2011 Subaru Outback: brake failure

Filed Jan 11, 2025 · Brakes · ME

The brake system had a total failure. Driving down the road and the brake pedal went completely soft and was not providing any brakes. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road where the brake fluid resivor was empty and the underneath of the car was wet with brake fluid. The vehicle then was towed to a nearby mechanic to be inspected where they have come to the conclusion that the brake line box has become coroted. During the brake failure there were no warning signs and the only thing that prevented the vehicle from being involved in an accident was the use of engine braking and going up hill. The reason I’m reporting this is because after reviewing the internet to see what the average cost of the repair should be I came across a forum where this issue is become common place in my generation of Outback, as well as the previous generation which has a recall already on this same component. I’m also writing this report because I’m concerned with the amount of this type of vehicle on the road still and having a similar issue.

Filed Nov 8, 2023 · Brakes · NY

Rear brake line rusted through at 4 way connector and again on side of tank. It is visible to inspect when a plastic cover is removed. The brakes failed and the car would not stop. The brake light did not appear until after I applied the brake pedal to stop. This could have caused a serious accident.

Filed Aug 28, 2023 · Brakes, Suspension · 165,000 miles · NY

The contact owns a 2011 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that the brake pedal went to the floorboard while depressed. The contact stated that the brake warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that subframe was severely corroded. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 165,000.

Filed Sep 23, 2022 · Brakes · ME

Brake light came on while driving and brake pedal went to the floor..suddenly...NO brakes at all. Towed into repair facility and was informed the rear brake lines had rusted out and that the repair was major because of the routing of the rear lines under the rear seat and floor panel...a very bad rust area. Location is Maine. It was pointed out to me that there was a tech Bulletin and recall for Subaru Outbacks up to 2009....but the problem remained in the later models. MAJOR expense to access and replace the rear lines and route them properly with rust proofing! HELP!

Filed Oct 17, 2021 · Brakes · NY

I was driving and suddenly loss almost all brake pressure. The brakes just went to the floor. Fortunately I was driving on a 30mph roadway near my home and was able to safely get the vehicle home. The mechanic said is it the brake lines corroded. Sudden loss of brake fluid. I see Subaru has recalls on earlier years for this. You need to get them to recall 2010 and 2011 Subaru Outbacks for this brake line issue. I see all over the internet other folks have the same problem with the 2010 and 2011. This is going to cause a major accident and people could. be killed. Had I been on the highway and this happened, I know this could have caused a terrible accident. Subaru is clearly aware of this brake line problem and you have not informed the customer that this is happening with the 2010 and 2011 Outbacks! Please take action immediately to inform owner of this problem. We have a right to know.

Filed Oct 4, 2021 · Brakes · NY

Partial brake failure while driving on Interstate. When applying brakes, the dash light came on and the pedal went to the floor. Car stopped, but braking distance was very long. The problem was caused by the failure of a brake junction on the right rear side, due to rust.

Filed May 24, 2021 · Brakes · IL

The Brake line on 2011 Subaru Outback are leaking in the rear. This vehicle is not listed under the " WQK-47 – Brake Line Corrosion – 2005-2014 Subaru", recall. But is exhibits the same problems. When Subaru USA was contacted, Customer Service said they was nothing they could do because the vehicle is not listed in the recall, regardless of it showing the same issues. The brake caution light was on. Brake fluid in reservoir was a minimum, I filled it to max level with Dot 3 brake fluid. Two days later the light came on with fluid level at minimum again. This is the family car and I do not want my wife or kids to have brake failure while driving. The above mentioned recall seems to be exactly what I am experiencing. When looking form below the vehicle fluid is leaking form the 2-2way connection area. Onset 5/15/2021. Vehicle is not currently being driven due to safety concerns.

Filed Oct 12, 2020 · Brakes · 140,000 miles · VT

I was driving this vehilce while coming to a stop the brake pedal went to the floor and the vehicle wouldnt stop completly, I had to shift the transmission into park,, perhaps causing damage to my transmission, upon investigation I found the rear brake line failured due to rust and corrosion under fuel tank shield. Brake lines have a protective coating to help prevent this, however where the lines exit the body of the car under the rear seat they connect into a junction block then proceed to each rear wheel, at this junction the protective coating was removed allowing salt spray from our winter road conditions to lead to corrosion and failure of the brake system.. Previous models had a recall wqk-47 that experience the same failure, but this vehicle wasn't included,

Filed Jul 13, 2020 · Brakes · 102,128 miles · CA

On multiple occasions, while driving on city streets and freeways, without any warning, I have no brakes. No brake light or check engine light (cel) on the dash. The brake pedal went all the way to the firewall. The car eventually stopped without incident; a very stressful and absolutely terrifying moment. Shortly thereafter, brakes are normal. Then, it happens again a couple of weeks later. In total, it has happened seven times. I contacted my local subaru dealer and explained my concerns. The service writer initially responded that he had never heard of such a problem and didn't know what to do (the condition cannot be recreated; it just happens unexpectedly and without warning). I asked if he would inquire with other service writers to see if they were aware of such an issue. Ironically, another customer's car was there at that very time, with the same complaint/problem being diagnosed. After diagnostics; it was recommended the master cylinder be replaced. I had them replace it with oem part 26401aj001 as well as doing a brake system flush and filling with new brake fluid. This was in november 2019. Since then, the problem has occurred three more times (most recently, two days ago). I recently discovered there was a recall on 2012 outback master cylinders due to the same problem as described above. Why isn't this recall broader and related to all cars with these identical (same part number) master cylinders? Do people have to die before bad brake systems are repaired? I've researched and collectively found numerous others that are having the same issue. I question the credibility of dealership service writers when they say they have never heard of this problem. I have loved my subaru; however, my vehicle needs to stop when my brakes are applied-every time; not with the fear of; is today going to be the day of failure yet again?

Filed Dec 9, 2019 · Brakes · CA · crash

2011 subaru outback. Consumer writes in regards to defective brake pedal. *ld the consumer stated the while attempting to park the vehicle behind another vehicle, the brakes failed causing a crash. The brake control module failed causing the anti-lock system to malfunction.

Filed Nov 1, 2018 · Brakes, Transmission · 150,000 miles · AK

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 subaru outback. The contact stated that while driving and coming to a stop, excessive force had to be applied to the brake pedal, in order to bring the vehicle to a complete stop. The contact stated that the failure intermittently occurred. The cruise control, overheat, brake and check engine warning lights illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that when at a stop sign if the brake pedal was not steadily being depressed the brake would disengage and the vehicle would accelerate independently. The contact also stated that the electronic emergency brake failed to operate. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the torque converter and valve body needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact called continental subaru dealer (907) 562-2722, 4900 old seward hwy, anchorage, ak 99503) where it was recommended to replace the transmission and to schedule an appointment. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.

Filed Mar 22, 2017 · Brakes, Electrical · 40,000 miles · NY · crash

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 subaru outback. While reversing the vehicle, the brakes failed. The contact attempted to shift and turn off the vehicle; however, it would not power down. The failure occurred without warning. As a result of the brake failure, the rear of the vehicle struck a tree. There were no injuries and a police report was not filed. After restarting the vehicle, it was fully functional. The contact stated that the failure occurred once previously. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 40,000. The VIN was not provided.