SEPTEMBER 19, 2020, I WAS DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE, AT 10:30 PM, GOING 75MPH AND AL OF A SUDDEN I HEARD A LOUD POP. I HAD LOST ALL CONTROL OF MY CAR AND MY FRONT PASSENGER SIDE FELT LIKE IT COMPLETELY GAVE OUT ON ME. I SLAMMED ON THE BREAKS AND TRIED TO GET IT ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE ROAD BUT I COULDN'T. IT SENT ME ON THE LEFT HAND SIDE, THE FAST LANE, RIGHT UP AGAINST THE INTERSTATE DIVIDER WA…
2008 subaru Forester steering problems
moderate 4 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $700
Complaints
4
Recalls
0
Crashes
0
Avg fix
$700
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
I HAVE PROBLEM WITH MY 2008 SUBARU FORESTER. WHEN I QUICKLY TURN STEER WHEEL FOR CHANGING LANE, THE CAR SEEMS LOST CONTROL AND CAN ONLY GO ALL THE WAY TO THE LEFT. THEN WHEN YOU HAVE TO TURN THE STEER WHEEL TO THE RIGHT TO RETURN STRAIGHT, THE CAR WOULD GO ALL THE WAY TO THE RIGHT. I HAVE TO KEEP THIS BALANCE UNTIL THE CAR TURN ITSELF OFF. IT HAPPENS TO ME TWICE. ONE TIME IS ON A BRIDGE, ONE TIME …
Common questions
How serious is the steering problem on the 2008 subaru Forester?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 4 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $700 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the steering typically fail?
Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $700 for steering repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to steering?
No active recalls currently cover steering issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Other problem areas on this vehicle
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities.
Repair cost estimates are independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area.
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