Subaru Legacy brake failure problems

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 Feb 22, 2024 · Brakes · MA

4 way rear brake line junction box is severely corroded/rusted and leaking brake fluid, which could lead to brake failure/cause accident.

Filed Sep 29, 2023 · Brakes · NY

Brakes failed due to a rusty brake line. Rear passenger side where theres a 4 way block 2 lines in 2 lines out. All 4 lines are rusted where they connect, one of the lines broke to cause a significant leak. This caused me to have very little brakes as the vehicle ran out of brake fluid. I can see brake fluid on the ground and diagnosed the issue myself. It seems as it is a common issue. The brake light did come on when the brake fluid was low enough, but at that point there was little to no brakes anyway because the leak was so consistent .

Filed Mar 24, 2023 · Brakes, Electrical · 23,191 miles · PA

The contact owns a 2018 Subaru Legacy. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the headlights failed to illuminate, and the rearview camera was intermittently flashing and displaying a blank image. The contact stated that on various occasions when the vehicle was parked, the parking brake failed to activate as needed. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the head unit software needed to be updated; however, the part for the repair was on backorder. The vehicle was not repaired and occasionally failed to start. The VIN was not included in the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 18V935000 (Visibility) or Number: 18V626000 (Parking Brake). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 23,191.

Filed Jan 3, 2023 · Brakes · MD

Passenger rear brake line corroded and burst causing loss of brake fluid. Due to the loss of brake fluid, I lost 95% of brake pressure making it very difficult to stop. Only reason I say 95% is because the brake system is designed to still function in limp mode, but still terrifying while driving. The problem was discovered by myself as I was a certified technician for over 10 years for this brand. The vehicle hasn’t been looked at by anyone but myself. The brake lamp indicator did come on shortly before the line burst.

Filed May 27, 2021 · Brakes · 76,877 miles · PA

The contact owns a 2008 Subaru Legacy. The contact stated while driving approximately 30-35 mph, the brake pedal went to the floorboard while depressed. The contact was concerned that the brake was failing with her husband and four-month-old baby in the vehicle. The contact veered to the shoulder and turned off the vehicle. The contact’s husband inspected the vehicle and saw that there was fluid dripping near the rear passenger’s side tire, below the fuel tank. The contact’s husband then drove the vehicle back to the residence. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the dealer had performed a recall repair on the brakes on January 22, 2021. The contact was informed that anti-corrosion wax was sprayed onto the brake line connectors as part of the remedy. The manufacturer referred the contact back to the same dealer where the vehicle was repaired under recall, to have the vehicle diagnosed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and diagnosed that rodents had chewed the brake line and the brake line was not part of the recall repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact that the vehicle was not repairable. The manufacturer offered a $ 1,000 voucher for a newer vehicle. The failure mileage was 76,877.

Filed Jun 29, 2020 · Brakes · 200,000 miles · FL

Driving car and had complete loss of brakes. Vehicle has had issues or random consumption of brake fluid. Passenger rear brake pipe burst open and failed due to corrosion not addressed by previous recalls. Subaru of america will not honor replacement and services cost because the legacy model is not specific to the recall and out of warranty. Soa did honor $350 credit for repairs that cost $1100.

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