2005 Subaru Legacy: brake failure

Filed Jul 28, 2026 · Brakes · WA

While driving to work, my brake pedal went to the floor and I lost 90% of braking power. After managing to get the car back home, and topping up brake fluid, I noticed a puddle of it right in front of the passenger rear wheel. After doing research, found that this was a problem for this car, covered under recall WQK-47. Having bought this car used a few months ago, I checked and apparently this recall had been performed, but was obviously not successful in preventing the failure of my brakes. After researching the recall, found that there were 2 remedies depending on the inspection performed by the dealer when the car was brought in for the original recall work. According to the service records, the application of a protective rustproofing wax material was performed, which was supposed to prevent the deterioration of the brake lines. The other remedy for the recall was to replace the brake lines, which was not done on my vehicle. After this issue happened, I brought my vehicle to my Subaru dealer, and contacted Subaru of America to open a case. After a week and minimal communication or information from Subaru of America, I received a call stating they would not cover my brake lines under the recall, even though they failed at the exact point specified by the safety recall, showing that the repair previously done was not effective in ensuring the safety of the vehicle.

Filed Sep 18, 2019 · Brakes · 191,000 miles · PA

I was driving my 2005 subaru legacy and was approaching a turn. While braking at maybe 30% brake force I felt a slight loss of brake pressure. I knew right away something was very wrong and tried to lightly feel for brake pressure to see if I would be able to emergency stop if necessary. I was able to downshift and knew the roads very well to decrease speed. Once stopped I was able to modulate the brake and look under the car. I observed brake fluid pouring from the underbody tray directly in front of the rear passenger wheel. These brake lines were treated by subaru as a part of a previous recall approx. 2 years prior with a anti-corrosive rust solution. I'm lead to believe there was a second recall notice regarding the same issue, but whether it was completed by the dealership at that time I don't know for sure. I don't believe it was though. I took my subaru to the dealership 6 days ago and they have ordered parts to fix the issue, and I'm lead to believe it'll be paid in-full by the dealership. This was a sudden and bad situation, stopping distance was greatly and quickly reduced. I'm certain there are other drivers would not have noticed the issue until much later.

Filed Jul 11, 2019 · Brakes · NY

2005 subaru legacy. Consumer writes in regards to brake failure. *ld the consumer stated the brakes failed while driving. The failure was due to corrosion.

Filed Dec 28, 2018 · Brakes · 121,824 miles · MD

Hydraulic brake failure while driving. Upon brake application, pedal went to floor, had to use parking brake to stop vehicle. Inadequate, ineffective preventive recall done to brake lines as a rust proofing measure was done twice and lines still rusted through and perforated in rear near fuel tank. No evidence of wax sealant application present on areas of brake lines specified in recall. Dealership is refusing to perform recall repair procedure for brake line replacement . Manufacture customer relations representative contacted

Filed Jul 6, 2016 · Brakes · 58,000 miles · NY

There was a recall issued for my car for brake lines that would rust if they were not protected. I went to a dealer to have the recall performed and 6 months later the brake like had already busted. The lines were never inspected!! The recall info is 13v‑110 the car was moving and I was coming to a stop when the brakes gave out on me!

Filed Jan 15, 2008 · Brakes · 34,000 miles · PA

Tl*the contact owns a 2005 subaru legacy. While driving 25 MPH, the antilock brakes failed. The consumer wanted the dealer to disconnect the ABS (anti-lock brake system) but stated that they were not allowed to perform that type of repair at the owner's request. The VIN was unknown. The failure and current mileages were 34,000. Updated 02-14-08 *bf updated 02/14/08

Filed Sep 2, 2007 · Brakes · 26,000 miles · CA

At 14,000 miles experienced sudden, significant loss of braking power and major vibrations in 2005 subaru legacy and was barely able to slow car. Dealer resurfaced brake rotors. Experienced identical problem while descending steep mountain grade at 26,000 miles. Dealer found front rotors warped and brake pads worn and replaced both. I am fearful that this problem will reoccur without warning, potentially causing an accident. I suspect that ABS is malfunctioning, causing abnormal wear on rotors and pads. Dealer claims problem is "normal."