At the shop, Subaru steering issues have a recognizable signature. 702 documented complaints across 61 year-model entries from 2005 to 2025 is consistent with what we see come in. Complaint volume is spread across the lineup rather than parked on one bad year. That's the signature of a platform or supplier issue, not a single-year flub. 55 crash reports and 20 injuries on the record. Severity is real, not theoretical. Across the 260 complaints reporting odometer mileage, the median failure lands at about 30,378 miles. Average shop fix runs about $700 — not catastrophic, but it adds up over time. Steering does not have a graceful failure mode. Take any "unintended movement" complaints seriously and check for open recalls on the EPS module.
ProblemsByVin SUBARU / STEERING
61 model-year entries · 2005–2025
Subaru steering problems
702 owner complaints filed with NHTSA against Subaru vehicles for steering issues. 5 active recall campaigns. See steering across all makes →
Complaints
702
Recalls
5
Year-models
61
Avg fix
$700
55crashes
2fires
20injuries
Worst-affected Subaru model-years for steering Top 25 by complaint volume
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25
2010 Subaru Outback
41 complaints · ~$700 moderate
2011 Subaru Outback
36 complaints · ~$700 severe
2019 Subaru Outback
35 complaints · ~$700 moderate
2018 Subaru Outback
35 complaints · ~$700 moderate
2013 Subaru Outback
34 complaints · ~$700 severe
2018 Subaru Forester
24 complaints · ~$700 severe
2017 Subaru Forester
24 complaints · ~$700 severe
2016 Subaru Outback
23 complaints · ~$700 severe
2017 Subaru Outback
22 complaints · ~$700 severe
2016 Subaru Forester
19 complaints · ~$700 severe
2015 Subaru Forester
19 complaints · ~$700 severe
2014 Subaru Outback
17 complaints · ~$700 severe
2016 Subaru Legacy
16 complaints · ~$700 severe
2011 Subaru Legacy
16 complaints · ~$700 moderate
2019 Subaru Crosstrek
15 complaints · ~$700 moderate
2014 Subaru Forester
15 complaints · ~$700 severe
2019 Subaru Forester
14 complaints · 1 recall · ~$700 moderate
2013 Subaru Impreza
14 complaints · ~$700 moderate
2016 Subaru Crosstrek
13 complaints · ~$700 moderate
2015 Subaru Outback
13 complaints · ~$700 severe
2005 Subaru Outback
13 complaints · ~$700 severe
2020 Subaru Outback
12 complaints · ~$700 severe
2010 Subaru Legacy
12 complaints · 1 recall · ~$700 moderate
2006 Subaru Outback
12 complaints · ~$700 severe
2020 Subaru Forester
11 complaints · ~$700 severe
Active recalls — Subaru steering 6 on file
Subaru is recalling certain model year 2010 outback and legacy passenger vehicles manufactured from february 16, 2009 through april 12, 2010
Possible circuits affected are the driver's frontal airbag, paddle shifter function, cruise control, horn control and radio functions increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will check lot number of the steering roll connector. The roll connector will be replaced with a new one if the lot number showed any affected range of the failure occurrence. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on july 7, 2010. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783.
Subaru is recalling certain model year 2013 Outback and Legacy vehicles manufactured from February 15, 2012, through June 15, 2012
If the shafts become disengaged, the driver would lose the ability to steer the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering column assembly with a new one, free of charge. The recall began on May 14, 2013. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's recall campaign number is WQI-45.
Subaru of America, Inc
The loss of steering ability would increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the lot number on the steering column, replacing the steering column, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 13, 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783 or by visiting http://www.wtd65.service-campaign.com. Subaru's number for this recall is WTD-65. Note: Until the vehicles have been inspected, owners are advised not to drive their vehicles.
Subaru of America, Inc
The tie rods may separate from the housing, causing a loss of steering control and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the left and right front tie rod ends and housings, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 7, 2022. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRL-21.
Subaru of America, Inc
If the knee guard is not properly attached and the driver is not wearing a seatbelt, the knee guard may not be able to properly restrain the driver's lower body in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the knee guard welding on each vehicle's steering beam, replacing the beam as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 14, 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WTL-72.
Subaru of America, Inc
Loss of power steering assist would require higher steering effort, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: None of the affected vehicles have been sold yet. Subaru has notified dealers and they will inspect the steering gearbox, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began February 7, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUC-88.
Common questions
How many Subaru steering complaints are on file with NHTSA?
702 complaints across 61 model-year entries from 2005 to 2025. 5 active recall campaigns cover steering issues across the Subaru lineup.
Which Subaru model has the most steering complaints?
The 2010 Subaru Outback leads with 41 complaints in this category. Next: 2011 Outback (36) and 2019 Outback (35).
What does it cost to fix Subaru steering problems?
Independent shops average $700 for steering repairs across the Subaru lineup. Dealer pricing tends to run twenty to forty percent higher. Specific cost depends on the failure mode and parts availability.
Are there Subaru steering recalls?
Yes — 6 active recall campaigns cover steering on Subaru vehicles. Recall fixes are free regardless of mileage or warranty status. The list below shows current campaigns with their NHTSA numbers.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database.
Editorial commentary written by Shop Foreman, an independent contributor to ProblemsByVin
and not affiliated with Subaru.
Severity ratings derive from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities on the NHTSA complaint and recall record.
Repair cost averages reflect independent-shop pricing and may differ in your area.