Problems · by component

2019 Subaru Outback steering problems

36 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2019 Subaru Outback cite steering, 3% of all 1,036 complaints for this model year.

Complaints
36
3% of all complaints
Crashes
1
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
0
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the steering

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“Car will lane correct when it's not needed. And all warning lights will come on in car when it's very hot. Cannot access touchscreen - because it constantly glitches as if it's being touched passenger side window continues to roll up and down when you click auto control on window and will not stop. I am afraid to drive because of these Electrical issues.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 19, 2025Steering, Electrical system, Lane departureODI 11655604
“To the CA Automotive Repair Bureau, [XXX] complaint, In 2022, I bought a new Outback at Albany Subaru. In October 2024, my car has 33,000 miles and I've had all of my 3,000-mile oil changes, inspections, and Warranty repairs done by Albany Subaru. I pay $100 for each repair that's covered under Subaru's extended Warranty. In 2023, the car's Dashboard Computer/Radio Head Unit was repaired, I drove the car for a few days, but the Head Unit was defective, so Subaru changed the Head Unit. This cost me (3) three trips to Subaru, which is 7.8 miles from my home, UBER costs, and three $100 Warranty payments. I'm a small business owner and had to pay employees extra to remain at work so I could drop off and pick up my car. Most times Subaru didn't give me a loaner car. Weeks later, I was driving up a hill and could not correctly steer my car, I thought I might crash, so I stopped driving my new car. I only drive on paved roads and I bought my Subaru because of Subaru's quality and safety reputation. I returned my car to Albany Subaru. My car's Steering or front end seemed loose and not right. Subaru told me I needed an alignment. I paid for an alignment. I drove my car…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 11, 2024Steering, Suspension, Service brakesODI 11619244
“rccd email. nhsta david chin on 04 envoy vin and smog cali fraud.. ended case sold vehicle to pick a part. did not sur dealer. purchased 1 month later Carmax Ontario california 2019 subaru outback. nhsta states moonroof and pedestrian braking for ev and hybrid u5 engine. this outback has no moonroof nor is it an ev or hybrid. owned by enterprise rent a car and subaru santa monica prior as grey in 2019 then tungsten metallic 2019-2020. unsure of vehicle history accident reported 2022. subaru of america and san bernardino states aftermarket bolt installed carmax has the vehicle for $1400-1750 in repairs they did not notice @ sale [XXX]. to me [XXX] [XXX]. they are currently repairing radiator cooling system suspension. and i believe the vehicle has never gone a 125point inspection and may have other issues elsewhere. the battery is caved in indented bulging out on plastic and subaru and carmax both say it meits their specifications as it holds a charge. and will not replace it. the electrical system flickers lights. and carmax allowed me to drive the vehicle for 3 weeks 2000 miles. ynknowing the suspension and right tire wobble before and after carmax alignment.…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 8, 2024Steering, Suspension, Unknown or otherCrash reportedODI 11618655
“2019 Subaru outback with 55,000 miles has a head gasket leaking 3 months over the warranty. But within the mileage. Also the steering column manual lever adjustment collapses intermittently causing severe safety issues and/or an accident.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 8, 2024Steering, EngineODI 11570770
“2019 Subaru outback many issues bought the car for safety for my newborn child in 2019. Has had multiple issues windshield keeps cracking. The steering column manual lever keeps collapsing causing unreliable steering and safety issues could possibly cause injury/death due to accident. The other major issue is there is now a head gasket leak in a car that only has 55,000 miles it's under on the miles for warranty but 3 months over for time. Try to work with the dealership and Subaru America to no resolve of the issue they offered a minor discount they should be covering the whole thing I have owned many cars brand new going over 100,000 miles plus with no such issue of a head gasket. I am a disabled Marine corps military veteran and the cooperation from Subaru as supposedly number one safest vehicle was not what I expected. If Subaru doesn't fix this it will be my last Subaru ever and this was my first not a great impression by any means.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 8, 2024Steering, EngineODI 11570774
“I went to reverse, then drive and Left turn into a parking spot inside a small flattop parking lot. My car made a popping noise and grating sounds after the reverse and turning of the steering wheel. I turned off my car once in the spot and looked under the car is it sounded like something was grating against the ground. I didn’t see anything. Upon restarting the car, the sounds continued when I tried to accelerate or turn. I could not accelerate past 10 mph and all my warning lights lit in the dash. I turned the car off and put in park. The car would roll forward unless I had the emergency brake on.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 28, 2023Steering, Service brakes, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11504194

Showing 6 of 36 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 3, 2026NHTSA vehicle page

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.