How many steering complaints does the 2016 Subaru Outback have?

NHTSA lists 24 steering complaints for the 2016 Outback, which is 4% of the 643 total complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a steering recall for the 2016 Subaru Outback?

Yes. Campaign 16V292000, reported May 11, 2016, covers certain 2016-2017 Legacy and Outback vehicles built between February 29, 2016 and May 6, 2016 with improperly assembled steering columns; dealers inspect and replace the column, and Subaru marked it do-not-drive until repaired.

At what mileage do 2016 Outback steering problems usually appear?

NHTSA data shows a median mileage of 8,000 miles at the time of the reported steering failure.

Did the 2016 Outback steering issue cause any crashes or injuries?

NHTSA records 3 crashes and 1 injury among the 24 steering complaints for the 2016 Outback, with no fires reported.

2016 Subaru Outback Steering Problems

NHTSA lists 24 steering complaints for the 2016 Subaru Outback, 4% of that year's 643 total complaints, tied to 3 crashes and 1 injury at a median 8,000 miles. A related recall, campaign 16V292000, covers improperly assembled steering columns on some 2016-2017 Legacy and Outback units.

Steering complaints: 24; 4% of 643
Crashes reported: 3
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 1
Median mileage: 8,000 mi
Related recalls: 1

Typical steering symptoms owners report

Drivers report the car drifting or wandering side to side in the lane, requiring constant steering correction on the highway.
Some owners describe the steering wheel not responding to input during slow-speed turns, causing the vehicle to fail to complete the intended turn angle.
One complaint describes total loss of steering response at highway speed in light rain, where the car drifted left and the rear end came around.
Another report describes the front wheels seeming to operate independently of the steering column while turning at low speed, ending in a curb impact and alignment damage.
Several owners mention the key sticking in the ignition, preventing removal or locking of the steering column even with the vehicle in park.
One driver linked repeated steering column and steering rack replacements to a related battery-drain electrical issue.

When 2016 Subaru Outback steering complaints were filed

First complaint Dec 11, 2015, latest Jun 9, 2026.

24 complaints filed with NHTSA from Dec 2015 to Jun 2026; peak May 2016 (4).

Steering recalls for the 2016 Subaru Outback

NHTSA 16V292000May 11, 2016Steering48,819 vehiclesDo Not Drive
Steering:column
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Legacy and Outback vehicles manufactured February 29, 2016, to May 6, 2016. The steering column on the affected vehicles may have been improperly machined, and as a result, turning the steering wheel may have no effect on the direction of the wheels.
Risk: The loss of steering ability would increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the lot number on the steering column, replacing the steering column, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 13, 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783 or by visiting http://www.wtd65.service-campaign.com. Subaru's number for this recall is WTD-65. Note: Until the vehicles have been inspected, owners are advised not to drive their vehicles.

Steering complaints by Outback model year

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

200513 (5%)
200612 (4%)
20076 (5%)
20085 (2%)
20093 (3%)
201041 (11%)
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 the 2016 Subaru Outback have?: NHTSA lists 24 steering complaints for the 2016 Outback, which is 4% of the 643 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a steering recall for the 2016 Subaru Outback?: Yes. Campaign 16V292000, reported May 11, 2016, covers certain 2016-2017 Legacy and Outback vehicles built between February 29, 2016 and May 6, 2016 with improperly assembled steering columns; dealers inspect and replace the column, and Subaru marked it do-not-drive until repaired.
At what mileage do 2016 Outback steering problems usually appear?: NHTSA data shows a median mileage of 8,000 miles at the time of the reported steering failure.
Did the 2016 Outback steering issue cause any crashes or injuries?: NHTSA records 3 crashes and 1 injury among the 24 steering complaints for the 2016 Outback, with no fires reported.