Clunk noise in steering column when turning quickly from a stop — normal or defect?

Hi everyone, I have a 2026 Subaru Crosstrek with 0 km (brand new). I’ve noticed the following behavior:

•	When the car is stopped and I turn the steering wheel quickly and briefly, I hear a clunk noise coming from the steering column.  
•	If I make the same movement slowly, no noise at all.  
•	While driving, even at low speed, no noise.

The pattern is consistent and repeatable. It happens every time I make that quick input from a stop, not just at startup.

Interestingly, I previously owned a Mazda CX-30 and it made the exact same noise with the exact same pattern, which makes me think it could be a characteristic of modern EPS systems rather than a defect.

Has anyone else noticed this on their Crosstrek? Is this considered normal behavior for the EPS system or should I have it checked at the dealer?

Thanks in advance.

Posted Jun 2, 2026, 1:13 PM UTC

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