If your Subaru Outback’s steering wheel is locked, try jiggling the key and the steering wheel until it unlocks. If that doesn’t free the wheel, you may have a mechanical problem on your hands.
The rugged Outback is an excellent option for families with its station wagon body and ample storage space. Like all Subarus, the Outback comes with an anti-theft device that locks the steering wheel if it’s turned without the key in the ignition. This comes in handy to protect your Outback from theft but can be a nuisance in day-to-day life.
But don’t worry—Jerry
, the trusted insurance broker app
that saves drivers time and money on their car insurance
, is here to help you unlock your Subaru Outback steering wheel. We’ll cover common causes for a locked steering wheel and give you the inside scoop on how to save on Subaru Outback insurance costs
! How to unlock your Subaru Outback steering wheel
Usually, when your Subaru Outback steering wheel is locked, it’s because your Outback’s anti-theft locking mechanism has been triggered. It can also be caused by turning your steering wheel while the ignition key is out or while parking.
The trick is to push down on the brake pedal and simultaneously wiggle the key and the steering wheel back and forth until the wheel unlocks. You’ll want to be pretty firm—but be careful not to snap your key! You should feel more give in one direction than the other, so lean harder with the wheel on that side.
Your Outback steering wheel should release after these steps. If not, you could be looking at a more serious mechanical issue.
Why your Subaru Outback steering wheel lock might engage
Several mechanical issues can cause an Outback steering wheel to lock. You could be looking at anything from an ignition failure to a problem with your power steering system. Let’s review some of the most common causes of a Subaru Outback steering wheel lock.
If your steering wheel locks while parked
Ignition failure is the most likely mechanical cause for a locked Outback steering wheel. Because the ignition system works directly with the steering wheel lock, problems with one can lead to issues with the other. If ignition failure is causing your locked steering wheel, you may need to replace the ignition switch or the ignition cylinder.
If your steering wheel locks while driving
The Subaru Outback steering wheel has been known to lock while the car is in drive, although rarely. If this occurs, stay calm, keep your hands on the steering wheel, and brake as soon as it’s safe. Use as much steering power as possible to pull over to the side of the road and call for help.
This unlikely event is usually caused by a major problem with your steering column, steering rack, power steering system, or suspension.
For instances like this, roadside assistance or towing and labor insurance
coverage are good to have on hand. If your steering wheel is usable but stiff
If you find that your Outback steering wheel is stiff but not fully locked, you may be looking at a failure of the power steering system. Often drivers will find that this causes the wheel to become harder to turn over time, particularly in one direction.
The power steering system can run into trouble with contaminated power steering fluid, a leak in the steering system, or even a faulty power steering pump. To get to the bottom of the problem, you’ll need to have your Subaru Outback looked at by your mechanic or at the service center at your local dealership.
MORE: Why does my steering wheel shake, and how do I fix it?
How to save on Subaru Outback insurance
While Outbacks may have a few mechanical troubles, their ownership costs are low—and Subaru Outback insurance costs
are some of the lowest of any vehicle! But there is still room for savings—and those savings could even help you cover the repair costs on your Subaru Outback’s steering system. For quick access to custom insurance quotes, just download the Jerry
app. All you have to do is answer a few simple questions about yourself and your car, and Jerry will take care of the rest. In less than 45 seconds, you’ll gain access to customized quotes from over 55 of the nation’s top insurance providers.
Better yet, the savings average over $800 a year on car insurance. Why wait? Start saving today and download the Jerry app.
“After signing up with Jerry
, I went from $199/month to $97/month for my car insurance. My 2019 Subaru Forester now has full coverage for a great price!” —Rhonda H.
Saved $725 annually
4.7
We value your privacy
