How many steering complaints does NHTSA have for the 2010 Subaru Outback?

NHTSA lists 41 steering complaints for the 2010 Outback, which is 12% of the 356 total complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a steering recall for the 2010 Subaru Outback?

Yes. Recall 10V283000, reported June 24, 2010, covers the steering column electrical roll connector wiring on 2010 Outback and Legacy vehicles built between February 16, 2009 and April 12, 2010. Dealers check the connector's lot number and replace it if needed.

At what mileage do steering problems usually show up on the 2010 Outback?

The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA is 1,200 miles, meaning many owners noticed steering vibration very early in ownership.

Did the 2010 Outback steering issue cause any crashes or injuries?

NHTSA data tied to this steering complaint area shows 1 crash and 1 injury, with no fires reported.

How does the 2010 Outback compare to other Outback years for steering complaints?

The 2010 model's 12% share of complaints tied to steering is the highest of the years listed, compared with 6% in 2011 and 11% in 2013, the next closest years.

2010 Subaru Outback Steering Problems

NHTSA lists 41 steering complaints for the 2010 Subaru Outback, 12% of that year's 356 complaints, the highest share among the model years shown. A related steering column recall (10V283000) covers the electrical roll connector wiring, and median mileage at failure was 1,200 miles.

Steering complaints: 41; 12% of 356
Crashes reported: 1
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 1
Median mileage: 1,200 mi
Related recalls: 1

Typical steering symptoms owners report

Owners report steering wheel vibration or shake that starts at highway speeds, often above 50-60 mph.
Some describe the vehicle wandering or drifting toward the shoulder and needing constant countersteering to stay straight.
Several say the steering wheel oscillates or shimmies even after repeated tire balancing and road-force balancing attempts.
A few report sudden unexplained deviation left or right at highway speed without any steering input.
One owner reported a crash after the vehicle skidded, spun, and rolled following a steering-related handling loss.

When 2010 Subaru Outback steering complaints were filed

First complaint Feb 25, 2010, latest Sep 20, 2021.

41 complaints filed with NHTSA from Feb 2010 to Sep 2021; peak Mar 2010 (6).

Steering recalls for the 2010 Subaru Outback

NHTSA 10V283000Jun 24, 2010Steering73,698 vehicles
Steering:column
Subaru is recalling certain model year 2010 outback and legacy passenger vehicles manufactured from february 16, 2009 through april 12, 2010. The wiring in the steering column electrical roll connector located behind the vehicle's steering wheel may develop stress cracks and eventually break. If this were to happen certain electrical components may not operate as intended.
Risk: Possible circuits affected are the driver's frontal airbag, paddle shifter function, cruise control, horn control and radio functions increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will check lot number of the steering roll connector. The roll connector will be replaced with a new one if the lot number showed any affected range of the failure occurrence. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on july 7, 2010. Owners may contact subaru at 1-800-782-2783.

Steering complaints by Outback model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

201041 (12%)
201136 (6%)
20129 (3%)
201334 (11%)
201417 (8%)
201513 (3%)
201624 (4%)
201723 (3%)
201835 (4%)
201936 (3%)
202013 (1%)
20215 (2%)
20224 (1%)
20232 (2%)
20245 (5%)
20256 (7%)

Frequently asked questions

How many steering complaints does NHTSA have for the 2010 Subaru Outback?: NHTSA lists 41 steering complaints for the 2010 Outback, which is 12% of the 356 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a steering recall for the 2010 Subaru Outback?: Yes. Recall 10V283000, reported June 24, 2010, covers the steering column electrical roll connector wiring on 2010 Outback and Legacy vehicles built between February 16, 2009 and April 12, 2010. Dealers check the connector's lot number and replace it if needed.
At what mileage do steering problems usually show up on the 2010 Outback?: The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA is 1,200 miles, meaning many owners noticed steering vibration very early in ownership.
Did the 2010 Outback steering issue cause any crashes or injuries?: NHTSA data tied to this steering complaint area shows 1 crash and 1 injury, with no fires reported.
How does the 2010 Outback compare to other Outback years for steering complaints?: The 2010 model's 12% share of complaints tied to steering is the highest of the years listed, compared with 6% in 2011 and 11% in 2013, the next closest years.