2017 Subaru Outback: loss of power steering

Filed Oct 16, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · CO

On Sunday, [XXX], I was driving my 2017 Subaru Outback 3.6R Touring after leaving the [XXX]. After I had merged onto [XXX] and immediately before the first roundabout under [XXX], the vehicle emitted three warning beeps, numerous dashboard warning lights illuminated, and the engine began running roughly. I was traveling approximately 31 mph when the warnings began. While attempting to reach a safe place to stop, I entered the roundabout beneath [XXX]. At approximately 7 mph, the electronic power-steering assistance stopped functioning, making the vehicle extremely difficult to steer. I was able to exit the roundabout and pull into a parking lot without a collision. I turned the vehicle off, waited approximately five minutes, and restarted it. The warning lights were no longer illuminated. Diagnostic information later reviewed by Grand Junction Subaru documented that the vehicle’s electrical voltage had dropped to 8.6 volts during the incident. The dealership could not reproduce the event or conclusively identify its cause. Although the original alternator reportedly tested normal, the dealership reprogrammed the ECU/ECM, disabled the DCM, and replaced the alternator. Because the root cause remains unconfirmed, I am concerned that the sudden low-voltage condition and loss of steering assistance could recur at highway speed. Because [XXX] and the two-lane roundabout are very busy, I felt that my life was in danger. As I continued through the roundabout, there was a Ford Platinum 3/4 ton truck next to me. If he would not have been paying attention, I feel like there would have been a collision and possibly personal injury to myself. I'm glad that this incident happened at a lower rate of speed but I am concerned that it will happen again and maybe the next time while I'm on the highway traveling at highway speeds. It could be fatal to and others. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jun 22, 2026 · Brakes, Engine · CO

On Monday [XXX] were driving on [XXX] going north up [XXX]. I was doing about 60-65 mph in traffic which was flowing in both directions. While ascending the pass, the car suddenly started to misfire, rapidly lost power, power steering failed and all dash lights lit up. With no shoulder to pull out this was a very scary experience. Eventually managed to limp to a spot where I could pull out off the pavement. Car was dead. Popping the hood showed significant battery corrosion. I had a toolkit with me. The voltmeter measured the battery voltage at 9.3V. Thinking maybe cleaning the battery terminals would allow the car to be restarted, I managed to get the cables off and cleaned everything with a wire brush. But still no power. After a while a state trooper passed by and hung on while I contacted a towing service. After another 1.5 hours, the tow truck arrived and towed the car the 60 miles or so to the dealership in Denver with my wife and I in the cab of the tow truck. Dealer repair invoice indicated Data Control Module (DCM) "causing excessive draw on electrical system." More significantly, the battery had drained below the the operating threshold voltage required for vehicle drivability (understood to be 10-10.5V). There was no mention of this by the dealer service adviser. Although dealer diagnostic was carried out, no computer codes were provided. Vehicle mileage at time of incident 73,456. I have owned the car since new and have all service records. Car was repaired and picked up from dealership on 06/10/26 with a replacement DCM. Battery was charged up but not replaced and left in corroded state. Battery will probably have been weakened by such a total discharge with reduced life expectancy. I have uploaded the dealer repair invoice. I have reported this incident to Subaru of America. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jan 8, 2023 · Steering · NV · crash

Paddle shift levers--which are positioned on the steering wheel as opposed to the steering column--are too square-edged (shape), which is a design defect that can cause loss of steering control. Specifically, the sharp corner can catch on coat zippers. I was driving East, took a right turn, and intended to procced with driving South. When I attempted to straighten out the wheel, however, I was unable to do so. The paddle shifter corner "hooked" my coat zipper, along the track. This caused me to lose control of my vehicle steering, which resulted in collision with a bus stop/stand and a citation for failure to stay within my driving lane. The coat was a bit longer since it was fairly cold that morning. The zipper mechanism was made of a plastic material. The zipper was fully zipped, not half zipped and half unzipped. If the paddle shift levers were more round in shape/design, then the risk of the lever "hooking" onto clothing decreases significantly. I found examples of where other Subaru Outback drivers expressed concerns about the positioning and shape of the levers posing as a safety hazard, too.

Filed Dec 28, 2019 · Steering · 30,000 miles · WI

While driving at highway speeds on clear dry roadways, the steering feels as if I have a brief loss of control. I liken it to hitting a patch of ice and having a slight loss of steering control. I've noticed it twice while entering a curve and decelerating from 55 MPH to 45 MPH (the reduced speed limit of the curve). This issue happens only intermittently and is only noticeable at highway speeds. We had the subaru dealer look at it and they said nothing was wrong.

Filed Jan 26, 2018 · Driver assistance, Steering · 250 miles · WA

Since purchase on 2/19/17 from parker subaru cda, complaint of shaking front end, wandering on highway and freeway from side to side in a dangerous manner, from complete loss of steering in snow, slush and gravel as of 2/28/17. I have been very specific about the incidence. Going in my driveway at least 8 inccidents; in snow or slush conditions, in depts on only a couple inches or less in the winter of 2017. In the summer of 2017 three incidents of complete failure was reported on grave road at speeds of 15-MPH, I have had the very same complaint every visit: 2/28/17, 3/23/17, 4/6/17. 9/13/17, 10/22/17, 1/22/17- @ parker subaru cda.

Filed May 4, 2017 · Steering · 3,200 miles · FL

I purchased my 2017 subaru outback brand new in january, 2017. Currently, in may 2017, the vehicle has 3200 miles of operation. The problem I am having is three-fold. 1. Around town in city traffic, the steering is heavy and difficult to control. It is very tiring to drive the vehicle under these condition. At times, it feels as if you may suddenly loose control of the steering. 2. The vehicle wanders. At highway speeds, it is difficult to keep the vehicle on center of the lane. You must constantly correct from left to right in order to keep the car on-track. At one time during one of these corrections, the vehicle crossed the lane divider and almost impacted the vehicle driving adjacent to me. 3. Steering wheel does not return to straight ahead. The vehicle does not "return to center" under any operating conditions. On most cars, if you turn the wheel left or right, the steering geometry tries to return the steering wheel to center position to keep the vehicle traveling in a straight line. The subaru outback does not exhibit this capability.