1997 Subaru Legacy brakes problems

Filed May 3, 2008 · Brakes · 70,000 miles · MN

In cold weather (zero or below), the brake pedal on my 1997 subaru legacy sedan becomes hard, and when I put it any gear, forward or reverse, the idle speed will cause the car to move and the brakes will not stop the car-I have to shift into neutral. I have learned that pumping the brake pedal while the car is at idle in n or p will usually help, at -20 degrees, I have to let the car idle for 5 to 10 minutes and then try it. The dealer indicated that this is not uncommon, but that there is no easy fix for this. This has happened every winter since I bought the car in 2001.

Filed Aug 16, 2005 · Brakes · AK

Right front brake has failed to operate properly on at least four occasions. The brakes have gotten very hot and could possibly cause a fire or cause the brakes to lock up. The dual piston design results in one piston doing most of the work so the other piston becomes stiff and does not release. We have had the brakes grab and become extremely hot to the point that we are now on our fourth set of calipers with just over 36,000 miles on the car. Our mechanic advises this problem is quite common on subaru's for at least the 1996 through 1998 model years. We have had the brakes replaced three times but do not have the old parts available.

Filed Mar 24, 2005 · Brakes · 80,000 miles · NY

The brakes malfunctioned when the weather started to get cold. The brakes seem to freeze up. Dealer had to bleed the lines. However the problem recurred. *ak

Filed Jan 8, 2005 · Brakes · 44,000 miles · MD

Vehicle lurches forward after brakes are applied. Vehicle jumps forward a few feet before stopping completely. Happens when vehicle is stopped. Last incident resulted to impact with another car in parking lot. Dealer could not find fault on two occasions. Says it may be due to air conditioner coming on.

Filed Apr 10, 2002 · Brakes · PA

When applying brakes in snow only right front brake grabs, brake light came on, as well. Brakes work fine in dry road conditions.

Filed Nov 14, 2001 · Body, Brakes · NY

1) all 4 rims have a tendency to collect road silt and water inside. This imbalances the car and may explain some of the brake problems. Perhaps airflow under the vehicle should be studied. 2) pads and springs located on frame where the rear gate closes against the body are rusted tight. 3) dash lights for HVAC have failed at about 30,000 miles. 4) gas gauge does not descend accuratly.

Filed Nov 14, 2001 · Body, Brakes · NY

7) all 4 rims have a tendency to collect road silt and water inside. This imbalances the car and may explain some of the brake problems. Perhaps airflow under the vehicle should be studied. 8) left rear passenger window does not go up all the way any longer. 84,000 miles. 9) pads and springs located on frame where the rear gate closes against the body are rusted tight. 10) dash lights for HVAC have failed at about 30,000 miles. 11) gas gauge does not descend accuratly.

Filed Nov 13, 2001 · Brakes, Engine · IN

Engine was knocking and making a ticking noise, brakes were making a squeak/ loud noise, dealership is aware of problem. *ak consumer stated that the vehicle pulls to the right and steering wheel wobbles, also rim was replaced due to it being bent.

Filed Apr 5, 2001 · Brakes · VA · crash

Brakes did not work when driver braked to avoid accident on road ahead. Driver had to swerve off road into ditch, sliding down slope and impacting culvert and causing extensive damage to car. Car towed away. Car repaired at springfield va subaru dealer, and completely checked out. Several weeks later, car brought in to dealer to address brake concerns (shuddering, noise), dealer said brakes were ok. Car brought in again for continuing brake concerns, dealer then said all 4 brakes needed replacement at cost of about $800. We contacted subaru customer service regarding this, they refused to communicate a reply to us until only after repeated calling. They told us they would refuse to provide any refund on the brake work (we thought the repair excessive in cost). My concern is there is a brake flaw with the subaru legacy outback that is not being acknowledged by subaru. We have also had the car suddenly accelerate when stopped at idle at stoplight, requiring strong brake force to restrain the car from moving.

Filed Apr 2, 2001 · Brakes · SC

Second master cylinder was purchased from subaru service center, but failed in less than a year and approximately 8,000 miles.