Component
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
Manufacturer
Subaru of America, Inc.
What Happened
The brake lines in your vehicle are like the veins that carry brake fluid to your wheels. In certain Outback, Legacy, Impreza, and Forester models, salt water can seep into the brake lines through a gap in the fuel tank protector, causing them to corrode.
Risk if Unfixed
If the brake lines corrode, brake fluid could leak out, making it harder to slow or stop your vehicle. This could increase the risk of a crash, especially on long downhill slopes or when merging onto a busy highway.
Free Fix
Your Subaru dealer will check your brake system, and if everything's okay, they'll apply a protective coating to prevent further corrosion. If there's a leak, they'll replace the brake lines and apply the coating. Both services are free of charge, and you should schedule an appointment as soon as possible.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2005-2009 Outback and Legacy, 2008-2011 Impreza and 2008-2014 Impreza WRX/STI, and 2009-2013 Forester vehicles, currently, or formerly, registered in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. Salt water could splash on the brake lines through a gap in the fuel tank protector, resulting in excessive corrosion of the brake lines.
Note that affected vehicles not currently, or formerly registered, in the salt belt states identified above are eligible for repair, at no cost to the customer, upon request.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
Brake line corrosion may result in brake fluid leakage. Fluid leakage may result in longer distances being required to slow or stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Original — Remedy
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will test the brake system by depressing the brake pedal and inspecting for brake fluid leaks. If no brake fluid seepage is observed, the affected areas will be rustproofed with anti-corrosion wax. If brake fluid seepage is observed, the brake lines will be replaced followed by rustproofing with anti-corrosion wax. These services will be performed free of charge. The recall began July 2014 and second notifications will run through November 2014. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's recall campaign number is WQK-47. Note: This recall supersedes recall 13V-110 which applied to certain 2005-2009 Legacy/Outback vehicles. Vehicles that were remedied under the previous campaign still need additional areas rust-proofed.
View full recall details →
Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →