts and performed alignment
At speeds above approximately 50 MPH, the steering has suddenly, erratically and without warning pulled the car to the left or right as if hit by a large gust of wind (when there is no wind or passing truck). It is as if the steering is out of control for several seconds. The car has 3,000 miles and this has happened about 5-8 times. I notice there is also an identical complaint for 2018 Subaru outbacks. This last happened today. This is a dangerous defect in the electric power steering.
Purchased the car used took to dealership for rattle from front end, they diagnosed and recommended replacement of steering rack as it was defective, so it was replaced, a month later same noise, same diagnosis, replaced again, repeated this 7 times and they have reconfirmed it is the rack, the dealership technician states it's the rack and not as it should be. The manager however is trying to state now that it's a normal noise and they won't warranty the repairs anymore. It continues to get worse and louder and feels unsafe to have defective steering racks on the roadways that are non repairable. I've reached out to corporate Subaru as well and they can only make decisions based off info the manager gives them which is opposite of what the technicians state. Please help me this car is unsafe.
Vehicle is difficult to control, especially when driving on uneven roads, or when it is windy. It takes a lot of effort to keep the car in one lane. The ride is rough, and you can hear and feel every little bump in the road. More than a rough ride, this will oftentimes throw my vehicle off path which feels like the car is not in my control momentarily. For instance, it will follow the direction of any cracks/grooves in the road, despite both my hands being on the wheel. This deviation requires immediate correction or risk collision. A passing vehicle moving at a high rate of speed will also push my car off track, which is obviously dangerous on the freeway.
Steering did not return to neutral position after making a right turn, steering wanted to continue on right turn. I was able to pull it back to straight position with some needed force. I don't believe my wife would be able , after initial surprise, to steer back into lane of traffic. Result could have been an accident. I have not reproduced the problem at dealer or independent service facility or by manufacturer and because of no accident police or insurance co. not called. There were no warning signs. I just recently pudchased this vehicle within past week. I would call your attention to the articles on internet describing the problem and how to repair I don't think I should pay for repair as it is a recurring problem with other cars by same manufacturer. Thank you
May of 2017 I was driving north bound on 294. As I was going through the curve the power steering light came on the car wouldn't turn back. I stop and was able to pull the car off the road with no incident. I called sis it's a d asked if was a safety recall. I was told no. I then had them to the car to Subaru of America in orland park il. When the car was frosted told I was told the car would be fix it was common problem with the power steering motor. Subaru of America then contacted me saying the car was involved in accident so it wouldn't be fixed. Once they found out I was black. I filed a better business report Subaru still denied the claim telling to use my insurance my insuwpuldnt pay said it defect part. Subaru failed to examine the underlying problem before denying the claim. Subaru immediately blamed me but never checking the problem. Once I received the car back. …
Related recalls (5)
Steering › Column
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.
Remedy: 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.
Steering › Column
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.
Remedy: 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.
Steering › Column
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.
Remedy: 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.
Steering › Linkages
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. A casting flaw in the right front bearing housing could result in loss of steering if the casting flaw should exist in the tie-rod arm.
Remedy: Dealers will replace all front bearing housings with a lot number of of15.
Steering › Linkages › Tie rod assembly
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The left-side steering knuckle arm was incorrectly assembled.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the torque on the left side tie-rod end castle nut and install a new cotter pin.
Frequently asked questions
Which Subaru Legacy years have steering problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2011 (16), 2016 (16), 2010 (12), 2017 (9) and 1998 (8) model years. Steering complaints make up 10% of all complaints for the 2011.
Is there a recall for Subaru Legacy steering problems?
Yes — 5 recalls, including 16V-292 (column, May 11, 2016); 13V-194 (column, May 13, 2013); 10V-283 (column, Jun 24, 2010). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Subaru Legacy steering problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 33,000 miles; 68% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the hydraulic power assist system (3 mentions), followed by the steering wheel/handle bar (2).
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.