2013 Subaru Outback Steering Problems
NHTSA lists 34 steering complaints for the 2013 Subaru Outback, 11% of its 297 total complaints that year. Most describe the car drifting or wandering at highway speed with a median failure mileage of 1,500 miles. A related recall (13V194000) covers a separate steering column shaft defect.
- Steering complaints
- 34
- 11% of 297
- Crashes reported
- 1
- Fires reported
- 0
- Injuries reported
- 1
- Median mileage
- 1,500 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical steering symptoms owners report
- Vehicle wanders or drifts side to side at highway speeds, requiring constant steering correction to stay centered in the lane.
- Steering corrections tend to overcorrect, causing the car to swing back and forth rather than settle in the lane.
- Wandering becomes more pronounced on grated bridge decks or in crosswinds, with some drivers reporting dramatic side-to-side swerving.
- Dealers reportedly performed alignments or adjusted tire pressure, but owners said the drifting problem persisted.
- One owner reported the steering became unresponsive while driving downhill in wet conditions, leading to a crash.
When 2013 Subaru Outback steering complaints were filed
First complaint Nov 6, 2012, latest May 29, 2024.
Steering recalls for the 2013 Subaru Outback
- NHTSA 13V194000May 13, 2013Steering5,379 vehicles
Steering:column
Subaru is recalling certain model year 2013 Outback and Legacy vehicles manufactured from February 15, 2012, through June 15, 2012. In the affected vehicles, the inner and outer shafts of the steering column assembly may become disengaged from one another.
Risk: If the shafts become disengaged, the driver would lose the ability to steer the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering column assembly with a new one, free of charge. The recall began on May 14, 2013. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's recall campaign number is WQI-45.
Steering complaints by Outback model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How common are steering complaints on the 2013 Subaru Outback?
- NHTSA has logged 34 steering-related complaints for the 2013 Outback, which is 11% of the 297 total complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a steering recall on the 2013 Subaru Outback?
- Yes. Recall 13V194000, issued May 13, 2013, covers 2013 Outback and Legacy vehicles built between February 15, 2012 and June 15, 2012, where the inner and outer shafts of the steering column assembly may be affected. Dealers replace the steering column assembly at no charge.
- At what mileage do steering problems typically show up?
- The median mileage at failure among reported steering complaints is 1,500 miles, suggesting the issue often appeared very early in ownership.
- What does the drifting or wandering issue feel like?
- Owners describe the car failing to track straight at highway speeds, wandering left and right in the lane and requiring constant correction, with some reporting overcorrection that makes the car swing further off course.
- Did the steering issue cause any crashes or injuries?
- NHTSA records show 1 crash and 1 injury among the 34 steering complaints for the 2013 Outback.