Outback Warning Lights & Heavy Steering Point to ABS Issue

I had nearly identical issues with my 2015 Subaru Legacy diesel last winter. Having some experience with tire-related problems, I initially thought it was just a standard tire pressure issue. The tire monitoring system kept showing warnings despite properly inflated tires, which was puzzling. After checking the tire pressure multiple times with different gauges, I noticed one tire would gradually lose pressure over 24 hours, suggesting an air leak somewhere. Took it to my regular workshop where they discovered a faulty tire pressure monitoring valve in one of the wheels. The defective valve was causing incorrect readings and interfering with the ABS system, which explained the connected warning lights and steering issues. Total repair cost was 280€ including diagnostics and replacement parts. To better assist with your situation, could you share: Have you noticed any gradual tire pressure loss in specific wheels? Did the symptoms appear suddenly or develop gradually? Are there any unusual noises when turning? Which specific warning lights are illuminated on your dashboard? This sounds very similar to my experience, but these additional details would help confirm if you are dealing with the same root cause.

Had my latest service at 104000 KM and noticed the issue persists even after that. My punctured tire was properly repaired during service, but the steering still feels off. After checking the tire pressure again today with a professional tire gauge, all wheels are correctly inflated. The tire monitoring warnings keep coming back though. Currently waiting on the wheel alignment report, as that might explain the heavy steering. When you mentioned the faulty valve causing ABS issues, that really caught my attention, might be worth investigating that angle too.

Thanks for the follow-up. After my valve replacement, I also experienced lingering steering issues similar to yours. The wheel alignment was an important check, but in my case, it turned out there were actually two separate problems. The tire sensor valve was definitely causing the pressure warnings and ABS interference, but the heavy steering was related to the power steering system. The pump was showing early signs of failure, which explained the increased steering effort. Since you mentioned having similar symptoms after your tire repair, I would strongly suggest getting the power steering system checked. In my Subaru, the total repair ended up being: Tire pressure monitoring valve replacement (280€), Power steering pump replacement (420€) The wheel alignment is a good start, but if the alignment checks out normal and you still have heavy steering, the power steering system likely needs attention. The persistent tire monitoring warnings despite properly inflated tires really point toward a sensor issue rather than an actual air leak problem. Make sure your workshop specifically checks both the tire pressure sensor system and the power steering components as separate potential issues. This could save you time and prevent incomplete repairs.

Thanks everyone, wanted to follow up on my situation. Took the car in yesterday based on the advice here. Just as suggested, they found multiple issues. The flat tire from earlier was properly fixed, but a faulty tire monitoring sensor was causing the persistent warnings. The heavy steering turned out to be exactly what was mentioned, the power steering pump is starting to fail. Got quoted 750€ for both repairs (sensor and pump). Going ahead with the work next week since these issues seem to be fairly common and the diagnosis matches what others experienced. Really appreciate the detailed responses about checking both systems separately. Having the wheel alignment done first helped rule that out as the cause of the steering problems. Good to know the tire monitoring system can actually affect the ABS when faulty, would have never made that connection without the input here.