Struggling with your Subaru’s steering wheel suddenly becoming heavy as a boulder? You’re dealing with one of the most frustrating issues in modern Subarus: electric power steering problems. These issues can transform your smooth-driving experience into a white-knuckle wrestling match with your steering wheel. I’ll walk you through everything from identifying the warning signs to understanding repair options that won’t empty your wallet.
What Is Electric Power Steering in Subarus?
Subaru’s Electric Power Steering (EPS) system replaces old-school hydraulic setups with electric motors that help you turn your wheels. Unlike hydraulic systems that use fluid pressure from a pump connected to your engine, EPS systems use an electric motor attached to the steering column or directly to the steering rack.
The main advantages include:
- Better fuel efficiency (no power drain from hydraulic pumps)
- Less maintenance (no fluid to change or leaks to fix)
- Adaptive assistance (more help at low speeds, less at highway speeds)
- Reduced vehicle weight
Your Subaru’s EPS adjusts steering assistance based on your speed and how you’re turning the wheel. The system uses sensors to detect steering force, then a computer decides how much help you need based on your driving conditions.
Common Subaru EPS Failure Symptoms
Complete Steering Assistance Loss
The most alarming issue is when your power steering suddenly quits working. When this happens:
- The EPS warning light (showing a steering wheel with an exclamation mark) lights up
- Your steering wheel becomes extremely hard to turn
- Control becomes difficult, especially at slow speeds
Many owners report this happens intermittently. Your steering might suddenly get heavy while driving, then work normally after restarting your car. As reported by Subaru owners online, this unpredictability makes the problem especially concerning.
Steering Wheel Vibrations
Feel your steering wheel buzzing under your hands at highway speeds? This vibration could be related to your EPS motor, though it might also stem from unbalanced tires or worn suspension components.
Inconsistent Steering Response
When your Subaru’s steering feels different depending on which way you turn, sensor malfunctions might be the culprit. You might notice:
- Uneven assistance when turning left versus right
- The steering wheel moving slightly by itself when starting the engine
- Steering that feels “dead” in certain positions
Warning Light Illumination
That steering wheel icon with an exclamation point isn’t just for decoration. When it lights up, your EPS system has detected a problem and reduced or eliminated steering assistance as a safety measure.
Affected Subaru Models
Subaru has implemented EPS across most of its lineup, with these models commonly reporting issues:
| Model | Model Years Commonly Affected |
|---|---|
| Forester | 2014-2019 |
| Outback | 2015-2019 |
| Impreza | 2012-2019 |
| Crosstrek/XV | 2013-2019 |
| Legacy | 2015-2019 |
| WRX/STI | 2015-2019 |
Root Causes of Subaru EPS Problems
Electrical Issues
The most common culprits behind EPS failures are electrical problems:
- Loose or corroded battery terminals affecting power supply
- Damaged wiring harnesses or connections
- Faulty grounding points creating inconsistent power flow
Many Subaru owners have reported that simply cleaning and properly tightening battery terminals fixed their EPS issues. Your system needs consistent, clean power to function properly.
Electronic Control Module Failures
The computer brain controlling your EPS can fail due to:
- Water damage during heavy rain
- Impact damage from accidents
- Component failure from heat or age
- Software issues requiring reprogramming
Sensor Problems
Your Subaru’s EPS relies on several sensors to determine how much steering assistance to provide. When these sensors fail, your steering assistance becomes unpredictable or stops working altogether.
Corrosion Damage
In areas where road salt is heavily used, a particularly concerning issue can develop: corrosion of the EPS Gear Box Assembly. If your corroded steering box then takes a hit from a pothole, the housing can crack, leading to complete steering failure.
Cold Weather Performance Issues
Some Subaru models experience increased steering effort in freezing temperatures after a cold start. This is caused by a frozen relay contact inside the control module, and Subaru has issued service bulletins addressing this problem.
Significant Recalls and Service Bulletins
The 2019 Recall
In 2019, Subaru recalled 10,417 vehicles (2019 Forester and Crosstrek models) due to a connector issue inside the EPS unit. The defect could cause a short circuit, resulting in loss of power steering assistance.
Production Halt
Subaru temporarily stopped production at two factories in Japan after discovering a power steering defect affecting Crosstrek, Forester, and Impreza models. The issue was severe enough to pause manufacturing until it could be resolved.
Extended Warranty Coverage
For certain 2012-2018 models, Subaru extended the Basic New Car Limited Warranty specifically for the Electronic Power Steering Gear Box Assembly. This extension particularly addresses corrosion issues in areas with high road salt usage.
DIY Diagnosis Steps
When your Subaru’s steering suddenly goes heavy, try these steps before heading to the mechanic:
1. Check Your Battery
First, look at your battery connections:
- Are the terminals clean and free of corrosion?
