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2015 Subaru Outback Steering Problems

13 owner-reported steering complaints from NHTSA data

13
Complaints
1
Recalls
2
Crashes
Jan 2016Dec 2024
Date Range

Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.

Steering Recalls (1)

RECALLCampaign #16V292000

STEERING:COLUMN

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Legacy and Outback vehicles manufactured February 29, 2016, to May 6, 2016. The steering column on the affected vehicles may have been improperly machined, and as a result, turning the steering wheel may have no effect on the direction of the wheels.

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.

Owner Complaints (13)

criticalSTEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS
Filed: Oct 2025

The clock spring (steering roll connector) component has failed, confirmed by the resulting complete loss of the horn function. SAFETY HAZARD: The component failure has resulted in the loss of the electrical connection to the Driver's Airbag System, rendering the primary airbag inoperable. This creates an unreasonable, life-threatening risk in the event of a collision.

NHTSA #: 11693803
criticalSTEERING
Filed: Sep 2021

Vehicle had recent periodic service performed prior to event at Gwinette Subaru, Gwinette, GA. Vehicle currently has 54K miles. The Vehicle was purcashed this year as a Dealer Certified pe-owned vehicle.

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NHTSA #: 11434848
criticalSTEERING,AIR BAGS,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
CrashFiled: Apr 2021

We built and bought a brand new 2015 subaru outback and we have experienced: - a constant sudden loss of eyesight system while cruising or sometimes just driving with no cruise control on. -gas release lever freezes up and we have to forcefully use a flat screwdriver to unlock the gas lid door. -pre collision warning brake system does not respond properly: we got so many close calls.

NHTSA #: 11413124
criticalSTEERING
CrashFiled: Jan 2021

Driving down straight stretch of freeway on the inside lane at 65-70mph in wet but satisfactory condition, my vehicle suddenly veered violently to the left resulting in collision with central island. No prior warning. Vehicle is very good condition and mechanically sound.

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NHTSA #: 11389828
mediumSTEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Dec 2024

The clock spring that controls the steering wheel, horn and other electrical accessories doesn’t work. This put my life and family’s lives at risk. This is a known issue for Subarus 2015-2019.

NHTSA #: 11632999
mediumSTEERING
Filed: Jul 2024

The car horn is unable to be used when driving straight. It only works when setting the alarm and only when you steer the wheel left or right. There are no warning lights on the instrument panel.

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NHTSA #: 11600184
mediumSTEERING,POWER TRAIN,SEATS
Filed: Aug 2023

Driver's seat started peeling off approximately a year after purchase. Notified dealer, they said to contact Subaru of America via social media. Now almost all peeled off, have to cover with towel possibly interfering with airbags.

NHTSA #: 11541975
mediumSTEERING,POWER TRAIN,LANE DEPARTURE
Filed: Apr 2023

Constant check engine, no adas functions and multiple codes and hud indicators including ckengne, xmode flashing, adas disable and major elecrtical parasitic draw and transmission and overheating. I believe the past major leg relay was replaced during first recall, it was not performed correctly and tied into accesssorry aux into same wiring. Defrost/ AC failure and clutch hums upon shutting down

NHTSA #: 11518655
mediumSTEERING
Filed: Jun 2021

When my dashboard lights lit up for no reason, it was determined after visiting the dealership that the steering gearbox needed to be replaced.

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NHTSA #: 11421136
mediumSTEERING
Filed: Apr 2016

IN MOTION.ON COUNTRY ROAD. THERE IS A GAP IN THE STEERING WHEEL COLUMN WHERE I GOT MY FINGER CAUGHT WHILE TURNING RIGHT. VERY SHARP PAIN WHILE RETURNING THE WHEEL TO STRAIGHT. HAD TO MORE THE WHEEL RIGHT AGAIN TO REMOVE MY FINGER. COULD HAVE CAUSED SERIOUS PROBLEM. I WAS NOW ON A STRAIGHT SECTION OF ROAD AND ENDED UP ON RIGHT SHOULDER AS I TURNED THE WHEEL TO EXTRICATE MY FINGER. I SUPPOSE ONE COULD LOSE PART OF FINGER OR CAUSE AN ACCIDENT.

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NHTSA #: 10853490
mediumSTEERING
Filed: Jan 2016

THE BACKING ON THE STEERING WHEEL CORE IS MISSING AND WHEN TURNING IT IS VERY EASY TO PLACE PART OF A FINGER INTO THE RECESS THAT WOULD RESULT IN EITHER LOSING PART OF THE FINGER OR HAVING A FATAL ACCIDENT WHEN STRAIGHTENING OUT THE STEERING WHEEL.

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NHTSA #: 10818468
mediumSTEERING
Filed: Nov 2015

THE CAR DOES NOT DRIVE STRAIT , WANDERING LEFT AND RIGHT AT ALL THE TIME FROM THE DAY ONE .CHECKED ALIGNMENT AT THE DEALER - NO PROBLEMS . SO I AM VERY CONCERN ABOUT MY SAFETY AND CAN'T EVEN THINK HOW IT'S GONNA BE ON THE SNOW ( I LIVE IN THE NORTHWEST )

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NHTSA #: 10787525
lowSTEERING
Filed: Jun 2015

New 2015 subaru outback steering wandering left and right preventing the car from being steered straight. Without constant driver attention vehicle wanders across lanes or off road.

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NHTSA #: 10727004

Other 2015 Subaru Outback Issues