2001 Subaru Forester brakes problems

Filed Aug 21, 2015 · Brakes · 194,503 miles · MI · crash

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 subaru forester. While driving approximately 55 MPH and engaging the brake pedal, the ABS malfunctioned and erroneously activated, which prevented the brakes from stopping the vehicle. The driver lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a concrete median, which caused significant damage to the front end of the vehicle. The contact failed to indicate if any injuries were sustained or if a police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the ABS was faulty. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 194,503.

Filed Feb 9, 2014 · Acceleration, Brakes · 20,000 miles · KS

Brakes just do not work on snow, ice (ABS does not kick in), and the wheels do not turn. Happened several times, ran into an intersection on red at least 4 times. Accident waiting to happen; noticed other complaints of accidents.

Filed Jun 12, 2013 · Acceleration, Brakes · WA

On monday at 4:50 pm I was driving n a school zone and realized that I was having to ride my brakes I also thought there was some funny noise from the engine. I rolled down my window and couldn't hear any thing. As I approached the stop sign my car would not stop and I pressed my brakes all the way down. The rpms went all the way into the red and my car continued about 4 to 6 feet with brakes all the way down. When car finely came to a stop I placed it in park because I thought this my stop my car from going into gear again and the rpms continued to rise more into the red. I was afraid and placed it in drive with foot on brake to get it into the parking lot I took a right. When I had to stop in the lot the car would not stop and the rpms went up all the way as my foot was on the brake it went about 3 extra feet before coming to a stop. I placed it in park and quickly turned the car off. I turned the car on to see if it would reset but the RPM went all the way up again. A man claiming to be a mechanic looked at my throttles to make sure they were not stuck and took one finger and tapped on the throttle sensor. I started the care again and the rpms were back to a normal amount. The dealers have not been able to replicate and have found no fault in the diagnostic testing. Cause unknown.

Filed Apr 20, 2004 · Brakes · 40,000 miles · NC

Anti lock brakes failed to stop vehicle in a timely manner when the two right tires were on ice ,and the two left tires were on dry pavement. When this occurred it almost caused an accident. The dealership indicated that this problem was due to a design flaw. *ak

Filed Apr 22, 2003 · Brakes, Wheels · 40,720 miles · PA

Wheel lugs bolts: at 40720 miles (4/9/03) car was in subaru dealer for rear brakes. Two lug bolts from the right rear wheel were found to be snapped and fell off in the mechanics hand. That was a week ago. Today after about 900 miles two lug bolts on the same wheel had snapped off. Dealer towed the car in for repairs.

Filed Feb 27, 2003 · Brakes · 11,000 miles · MA

Brake rotors were packed with leaves and stones. Car needed to be placed on lift to remove the debris. Could not drive due to high pitched squeal and concern about causing further damage. Subaru took four hours to pick up car. When taken to dealer finally, was told that it was not a subaru problem and they indicated I should be charged for a half hour labor and would not pay for tow. I was also informed this happened because I was driving on dirt roads (isn't that what SUV's are designed for?) I think there must be a flaw in design of forester SUV. Service manager informed me it happens to his wife frequently, and he corrects problem himself. Seemed to be suggesting I do the same which sounds unreasonable for a car under warranty coverage and only 11,000 miles. I received very poor service from subaru. How could I have known based on symptoms and advise of driver to go ahead with tow that this would not be a subaru problem ,and why did they make me wait four hours and chase them by telephone before they finally picked up car?

Filed Sep 27, 2002 · Brakes · HI

Consumer states that vehicle started making noises from the brakes. Dealer and suburu manufactory were notified.

Filed Mar 21, 2002 · Brakes · NY

The triggerring mechanism for the ABS seems too delicate. The car starts skidding even in very light snow. This has caused 3 incidents of run-off-road crashes onto the curb with minimal property damage. The car gets out of control very easily in slippery conditions which defeats the purpose of a 4wd vehicle with ABS.

Filed Feb 8, 2002 · Acceleration, Brakes · PA · crash

When applying brakes to park, vehicle suddenly accelerated, jumping a curb and hitting two parked vehicles. Problem was intermittent. Subaru was contacted to inspect vehicle.*ak

Filed Dec 11, 2001 · Acceleration, Brakes · MA

Vehicle is experiencing brake problems, on one occasion while driving, consumer put his foot on the brake pedal, however vehicle did not stop, vehicle glazed against another car causing damage.