Recall 16V292 affects 48,819 2015-2017 Subaru Outback and Legacy vehicles for a steering-column defect. Do not drive. Free repair at any franchised Subaru dealer.
Loss of steering leaves the driver unable to control the vehicle and increases the risk of a crash. Do not drive the vehicle, even for short trips, until a Subaru dealer inspects it. Ask the dealer about towing if it has to move. Repair is free at any franchised Subaru dealer.
Subaru is recalling 48,819 2015-2017 Outback and Legacy vehicles under recall 16V292 because an improperly machined steering column can leave the steering wheel unable to control the wheels. Do not drive an included vehicle, loss of steering increases crash risk, and a Subaru dealer will complete the free repair.
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What's wrong?
The steering column in a 2015-2017 Subaru Outback or Legacy is the shaft assembly behind the steering wheel. Its job is to transfer your hand movement at the wheel to the steering gear, so the front wheels turn in the direction you choose. That connection has to stay locked together every time the wheel moves.
On the recalled vehicles, a production tool was set incorrectly while one steering column shaft was being machined. That left the shaft outside the intended shape, so it does not engage properly inside the column. If the shaft does not engage, the steering wheel rotates freely instead of moving the wheels.
Subaru's filing does not describe a dashboard light, noise, or gradual change in steering feel before the problem. The listed sign is the failure itself: the steering wheel turns, but the vehicle no longer responds.
Who's affected?
The 2015 scope is Outback only; Legacy joins Outback for the 2016 and 2017 model years. All listed vehicles are tied to the steering column.
| 2015 Subaru Outback | steering column |
|---|---|
| 2016 Subaru Legacy | steering column |
| 2016 Subaru Outback | steering column |
| 2017 Subaru Legacy | steering column |
| 2017 Subaru Outback | steering column |
| Units affected | 48,819 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 1 field incident to date. |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included.
What's the safety risk?
Loss of steering leaves the driver unable to control the vehicle and increases the risk of a crash. Do not drive the vehicle, even for short trips, until a Subaru dealer inspects it. Ask the dealer about towing if it has to move. Repair is free at any franchised Subaru dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2015-2017 Subaru Outback or Legacy is included in this recall.
- Do not drive the vehicle until a Subaru dealer inspects the steering column.
- Arrange a tow if the vehicle has to be moved to the dealer; do not drive it there yourself.
- Contact a franchised Subaru dealer to schedule the free steering-column inspection and replacement that addresses the steering-control risk.
- Bring the recall notice if Subaru mailed one. If not, reference recall number 16V292 and Subaru recall WTD-65 when you call.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Subaru technician checks the lot number on the steering column. If the column is in the affected lot, the technician replaces the steering column. The inspection and any needed replacement are free under the recall. Do not drive the vehicle until that inspection is complete. Ask the dealer how to handle transport before bringing it in. Subaru has a general reimbursement plan on file, so owners who already paid for a related steering column repair can ask Subaru customer service how to submit documented expenses.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| May 9, 2016 | Dealer notification began |
|---|---|
| May 9, 2016 | Dealer notification ended |
| May 11, 2016 | NHTSA published the recall |
| May 13, 2016 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 16V292?
Recall 16V292 covers 48,819 2015-2017 Subaru Outback and Legacy vehicles with a steering column machining defect. If the column fails, turning the steering wheel has no effect on the wheels, increasing crash risk. Subaru dealers will inspect the steering column and replace it for free if needed.
What should I do if my 2015-2017 Subaru Outback or Legacy is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 16V292. If it is, do not drive the vehicle until a franchised Subaru dealer inspects the steering column. Ask the dealer about towing if the vehicle must be moved. The inspection and repair are free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the safety defect at no cost. Subaru dealers will inspect the steering column lot number and replace the steering column for free if your vehicle needs that repair.
What does do not drive mean for this Subaru recall?
Do not drive means the vehicle should stay parked until Subaru or a franchised Subaru dealer inspects the steering column. The recall notice says owners were advised not to drive until inspection because steering-wheel movement has no effect on wheel direction if the defect is present.
What if I bought my Subaru Outback or Legacy used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall eligibility follows the VIN, not the current owner or the selling dealer. Check your VIN, then reference recall 16V292 when you call a franchised Subaru dealer or Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/16V292000 |
|---|---|
| Subaru customer service | 1-800-782-2783 |
| NHTSA recall # | 16V292 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 16V292000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 31, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →