Subaru Crosstrek, Forester may lose power steering assist

NHTSA campaign 19V065000 · Reported Feb 6, 2019 · Subaru of America, Inc.

medium How serious is it? About this label

The notice says a loss of power steering assist requires higher steering effort, increasing the risk of a crash. The notice does not tell owners to stop driving.

Key facts

NHTSA campaign number	19V065000
Reported to NHTSA	Feb 6, 2019
Manufacturer	Subaru of America, Inc.
Part affected	Steering:electric Power Assist System
Vehicles covered	2 model/year combinations, model years 2019
Do-not-drive advisory	No
Park-outside advisory	No
Repair	Free at any franchised dealer

What's wrong, in plain English

On some 2019 Subaru Forester and Crosstrek vehicles, a connector inside the electric power steering unit may short circuit. If this happens, the vehicle loses power steering assistance, which means turning the steering wheel takes noticeably more effort. Subaru has notified dealers, who will inspect the steering gearbox and replace it if necessary, free of charge.

What you should do

1. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
2. Contact a Subaru dealer at 1-844-373-6614 to schedule an inspection.
3. The repair is free of charge.

Where do I find my VIN, and what do I tell the dealer?

Your VIN is the 17-character code on the lower left of the windshield, on your registration and usually on your insurance card. Enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether this recall is still open on your car. When you call the dealer, say you have an open safety recall and give them NHTSA campaign number 19V065000. More in how recalls work.

Affected vehicles (2)

2019 Subaru Crosstrek
2019 Subaru Forester

Who to contact

Subaru — official Subaru recall lookup

Customer service: 1-844-373-6614

Any franchised dealer for the brand can do the repair. Phone numbers are taken from manufacturer sites and recent NHTSA notices; if one has changed, the number in your own recall letter is the one to use.

Other Subaru Forester recalls

Oct 19, 2026Subaru Crosstrek and Forester Front Suspension Joint May Separatecritical
Jul 7, 2026Subaru Ascent and Forester have wrong weight rating labellow
May 28, 2026Subaru Forester Moonroof Glass May Come Loosehigh
Dec 19, 2025Subaru Forester Rear Hatch Support Bracket May Detachhigh
Jun 19, 2025Subaru Forester Child Seat Anchor Bolts May Loosenmedium
Jan 23, 2025Subaru Forester Alloy Wheels May Be Improperly Attachedhigh

All 15 Forester recalls

Official notice

Component: STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
Summary: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Forester and Crosstrek vehicles. A connector inside the Electronic Power Steering (EPS) unit may short circuit resulting in a loss of electric power steering assistance.
Safety risk: Loss of power steering assist would require higher steering effort, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: None of the affected vehicles have been sold yet. Subaru has notified dealers and they will inspect the steering gearbox, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began February 7, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUC-88.

Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov. Recall repairs are free of charge by law.