Recalls


CampaignManufacturerManufacturing dateType# of units affectedDate Owner notified MfgRecall Initiated byManufacturers of recalled vehicles/productsReport Recieved DateRecord Creation DateRegulation Part NumberFMVSS Number
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - MASTER CYLINDER
02V079000SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.from 02/08/2002 to 03/01/2002V (Vehicle)125203/21/2002MFRSUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.03/12/200203/26/2002
Defect SummaryOn certain passenger vehicles, the brake master cylinders may not function properly in ambient temperatures below freezing 32 degrees fahrenheit and lower).
Consequence SummaryAt these temperatures, the brakes may not release after being applied, even when the driver's foot is no longer on the brake pedal. this can occur withour prior warning, possibly resulting in a crash.
Corrective SummaryDealers will replace the master cylinders. owner notification began march 21, 2002. owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact subaru at 1-800-782-2783.
NotesCustomers can also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-888-dash-2-dot (1-888-327-4236).

Bulletins


BulletinBulletin dateReplacement BulletinItem no.SummaryAdded
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - ANTILOCK - CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
06310312/08/2004063103R10002989Replacement of the electronic control unit (ecu) for anti-lock brake system (abs) repair. *tt update. *tt10/03/2003
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
063001R03/06/2002631037This bulletin is to eliminate brake squeal noise. *tt05/01/2002
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DISC - PADS
06330402/15/200410006340Disc brake pad modification for uneven or premature worn brake pads. *tt04/28/2004

Consumer Complaints


Fail datemilesoccurencesPurchase date
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
10/05/201043351
 Nhtsa ref # 302836, safety issue, brakes rotors rust to point of failure, subaru service told me they were a safety concern. vin 4s3bh635427307757, 2002 subaru legacy l, 43,351 miles, repair parts, subaru, front brakes pn's 26296ae220 & 26300ae00c, rear brakes pn's 26700ae04c & 26696ae020 replaced on all 4 wheels. i have never had to replace brakes on any of the many vehicles i have driven over forty plus years of driving. the service rep looked to see if there was a recall which tells me they have had safety recalls. i originally went to the dealer to have my oil changed and while in the waiting room a sales person came out and spoke to a priest who owned a 2008 outback and the sales person ask if he wanted to trade his vehicle before it needed brake work. my experience tells me that my braking distance was compromised by many feet of stopping distance. the total cost of repair was $966.48. i have all the documents to validate statements made on this complaint. i called subaru of america, they we not interested in my complaint if it did not meet one of their two criteria which were, was the car in warranty or was there a recall, they were not interest in understanding a safety problem, they did offer me $500 for a new subaru . reference number for subaru was ref # 1-1103069413. brake rotor design is observing the laws of physics and over designing the rotor so the heat at full load is not so great to cause braking fade and continuous overheating of the brakes causing them to rust. complained on 5/21/10 the brakes were making noise and were not working properly noted on service work order no response from dealer on brakes. this vehicle is in show room condition. i have had numerous safe driver courses and awards. i have been trained to look ahead in traffic and slow the vehicle with the intent never to having to stop preventing a rear end collision and conserve fuel. my contention is the brakes are designed to meet full load with no safety margin.
01/29/2005472731
 Brake line repair/valve replacement 2002 subaru legacy. *bf when the temperature was below 20 degrees the brakes faded resulting in extended stopping distance. the dealer determined that a valve and line in the brake system were defective. *nm
1
 Problems with vehicle's braking system, rear tire, whistling noises coming from door and oil leak.*mr the dealership repaired everything except the wheel. the rear hatch was adjusted for whistling noises, and the brakes were dusted off to repair the brake system. the oil filter was replaced and the seat bolts were tightened to eliminated the seats from moving while driving. *ph *jb
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - MASTER CYLINDER
11/01/20081150001
 Tl*the contact owns a 2002 subaru legacy outback. when the temperature is below 32 degrees, the brakes fail if the master cylinder is not warmed. the contact must allow the vehicle to warm up approximately five minutes in order for the brakes to function. the manufacturer stated that the vin was not included in nhtsa campaign id number 02v079000 (service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: master cylinder) and advised the contact to take the vehicle to the dealer to be diagnosed. the repair shop will replace the master cylinder at the cost of $400. the failure mileage was 115,000 and current mileage is 128,000. updated 3/5/09 *cn updated 03/10/09. *jb
01/05/200650000310/18/2003
 Dt*: the contact stated while attempting to slow down and make a left turn, the brakes failed causing the vehicle to hit another vehicle. this occurred under normal braking and road conditions. the occupant was wearing a seatbelt when the accident occurred. the vehicle was taken to a body repair shop for repairs. after body repairs were made, the vehicle was taken to the dealership. the dealership inspected the vehicle, but was unable to duplicate the problem. also, the vehicle was inspected by an independent repair shop that determined the master cylinder needed to be replaced.
270001
 After recall 00v079000 repairs for the brake master cylinder was performed the defect reoccurred.*ak