2008 Subaru Outback: brake failure

Filed Jun 28, 2026 · Brakes · WI

When depressing brakes in driveway pedal went to the floor and brake fluid went all over driveway and car struggled to stop. Upon inspection the junction in picture was heavily corroded and when brake line failed. Supposedly this vehicle was repaired in a former recall that obviously was not a fix.

Filed May 15, 2025 · Brakes · WI

Brakes failed suddenly while on the highway. Virtually no braking available. This could have easily resulted in death or serious injury. Took car to Subaru dealership in Appleton WI. Found split brake line. This is a know issue and recall. Subaru had performed recall by putting anticorrosion on brake lines. All this did was possibly delay the inevitable. The recall stated they could have replaced them at the time of recall. Essentially there are a lot of Subarus driving around now that are ticking time bombs. If they would have replaced the brake

Filed May 20, 2024 · Brakes, Electrical · 100,000 miles · ME

The contact owns a 2008 Subaru Outback. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to depress the brake pedal, the brakes failed to function. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer who diagnosed the failure and replaced the brakes. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle would not start. The contact had the vehicle towed to a dealer and the battery was replaced. Soon after the battery replacement, the front headlights began strobing and the taillight wiring caused the lights to fail. Additionally, there was moisture behind the A-pillar applique trim. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, and the contact was informed that the alternator needed to be replaced. Additionally, the wiring and bulbs in the taillights needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to reach out to the federal safety agency Hotline for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

Filed Sep 8, 2020 · Brakes · 160,000 miles · OH

Rust and corrosion has resulted in a brake line failure and loss of braking power.this happened at low speed in a parking lot and did not result in an accident

Filed Jan 31, 2020 · Brakes · 85,000 miles · TX

Tl* the contact called on behalf of his girlfriend who owns a 2008 subaru outback. While driving at 20 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed and failed to function as intended. The brake failure warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The vehicle was diagnosed with rusted brake lines on the rear and front of the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 85,000.

Filed May 23, 2019 · Brakes · 156,000 miles · MA

My car was traveling at highway speed when I experienced a sudden and complete loss of braking without any prior warning. The cause is a ruptured, corroded brake line as outlined in recall wqk-47 for my make, model, and year. I strongly feel that this issue is a public safety issue and the recall should cover any repairs for the models outlined in this recall. It is a known safety defect that subaru refuses to remedy for active cars still on the road.

Filed Apr 17, 2018 · Brakes · 174,000 miles · MA

Brakes failed at a stoplight while braking for a red light. Brakes failed at approximately 10mph. Brake pedal depressed down to the floor, a popping sound was heard from the back of the car and the brakes completely stopped working. Needed to use hand brake to safely stop car. Mechanics said the brake line on the rear passenger side had corroded through and broke. Braking fluid was leaking out of the car around the broken hose. The broken portion of the cable was inside the the car, and not directly exposed to the road or outside. Car was previously serviced for recall 14v311000 involving brake line corrosion, but they failed to fix this part of the line. Recall repair was performed approximately 1 year before incident. Contacted subaru USA about the issue, and they said they would not pay for any part of the repair.

Filed May 30, 2017 · Brakes · 192,000 miles · NC

Brake line failure, loss of brakes while driving on us hwy 221. Brake fluid was leaking out from the gas tank splash shied. The brake fluid reservoir was empty. According to recall bulletin a design flaw in the splash shield allows salt to accumulate in this area. I truly believe this is why I have had this failure.recall performed previously did not remedy problem. Subaru applies band aid by spraying with anti-corrosion noxrust. This does not alleviate/solve the corrosion already occurring leading to failure later on, as in my case. This should be addressed immediately before loss of life occurs. I have contacted subaru to inform of the issue involving my situation. Their agent indicates they are not responsible due to previously performing service wqk47. This does not remove the failing components that have already begun to deteriorate due to surface corrosion. This should cause an immediate alarm to any owners knowing they could possibly experience my situation. I was lucky. No one was injured or no property damage. This will not always be the case. Be aware subaru is turning a blind eye to the real danger of these faulty, corroded brake lines. I do not trust them to do any further inspection or repair of my vehicle and will trust it to my local mechanic who has my faith. Subaru has failed!!!! My hope is that the federal safety agency will open an investigation before this goes mainstream nationally. Who can replace a lost live?

Filed Apr 18, 2017 · Brakes · 137,100 miles · OH

Sever corrosion of rear brake line caused sudden and complete loss of brake fluid and resulted in loss of ability to brake.