I have a 1999 subaru legacy wagon with 4 wheel disc brakes and 15 inch wheels. Every time the front disk pads are replaced, the mechanic gets the pads for 15 inch wheels the are installed and the car will not stop. What we have discovered is that the front take the disk pads for 14 inch wheels and the rear take the disk pads for 15 inch wheels.
1999 Subaru Legacy brakes problems
12 complaints (13% of all complaints for this car). 5 crashes reported.
- owner complaints
- 12
- of this car's complaints
- 13%
- crashes
- 5
- recalls
- 1
Which part fails
- Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip10
- Foundation components: master cylinder3
- Foundation components1
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
Subaru Legacy brakes problems in other years
Specific symptoms reported on the 1999 Subaru Legacy brakes
Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.
Related recalls
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: master cylinder
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: passenger and sport utility vehicles equipped with anti-lock braking system (ABS). (the 1999 2.2 liter legacy vehicles are excluded). In extremely cold weather, the brake pedal goes to the floor and the vehicle stopping distance is increased.
- Risk
- This condition causes the vehicle stopping distance to be increased, possibly resulting in a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the brake master cylinder.
Recall number 99V040000 · Recall details
What 1999 Subaru Legacy owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
While traveling down interstate 5, the traffic slowed due to an accident on the opposite side of the fwy., upon noticing the traffic slowing I released my foot from the accelerator the traffic came to a complete stop, I stepped on the brakes applying them all the way. I had plenty of time to stop the car in order to avoid an accident. Unfortunately the cars brakes didn't stop the car, and the car stopped when I hit the car in front of me. The air bags didn't deploy either. I had the same type of accident in march of 2000. I just felt maybe it was my fault and didn't think about it much. The air bags didn't deploy at this time either, and I felt it was because I was going slow, and the impact wasn't enough to make them come out. Upon having my brakes checked this past summer the mechanic noticed the actual pads on the brakes were smaller than the pads that came up when looked up in the parts book. The pads on my car were for a 13 inch tire and my car has 15 inch tires. He also stated that the brakes didn't stop my car very accurately. Upon learning this I checked for a recall and found out that the master cylinder on my car was involved in a recall. At this time I went to the dealer where I purchased the car. They looked the recall up and gave me a print out that stated the recall was indeed completed. The problem is the car doesn't stop properly in emergency situations. I am a single mother with two children, and I "taxi" them to numerous activities. My concern is the safety of this car. The brakes don't respond properly and the air bags don't deploy. The insurance adjustor told me that ABS brakes are made to keep from going out of control, not stopping the car. If this is indeed the case I will never be safe in this particular car.
While driving 55 to 60 MPH on a warm dry day consumer tried to stop vehicle and brakes failed completely. Also, brake pedal went to floor, vehicle not stopping. Consumer had no warning. Contacted dealer, and had vehicle towed into dealership. Dealer replaced brake master cylinder.
When driving pressed on brakes and very abruptly engine downshifted. Also, when stopping abruptly consumer lurched forward in seat. Contact dealer dealer stated it was common in 1999 vehicle. Please add VIN.
While son was driving traveling at approximately 35 MPH, consumer went to apply brakes so as to negotiate a 90 degree turn, and brake pedal went to the floor, and failed to engage brake system. Vehicle went straight into a concrete wall . Driver and a passenger were injured. Please provide any additional information/attachments. *state farm insurance was investigating this case.
Brakes were not operable. When consumer applied brakes pedal went all the way to the floor. Vehicle was taken to the dealership. Mechanic put in a new master cylinder, and the consumer is still experiencing brake problems. *ak
The ABS light comes on indicating there is a problem. There is a noise and extended stopping distance which may result in a crash. Dealer replaced the ABS system. Please provide further information.
Total brake system failure; when applying the brakes, just after starting the vehicle and backing out of a parking lot, pedal went to the floor and vehcile required more stopping distance. Driver used emergency brake to start vehicle. The vehicle will be checked by a dealer.
Brakes failed resulting in accident no deployment of both passenger and driver side air bags during collision. Nlm
Intermittently when brakes are applied in a panic stop, pedal goes to the floor, causing extended stopping distance, resulting in loss of vehicle control. Dealer has repaired the ABS system prior. When ABS fails the cruise control also fails. Manufacturer has been notified.
Questions about the 1999 Subaru Legacy brakes
Does the 1999 Subaru Legacy have brakes problems?
Owners have filed 12 complaints about the brakes of the 1999 Subaru Legacy, 13% of all its complaints.
At what mileage do 1999 Subaru Legacy brakes problems start?
Not enough complaints include the mileage to tell.
Was there a recall on the 1999 Subaru Legacy brakes?
Yes, 1 recall: 99V040000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Subaru Legacy have bad brakes?
The Subaru Legacy model years with the most brakes complaints are 2005 (31 complaints), 1995 (29 complaints) and 1997 (27 complaints).
Other 1999 Subaru Legacy problems
Transmission 18Engine 13Acceleration 12Airbags 11Suspension 8Fuel system 7Tires 5Body 4Electrical 2Lights 2Locks 2Seat belts 2Steering 2Wheels 2Seats 1Visibility 1
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used 1999 Subaru Legacy?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history