Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2011 Subaru Outback owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Upon application of the brakes approaching a stoplight, the vehicle pulled sharply to the right, entering the right lane from the left and was rendered unsafe to operate due to this condition. Had a vehicle been present at this time in the right lane, a collision would have likely occurred. Upon inspection by the mechanic, the front engine frame had broken on the right side. The broken area has two (2) large rust holes on the top and bottom sides of the box frame. Directly above the two (2) rust holes the drain for the air conditioning condenser is located. Illinois, like 22 other states in the U.S., uses road salt to combat icy road conditions. The combination of road salt with the location of the air conditioner drain tube directly above the frame failure point leads ut to reasonably conclude that this model has a design defect that led to the failure. …
In May, returning from VA, we noticed an odd noise coming from the right front side of the car. Then the noise stopped. Driving a week later, at about 40 mph, I again heard the noise and as I approached a yellow light and began to slow to a stop, the vehicle pulled sharply to the right. I was able to regain control, drove slowly home, called our repair shop and brought it in for evaluation. The front subframe had rusted out due to the air conditioner condenser dripping onto it. Our mechanic would not let us drive the car without repair, it was too dangerous. The subframe could have dropped at any moment. No inspections other than that of our mechanic were done. I took photos of the subframe that had been removed which are attached. It is not available for inspection as far as I know. The car sat at the mechanic's for a month waiting for parts from Subaru before being repaired.
Loss of steering wheel electronic functions including paddle shifters radio volume and Airbag light illuminated. Looked up faults and found NHTSA campaign ID 10V283000 which describes cable damage from Subaru manufacturing. According to Subaru and NHTSA, our vehicle was manufactured 2 months after "Affected" vehicles. Subaru unwilling to work on problem as it is not listed in affect vehicles, yet clearly the problems found are exact match to campaign list. I will seek outside confirmation of failure and then request NHTSA to update the affect vehicles list so Subaru can fix a safety issue for all affected vehicles.
The front lower subframe cracked where the driver's side front wheel attaches to it in our 2011 Subaru Outback. This resulted in loss of steering control of vehicle. The issue has been confirmed by independent mechanic. Vehicle has not been inspected by manufacturer, police, or insurance agent. It is available for inspection at [redacted]. There were no warning lights when this failure occurred.
On 2/11/20 around 12:30 pm et, I was approaching the highway via an onramp, and my speed was barely 25 MPH. Suddenly, as I was on the approach-road, I suddenly felt that the steering was locked and turning on the right side only (either steering or anti-lock malfunction). It hit the fence and then turned (flipped) on its driver side as can be seen in the picture. I believe this is a safety issue, so please make a proper investigation. My car was totaled. My damaged car is in 'county towing' in 49 fullerton ave, yonkers, ny 10704, phone: [phone]
Tl* the contact owned a 2011 Subaru Outback. While driving approximately 30 MPH, the steering lost power without warning. The vehicle was pulled to the side of the road and smoke appeared underneath the hood. The contact quickly exited the vehicle. Within a couple of minutes, the vehicle became engulfed in flames and was destroyed. A police report was filed. The fire department arrived and extinguished the fire. There were no injuries sustained. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000.
Steering failed completely while in motion on city street. Warning light appeared on dash briefly, then steering failed - car was not able to be steered. Car was rolled into parking lot and tow truck called. Vehicle was on it's way to interstate highway when this happened. Dealer determined power steering hose connections to "junction" had completely rusted, causing all fluid to leak out of system. Subaru of America was contacted and states that "since the vehicle is driven in an area where salt is used on roads in winter, this is not unexpected". It should be noted that less than 12 months prior, this same vehicle's brake system totally failed, from rusted hoses. Subaru of America gave the same reason for that failure.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Subaru Outback. On several occasions, while driving approximately 50 MPH, the steering wheel started to vibrate and shook violently while the accelerator pedal was depressed. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to gregoris Nissan (555 w merrick rd, valley stream, ny 11580 [phone]), but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 33,000.
Driving down a four lane road and went to take a legal u-turn and the steering wheel turned freely but the car went straight. The brake light was flashing and the tires did not move despite me turning the steering wheel. Awaiting an update from Subaru of America. Dealer says it needs a new steering shaft.
I can not keep the vehicle centered on the highway. The cars wanders right or left and requires constant adjustment. The car does not return to center after a turn, steering adjustment is required. This is a constant problem.
Steering complaints in other Outback years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2011 Subaru Outback?
NHTSA has 36 complaints about the steering of the 2011 Subaru Outback, 6% of the model year's 652 complaints. The component named most often is column (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2011 Subaru Outback steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for the 2011 Subaru Outback, though it has 16 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2011 Subaru Outback steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 1,000 miles, and 69% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 1 fire and 0 injuries to steering problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.