1995 Subaru Legacy: ABS light or ABS activating

Filed Feb 24, 2009 · Brakes · MD

Car shakes and steering wheel vibrates when applying brakes. Gives sensation of inability to brake. Feeling of insecurity. Have taken to dealer on several occasions and the following have been done: resurfaced front and back rotors at 17,002 miles. Replaced front and rear pads and front rotors and resurfaced rear rotors at 29,154 replaced rear rotors and resurfaced front rotors at 42,325. Now at about 53,000, front rotors need replacing again! A quick internet search found one reported failure of ABS in 2005 legacy that potentially could have caused an accident. I am concerned and worried that this car could prove unsafe for my family if our brakes fail.

Filed Aug 14, 2002 · Brakes · NJ

Front right wheel ABS module failed while pulling into driveway. Dealer contacted. *akthe brake light is on because the ABS module leaks. The ABS module was replaced.

Filed Mar 26, 2001 · Brakes · GA · crash

Newly-acquired ABS/awd model of otherwise similar subaru wagon that had taken same described turn hundreds of times: descending wet gravel road in 2nd gear, while braking simultaneously and approaching a tight turn, the car actually began to speed up -- so, instead of slowing to point where brakes alone would take me around turn as usual, I pushed in clutch to downshift to 1st - which point I never reached, since the wagon swung around to outside of road, and slid down a steep 30' embankment, rolling over. Although neither I nor passenger [dog!] were hurt, there was extensive glass and body damage. Phone call from nearby neighbors to tow company had the wagon back up on the road within ca. 90 minutes, on second try [first try popped both tow hooks on rear, causing another 10-15' nosefirst dive that dented front fender on soft soil]. I called tow truck operator's attention to apparent lack of skid/braking marks, but the whole road had been graded by the time I returned with my camera the next day. After reinflating tire, I was able to drive it 1.5 mi. Back up mountain road to house, but ABS light and warning flashers remained on until I disconnected battery. Glass replacement [windshield, hatch, rear quarter] alone over $1000, plus whatever body work [rear quarter clip, roof, hood, fenders] and paint needed. But mainly, I am afraid to drive this wagon downhill again, as awd/ABS were the touted safety reasons for buying it: subaru's recent byline is "because safety is not an option".

Filed Nov 15, 1999 · Brakes · WY

Abs braking system needlessly engages at moderate speed and light braking, drastically increasing stopping distance, on washboard surfaced roads (dirt or gravel or snow). Loose material may or may not be present. This has caused many near accidents. A different non-ABS equipped vehicle stops in a much shorter distance in identical conditions, with braking moderate enough to avoid lock-ups or loss of steering control.

Filed Aug 7, 1997 · Brakes · PA

While driving vehicle about 25 MPH the comsumer stepped on the brake pedal and the vehicle did not stop; depending on the speed of the vehicle, the longer the vehicle will stop. The dealer did check the system and did not find anything wrong with the ABS. Comsumer had not contacted the manufacturer.

Filed Nov 13, 1996 · Brakes · NC

Abs brake failure, made a noise, corrosion and warped rotors in for replacement continues to make a noise.

Filed Dec 14, 1995 · Brakes · FL

Abs system failure, when driving on rough surface there is loss of braking. Tt

Filed Dec 5, 1995 · Brakes · OR

Abs braking problems. Please describe. Tt

Filed Apr 26, 1995 · Brakes · CO

Abs system failed when used in inclement weather causing a skid. Please describe. Tt