At the shop, Subaru brake issues have a recognizable signature. 673 documented complaints across 70 year-model entries from 2005 to 2024 is consistent with what we see come in. Complaint volume is spread across the lineup rather than parked on one bad year. That's the signature of a platform or supplier issue, not a single-year flub. 5 fire reports on the federal record — not common in this category but documented and worth weight. Across the 211 complaints reporting odometer mileage, the median failure lands at about 92,743 miles. Repair cost runs around $450 on average — relatively low for an aggregated category. Pulsing, grinding, soft pedal — none of those should sit more than a week. Brake problems compound fast on a vehicle already on the list.
Subaru brakes problems
673 owner complaints filed with NHTSA against Subaru vehicles for brakes issues. 4 active recall campaigns. See brakes across all makes →
Worst-affected Subaru model-years for brakes Top 25 by complaint volume
Active recalls — Subaru brakes 6 on file
Subaru of America, Inc
Brake fluid may leak due to the brake line corrosion and may result in longer distances being required to slow or stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
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
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.
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
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.
Subaru of America, Inc
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.
Subaru of America, Inc
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.
Subaru of America, Inc
If the floor mat moves out of position and interferes with the accelerator or brake pedal operation, it can increase the risk of a crash.
Common questions
How many Subaru brakes complaints are on file with NHTSA?
673 complaints across 70 model-year entries from 2005 to 2024. 4 active recall campaigns cover brakes issues across the Subaru lineup.
Which Subaru model has the most brakes complaints?
The 2011 Subaru Outback leads with 53 complaints in this category. Next: 2012 Outback (29) and 2010 Forester (29).
What does it cost to fix Subaru brakes problems?
Independent shops average $450 for brakes repairs across the Subaru lineup. Dealer pricing tends to run twenty to forty percent higher. Specific cost depends on the failure mode and parts availability.
Are there Subaru brakes recalls?
Yes — 6 active recall campaigns cover brakes on Subaru vehicles. Recall fixes are free regardless of mileage or warranty status. The list below shows current campaigns with their NHTSA numbers.