2013 Subaru Outback steering problems
34 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the steering on the 2013 Subaru Outback — 11% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“* I detected a noise in the front end and an instability in the handling. My independent service mechanic found the cradle on the right front severely rusted out at the point where the control arm attaches. He had to condemn the vehicle. * My mechanic says that it could have resulted in a total…”
filed May 29, 2024
“Power steering failed while driving. Power steering fluid had all leaked out. Luckily car was at a very low speed as steering was quite difficult. Repaired at Subaru dealer who discovered a leak in a metal high pressure line. There was no evidence of external damage to pressure line. Photo showed a…”
filed Jul 10, 2021
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related recalls
- In the affected vehicles, the inner and outer shafts of the steering column assembly may…Campaign 13V194000 · May 13, 2013
Related service bulletins
This Bulletin provides the diagnostic procedures to be followed when addressing customer concerns of steering wheel/vehicle body vibration when driving at highway speeds when tire/wheel balance is suspected.
05-97-26 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Apr 20, 2026
Steering problems in other Outback years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 Outback | 5 | 7% |
| 2024 Outback | 5 | 5% |
| 2023 Outback | 2 | 2% |
| 2022 Outback | 3 | 1% |
| 2021 Outback | 5 | 2% |
| 2020 Outback | 12 | 1% |
| 2019 Outback | 35 | 3% |
| 2018 Outback | 35 | 4% |
| 2017 Outback | 23 | 3% |
| 2016 Outback | 24 | 4% |
| 2015 Outback | 13 | 3% |
| 2014 Outback | 17 | 8% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2013 Subaru Outback
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.