This Bulletin provides the diagnostic procedures to be followed when addressing customer concerns of steering wheel/vehicle body vibration when driving at highway speeds when tire/wheel balance is suspected.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2011 Subaru Outback steering problems
severe Owners of the 2011 Subaru Outback have filed 36 NHTSA complaints about the steering, typically surfacing around 45,000 miles at roughly $700 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See steering across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
36
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
| Model year | steering complaints |
|---|---|
| 2007 Outback | 6 |
| 2008 Outback | 5 |
| 2009 Outback | 3 |
| 2010 Outback | 41 |
| 2011 Outback (this page) | 36 |
| 2012 Outback | 9 |
| 2013 Outback | 34 |
| 2014 Outback | 17 |
| 2015 Outback | 13 |
1crash
1fire
What stands out
Owners have filed 36 steering complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Among the 19 model years of Subaru Outback in our records for steering problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering steering on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
This bulletin announces a new steering column assembly designed to address a limited number of customer concerns involving the tilt mechanism portion not staying locked. This condition can only occur during the process of adjusting the steering column?s tilt position if the tilt lever is not pushed up all the way back up when completed. Once the column is fully locked (the tilt lever is pushed all the way up), there is no concern of possible release.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗THIS BULLETIN ANNOUNCES AVAILABILITY OF A DESIGN CHANGE TO THE POWER STEERING PUMP TO ADDRESS CUSTOMER CONCERNS OF INCREASED STEERING EFFORT, ESPECIALLY IN COLD TEMPERATURES. REVISED TO SPECIFY H4 MODELS ONLY.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗SUBARU: IN ORDER TO ADDRESS THE CONCERNS OF INCREASED STEERING EFFORT, A DESIGN CHANGE TO THE POWER STEERING PUMP HAS BEEN MADE.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗THIS BULLETIN ANNOUNCES AVAILABILITY OF A DESIGN CHANGE TO THE POWER STEERING PUMP TO ADDRESS CUSTOMER CONCERNS OF INCREASED STEERING EFFORT, ESPECIALLY IN COLD TEMPERATURES.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2011 Outback's steering system presents several distinct failure patterns. Most common is vibration and shimmy starting at 45 mph and worsening above 65 mph, accompanied by pulsation in turns, numbness in driver's hands, and a sensation of lost road feel on curves. Owners began reporting this immediately after purchase. Dealers applied Subaru's TSB 05-50-10 (tire road force balancing) and TSB 05-48-10 (vibration kit and component replacement including steering column and wheel), but multiple owners state these repairs failed or only partially reduced symptoms.
A second failure mode involves sudden loss of power steering assist at various speeds, from 30 mph to highway speeds. One case involved steering locking up at 25 mph on an on-ramp, causing the vehicle to hit a fence and flip. Dealers often cannot reproduce these failures during diagnosis.
Rust and corrosion failures are also documented. Power steering hose connections corroded completely in salt-road areas, causing total fluid loss and steering failure. Front subframe cracking and rust (linked in some cases to AC condenser drain location) resulted in sudden control loss during braking. Subaru acknowledged one corrosion case but stated it was expected in salt areas without offering remedy or design changes.
Owners consistently report Subaru of America either claims the vehicle operates as designed, states they're "working on a solution," or refuses warranty coverage outside certain timeframes. No permanent fix has emerged across dozens of complaints spanning multiple years.
Same Subaru Outback steering reports on nearby years: 2010 · 2013 · 2014
Failure modes owners describe
Steering wheel vibration and shimmy at highway speeds
Excessive steering wheel vibration, shimmy, and pulsation beginning around 45-60 mph and worsening at 65-75 mph. Owners report the steering feels unstable, causes hand and arm numbness, and feels like a loss of road feel similar to hitting ice. Vibration also felt through floor and driver's seat.
When: Starting at 45-75 mph; one complaint reported at 500 miles, others within first weeks/months
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel vibration and shimmy at 45+ mph; Pulsation in steering assembly during turns; Stick-slip phenomenon while cornering; Vibration through floor and driver's seat; Hand and arm numbness from gripping wheel; Loss of road feel sensation
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers applied TSB 05-50-10 (tire road force balancing), TSB 05-48-10 (vibration damper kit and parts replacement including steering column, steering wheel, and lower control arms). Multiple owners report these repairs failed or only partially resolved the issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB 05-50-10 and TSB 05-48-10; Subaru of America acknowledged awareness of the issue and stated they were working on a solution but offered no permanent fix
Loss of steering control and steering assist failure
Complete loss of power steering or sudden steering lockup at various speeds. One case involved steering locking to the right only on an on-ramp at 25 mph, resulting in vehicle hitting fence and flipping. Another involved steering wheel turning freely but car going straight. Incidents happened suddenly with little or no warning.
When: Reported at 30 mph, 35-40 mph, 25 mph, 600 miles, and other mileages
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of power steering assist; Steering wheel locked or unresponsive; Steering wheel turns freely but vehicle does not respond; Warning light appeared briefly before failure in one case
Repairs/costs cited: One complaint indicates steering shaft replacement was needed. Dealers often unable to replicate the problem during diagnosis.
Steering hose corrosion and fluid leakage
Power steering hose connections rusted completely, causing total fluid loss and steering failure. Occurs in vehicles driven in salt-road areas. Subaru acknowledged this as expected for salt-road use but did not offer remedy or recall.
