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 ↗2016 Subaru Forester steering problems
severe Owners of the 2016 Subaru Forester have filed 19 NHTSA complaints about the steering, typically surfacing around 38,000 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
19
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
| Model year | steering complaints |
|---|---|
| 2014 Forester | 16 |
| 2015 Forester | 19 |
| 2016 Forester (this page) | 19 |
| 2017 Forester | 24 |
| 2018 Forester | 24 |
| 2019 Forester | 14 |
| 2020 Forester | 11 |
3crashes
3injuries
What stands out
Among the 13 model years of Subaru Forester in our records for steering problems, this one ranks #3 by owner-complaint volume.
No new NHTSA steering complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 10 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
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.
As part of Subaruâs dedication to customer satisfaction, Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) is announcingan extension to the Basic New Car Limited Warranty for the Electronic Power Steering (EPS) GearBox Assembly for certain 2012-2018 MY vehicles.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗As part of Subaruâs dedication to customer satisfaction, Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) is announcing an extension to the Basic New Car Limited Warranty for the Electronic Power Steering Gear Box Assembly for certain 2012-2018 MY vehicles.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗As part of Subaru of Americaâs dedication to customer satisfaction, this letter is to inform you of an extension to the Basic New Car Limited Warranty for your vehicleâs Electronic Power Steering Gear Box Assembly.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin provides helpful tips to simplify the diagnosis of sound concerns originating in the electronic power steering (EPS) gearbox (steering rack) assembly. If a vehicle presents with a ?rattling?, ?knocking? or possibly a ?clanging? type sound coming from the steering rack and / or a vibration felt through the steering wheel, use the flow chart below to help make diagnosis of the concern easier.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2016 Forester steering system shows multiple failure patterns across 19 complaints. The most severe and widespread issue is loss of handling control in winter and wet conditions: owners report the rear end fishtails, shifts abruptly left or right over bumps, and becomes unresponsive to steering input at speeds above 25–40 mph. Multiple owners describe the vehicle as unsafe and one dealership had four identical problems simultaneously. Tire wear is abnormal (rear tires lasting 18,000 miles versus 60,000+ normally), and realignment attempts only partially help.
Power steering problems include stiff steering on startup with warning lights, complete loss of assist without warning, and at least one documented failure mode involving a "frozen relay" in the steering control module that Subaru has acknowledged since 2016. The steering wheel itself locks in place—three reports describe this while driving or parked. Three owners report ignition keys getting stuck after shutdown, progressively worsening, with Subaru acknowledging a faulty part (35122FJ033) that costs $400 to replace but refusing recall status.
Horn failure linked to the clock spring mechanism behind the airbag affects safety and vehicle inspection. Two sudden-acceleration incidents during slow parking and turning maneuvers are also reported. One premature axle-shaft failure at 124k miles, and steering wheel vibration at highway speeds round out the complaints.
Same Subaru Forester steering reports on nearby years: 2014 · 2015 · 2017 · 2018 · 2019
Failure modes owners describe
Uncontrolled rear-end handling in winter/wet conditions
The rear of the vehicle shifts, fishtails, or breaks hard left or right on bumps, wet pavement, ice, or semi-slick road patches. Owners report loss of control, inability to maintain lane position, and unresponsiveness to steering input. Speeds above 25–40 mph are unsafe. Multiple vehicles at the same dealership exhibit the problem.
When: Occurs in winter conditions, on wet/icy roads, and over bumps; one vehicle at 102k miles after control arm/tie rod replacement
Symptoms owners cite: Rear-end shifts left on bumps; Fishtailing in winter/mild winter conditions; Loss of lane position in winter driving; Severe unresponsiveness to steering input; Violent breaking left or right on semi-slick patches; Passenger motion sickness from handling
Repairs/costs cited: One owner: control arms and tie rods replaced at 102k miles; dealer attempted irregular alignment adjustment (cost $700+); new tires did not resolve; factory-spec alignment was within spec
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer acknowledged problem (4 other vehicles at same dealership with same issue) but unable to make diagnosis. Subaru corporate suggested trying unidentified solutions while owner continues to drive.
Stiff steering wheel and electric power steering warnings
Steering wheel becomes stiff when starting the vehicle, with power steering warning light illuminating. Problem clears after multiple start cycles. One owner reports complete loss of power steering assist with no warning during low-speed driving. Code C2532 stored in one vehicle; owner states the steering control module part has a known 'frozen relay' issue identified since 2016 with no recall.
When: One complaint at 83k miles; one complaint with temperature at 41°F in November
Symptoms owners cite: Stiff steering wheel on startup; Power steering warning light illumination; Complete loss of electric power steering assist; Difficult steering at low speed
Codes mentioned: C2532
Repairs/costs cited: One owner replaced steering control module part with updated version; part cost approximately $800 Canadian (close to $1000 CAD total with labor)
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Part has been updated from original 'frozen relay' issue. Problem identified as far back as 2016 with no recall issued.
Steering wheel lock-up
Steering wheel becomes locked, either while vehicle is being driven on highway or while parked in garage or driveway. In one case, lock-up occurred during highway driving and caused a crash into a guardrail. In another, lock-up occurred while parked in a garage on level ground with wheels straight.
When: One complaint during highway driving; one complaint with under 10k miles and vehicle parked in semi-heated garage; one complaint while parked in garage on level ground
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel locked during highway driving; Steering wheel locked while parked; Error message displayed; Inability to turn steering wheel
Repairs/costs cited: One case required towing to dealership; extended manipulation freed the locked wheel
Key stuck in ignition
Ignition key becomes stuck after turning off the engine and is difficult or impossible to remove. Owner must turn engine back on, shift to Park, and manipulate the gear shift hard to release the key. Issue is progressive and occurs more frequently over time. Subaru acknowledges this is a faulty part with a tech bulletin issued.
When: Problem periodic for several years, becoming more frequent (now nearly every drive)
Symptoms owners cite: Key stuck in ignition after shutting off engine; Difficulty removing key from ignition; Trouble turning key to start car; Requires multiple restart cycles to release key
Repairs/costs cited: Subaru identifies revised part 35122FJ033 to fix problem; owner reports $400 repair cost
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Subaru acknowledged as faulty part with Tech Bulletin #16-112-18R issued, but Subaru states it is a customer problem and does not cover under warranty
Horn failure due to clock spring mechanism
Horn stops working due to defect in the electrical coil spring component (clock spring) in the steering wheel behind the airbag. This is described as a known issue across multiple Subaru models. Owners report this component has multiple electrical connections including to the airbag, and in a crash there is no guarantee the spring coil would deliver the signal for airbag deployment.
When: Failure occurred post-warranty expiration in one case
Symptoms owners cite: Horn stops working; Vehicle unable to pass safety inspection without working horn
Repairs/costs cited: Very costly repair due to all electrical and safety components connected; owner reports nearly $1000 bill in one case
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued despite known issue in previous Subaru models
Sudden unintended acceleration
Vehicle suddenly accelerates without driver input. In one case, while slowly parking in a parking lot with foot off accelerator, the car made a loud noise and shot forward, running over a curb into shrubbery. In another case, during a slow U-turn, the vehicle suddenly accelerated to the right opposite the steering input direction.
When: One complaint at low speed while parking; one complaint during U-turn in residential area
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden acceleration without driver input; Loud noise before acceleration; Loss of control while parking or turning
Axle shaft failure
Right front axle shaft fails prematurely, making noise and requiring replacement. Owner expects left axle shaft to fail soon with similar noise.
When: At 124k miles
Symptoms owners cite: Noise from right front axle shaft; Premature axle shaft wear
Repairs/costs cited: Right front axle shaft replacement; parts and labor $812
Steering wheel vibration and rattle
Steering wheel produces rattle sound and vibration, particularly at highway speeds (60–65 mph). Potential safety issue. Owner suspects lower control arm bushing defect.
When: During highway driving at 60–65 mph
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel rattle sound; Steering wheel vibration at highway speed
Synthesized from 19 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
The car was being driven in a residential area. The driver stopped to make a u-turn then slowly started to take her foot off the brake while moving the steering wheel to the left when the car suddenly accelerated to the right (opposite direction). The driver lost control of the vehicle and the vehicle stopped only after colliding into a street pole.
Had steering trouble with your 2016 Subaru Forester?
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 2016 Subaru Forester?
It's a meaningful issue. 19 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 11 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 11,500 and 51,000 miles, with the median around 38,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 11,500; a quarter make it past 51,000. 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/2016/Subaru/Forester.
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.