2010 Subaru Outback Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 41about this part
- Share
- 11%of 360 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 1,200miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 41 complaints about the steering of the 2010 Subaru Outback, 11% of the 360 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 1,200 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Since delivery, car has had slight shimmy of steering wheel at most speeds especially when turning the wheel. Now steering wheel has developed noticeable shake above 60 miles per hour. Dealer says car steering is working normally, possibly a tire issue but I disagree. I now see many others complain of same problem so I am reporting mine as well.”
NHTSA complaint #10618430, filed 2014-08, 1,000 miles“Vehicle paddle shifter function, cruise control, horn control are intermittent and vol up and mute radio functions do not work on the steering column. This is very similar to NHTSA campaign number 10v283000. I will have the dealer provide the steering roll connector lot number to determine if my VIN has an older steering column on tues. My VIN is outside of the effected range of a*310001 to a*377827.”
NHTSA complaint #10525592, filed 2013-07, 27,000 miles“My 2010 Subaru Outback k-frame and a-frame rotted out, affecting my steering, my breaking and my ability to control my steering. This caused a very dangerous safety issue. I notified Subaru and they informed me there were no recalls on the k-frame of this year's vehicle, although there had been for the rear sub-frame on this vehicle. Also, Subaru wanted $1400 to repair the sub-frame, so I went to a salvage yard and discovered that all but two of the sub-frames in the salvage yard were all rotted in the same areas. …”
NHTSA complaint #11209146, filed 2019-05, 142,000 miles“I purchased a Subaru Outback 2.5i premium (manual transmission) on 03/15/2010 and noticed moderate to severe steering wheel and front driver's side wheel vibration above 40mph on the second day. I subsequently checked tire pressure on all four tires, gave the car some time to break in , and tested various road conditions and speeds to determine if the problem is more pronounced under certain conditions. …”
NHTSA complaint #10327720, filed 2010-04, 90 miles“Purchased brand-new Subaru Outback-3.6 limited in late march 2010. At time of delivery (prior to signing papers), I notified the dealer of steering vibration. The dealer assured me that this was due to the need for the tires to break-in and to call service if it continued. The vehicle only had 3 miles on delivery. The steering vibration continued and I returned to service for a potential solution to the problem. …”
NHTSA complaint #10324919, filed 2010-04, 3 milesRelated recalls
- 10V283000Jun 24, 2010Subaru is recalling certain model year 2010 outback and legacy passenger vehicles manufactured from february 16, 2009 through april 12, 2010. The wiring in…Covers: Subaru Outback 2010, Legacy 2010
Related 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…
- 10192926May 25, 2017This bulletin announces a new steering column assembly designed to address a limited number of customer concerns involving the tilt mechanism portion not staying locked. This…
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 2010 Subaru Outback
94 complaintsAir bags
44 complaintsEngine
44 complaintsBrakes
40 complaintsExterior lighting
35 complaintsElectrical system
33 complaintsSuspension
26 complaintsEngine cooling
23 complaintsOther or unknown
19 complaintsBody and structure
14 complaintsVehicle speed control
13 complaintsTires
9 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2010 Subaru Outback
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 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