2018 Subaru Outback Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 36about this part
- Share
- 4%of 816 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 4,700miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 36 complaints about the steering of the 2018 Subaru Outback, 4% of the 816 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 4,700 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The steering sometimes locks when car is operating in reverse, turning out of a parked position. Exact cause is unknown. I brought the car to the dealership for this problem in mid-march and they were unable to detect the fault. Today I encountered the same steering lock when backing out of my driveway and turning right to get onto the street.”
NHTSA complaint #11341208, filed 2020-07, 3,000 miles“While driving 70 miles per hour: on most curves to the left the car seems to grab to the left and then I correct the swing. Sometimes it seems to almost over correct. And I have experienced the same issue while on the straight way and the car will seem to pull to the right. Not enough that I am in danger of crashing but is unsettling”
NHTSA complaint #11063173, filed 2018-01, 2,500 miles“I have always wanted a 3.6l and this is my first 3.6l 6 cylinder 2018 Subaru Outback! Am disappointed with few problems: the front seating is not comfortable and not supportive at all, especial in hard turns the seats will not hold you in place, the seat bed is to short and does not support long legs if you are over 5 feet tall. For some reason this is my 3rd Subaru 2nd Outback that has wheel alignment problem right out of the box!!! …”
NHTSA complaint #11120423, filed 2018-08, 250 miles“Driving our new 2018 Outback we experience periodic steering irregularities that are flat scary. Especially at 65mps and above the car seems to self correct .by example a lane change the car starts to 'float and over compensates on directional change. Troubling also is the experience of stability at times as if driving in high winds-when there is no wind. When we turn off driving assistance lane system-still same problems. Wheels seem to have a 'mind of their own and were not always in control. …”
NHTSA complaint #11092406, filed 2018-05, 1,300 miles“I have had steering issues with this car since day one, the dealer told me I had to get use to it. Car pulled to the right and at higher speeds you feel like you were hydroplaning-no control then steering would come back. Brought the car back to dealer and they made adjusts to the alignment and doesn't pull to right as bad. But the feeling of hydroplaning still exists and the dealer can not duplicate problem .they tell me its within Subaru's specifications there is a real problem with this car since date of service 3-12-18”
NHTSA complaint #11149896, filed 2018-11, 200 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…
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 2018 Subaru Outback
273 complaintsElectrical system
267 complaintsOther or unknown
163 complaintsFuel system
46 complaintsEngine
37 complaintsVehicle speed control
21 complaintsBack-over prevention (rear camera)
19 complaintsBrakes
18 complaintsForward collision avoidance
18 complaintsBody and structure
15 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
14 complaintsWheels
11 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2018 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