2018 Subaru Outback steering problems

Filed Oct 11, 2026 · Steering, Suspension · NY

SUMMARY OF SAFETY DEFECT: The vehicle exhibits severe, premature corrosion and rust perforation of the front subframe (crossmember) assembly. This structural component is deteriorating at an accelerated rate, compromising the vehicle's structural integrity. This was confirmed at a Subaru dealership and as a result has failed NY annual inspection. SAFETY RISK & HAZARD ASSESSMENT: The front subframe is a critical load-bearing structural component responsible for securing the vehicle's front suspension, steering rack, and lower control arms. Severe corrosion and rot in this area create an imminent risk of structural failure, specifically the potential separation of the lower control arms while driving. Such a failure directly impacts steering stability and vehicle tracking, creating a catastrophic hazard that could result in a sudden loss of vehicle control, an inability to steer, and an increased risk of a severe motor vehicle accident. The dealership has issued an itemized repair estimate of $2,900.00 to replace the structurally compromised subframe assembly.

Filed Nov 4, 2025 · Driver assistance, Electrical · MI

While the lane keeping assistance is on the car will follow the exit lane beside the lane I’m in and jerk over into it. There has been a car beside me when has happened but I caught the steering wheel before a crash. Also if a car is turning in front of me sometimes, not always, the brakes will jam on when I’m not even close to the car that is turning but I would be going around the car after it has turned almost all the way. There has been no crashes or injuries yet.

Filed Sep 1, 2023 · Steering · 25,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2018 Subaru Outback. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle briefly lost Electric Power Steering assist before returning to normal functionality. The failure had since become a regular occurrence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 25,000.

Filed May 20, 2023 · Steering · IL

While driving under normal conditions, (no hazardous weather or speeding), the steering will suddenly pull to the right, for only a moment, feeling as though a strong gust of wind had blown it, but there is no wind, it just does it on its on. A warning light comes on, and makes a pinging sound, then it turns off; it does not stay on long enough to be able to see which symbol lights up. This happens approximately once every 10 miles or so, more often when driving above 45 mph; occurring most often on the highway. It happens on every type of rode and in every lane. We've bought the car to be examined buy a Subaru dealership twice and was told both times that the wheels were out of alignment and we paid to have the alignment corrected, but this does not actually solve the problem. There has not been any incidents yet, but we fear that if the car pulls on its own in slick or icy weather, it may cause an accident.

Filed Jan 9, 2023 · Steering · AZ

Began hearing a clunking/rattling noise in the front end of the car. We took it to the dealer for routine maintenance and asked them to look into it. Front Steering rack was found to have excessive play. Entire steering rack was replaced. No warning lamps or messages involved. Safety was put at risk by possible loss of control of vehicle if steering rack completely failed.

Filed Aug 5, 2021 · Brakes, Electrical · PA · crash

Sunday,August 1, 2021, at 9:05am, I backed out of my garage and when I attempted to turn my car, the steering locked, the car was drifting backwards and I had no brakes. As a result the car kept drifting backwards , off the driveway into the woods, hitting a tree. Once stopped, I was able to start the car and drive it out of the woods. The entire driver’s side was sideswiped and mirror torn off. I was not injured, but could have been. I called insurance that day. On Monday, we contacted the Subaru dealership. The local police were notified and documented the report. The insurance adjuster determined the car unsafe to drive and it was towed to the dealership August 4, 2021. There was no warning or indicated problem prior to the incident.

Filed Mar 31, 2021 · Driver assistance, Electrical · 600 miles · KS

Within the first year of owning the outback I had to have the infotainment head unit replaced twice. I am still having issues where the radio will come on but there is no sound, the radio will turn on full blast after a hanging up from a call, back up camera will be black upon backing up, screen will freeze, steering will lock up when backing out of my driveway, and after my 36k mile maintenance now my car is making a strange humming noise. There are so many complaints about this car and nothing is being done about it. Subaru needs to provide more than a puny extended warrenty. This car is a lemon and they know it.

Filed Jan 25, 2021 · Electrical, Steering · 11,200 miles · CA

Purchased the automobile with about 7,200 miles on it with extended warranty. Battery failed at 8,000 miles. We replaced it with a new premium battery from aaa.. New battery worked for 8 months then drained overnight. Aaa recharged it and said alternator worked. When driven or backed up after recharging, automobile beeped constantly for approximately 1/2 mile and stopped while in motion. Beeping stopped when vehicle stopped, but started again when vehicle moved forward or backed up. Left with subaru dealer overnight. Battery was completely drained this morning when service technician tried to start it. Service tech said they could not diagnose problem. Per my internet research, this seems to be a common problem. Subaru should fix it, but seems to be dragging their heels on this issue. Our subaru is unsafe and not driveable in its current condition. Please investigate and provide assistance. The vehicle has been stationary when the battery drained. The beeping occurred when the vehicle was in motion on a highway and city street. It restarted when the vehicle resumed motion. The beeping continued while the vehicle was going straight or turning while in motion. It stopped when the vehicle stopped. Steering did not feel normal. It was a little sluggish and less precise than normal.

Filed Jul 23, 2020 · Steering · 3,000 miles · FL

The steering sometimes locks when car is operating in reverse, turning out of a parked position. Exact cause is unknown. I brought the car to the dealership for this problem in mid-march and they were unable to detect the fault. Today I encountered the same steering lock when backing out of my driveway and turning right to get onto the street.

Filed Mar 3, 2020 · Steering · 100 miles · CA

Uncontrolled steering as described by other complaints while in motion. Dangerous at high speeds. Happening since I bought the car new july 18, 2018.