2003 Subaru WRX: brake failure

6 of the 60 complaints about the 2003 Subaru WRX describe brake failure.

owner complaints: 6
of this car's complaints: 10%
recalls: 0

Is there a fix? 4 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below

Brake failure by model year

2017
1
2014
1
2009
2
2003
6
2002
22

What owners say

Filed May 11, 2004 · Brakes · NY

I own a 2003 subaru wrx 5 speed wagon. I have been experiencing a distressing and repeatable loss of braking under certain circumstances. This problem has occurred more than once so the particular date doesn't seem that relevant, but I was forced to chose one below. The circumstances are as follows: under aggressive braking, a small bump in the road seems to cause the ABS system to activate thereby decreasing brake system pressure and braking moment. I am certain that this is not a normal implementation of the ABS system and am concerned that I may experience this in an emergency situation. I have driven many vehicles with and without ABS and have never experienced this sort of failure or premature activation of the system before. I purchased the vehicle in april of 2003 and have experienced the problem multiple times during the year I have owned the vehicle. I cant be certain, but it may be the case that this only happens when the car is in gear with the clutch engaged and of course no pressure on the accelerator pedal. I have noticed that there is an investigation under way regarding this issue, and I am hopeful that my information will helpful in one way or another. I am available for further input and would welcome any information regarding progress related to this issue. Thank you in advance for your attention to this issue. Sincerely, michael pallotta

Filed Jan 19, 2004 · Brakes · 16,600 miles · NY · crash

Brake failure.

Filed Dec 1, 2003 · Brakes · 8,400 miles · NC

Loss of braking at low speeds on rough surfaces. When braking on an uneven patch on the roadway at approx 15mph ABS seemed to be activated hence reducing braking effectiveness. Also noticed the problem after running over a gentle speed bump at similar speed. This second instance caused what felt like a total loss of braking.

Filed Nov 12, 2003 · Brakes · MN

Subaru impreza wrx sedan, 2003. Anti-lock brake activation under minimal lift conditions (such as going over minor bumps in roads, parking ramps, etc.) have had several episodes of anti-lock activation leading to loss of braking force and extended braking distances. Problem resolved with removal of ABS fuse, but then I have no ABS ever.

Filed Oct 24, 2003 · Brakes · 11,000 miles · VA

Early ABS activation on rough or uneven surfaces (man hole covers, etc.) and following this a huge loss of braking force. Almost like the brakes completely failed until the pedal is released an reapplied which can take several seconds. This is not good when the car in front of me just stopped.

Filed Jul 16, 2003 · Brakes · 3,000 miles · NC

When braking over rough surfaces on dry pavement the vehicle engaged the anti-lock braking system causing sudden loss of braking that was not restored until the brake pedal was released and re-applied. This happened without a large amount of braking force being called for.