Subaru Legacy power steering loss problems

Filed Dec 19, 2023 · Steering · NC

Electric Power Steering failure

Filed Jul 8, 2023 · Electrical · WA

I've own a 2016 Subaru Legacy Limited 3.6, for coming on 2 years. In the last 3 months I've had to replace my battery twice. The last being a red top battery costing $300+ and only lasted 2 days. The first incident that was most disruptive was, driving home in rush hour traffic when I lost all power, radio cut out, all lights on dash go out, my car begins to sputter and there is no power steering. Once traffic rolled to a stop it dies and wouldn't turn back over, couldn't pull my key from the ignition, roll the windows up, and once in park I couldn't change to neutral. It was very dangerous due to traffic, and I was stuck on a bridge that was a main arterial, with no emergency flashers. Had to have the city law enforcement call to get my car removed from the roadway. Had it towed to the dealership I purchased it from. The next day they told me my battery was dead and I needed a new one. Tested my alternator and that test good. Then again it died under the same symptoms as it did the first time. Leaving me stranded on a busy highway, at 10 at night. All of my symptoms were directly related to my a/c being on and sitting too long without driving, at idle or stop and go traffic and progrssively got to being a main battery drain. My key ittermediately wont pull from the ignition, steering wheel wont lock in place. My windows will randomly not roll up, but bounce down and stop halfway and lock temporarily in that position. I believe its all electrical problems or voltage issues. None the less... if there is no way to repair this, than it should be a recall..... because it's a serious problem with no solution and Subaru is fully aware of it.

Filed Jun 1, 2023 · Engine · MA

AT 26,469 miles the harmonic balancer separated into two pieces while driving causing sudden loss of power steering. I contacted Subaru for assistance with this know problem. They refused a free repair. I have been a Master ASE mechanic for over 25 years at a dealership and know repairs of this type are usually done in house under a goodwill policy, otherwise swept under the rug so there is no recall. I went to the local dealer here and the tech there said he use to do the repair almost everyday. the same thing happened to my housemates at some time and he doesn't remember the details. This is a serious problem and there should be a recall as it could result in death given the circumstances the driver is driving in.

Filed Mar 26, 2023 · Steering · NC

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 Aug 15, 2019 · Engine, Transmission · 167,000 miles · OH

The car is just shy of 8 years old. The transmission failed causing the car to suddenly stop, shut off and lose power steering while traveling down the road. Currently the engine is leaking exhaust from the engine compartment that can be smelled in the passenger compartment. It is also leaking hot oil from the cylinder head onto the lower exhaust and leaking hot coolant from the radiator. The exhaust and fluid leaks occur when stationary or in motion.

Filed Apr 29, 2019 · Transmission · 115,000 miles · MN

115000 miles , sudden stops kills the engine rendering loss of steering control. Cvt transmission torque converter acts as is locks up taking engine RPM down to a stall condition . Happens anytime one has to apply the brakes suddenly. Normal braking car functions ok.

Filed Mar 12, 2019 · Steering · 75,000 miles · TN

Power steering stopped working. I was in the parking lot at work trying to leave at the end of the day. It drove fine over lunch and then when I started the car at 5pm the steering made a whining noise (typical, from my understanding, of a power steering failure) and was very difficult to turn. The steering wheel also did a harsh vibrating thing a little as I was trying to turn as if it was struggling. I knew something was up, so I put it right back in the parking space so that it could be towed. There was zero indication that this was going to happen. It drove fine over lunch, so it was very surprising that this just happened. Had car towed to local subaru dealer to get it checked out. Was told the power steering pump needed replacing. After it was replaced, they test drove it and said the steering still wasn't working properly and was still doing the harsh vibrating thing indicating that the steering column needed replacing because it had failed. Power steering fluid was completely intact. No belts appeared damaged in any way. I see where the 2013 legacy models had a recall regarding steering as well as the 2016 models. After reading that information, this situation seems very similar to those recalls.

Filed May 13, 2016 · Steering · MN

Tl* the contact owns a 2016 subaru legacy. The contact stated that the power steering assist failed and the steering wheel was veering right and left. The dealer was notified of the failure and provided no diagnosis and no repair solution. The vehicle was not included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 16v292000 (steering). The contact attempted to reach the manufacturer several times and was unable to contact them. The failure mileage was not available.

Filed Jan 31, 2016 · Electrical, Engine · 140,000 miles · CA · fire

01/07/2016 shortly after taking the freeway exit wife noticed the battery light turned on and power steering got heavy. All other warning light on the dash started to flicker as the passenger compartment quickly filled with smoke. She then pulled over and had just enough time to get both kids out before the entire car was engulfed in flames. Fire originated from under the hood of her 2011 subaru legacy 3.6r limited. The vehicle was a total loss.

Filed Feb 1, 2014 · Steering · 74,000 miles · NY

I drove car and parked it. The next day I noticed when turning corners it was hard to steer, no power steering. It is not that noticeable while rounding slight curves in the road. The power steering fluid level is fine. I parked it in my garage thinking perhaps the extreme cold conditions was a factor. After parked in garage overnight, it initially handled fine, drove 19 miles and parked it. Drove it and it suddenly recurred. Called dealer and has never heard of the problem.