2009 Subaru Outback Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 3%of 106 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 62,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the steering of the 2009 Subaru Outback, 3% of the 106 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 62,500 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Our 2009 Subaru Outback is radically dangerous when driving on compacted snow or ice. The car becomes almost uncontrollable with rear oversteer on moderately slippery roads; even at very slow speeds without applying any acceleration. Our vehicle has always displayed these quirks but it is now outright dangerous. The car is a manual transmission and has been extremely well maintained. I certainly hope NHTSA is aware of this issue as there is clearly a design flaw. We have never been in an accident but living in the midwest driving this car it feels like it only a matter of time. …”
NHTSA complaint #10562501, filed 2014-02, 84,675 miles“Driving on straight, semi-icy roads between northern michigan and northern wisconsin at speeds from 40mph to 50mph the 2009 Subaru Outback loaded with approx 500lbs of cargo and passengers (driver included) would suddenly swerve back and forth ( referred to as ghost walking ). Would have to reduce speed and pull over to shoulder numerous times and allow all traffic behind vehicle to pass since no one else was having any handling problems. Vehicle would regain stability and would handle fine for some time and then would repeat the ghost walking situation once again. …”
NHTSA complaint #10558152, filed 2014-01, 62,500 miles“Vehicle has a shimmy when driving at highway speeds: 70-75 MPH. Shimmy has been present since vehicle delivery. 5 trips to the service department over 10 months did not resolve this issue.”
NHTSA complaint #10335802, filed 2010-06, 800 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11032035Apr 20, 2026This Bulletin provides the diagnostic procedures to be followed when addressing customer concerns of steering wheel/vehicle body vibration when driving at highway speeds when…
- 10235894Oct 23, 2014Revision to Troubleshooting Information for VDC DTC C0071
- 10093509Oct 23, 2014Revision to troubleshooting information for vdc dtc c0071
Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2 | 10% |
| 2025 | 6 | 7% |
| 2024 | 5 | 5% |
| 2023 | 2 | 2% |
| 2022 | 4 | 1% |
| 2021 | 5 | 2% |
| 2020 | 14 | 2% |
| 2019 | 36 | 3% |
| 2018 | 36 | 4% |
| 2017 | 24 | 3% |
| 2016 | 24 | 4% |
| 2015 | 13 | 3% |
| 2014 | 17 | 8% |
| 2013 | 34 | 11% |
| 2012 | 9 | 3% |
| 2011 | 36 | 6% |
| 2010 | 41 | 11% |
| 2009 | 3 | 3% |
| 2008 | 5 | 2% |
| 2007 | 6 | 5% |
| 2006 | 12 | 4% |
| 2005 | 13 | 5% |
| 2004 | 2 | 2% |
| 2003 | 3 | 3% |
| 2002 | 2 | 1% |
| 2001 | 4 | 2% |
| 2000 | 4 | 2% |
| 1999 | 2 | 2% |
| 1998 | 3 | 2% |
| 1997 | 2 | 3% |
Other parts of the 2009 Subaru Outback
30 complaintsElectrical system
23 complaintsEngine
15 complaintsExterior lighting
10 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
9 complaintsBrakes
8 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
8 complaintsFuel system
7 complaintsOther or unknown
6 complaintsBody and structure
5 complaintsSuspension
5 complaintsEngine cooling
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2009 Subaru Outback
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology