2025 Subaru Outback Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 7%of 83 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 8,022miles
- Trend
- Too newThis model year is less than 4 years old, so a trend is not meaningful yet.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the steering of the 2025 Subaru Outback, 7% of the 83 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 8,022 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.
“I bought a brand new 2025 subaru outback in April of 2025. At first service (oil change and tire rotation) in Jan 2026, I complained that the vehicle keeps swerving left and right and Subaru of Ann Arbor said they will diagnose the i-Sight vehicle system and correct it. But right after delivery , i realized the steering had to be held at ~5 degrees to the right (off centered) to get the car go straight. I complained and I was made to bring the car in 3 times to Subaru of Ann arbor - only to go without a fix. …”
NHTSA complaint #11748229, filed 2026-07“The contact owns a 2025 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the vehicle oversteered, almost causing the contact to crash several times. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the alignment was out of spec, and an alignment was needed. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 44.”
NHTSA complaint #11668907, filed 2025-06, 44 miles“The contact owns a 2025 Subaru Outback. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the wheels skidded and the steering wheel seized. In addition, the contact stated that the engine seized. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle started. The contact stated that the vehicles behind the contact's vehicle had to drive around the contact's vehicle. The vehicle was driven to the contact's residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. …”
NHTSA complaint #11736330, filed 2026-05, 16,000 miles“When engine auto-restarts after Auto Start-Stop has started engine, steering wheel jerks violently if it is not completely straight, dislocated my 5th finger.”
NHTSA complaint #11757336, filed 2026-08Related service bulletins
- 11035637Jul 15, 2026This bulletin outlines a repair procedure to be performed if DTC B2781 is set in the steering lock control module.
- 11033053May 1, 2026This bulletin announces design changes to the heated steering wheel switch assembly and harness. The new switch design relocates the connector, which requires a different harness…
- 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 2025 Subaru Outback
21 complaintsOther or unknown
18 complaintsLane departure
15 complaintsElectrical system
13 complaintsBrakes
7 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
6 complaintsAir bags
5 complaintsBack-over prevention (rear camera)
5 complaintsEngine
5 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
5 complaintsExterior lighting
3 complaintsFuel system
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2025 Subaru Outback
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 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