Steering Wheel Vibrate problems of the 2011 Subaru Outback

Steering wheel shakes from the left to the right at different speeds. It happens when steering away from center position. It also pulls in a turn to the opposite direction being steered.

1. ) 2011 Subaru Outback premium - new car purchase - with less than 300 miles on it. 2. ) the car loses control at upper speeds (65mph+) where it sways out of control as if an icy patch was hit. The steering wheel also shakes at a rapidly low frequency creating a numbness in the driver's hands and forearms making it difficult to hold the steering wheel. This occurs every day when above 65mph. 3. ) Subaru dealerships have said they can not repeat the issue (however they do not take the car outside the city, therefore they are not driving beyond 65mph). No parts or repairs have been provided although tires were checked over for balance. This is an on going issue with Subaru owners for the 2010 and 2011 model. I know of other Subaru owners who have had tires rotated, balanced, etc and nothing has changed. Thousands of forums are now online in regards to this.

The contact owns a 2011 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that the steering wheel would vibrate excessively. The dealer was unable to diagnose the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer would not provide any assistance. The current and failure mileages were approximately 20.

2011 Subaru Outback 2. 5i limited purchased Aug 10, 2010. Noticed steering wheel vibration from time of purchase, assumed it was just me getting used to driving the car. A week later even more noticeable, brought to the attention of the dealer. Checked balance, found two tires out of round. Replaced those tires (TSB 05-50-10), rebalanced - vibration still there. Dealer then installed vibration kit (TSB 05-48-10), vibration persists. Head of service stated he did not notice vibration at 65mph, tech taken for ride with this owner (owner drove car - average speed 70-75mph). Tech observed vibration, stated "this shouldn't be like that on a new car. " awaiting response from service manager on next steps. In the course of a month, my car has spent 5 days at the dealership! very disappointed in Subaru at this time!.

Purchased new Subaru 2011 Outback on 07. 31. 10. Immediately noticed vibration in steering beginning at 60mph and gradually get worse at 70mph. Contacted dealer and was advised to have car looked at. On 08. 23. 10 the dealer test drove vehicle and confirmed slight vibration in steering wheel. They adjusted tire pressure but didn't correct problem. On 08. 27. 10 left car at dealer to have tires road force balanced. After road force balancing the steering wheel vibration is better but still noticeable. The service manager claims some vibration is normal for Outback. Still believe there is a problem but will drive care for several hundred miles before returning to see if problem gets worse. Opened case with Subaru. Extremely disappointed in response from dealer and Subaru to this problem since it's a very expensive auto.

Steering wheel of the vehicle started shaking bad around 500 miles. It is a constant pulsation left/right. Hand/arm pains and aches while trying to hold the steering wheel. This is also termed as shimmy / steering wheel shake problem and Subaru has 2 TSB in effect 05-50-10 and 05-48-10. 05-50-10 (rfb) was performed. That did not fix the issue and the steering wheel still continues to shake. They have not yet scheduled 05-48-10 (bunch of parts replacement) for me, but I have a case opened with soa (Subaru of America) - case # [xxx] in addition, during long moderate-speed turns like highway ramps, highway entrances the steering wheel pulsates. It feels like there is a "free-play" going around mid-turn. Also, I would have to hold the steering wheel tight otherwise it tends to go away or float. From what I get from other owners who got this TSB done, the problem has not been fixed. Subaru seems to be masking the problem rather than fixing the problem. . Read more...

The contact owns a 2011 Subaru Outback. While driving approximately 35-40 mph the steering wheel began to vibrate; however, he continued to drive to his residence. He called an authorized dealer to schedule an appointment to have the vehicle repaired. The dealer advised him that the tires needed to be balanced. The failure continued to occur. The contact scheduled another appointment with the dealer next week. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 7 and the current mileage is 500. Updated 09/28/10 updated 10/01/10.