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 ↗2017 Subaru Forester steering problems
severe 24 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $700 · see steering across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
24
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
1crash
1injury
What stands out
Among the 13 model years of Subaru Forester 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.
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
Steering problems in the 2017 Forester cluster into several distinct failures. The most dangerous involve sudden loss of control: one owner lost steering completely on the interstate at 60 mph and veered into oncoming traffic; another had the steering wheel lock up while attempting to turn into an intersection, causing a crash. Another reported steering that becomes extremely stiff with erratic behavior, followed by vibration of the steering wheel and chassis.
Intermittent stiffness and lock-up during turns occur frequently, especially on curvy roads. Owners describe the steering as sticking while turning and resisting straightening input, or over-steering violently when forced. One owner who paid $816 to replace both steering control arms at 56,000 miles on a low-mileage vehicle says he's never seen this happen to a five-year-old car.
Steering vibration and shuddering at highway speeds, linked to worn control arm bushings, recurs even after replacement. Power steering failure—complete loss of assist—has struck owners in traffic and in cold weather. The steering wheel also locks intermittently when parked in Park position, trapping the driver with the engine running and the key stuck; one owner reported this happening 80% of the time. Dealers claim this is normal. Subaru TSB #16-112-18R documents the problem but does not cover repair beyond warranty. Rust damage to front control arms and sway bar links on salt-exposed vehicles renders them unsafe for inspection. EyeSight system glitches trigger violent steering shudder during low-speed turns. Dealers frequently cannot duplicate or fix these failures.
Same Subaru Forester steering reports on nearby years: 2014 · 2015 · 2016 · 2018 · 2019
Failure modes owners describe
Delayed or Absent Steering Response
Steering input does not engage wheels promptly or at all until the wheel is turned to extreme angles (80-90 degrees). Occurs intermittently, mostly when other vehicles are nearby, and creates a sensation of delayed or void driver control. One owner reported this as 'egregious' when observed by a dealership.
When: City and highway driving, especially with other cars nearby; reported as ongoing since October 2018 in one case
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel does not engage wheels until turned to ~90 degree angle; Delayed response to driver steering input; Feels like control system is void or unresponsive, similar to driving on frictionless surface; Constant steering adjustments needed to stay in lane; Inconsistent steering geometry—asymmetric effort to enter vs. exit turns
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership (Subaru Superstore Chandler, AZ) observed the issue, called it 'egregious,' but could not find cause or duplicate other problems; documented complaint
Steering Stiffness and Lock-Up During Turns
Steering wheel becomes difficult or impossible to turn, or locks in place while turning, resisting driver input to straighten. Occurs intermittently, particularly during sustained or left turns on curvy roads, and can cause over-steering when driver forces the wheel back.
When: During turns (typically when wheel is turned more than ~20 degrees and sustained), on curvy roads and highways; can occur at any mileage in first months of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Steering sticks or locks while in a turn; Resists driver input to straighten wheels; Failure to straighten on demand or over-steering to opposite side; Intermittent, varying in frequency and severity; Most problematic on curvy roads
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer drove and inspected but was unable to fix or diagnose (one case)
Steering Control Module Failure
Electronic steering control module fails, causing loss of power steering assist or erratic steering behavior. Owners report sudden steering freeze or stiffness at highway speed, and multiple diagnostic codes indicating steering control module and rack-and-pinion failure.
When: Can occur at any speed; one case at 60 mph on interstate, another at 61,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel suddenly freezes; Loss of power steering; steering becomes very stiff; Steering becomes erratic with vibration; Multiple diagnostic codes for steering control module and rack-and-pinion assembly failure
Repairs/costs cited: Calipers replaced, wheel alignment performed (multiple times in one case); front tires remounted to switch damaged outer treads to inside
Power Steering Failure
Complete or partial loss of power steering assist, making the vehicle difficult or very difficult to steer. Occurs intermittently or suddenly, sometimes in traffic or adverse weather. One owner reported the steering control module was replaced per TSB #04-24-18.
When: Can occur in traffic, cold weather conditions, or at any point during vehicle operation
Symptoms owners cite: Power steering stops working; Steering becomes very difficult to turn; Nearly all dashboard lights come on; Loss of power steering assist
Repairs/costs cited: Power steering control module replaced with updated part number 34710SG102
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB #04-24-18 addresses power steering control module failure; part replacement performed at dealership
Steering Vibration and Shuddering
Steering wheel and chassis vibrate or shudder at highway speeds, especially during lane changes or turns. Often linked to control arm bushing wear or failure. Problem may recur shortly after repair. Owners report the issue worsens over time despite tire rebalancing.
When: At interstate and highway speeds (55+ mph for some), during lane changes or turns; can start as early as 56,000 miles on a 5-year-old vehicle
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel shakes and vibrates at interstate speeds during lane changes or 'lazy' turns; Shuddering of steering wheel and chassis; Wobbling under 20 mph and over 55 mph; Problem worsens over time despite tire rebalancing; Quick violent turns to left and right (steering shudders)
Repairs/costs cited: Both steering control arms replaced, tires rebalanced and aligned; cost $816.57 in one case; lower control arm and both bushings replaced in another case; forward bushings replaced per service bulletin; damaged tires remounted
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Service Bulletin #05-63-18R (Subaru) addresses forward bushing problem; Subaru of America mentioned offering financial assistance for repairs in one complaint
EyeSight System Disengagement Causing Steering Issues
EyeSight driver-assist system intermittently disengages or malfunctions, and upon disengagement, steering shudders violently during low-speed turns. Dashboard warning lights flicker. Internal electrical systems may reset (radio, instrument panel display). Creates unsafe driving condition.
When: Low and high speeds, during turns; intermittent
Symptoms owners cite: EyeSight system turns off intermittently with 'check owner's manual' message; System remains off until vehicle restart; Steering shudders (quick violent turns left and right) during low-speed turns after EyeSight disengages; EyeSight warning light disappears and reappears; Radio/music system turns off temporarily; Instrument panel display resets to default
Steering Wheel Lock in Park Position
Steering wheel locks intermittently when the vehicle is parked and in Park (CVT transmission). Owners cannot turn the ignition key off or remove the key, forcing them to leave the car running in potentially hazardous situations. Dealer claims it is 'normal' in some cases. Subaru TSB #16-112-18R addresses the issue.
When: Intermittently when parked in Park; occurs sporadically with no forewarning; happens to some owners 80% of the time
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel locks with wheels straight; Key will not turn to off position; Key will not remove from ignition; Driver unable to turn engine off; Occurs sporadically and unpredictably; Requires manipulation of shifter and repeated on/off cycles to release key; Steering wheel must be turned left and right or car driven back and forward to unlock
Repairs/costs cited: Estimated repair cost $400–$650 depending on dealer and location (per online sources); may involve replacement of shift or electrical components
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Subaru TSB #16-112-18R documents the problem; Subaru of America stated diagnostics test is needed at owner's expense (~$140 locally); repair coverage not provided beyond standard warranty
Power Steering Gearbox Failure
Power steering gearbox fails internally, causing complete loss of power steering. Warranty claim denied by dealer if no road salt damage is visible. Occurs on low-mileage, garage-kept vehicles.
When: At 34,744 miles on garage-kept vehicle
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of power steering; No power steering light on dash indicating failure
Repairs/costs cited: Gearbox replacement cost $1,637.26; temporary fix by restarting engine (pull front, back, park, turn off, restart)
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer stated warranty covers gearbox failure only if box is cracked due to road salt; no outside damage seen, so claim denied
Steering Wheel Lock at Ignition Start
Steering wheel locks while engine is off and wheels are straight, preventing engine start. Driver must fight with steering wheel and key for multiple attempts before vehicle will start. Occurs sporadically, creating panic and safety concern.
When: When attempting to start the parked vehicle, with wheels in straight position
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel completely locked; Unable to turn on vehicle; Key difficult or impossible to turn; Requires many tries and turning/banging on steering wheel before key will turn; Wheels are straight
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer claims this is 'normal' (in one case)
Control Arm and Suspension Component Rust/Corrosion
Front control arms and sway bar links develop rust and corrosion, deemed unsafe and unable to pass vehicle inspection. Occurs in vehicles exposed to road salt. Issue may not be covered under existing recalls for some VINs built just before recall effective date.
When: Vehicle built before 7/2016; failure detected at inspection after several years of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Rust on front control arms; Rust on both front sway bar links; Components deemed unsafe by inspection
Repairs/costs cited: Both front control arms and both front sway bar links replaced due to rust
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Related recall exists for some 2017 Foresters but may not apply to all VINs
Loss of Steering Control During Highway Driving
Steering control is suddenly lost or severely compromised at highway speed, causing vehicle to veer unexpectedly into other lanes. Extremely dangerous; can result in collision with other vehicles or obstacles. One owner crashed into a pole; another nearly hit tractor trailers.
When: At highway speeds (60–70 mph); at 1,000 miles in one case
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle veers sharply into adjoining lane without driver input; Unable to steer back into intended lane; Steering does not respond to driver input; Feels like loss of control of car; Steering wheel suddenly froze and decelerated vehicle
Repairs/costs cited: One case: front brake caliper replaced, wheel alignment performed; evidence of right front brake lock found
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer was notified but provided no assistance in one case
Synthesized from 24 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had steering trouble with your 2017 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 2017 Subaru Forester?
It's a meaningful issue. 24 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 9 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 1,500 and 43,000 miles, with the median around 23,825. A quarter of owners report trouble before 1,500; a quarter make it past 43,000. 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/2017/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.