2005 Subaru Outback steering problems
13 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the steering on the 2005 Subaru Outback — 5% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“While driving on slippery surfaces like ice and snow, the vehicle will begin swaying left and right uncontrollably. The sensation, also known as "ghost walking" could easily cause an accident if the driver can not control the swaying, and spinning out. Conditions of problem: driving during winter…”
filed Mar 4, 2019
“I was pulling into a parking space and put on the brake. Vehicle didn't respond to braking and kept going, over the,curb, across the median and hit 5 parked cars before it stopped.”
filed Apr 23, 2016
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related service bulletins
This Bulletin provides the diagnostic procedures to be followed when addressing customer concerns of steering wheel/vehicle body vibration when driving at highway speeds when tire/wheel balance is suspected.
05-97-26 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Apr 20, 2026
Steering problems in other Outback years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 Outback | 5 | 7% |
| 2024 Outback | 5 | 5% |
| 2023 Outback | 2 | 2% |
| 2022 Outback | 3 | 1% |
| 2021 Outback | 5 | 2% |
| 2020 Outback | 12 | 1% |
| 2019 Outback | 35 | 3% |
| 2018 Outback | 35 | 4% |
| 2017 Outback | 23 | 3% |
| 2016 Outback | 24 | 4% |
| 2015 Outback | 13 | 3% |
| 2014 Outback | 17 | 8% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2005 Subaru Outback
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.