What is the power steering warning light on a Subaru Outback?
The power steering warning light on a Subaru Outback indicates a fault in the electric power steering system (EPS) or a related component, which can reduce or disable steering assist. If the light stays on, have the system diagnosed by a technician as soon as possible.
In most modern Outbacks, steering assist is provided by an electric motor rather than a traditional hydraulic pump. The warning can appear for several reasons, including a fault in the EPS motor or sensors, issues with the steering angle sensor, battery or charging problems, wiring or connector faults, or a temporary software glitch. Depending on the cause, you may notice heavier steering, especially at lower speeds, or you may simply see a maintenance light with or without accompanying messages on the dash.
What the warning light means and common causes
Below are the typical reasons Subaru owners see this light on their Outback. Understanding these can help you assess urgency and what to check before a shop visit.
- EPS system fault: A problem in the electric power steering motor, control module, or sensor data can trigger the warning.
- Low battery voltage or charging problem: If the alternator isn’t supplying sufficient power, EPS performance may suffer and illuminate the light.
- Steering angle sensor or torque sensor fault: Incorrect readings can cause the EPS to limit or disable assist.
- Wiring/connector issue or corrosion: Loose or damaged wiring at the steering column or ECU can cause intermittent faults.
- Software/communication fault: A glitch in the EPS software or CAN bus communication can trigger the light.
- Temporary fault that clears: Sometimes issues reset after restarting the engine; if the light returns, diagnosis is needed.
Conclusion: If the warning light appears, treat it as a genuine warning and schedule diagnostic service. Driving with suspected EPS faults can result in heavier steering or unpredictable handling.
What to do when the light comes on
If you see the warning, take these steps to assess safety and plan your next move. The list below covers immediate checks and actions to take before a professional inspection.
- Evaluate stability of steering: If the steering feels unusually heavy, unresponsive, or makes grinding noises, pull over safely and avoid sharp turns or high speeds.
- Check other electrical symptoms: Note any dim lights, slow-starting systems, or dash warnings that accompany the EPS light, which can point to battery or charging issues.
- Test the ignition reset: Turn the engine off, wait a moment, and restart to see if the light clears. Some faults reset momentarily but return later.
- Inspect basic fuses and wiring if accessible: Look for obvious blown fuses related to steering or electrical systems and check for loose connections around the steering column; more thorough checks require a mechanic.
- Schedule a diagnostic: If the light stays on or the steering remains heavy, arrange service with a Subaru dealer or qualified shop. A scan tool can read EPS codes and guide repairs.
Conclusion: A persistent EPS warning should be evaluated by a technician. A temporary reset is not a fix, and unresolved EPS faults can affect steering control.
Diagnostics, repairs, and safety considerations
EPS faults require specialized tools to diagnose. A technician will typically:
- Read diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) from the EPS control module
- Check the steering angle sensor calibration and torque sensor readings
- Test the EPS motor current and power supply
- Inspect wiring harnesses, connectors, and ground points
- Verify battery state and charging system performance
Concluding note: In many cases, addressing the underlying electrical or sensor issue restores normal EPS function. If the fault is due to a worn component or a failed motor, replacement is typically required.
Is it safe to drive with the light on?
Driving with an EPS warning is not recommended long-term. Some owners report being able to drive at low speeds with reduced assist, but the steering can feel significantly heavier and less predictable. If you must drive, do so cautiously and preferably at lower speeds, and seek professional diagnosis as soon as possible.
Summary
The power steering warning light on a Subaru Outback signals a fault in the electric power steering system or related components, which can reduce or disable steering assist. Common causes include EPS faults, battery/charging issues, sensor or wiring faults, or software glitches. If the light appears, stop if safe, perform basic checks, and arrange diagnostic service promptly to ensure safe steering performance.
Can I drive with the power steering warning light on?
It is not safe to drive with the power steering light on, as it can lead to a complete loss of steering assistance and is a sign of a serious problem. While you may be able to drive, it will be significantly harder to steer, which increases the risk of an accident, especially during emergency maneuvers or low-speed turns. You should pull over to a safe location immediately and have the vehicle inspected by a professional mechanic.
