Subaru Impreza brake failure problems

Filed Aug 28, 2026 · Brakes · 40,000 miles · NY · crash · 1 injury

The contact owned a 2024 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop as intended. The contact stated that the brake pedal went to the floor with no resistance. No warning lights illuminated. The vehicle independently accelerated and rear-ended another vehicle, resulting in a multi-vehicle crash. The vehicle was towed to a local tow yard. The contact went to a local medical center and was treated for back pain and body soreness. The vehicle was deemed a total loss. Prior to the failure, the vehicle was serviced at a dealer on August 24, 2026, for a routine oil change and tire rotation. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.

Filed Aug 8, 2026 · Brakes · NY

The brakes failed due to a leak in the brake lines (pedal to the floor). Location of the leak is just after a union on the passenger side rear (just in front of the rear tire). Location is not well protected from corrosion similar to other recalls for the wrx and sti version of the impreza. Image shows the corroded area, and is taken after the protective coating was cut bqck to expose well maintained lines. The corrosion occurred where no protective coating was present. Both the left and right rear brake lines were found to be leaking. Luckily this was noticed in the driveway and did not result in a crash.

Filed Apr 20, 2026 · Brakes, Engine · 6,250 miles · TX · crash

The contact owns a 2025 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated that while their son was driving approximately 45 MPH, a loud pop sound came from the right side of the engine department, and then the steering wheel seized. The driver attempted to apply the brakes; however, the brakes failed. The vehicle ended up crashing into a nearby pole post. The air bags deployed. The driver received a hematoma on their left arm from embracing for impact of the embrace. When the ambulance arrived, they tended to the injury, but the contact was not taken to receive further medical attention. The police department was contacted, and a police report was made. The vehicle was towed, but had not been deemed totaled as of yet. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 6,250.

Filed Mar 18, 2026 · Brakes · MI

The vehicle's rear brake lines (both left rear and right rear) had ballooning present. The issue was initially identified by an independent mechanic during brake pad and rotor replacement on all four wheels. The ballooning was subsequently confirmed during an inspection by a Subaru dealership technician. This issue posed a safety risk, as the compromised brake lines could rupture under braking pressure, potentially resulting in reduced or complete loss of braking ability and increasing the risk of a crash. To safely operate the vehicle, replacement of the rear brake lines was required. Per the dealership’s recommendation, the front brake lines were also replaced, as they advised that if the brake lines were from the same batch, there was a high likelihood of similar ballooning occurring in the front brake lines. No warning lamps illuminated.

Filed Mar 16, 2022 · Acceleration · 95,000 miles · PA · crash · 1 injury

The contact owns a 2013 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated that while reversing she depressed the accelerator pedal, the engine revved and the vehicle accelerated in reverse crashing into the rear of the garage. None the air bags deployed. The contact attempted to depress the brakes however the brakes failed. The contact attempted to drive forward when the vehicle revved up again and accelerated independently. The contact attempted to depress the brake pedal however they failed to respond. The vehicle came to a stop at the opposite of the road blocking traffic. The contact managed to park the vehicle and activate the emergency brakes. The contact sustained injuries to their knee and chest area. No medical attention was not needed. There was damage to their home. There was no police report filed. The contact's insurance had the vehicle towed to a repair shop who was not able to find a cause for the failure. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer who was unable to identify the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage 95,000.

Filed Jul 26, 2021 · Brakes · ME

On Friday July 23, 2021 my 1013 Subaru Impressa experienced a failure of the hydraulic braking system, exhibited by the brake warning light and loss of braking ability. Fortunately I was able to safely get to the Subaru dealer (Bath Subaru in Woolwich, Maine) where they determined that the problem was corrosion of the 4 way joint connector which is totally exposed (no cover or protective shield). This is a particular hazard on my car because both hydraulic braking circuits pass through through this connector. Currently the dealer is preparing and estimate for repair but I am concerned that this issue is a design defect and serious safety hazard that should have been subject to recall. I have since noted that a June 27, 2014 letter from Subaru to the federal safety agency (Ref No.: GR14-042) identified this exact issue in many of the other Subaru models manufactured between 2005 and 2014. From my comparison of the descriptions and photos shown in the referenced letter, I believe that my car has the same identified defect and should also have been subject to this recall and the exclusion of my car from the original recall was an oversight. i am hopeful that Subaru will stand behind their product, provide a timely repair and provide assurance that the underlying cause has been corrected.

Filed May 1, 2020 · Brakes · 165,000 miles · MD

Similar to recall campaign #wqk-47 the hard brake line near my gas tank has corroded and leaked all of my brake fluid. Had I been on the highway this could have been catastrophic. The vehicle was in motion, I noticed the brake pedal was traveling farther than normal. When I got home, there was almost no braking ability left in the car, pedal went to the floor. Checked master cylinder, it was empty, added fluid, pressed on brakes, could hear the fluid leaking out. Checked around car to find fluid. This is a common problem on subaru's and there is a recall for newer wrx's for the same issue.

Filed Feb 25, 2020 · Brakes · 110,000 miles · NY

Tl* the contact owns a 2010 subaru impreza. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed and went to the floor board with the brakes failure warning light illuminated. The contact inspected the vehicle and became of brake fluid leaking from the vehicle. The vehicle was previously repaired by an unknown dealer under the federal safety agency campaign number: 14v311000 (service brakes hydraulic). The dealer was not informed of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure but provided no assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 110,000.

Filed Nov 14, 2018 · Brakes, Steering · 23,745 miles · VT · crash

I was driving on a decline at 10 to 15 miles per hour on a snowy evening and when I tried to break, my breaks locked up and I had absolutely no control of my automobile except for steering and made the choice to go towards the guard rail to slow my automobile down since I had no brakes. I bought my automobile 16 months ago and have had difficulties with tire lights coming on and many other issues and I do not feel safe driving this automobile.

Filed May 24, 2018 · Suspension, Wheels · 11,000 miles · CT · 1 injury

On march 22, 2018, my 2017 subaru impreza sport wagon, with approximately 10,000 miles experienced a catastrophic failure of the rear suspension components traveling at 8 miles per hour. I was proceeding through a green light ' making a right. 3/4 of the way thru the turn I felt a violent jarring of my car on the left side and the driver's side curtain airbag slammed the left side of my upper body neck and head. I saw that my direction of travel did not change I started to pull off to the side of the road and apply the brakes. Had no brakes. A woman pulled over and she said " no one hit you, your wheel just fell off." police came and helped me out of my car and completed an accident report. We noticed 1/2 of my wheel was in the intersection and a police officer recovered it for me. Mitchell subaru inspected the vehicle submitted a claim with subaru of america (soa) stating catastrophic failure of the rear suspension components. Soa then conducted their own investigation of the incident. The soa representatives wrongly concluded that I was involved in a 'high speed, rear collision with another vehicle'. They did not examine or remove any suspension components for further testing. Soa conclusions are completely inaccurate. The police officer is adamant that there was no other vehicle involved. Eyewitness on the scene stated that she watched the event unfold and that my wheel 'fell off'. The adjuster from my insurance company concluded that a 'massive failure of the right rear wheel / suspension caused the accident', 'no other vehicle was involved'. A factory trained subaru technician with 20 years of experience stated that there was no damage that pointed to a collision and that the scuff marks noted by soa where caused by the rear tire slamming into the panel. Soa denies all responsibility for this devastating failure of their product.