# Subaru Outback power steering warning light: complaints, recalls and what to do **Verdict:** Drive to a shop this week - **Owner complaints:** 33 - **Most complaints:** 2020 (7) - **Related recalls:** 2 - **Verdict:** This week ## Quick answer NHTSA has 33 owner complaints about the power steering warning light on the Subaru Outback (2015-2026 models), most for the **2020** model year (7). There are **2 recalls** for related parts; check yours by VIN. Drive to a shop this week: If steering still feels normal, you can drive carefully to a shop. ## Subaru Outback power steering warning light complaints by model year | Model year | Complaints mentioning the power steering light | All complaints that year | Share | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 2015 | 1 | 509 | 0% | | 2016 | 3 | 642 | 0% | | 2017 | 6 | 921 | 1% | | 2018 | 6 | 816 | 1% | | 2019 | 3 | 1036 | 0% | | 2020 | 7 | 905 | 1% | | 2021 | 3 | 299 | 1% | | 2022 | 2 | 465 | 0% | | 2025 | 2 | 83 | 2% | Counts are complaints filed with NHTSA whose description mentions this light. They show where owners have had trouble, not a failure rate: popular years collect more complaints simply because more cars are on the road. ## Subaru Outback recalls related to the power steering warning light **[16V716000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=16V716000)** (2017 models, reported 2016-10-06): If the knee guard is not properly attached and the driver is not wearing a seatbelt, the knee guard may not be able to properly restrain the driver's lower body in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury. **Remedy:** Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the knee guard welding on each vehicle's steering beam, replacing the beam as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 14, 2016. **[16V292000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=16V292000)** (2015-2017 models, reported 2016-05-11, **park outside / do not drive advisory**): 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. Recall repairs are free at any Subaru dealer. Enter your 17-character VIN at [nhtsa.gov/recalls](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) to see whether yours is still open. ## What Subaru Outback owners report - "ALL dashboard lights illuminated, COMPLETE LOSS of power steering (steering extremely heavy/difficult to control), all safety systems failed (ABS, brake sensors, traction control). SAFETY DANGER: Sudden power steering loss at 65mph made vehicle nearly uncontrollable. Required extreme force to steer to shoulder...." -- owner of a 2025 Subaru Outback, complaint filed 2025 - "The contact stated that the power steering and power brakes failed while attempting to pull over to the side of the road. The contact continued to rev the engine which appeared to stabilize the instrument cluster view; however, the power steering and brakes were inoperable. The contact stated that the vehicle was..." -- owner of a 2022 Subaru Outback, complaint filed 2023 - "On two separate occasions, the vehicle suddenly lost what appeared to be power-steering assistance while the vehicle was in motion, causing the steering wheel to become extremely difficult to turn. The first incident occurred while I was driving on the highway and going down a ramp. The steering suddenly became..." -- owner of a 2021 Subaru Outback, complaint filed 2026 Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly cleaned for reading. They are owners' own accounts and have not been verified. ## What the power steering warning light means The power steering light means the car has detected a fault in the steering assist system, and steering may feel much heavier, especially at low speed and when parking. On most newer cars with electric power steering, a low battery or charging voltage is a common cause. On older cars with hydraulic steering, low fluid or a slipping belt is more likely. You can still steer without assist, but it takes much more effort. The most common causes, on any make: 1. **Low battery or charging voltage** (common) 2. **Electric power steering motor or module fault** (common) 3. **Low power steering fluid (hydraulic systems)** (common) 4. **Steering torque or angle sensor fault** (less common) Full causes, what to do and how to reset it: [Power steering warning light](/warning-lights/power-steering). ## Frequently asked questions ### Is there a recall for the Subaru Outback power steering light? Yes. NHTSA lists 2 related recalls (16V716000, 16V292000) covering 2015-2017 models. Recall repairs are free; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is open. ### Which Subaru Outback years have the most power steering light complaints? In NHTSA's database the 2017, 2018 and 2020 Outback model years have the most complaints mentioning the power steering warning light, with 7 for 2020. Complaint counts reflect how many cars were sold as well as how often problems happen. ### Is it safe to drive a Subaru Outback with the power steering light on? Drive to a shop this week. If steering still feels normal, you can drive carefully to a shop. If steering becomes heavy, jerky or locks up, or the light is red, pull over and stop driving; have the car towed, because sudden loss of assist at speed or in a tight turn can cause a crash. ### How do I check if my Subaru Outback has an open recall? Enter the 17-character VIN from your dashboard or registration at nhtsa.gov/recalls, or ask any Subaru dealer. Open recalls are fixed free of charge, even if you are not the first owner. ## Sources - [NHTSA: Vehicle safety complaints and recalls (api.nhtsa.gov)](https://www.nhtsa.gov/nhtsa-datasets-and-apis) - [NHTSA: Check for recalls by VIN](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) ## Other Subaru Outback warning lights - [ABS warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/abs/subaru-outback): 10 complaints - [Airbag (SRS) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/airbag/subaru-outback): 33 complaints - [Battery (charging system) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/battery/subaru-outback): 14 complaints - [Brake warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/subaru-outback): 46 complaints - [Check engine light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/subaru-outback): 67 complaints - [Coolant temperature warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/coolant-temperature/subaru-outback): 25 complaints - [Oil pressure warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/oil-pressure/subaru-outback): 18 complaints - [Tire pressure (TPMS) light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/tire-pressure/subaru-outback): 13 complaints - [Traction control light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/subaru-outback): 15 complaints ## Power steering warning light on other models - [Ram 1500](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/ram-1500): 1061 complaints - [Chevrolet Colorado](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/chevrolet-colorado): 810 complaints - [Ford Explorer](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/ford-explorer): 498 complaints - [Chevrolet Silverado](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/chevrolet-silverado): 389 complaints - [Honda Civic](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/honda-civic): 387 complaints - [Honda CR-V](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/honda-cr-v): 362 complaints - [Chrysler Pacifica](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/chrysler-pacifica): 252 complaints - [Jeep Wrangler](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/jeep-wrangler): 248 complaints - [Jeep Grand Cherokee](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/jeep-grand-cherokee): 231 complaints - [Honda Accord](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/honda-accord): 220 complaints ## Subaru Outback - [Subaru Outback specs and mpg by year](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/subaru-outback) --- Source page: https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/subaru-outback Updated: 2026-11-04 General information, not a substitute for a qualified mechanic.