- Are the connections tight with no wiggle?
- Is your battery holding a proper charge?
Many EPS issues stem from poor electrical connections at the battery, causing voltage drops that confuse the system.
2. Reset the System
If your power steering fails while driving:
- Pull over safely
- Turn off your engine
- Wait 30 seconds
- Restart the engine
This simple reset sometimes clears temporary electrical glitches that affect the EPS system.
3. Listen for Unusual Noises
When turning your steering wheel, listen carefully for:
- Grinding sounds
- Whining from the steering column
- Clicking noises when turning
These sounds can help pinpoint whether the problem is mechanical or electrical.
4. Check for Warning Lights
Besides the steering warning light, check if other dashboard warnings are illuminated, especially:
- Battery light
- Check Engine light
- ABS warnings
These can indicate broader electrical issues affecting your EPS.
Professional Diagnosis and Repair
For persistent problems, professional diagnosis is necessary:
Computer Diagnostic Scan
A mechanic will connect a diagnostic scanner to read error codes from the EPS control module. Common Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) include:
- C2531 and C2532 (power supply issues)
- U0122 (communication failures)
- B2811 (internal control unit problems)
This diagnostic scanning provides the starting point for proper repairs.
Common Repair Procedures
Depending on what’s found, repairs may include:
- Steering Rack Replacement: The most expensive fix, costing approximately $3,000-$3,500 according to owner reports. This is often needed when internal damage occurs to the EPS unit.
- Control Module Replacement/Reprogramming: Sometimes just the computer needs to be replaced or updated with new software.
- Wiring Repairs: Fixing damaged connections or adding additional grounding wires to address electrical issues.
- Sensor Replacement: Replacing faulty position or torque sensors that feed information to the EPS system.
| Repair Procedure | Approximate Cost | DIY Possibility |
|---|---|---|
| Battery Terminal Cleaning | $0-20 | High |
| Wiring Harness Repair | $200-500 | Moderate |
| Control Module Replacement | $500-1,200 | Low |
| Complete Steering Rack Replacement | $3,000-3,500 | Not Recommended |
Preventive Maintenance Tips
Avoid EPS headaches with these preventive measures:
- Regular Battery Maintenance: Keep terminals clean and connections tight. Consider a battery tender for vehicles used infrequently.
- Address Warning Lights Immediately: Don’t ignore that steering warning light—it’s trying to tell you something’s wrong before it becomes dangerous.
- Additional Protection in Salt-Belt Areas: If you live where road salt is heavily used, consider undercoating treatments to protect your EPS components from corrosion.
- Regular Electrical System Checks: Have your alternator and battery tested regularly to ensure they’re providing consistent power to your electrical systems.
Long-Term Solutions for Recurring Problems
If you’ve repaired your Subaru’s EPS multiple times, consider these longer-term approaches:
Warranty Coverage
Check if your vehicle qualifies for Subaru’s extended coverage for EPS components. The warranty extension for the EPS Gear Box Assembly could save you thousands.
Upgraded Components
Some specialized shops offer upgraded electrical components that provide more reliable power to the EPS system, reducing the likelihood of intermittent failures.
Dealer Negotiations
If you’ve had multiple EPS failures outside warranty, gather documentation of all repairs and approach Subaru customer service or your dealer about goodwill assistance, especially if your model has known issues.
Is Your Subaru Safe to Drive with EPS Problems?
When your power steering fails, safety becomes a serious concern:
- At low speeds, you’ll need significantly more strength to turn the wheel
- Emergency maneuvers become more difficult and slower to execute
- Your reaction time in hazardous situations may be compromised
If your power steering fails completely while driving, signal and pull over as soon as safely possible. Don’t continue driving for extended periods without power steering assistance, especially in traffic or challenging road conditions.
Latest Technical Solutions
Subaru has implemented several technical updates to address EPS issues:
Software Updates
Many dealers now offer software updates for the EPS control module that can solve intermittent failures. These updates improve how the system handles electrical fluctuations.
Improved Waterproofing
Newer EPS components feature better sealing against moisture intrusion, which addresses one common failure point in earlier designs.
Enhanced Diagnostic Tools
Subaru-specific diagnostic equipment can now identify potential EPS problems before complete failure occurs, allowing preventive repairs during regular service visits.
Final Thoughts
Subaru’s Electric Power Steering system offers many advantages when working properly, but the issues can be frustrating and expensive when they arise. By understanding the warning signs, knowing basic troubleshooting steps, and maintaining your electrical system, you can reduce the chance of steering problems leaving you stranded.
If you experience EPS warning lights or steering difficulties, don’t delay in addressing them—steering issues directly impact your safety on the road. For vehicles covered under Subaru’s extended warranty for EPS components, repairs may be covered at no cost to you.
