How many steering complaints does the 2017 Subaru Outback have?

NHTSA lists 23 steering complaints for the 2017 Outback, which is 3% of the 917 total complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a steering recall for the 2017 Subaru Outback?

Yes. Recall 16V292000 covers 2016-2017 Legacy and Outback vehicles built between February 29, 2016 and May 6, 2016 for an improperly assembled steering column, and it carries a do-not-drive warning until the column is inspected or replaced.

Did the steering problems cause any crashes?

NHTSA data links 2 crashes to steering complaints on the 2017 Outback, with no reported fires or injuries.

At what mileage do steering problems typically show up?

The median mileage at failure among reported steering complaints for the 2017 Outback is 19,966 miles.

How does the 2017 Outback compare to other years for steering complaints?

The 2017 Outback's steering complaint share (3%) is lower than 2010 (12%) and 2013 (11%), but similar to 2015, 2016, and 2019, which ranged from 3% to 4%.

2017 Subaru Outback Steering Problems

NHTSA lists 23 steering complaints for the 2017 Subaru Outback, 3% of its 917 total complaints for the year. Two crashes are linked to this area, and a related steering-column recall (16V292000) covers 2016-2017 Legacy and Outback models, carrying a do-not-drive warning. Median mileage at failure is 19,966.

Steering complaints: 23; 3% of 917
Crashes reported: 2
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 0
Median mileage: 19,966 mi
Related recalls: 1

Typical steering symptoms owners report

Owners describe heavy, hard-to-control steering effort in city driving that made the vehicle tiring to handle at low speed.
Some report imprecise, wandering steering at highway speed that does not self-center after a turn and worsens in wind.
Others describe the same wander plus high steering effort during crosswinds at 60+ mph, feeling like the tires are slipping on ice.
Several owners report the ignition key becoming stuck in the steering column when the car is turned off, sometimes requiring multiple restarts to remove it.
One owner reported the lane-keep-assist system suddenly jerking the steering wheel to the right on wet or repaired pavement.
One complaint described a steering-related overheat warning that prevented the vehicle from starting.

When 2017 Subaru Outback steering complaints were filed

First complaint May 4, 2017, latest Jun 22, 2026.

23 complaints filed with NHTSA from May 2017 to Jun 2026; peak Jan 2023 (3).

Steering recalls for the 2017 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.

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 the 2017 Subaru Outback have?: NHTSA lists 23 steering complaints for the 2017 Outback, which is 3% of the 917 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a steering recall for the 2017 Subaru Outback?: Yes. Recall 16V292000 covers 2016-2017 Legacy and Outback vehicles built between February 29, 2016 and May 6, 2016 for an improperly assembled steering column, and it carries a do-not-drive warning until the column is inspected or replaced.
Did the steering problems cause any crashes?: NHTSA data links 2 crashes to steering complaints on the 2017 Outback, with no reported fires or injuries.
At what mileage do steering problems typically show up?: The median mileage at failure among reported steering complaints for the 2017 Outback is 19,966 miles.
How does the 2017 Outback compare to other years for steering complaints?: The 2017 Outback's steering complaint share (3%) is lower than 2010 (12%) and 2013 (11%), but similar to 2015, 2016, and 2019, which ranged from 3% to 4%.