When: One incident less than 12 months after brake hose failure (also rust-related)
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of power steering fluid; Rust at hose junction connections; Total steering system failure
Repairs/costs cited: Complete hose connection replacement required; vehicle required towing. Parts availability was problematic.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Subaru of America stated rust in salt-road areas is 'not unexpected' and did not offer remedy; noted brake hoses failed from the same cause 12 months prior
Subframe cracking and corrosion causing steering control loss
Front engine/lower subframe rusted or cracked at multiple locations, resulting in sudden loss of steering control when braking hard. One case involved air conditioning condenser drain dripping onto subframe, accelerating corrosion. Another involved driver's side front wheel attachment cracking.
When: Reported at various mileages; one occurred when applying hard brakes
Symptoms owners cite: Sharp vehicle pull to the right during braking; Loss of steering control; Visible rust holes and corrosion on frame; Possible subframe dropping risk
Repairs/costs cited: Complete subframe replacement required in multiple cases. One owner reported mechanic said subframe was too damaged to drive safely. Parts availability was severely delayed (one month wait reported).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Subaru acknowledged one case and confirmed the cause was AC condenser drain location; one dealer informed owner the last remaining subframe in Subaru stock was being ordered
Steering stiffness at speed
Steering becomes progressively stiffer and harder to maneuver as speed increases, feeling like power steering is not functioning. Occurs intermittently at various speeds starting around 50 mph.
When: Reported at 4,710 miles; one at 50 mph
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel stiff and difficult to turn; Stiffness increases with vehicle speed; Intermittent occurrence at different speeds; Feels like power steering is absent
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer performed replacement of power steering rack assembly, gearbox assembly, and power steering fluid, but failure persisted
Steering rack assembly pulsation and stick-slip during turns
Pulsation and binding sensation in steering during slow turns and highway curves, creating loss of directional control feel. Owners describe it as a momentary loss of road feel similar to ice patches. Occurs during slow turns and highway ramps.
When: From time of purchase; reported consistently across multiple speed ranges
Symptoms owners cite: Pulsation in steering assembly during slow turns; Stick-slip phenomenon while negotiating curves; Loss of road feel during turns; Oversteer and understeer in turns; Free-play sensation mid-turn; Steering wheel tends to float or wander
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership performed multiple repairs: new tires with road force balancing, steering box replacement bushings, steering hydraulic pump replacement, replacement steering wheel, and steering rack assembly replacement. Pulsation only partially ameliorated; stick-slip issue persisted.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Subaru of America acknowledged awareness of the issue and stated they were working on a solution but offered no effective fix
Lane wandering in high winds
Vehicle loses stability and moves across lanes during high winds (25-30 mph and above), nearly forcing owner into oncoming traffic. Subaru claimed vehicle is operating as designed.
When: Occurring consistently in high wind conditions
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of steering control in high winds; Vehicle moving across lanes unintentionally; Near collision with semi-truck
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs offered; Subaru offered only $1,500 trade-in discount toward new purchase
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Subaru of America responded 'vehicle is operating as designed' and refused lemon law consideration or buyback
Power steering hydraulic pump and hose electronic failure
Loss of steering wheel electronic functions including paddle shifters and radio volume control, with airbag light illumination. Matches characteristics of NHTSA campaign ID 10V283000 describing cable damage from Subaru manufacturing, but vehicle was manufactured 2 months after listed affected vehicles and Subaru refused warranty coverage.
When: Timing of failure not specified; vehicle manufactured 2 months after campaign-listed vehicles
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of steering wheel-mounted electronic functions; Paddle shifter failure; Radio volume control failure; Airbag warning light illuminated
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Subaru refused repair, claiming vehicle is not listed in affected vehicles despite matching NHTSA campaign 10V283000 characteristics
AC compressor lock-up causing serpentine belt failure and power steering loss
Air conditioning compressor locks up, causing serpentine belt to dislodge, which stops power steering function and causes engine stall.
When: Timing and mileage not specified
Symptoms owners cite: AC compressor locks up; Serpentine belt flies off; Power steering stops functioning; Engine stalls
Front control arm bolt corrosion and separation
Front control arm bolt pulled out of the subframe due to extreme corrosion, compromising front suspension integrity and steering control.
When: Timing and mileage not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Control arm bolt pulled from subframe; Extreme corrosion visible
Synthesized from 36 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
I purchased a 2011 Subaru outback 2.5i limited on nov 30 2010. On the drive home from the new car dealership the steering wheel had a shimmy and the entire car was vibrating. The vibration began 45mph and had gotten worse at 65/70mph. I contacted the dealer the next day and they determined by test driving the car that the four continental pro contact tires were defective. Eventually they…
2011 Subaru outback 3.6r - car has vibration that can be mostly felt in the steering wheel at highway speeds. Vibration can also be felt in the seats and floor. Vibration comes and goes at various speeds. *tr
Had steering trouble with your 2011 Subaru Outback?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the steering problem on the 2011 Subaru Outback?
It's a meaningful issue. 36 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $700.
At what mileage does the steering typically fail?
Across the 16 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 6,000 and 94,467 miles, with the median around 45,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 6,000; a quarter make it past 94,467. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
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.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2011/Subaru/Outback.
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. Some links on this page are affiliate links.