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Subaru Legacy Steering problems by year

121 complaints filed with NHTSA about the Subaru Legacy's steering. Loss of power steering, stiff or loose steering, wandering, column and rack problems.

Steering complaints by model year

YearSteering complaintsCrashesInjuriesRecalls
20251000
20221000
20201000
20193000
20184000
20179102
201616101
20151000
20142000
20134001
20127100
201116000
201012001
20091000
20071000
20062100
20053000
20031100
20011001
20003111
19992110
19988000
19977210
19963230
19953110
19944000
19932000
19922120
19901000

Steering recalls

Steering

13V1940005,379 vehicles affected

Subaru is recalling certain model year 2013 Outback and Legacy vehicles manufactured from February 15, 2012, through June 15, 2012. In the affected vehicles, the inner and outer shafts of the steering column assembly may become disengaged from one another.

Latest Legacy steering complaints

2020 Subaru LegacySteeringElectrical system

While driving there is a loss of power, the battery fails, electronic components shut down and car stops. Has happened intermittently. Replaced battery. This is a significant safety issue happened on freeway near exit ramp, in parking lot in driveway, everything cuts out. Opened hood and seems to be battery terminal connector. Recall was issued for certain Subaru models but not legacy. No warning, just cuts off. Is not a standard battery terminal connector. Had to secure battery down with cable ties.

Filed Incident Steering · Electrical system · Unknown or otherNHTSA 11745403
2025 Subaru LegacySteeringEngine & cooling

The Legacy (my third one) was about a month old and had about 30 miles on the odometer. I had no warning of any problem with the car. On or about 5:45 PM on Oct 22, 2025 I was driving my Subaru Legacy when the engine stalled. I was in the HOV lane of an interstate highway. Multiple times the starter failed to restart the engine. Traffic was blocked in my lane and diverting around me. It was dusk with a misty rain. My wife and I were felt we were at high risk of being rearended at any moment. After about 5-10...

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minutes, during which we called 911, the engine restarted. Seeing no help from the police available, I judged it was best. to get off the highspeed road. I was able to get off the highway and make it home, about 5 miles away. I have not tried to drive the car ever since this terrifying episode.

Filed Incident Steering · Unknown or other · EngineNHTSA 11706406
2018 Subaru LegacySteeringSuspension

Replaced steering rack 2/12/20 Replaced steering rack 12/07/22 Replaced sway bar links 11/09/23 Inspection found rear Lateral Link Bushings torn and alignment hardware seized in bushings torn and seized/replaced bushings and hardware to complete a proper alignment. 01/23/24 Replaced front sway bar links and strut mounts and performed alignment

Filed Incident Steering · SuspensionNHTSA 11627936
2022 Subaru LegacySteeringElectrical systemAirbags

Emergency breaking deployed during traffic where no indication of collision was about to take place; vehicle safety features disabled and enabled off and on automatically while driving, this led up to sudden stop of vehicle in heavy traffic and vehicle would never restart. Subaru starlink emergency services failed to work or respond after trying for several minutes. Steering wouldn't work to guide vehicle safely out of traffic

Filed Incident Steering · Electrical system · Air bagsNHTSA 11627822
2016 Subaru LegacySteering

Steering did not return to neutral position after making a right turn, steering wanted to continue on right turn. I was able to pull it back to straight position with some needed force. I don't believe my wife would be able , after initial surprise, to steer back into lane of traffic. Result could have been an accident. I have not reproduced the problem at dealer or independent service facility or by manufacturer and because of no accident police or insurance co. not called. There were no warning signs. I just...

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recently pudchased this vehicle within past week. I would call your attention to the articles on internet describing the problem and how to repair I don't think I should pay for repair as it is a recurring problem with other cars by same manufacturer. Thank you

Filed Incident SteeringNHTSA 11527329
2011 Subaru LegacySteeringSuspension

Front sub-frame rusted through. Local mechanic said unsafe to drive. Insurance will not cover claim because this is "prior issue" not accident related. Subaru dealership confirmed safety risk and will repair for >$3000.

Filed Incident Steering · Suspension · Unknown or otherNHTSA 11515967
2019 Subaru LegacySteering

Power steering stopped working. I see online this problem was reported with other Subaru vehicle 2019 models and a recall was made but for some reason my car is not included. I believe this is the same issue of faulty equipment.

Filed Incident SteeringNHTSA 11513814
2017 Subaru LegacySteering

Purchased the car used took to dealership for rattle from front end, they diagnosed and recommended replacement of steering rack as it was defective, so it was replaced, a month later same noise, same diagnosis, replaced again, repeated this 7 times and they have reconfirmed it is the rack, the dealership technician states it's the rack and not as it should be. The manager however is trying to state now that it's a normal noise and they won't warranty the repairs anymore. It continues to get worse and louder and...

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feels unsafe to have defective steering racks on the roadways that are non repairable. I've reached out to corporate Subaru as well and they can only make decisions based off info the manager gives them which is opposite of what the technicians state. Please help me this car is unsafe.

Filed Incident SteeringNHTSA 11472607
2017 Subaru LegacySteering

Make noise in the front driver site every time when I drive over bad roads

Filed Incident SteeringNHTSA 11454196
2017 Subaru LegacySteeringSuspension

Vehicle is difficult to control, especially when driving on uneven roads, or when it is windy. It takes a lot of effort to keep the car in one lane. The ride is rough, and you can hear and feel every little bump in the road. More than a rough ride, this will oftentimes throw my vehicle off path which feels like the car is not in my control momentarily. For instance, it will follow the direction of any cracks/grooves in the road, despite both my hands being on the wheel. This deviation requires immediate correction or risk collision. A passing vehicle moving at a high rate of speed will also push my car off track, which is obviously dangerous on the freeway.

Filed Incident Steering · SuspensionNHTSA 11448868
2016 Subaru LegacySteering

I'm having issues with the steering column and getting the key out. I'm not able to remove the key most days. Was this in any part of any known recall? Thank you

Filed Incident SteeringNHTSA 11414333
2016 Subaru LegacySteering

Key gets stuck in ignition. Often will not release. Happens when put car into park upon stopping.

Filed Incident Steering · Unknown or otherNHTSA 11407477
2011 Subaru LegacySteering

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 subaru legacy. The contact stated while driving at approximately 60 mph, the horn activated independently without warning. The contact stated that the symptom was like nhtsa campaign number: 10v283000 (steering). The vehicle was driven to webster groves subaru (7982 big bend blvd, webster groves, mo 63119, (314) 476-9638) to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the steering wheel electrical connector needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 149,000.

Filed Incident SteeringNHTSA 11385420

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked daily. Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data

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