This video explains the meaning of the power steering warning light and what to do when it appears: 54sCar ManufacturingYouTube · Apr 10, 2025
What to do when the light is on
- Pull over to a safe spot: Park your car as soon as it is safe to do so.
- Check the steering fluid: If your car has a hydraulic system, check the power steering fluid level and top it off if it is low. Be aware that a low fluid level often indicates a leak that needs to be fixed.
- Restart the car: For electric power steering (EPS) systems, a simple reset by turning the car off and on may solve the issue. If the light remains on, the problem is more serious.
- Get it inspected: If the light persists or if you have a hydraulic system, do not drive the vehicle further than is necessary to get to a repair shop.
- Avoid high speeds: If you must drive, do so with extreme caution and avoid highways and high speeds.
Why it's dangerous
- Loss of steering assistance: The warning light signals a problem that can make the steering wheel much harder to turn, requiring more physical effort.
- Risk of sudden failure: A hydraulic system can experience sudden failure due to low fluid or a broken pump, making steering impossible.
- Increased accident risk: The difficulty in steering can make it hard to react quickly to obstacles or make sharp turns, increasing the likelihood of a crash.
- Potential for further damage: Driving with a power steering issue can cause further damage to the pump or other components.
What causes your power steering light to come on?
If the power steering fluid is low, you may notice the light along with other symptoms like squealing noises or increased steering effort. Worn or slipping belts that drive the power steering pump can also cause the system to operate poorly. In more severe cases, a faulty pump may be to blame.
What is the most serious Subaru warning light?
What is the most serious warning light? Of all Subaru dashboard symbols and meanings, the Oil Pressure Warning Light, Brake System Warning Light, and Battery Warning Light are possible causes for concern. Still, the Check Engine Warning Light is one of the most urgent symbols.
What is the power steering warning light on a Subaru?
The Subaru power steering warning light (a steering wheel with an exclamation mark) indicates a problem with the power steering system, which can make steering more difficult. Pull over safely as soon as possible, as continuing to drive could damage the system or cause an accident. The cause is either low hydraulic fluid or an electrical issue in systems with electric power steering (EPS), such as a bad battery, alternator, faulty sensor, or wiring.
This video explains what to do when the power steering warning light comes on, including checking the power steering fluid: 1mDashboard warning lights YouTube · Nov 8, 2022
What to do when the light comes on
- Pull over safely: Stop driving as soon as it is safe to do so to avoid further damage or accidents.
- Avoid a crash: The warning light suggests that your steering assist may be compromised, requiring more physical effort to turn the wheel.
- Get it checked: Do not ignore the light. A professional mechanic can diagnose and fix the issue to ensure your car is safe to drive.
This video explains what to do when the power steering warning light comes on, including checking the power steering fluid: 54sCar ManufacturingYouTube · Apr 10, 2025
Possible causes
- Hydraulic Power Steering:
- Low fluid: The most common cause is low hydraulic fluid, often due to a leak from the hoses, pump, or reservoir.
- Electric Power Steering (EPS):
- Electrical issues: Problems can arise from a malfunctioning alternator or battery, a fault in the steering control module, a bad sensor, or loose/corroded wiring.
- Temporary glitch: Sometimes, restarting the car can reset a minor electrical glitch, but the underlying problem may still need to be addressed.
Potential next steps
- If you have hydraulic steering:
- Check your owner's manual to locate the power steering fluid reservoir and check the fluid level.
- If the fluid is low, top it off with the correct type of fluid. The light may turn off, but a professional inspection is still needed to find and fix the leak.
- If you have electric power steering:
- Restarting the car might temporarily fix the issue, but you should still get it diagnosed by a professional.
- Check the battery and alternator connections, as a weak battery can cause the warning light to appear.
- For both types:
- If the light does not go out after a restart, or if the steering remains difficult, a professional diagnosis is crucial.
