2019 Subaru Outback Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 36about this part
- Share
- 3%of 1,036 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 2,024miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 36 complaints about the steering of the 2019 Subaru Outback, 3% of the 1,036 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 2,024 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.
“Car has less than 400 miles on. When driving at highway speeds it feels like I do not have any control, no feedback from a steering wheel. It feels like driving on ice. Went to a dealer and they said that nothing is wrong with it. It feels extremely dangerous when driving, and I feel totally exhausted after. Had multiple outbacks in the past and never had an issue like this. They need to fix it asap, too dangerous.”
NHTSA complaint #11176393, filed 2019-02, 300 miles“I have noticed that when driving above 40 MPH the steering seems to slip and pull the car to the right. At that time the steering wheel has additional play making an immediate correction impossible. Highways have been clear however I am concerned what will happen when roads are slick w inclement weather. Took back to dealer; they adjusted toe rods. Problem still persists. I am concerned that this is a significant safety issue.”
NHTSA complaint #11271287, filed 2019-10, 4,100 miles“Engine does not brake when going downhill as the manual says it should. My previous outbacks (2006, 2011, 2017) did have engine braking. Regional service office suggested I place the car in cruise control in order to control the speed. Car picks up speed quickly, so using the brake pedal is the best option. However, the problem is no engine braking when there should be at least some. This is dangerous on any hill. Second, steering is problematic. First, there is to much play in the steering wheel. …”
NHTSA complaint #11234867, filed 2019-07, 500 miles“Based upon the Subaru review in the consumer reports april auto issue, I purchased a 2019 Outback. There is a problem with the steering. It has about thirty degrees of play. It takes constant adjustment to keep the vehicle in the center of the lane. The service department told me that there is nothing wrong with the steering. I just had to get used to driving with the Subaru 'eye sight'. Driving on the interstate is stressful to say the least. On a trip to tampa on I-275 I almost side swiped another car.”
NHTSA complaint #11221871, filed 2019-06, 754 miles“On freeway - traffic moving at about 45 MPH on corner - the car veered sharply towards the freeway inside wall. No control of steering when I tried to gently correct - when the car finally responded it veered sharply I tot he lanes to my right. The steering was out of my control. I have only had the car for a week - it is brand new and the steer assist was on. The Subaru Outback 2019 steering was out of my control on a corner going approx 45 MPH - dangerous. There is something seriously wrong with the steering. …”
NHTSA complaint #11228764, filed 2019-07, 500 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 2019 Subaru Outback
387 complaintsElectrical system
364 complaintsOther or unknown
205 complaintsEngine
39 complaintsForward collision avoidance
36 complaintsFuel system
32 complaintsBody and structure
27 complaintsVehicle speed control
26 complaintsBrakes
22 complaintsLane departure
18 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
16 complaintsAir bags
13 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2019 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