Recall 13V194 affects 5,379 2013 Subaru Outback and Legacy vehicles because steering column shafts can separate. Repair is free at any franchised Subaru dealer.
Subaru is recalling 5,379 2013 Outback and Legacy vehicles because the inner and outer steering column shafts can separate. If that happens, the driver loses steering control and crash risk increases, and the Subaru dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The steering column in a 2013 Subaru Outback or Legacy is the mechanical link between the steering wheel and the rest of the steering system. When you turn the wheel, the column transfers that motion through connected shafts so the steering gear can point the front wheels in the direction you choose. The inner and outer shafts have to stay engaged for that motion to reach the road wheels.
In affected vehicles, those inner and outer shafts can separate from one another inside the steering column assembly. Once they are disengaged, movement at the steering wheel is no longer carried through the column the way the system is designed to work. That means the driver loses the normal mechanical connection needed to steer the vehicle.
There is no warning sign before failure. The recall information does not list a sound, warning light, or steering feel change that an owner can rely on before the shafts disengage.
Who's affected?
Both listed models include steering-column and broader steering-system components.
| 2013 Subaru Outback | steering column |
|---|---|
| 2013 Subaru Outback | steering system |
| 2013 Subaru Legacy | steering column |
| 2013 Subaru Legacy | steering system |
| Units affected | 5,379 |
A matching 2013 Subaru Outback or Legacy does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included.
What's the safety risk?
If the steering shafts disengage, the driver loses steering control, which increases the risk of a crash. Confirm whether your VIN is included, and if it is, schedule the recall repair soon. Repair will be free at any franchised Subaru dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2013 Subaru Outback or Legacy is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Subaru dealer and ask whether the free steering-column assembly replacement is open for your VIN.
- Reference recall number 13V194 and Subaru recall WQI-45 when you call.
- Schedule the steering-column assembly replacement that fixes the inner and outer shaft disengagement behind the loss-of-steering risk.
- Bring the recall notice if Subaru mailed one, along with any service records related to the steering column.
What happens at the repair
Subaru's remedy calls for a Subaru technician to replace the steering column assembly with a new one. That repair addresses the steering column shafts described in campaign 13V194, where the inner and outer shafts can disengage from one another. Because the remedy status is not listed as available, confirm parts and scheduling with the dealer before assuming the final repair can be completed. Once the final repair is available, the steering column assembly replacement is free under the recall, with parts and labor covered.
Timeline
| May 13, 2013 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| May 14, 2013 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 13V194?
Recall 13V194 covers 5,379 2013 Subaru Outback and Legacy vehicles with steering column shafts that can disengage from each other. If that happens, the driver would lose steering ability, increasing crash risk. Subaru dealers will replace the steering column assembly for free.
What should I do if my 2013 Subaru Outback or Legacy is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 13V194. If it is, contact a franchised Subaru dealer to schedule the steering column assembly replacement. Reference recall number 13V194 when you call. The dealer repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Subaru's remedy for recall 13V194 says dealers will replace the steering column assembly with a new one free of charge. Parts and labor are covered at any franchised Subaru dealer for vehicles included in this recall.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is loss of steering ability. In affected vehicles, the inner and outer steering column shafts can disengage from each other. If that happens while driving, the driver would lose the ability to steer, increasing crash risk.
What if I bought my 2013 Subaru Outback or Legacy used?
The free repair still applies. Recalls follow the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific Subaru is included, then contact a franchised Subaru dealer and reference recall number 13V194 when you schedule service.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/13V194000 |
|---|---|
| Subaru customer service | 1-800-782-2783 |
| NHTSA recall # | 13V194 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 13V194000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 2, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →