Subaru Outback Service Brakes, Hydraulic Problems
Owners have filed 147 complaints with NHTSA about service brakes, hydraulic problems on the Subaru Outback across 22 model years. The 2002 model year has the most (27). The words owners use most often: “stopping distance” (9% of reports).
- 147service brakes, hydraulic complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 25mention a crash
- 8mention an injury
- 6related recalls
- 21%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Stopping distance: mentioned in 13 of 147 complaints (9%)
- Applying brakes: mentioned in 12 of 147 complaints (8%)
- Master cylinder: mentioned in 11 of 147 complaints (7%)
- Brake pedal depressed: mentioned in 11 of 147 complaints (7%)
At what mileage do service brakes, hydraulic problems happen?
Based on 74 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 147 complaints, 25 mention a crash, 2 a fire, 8 an injury.
Subaru Outback service brakes, hydraulic complaints by model year
| Model year | Service Brakes, Hydraulic complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Outback | 1 | 1% | 16,000 |
| 2017 Outback | 1 | 0% | 41,806 |
| 2015 Outback | 1 | 0% | 86,801 |
| 2013 Outback | 2 | 1% | 94,500 |
| 2012 Outback | 3 | 1% | 25,982 |
| 2011 Outback | 9 | 1% | 127,000 |
| 2010 Outback | 3 | 1% | 50,238 |
| 2009 Outback | 3 | 3% | 170,000 |
| 2008 Outback | 1 | 0% | 128,000 |
| 2007 Outback | 2 | 2% | 64,000 |
| 2006 Outback | 4 | 1% | 62,925 |
| 2005 Outback | 10 | 4% | 18,000 |
| 2004 Outback | 1 | 1% | 5,000 |
| 2003 Outback | 6 | 6% | 63,000 |
| 2002 Outback | 27 | 19% | 13,500 |
| 2001 Outback | 25 | 15% | 30,556 |
| 2000 Outback | 11 | 5% | 87,000 |
| 1999 Outback | 9 | 8% | 30,000 |
| 1998 Outback | 13 | 10% | 115,500 |
| 1997 Outback | 9 | 11% | 60,000 |
| 1996 Outback | 4 | 9% | — |
| 1995 Outback | 2 | 100% | — |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (6)
Service brakes, hydraulic:pedals and linkages
Model years: 2020
Problem: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2020 Outback and Legacy vehicles. The brake pedal mounting bracket may have a missing or insufficiently tightened bolt.
Risk: A missing or loose bolt may cause the brake pedal mounting area to deform over time, which can reduce braking performance and increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake pedal mounting bracket hardware and replace the hardware or brake pedal assembly, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 1, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUL-97.
Service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:disc:caliper; suspension
Model years: 2017
Problem: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2017 Outback vehicles manufactured June 20, 2016, to June 23, 2016. The affected vehicles may have improperly tightened attaching bolts for the front left and right brake calipers, wheel hubs, and the right stabilizer clamp.
Risk: If any of the front brake caliper, wheel hub or stabilizer clamp attaching bolts loosen or detach, the related components would also become loose and may detach possibly making the vehicle unstable and reducing the braking capability. These conditions would increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Subaru has notified owners, and dealers will inspect the bolts for proper torque, and replace any loose bolts, free of charge. The recall began on August 8, 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WTE-66.
Service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Model years: 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009
Problem: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2005-2009 Outback and Legacy, 2008-2011 Impreza and 2008-2014 Impreza WRX/STI, and 2009-2013 Forester vehicles, currently, or formerly, registered in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. Salt water could splash on the brake lines through a gap in the fuel tank protector, resulting in excessive corrosion of the brake lines. Note that affected vehicles not currently, or formerly registered, in the salt belt states identified above are eligible for repair, at no cost to the customer, upon request.
Risk: Brake line corrosion may result in brake fluid leakage. Fluid leakage may result in longer distances being required to slow or stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will test the brake system by depressing the brake pedal and inspecting for brake fluid leaks. If no brake fluid seepage is observed, the affected areas will be rustproofed with anti-corrosion wax. If brake fluid seepage is observed, the brake lines will be replaced followed by rustproofing with anti-corrosion wax. These services will be performed free of charge. The recall began July 2014 and second notifications will run through November 2014. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's recall campaign number is WQK-47. Note: This recall supersedes recall 13V-110 which applied to certain 2005-2009 Legacy/Outback vehicles. Vehicles that were remedied under the previous campaign still need additional areas rust-proofed.
Service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Model years: 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009
Problem: Subaru is recalling certain model year 2005-2009 Outback and Legacy vehicles manufactured from December 2003, through April 2009 and currently, or formerly, registered in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. Salt water could splash on the brake lines through a gap in the fuel tank protector, resulting in excessive corrosion of the brake lines.
Risk: Brake line corrosion may result in brake fluid leakage. Fluid leakage may result in longer distances being required to slow or stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles. If no brake fluid seepage is observed, the affected area will be rustproofed with anti-corrosion wax. If brake fluid seepage is observed, the brake lines will be replaced followed by rustproofing with anti-corrosion wax. These services will be performed free of charge. The recall began on May 30, 2013. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's recall campaign number is WQG-43.
Service brakes, hydraulic:pedals and linkages
Model years: 2012
Problem: Subaru is recalling certain model year 2012 impreza sedans and wagons (except wrx/sti models), manufactured from april 21, 2011, through november 15, 2011, and legacy and outback vehicles manufactured from october 17, 2011, through november 23, 2011. These vehicles may be equipped with a brake master cylinder that could malfunction and cause an increase in the amount of brake pedal travel distance required to slow or stop the vehicle.
Risk: The driver might misjudge the amount of brake pedal travel required to achieve the desired stopping distance. This could occur unexpectedly and without prior warning, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake master cylinder and if necessary, replace it, free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during december 2011. Owners may contact subaru at 1-800-782-2783.
Service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:master cylinder
Model years: 2002
Problem: On certain passenger vehicles, the brake master cylinders may not function properly in ambient temperatures below freezing 32 degrees fahrenheit and lower).
Risk: At these temperatures, the brakes may not release after being applied, even when the driver's foot is no longer on the brake pedal. This can occur withour prior warning, possibly resulting in a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the master cylinders. Owner notification began march 21, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact subaru at 1-800-782-2783.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
The contact owns a 2025 Subaru Outback. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the wheels skidded and the steering wheel seized. In addition, the contact stated that the engine seized. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that while attempting to start the…
The contact owns a 2015 Subaru Outback. The contact stated while the vehicle was at the dealer for an oil change and snow tire replacement, the contact was informed that the sub frame and the brake lines were severely corroded and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to a second dealer, 802…
The contact owns a 2009 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to slow the vehicle, the brake pedal was extremely soft. The contact stated that the vehicle required an extended distance to slow down or come to a complete stop, prompting the…
See attached document for complaint.
The contact owned a 2009 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed and went to the floorboard, and the vehicle failed to respond. The contact swerved to avoid a crash and moved over to the median. The contact stated that the vehicle spun around, and…
Frequently asked questions
Do all Subaru Outbacks have service brakes, hydraulic problems?
No. NHTSA has 147 owner complaints about service brakes, hydraulic for the Subaru Outback. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the Subaru Outback service brakes, hydraulic?
Yes: 6 safety recalls list service brakes, hydraulic. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
What do owners say about service brakes, hydraulic problems on the Subaru Outback?
The most frequent phrase is “stopping distance”, in 13 of 147 complaints, followed by “applying brakes” (12).
Other Subaru Outback problems
- Electrical System problems (2,285)
- Visibility/wiper problems (1,760)
- Power Train problems (988)
- Engine problems (718)
- Air Bags problems (693)
- Vehicle Speed Control problems (530)
- Service Brakes problems (431)
- Steering problems (366)
See all Subaru Outback problems.