The Recall Desk
Our severity:SevereNHTSA·13V110000·Announced 2013-03-27

Subaru Recalls 2005-2009 Legacy and Outback for Brake Line Corrosion

Subaru is recalling 2005-2009 Legacy and Outback vehicles in 21 states and D.C. because salt water can corrode brake lines, potentially causing fluid leaks and increased stopping distances.

What this means for you

Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 4/5 (Severe).

The hazard poses a serious risk of illness, injury, or structural failure. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a structural vehicle defect (brake line corrosion) that can lead to brake fluid leakage and increased stopping distances, which aligns with the rubric criteria for a Severe (4) rating involving significant injury risk or structural defects.

Plain-English summary

Subaru of America, Inc. is recalling certain model year 2005-2009 Legacy and Outback vehicles manufactured between December 2003 and April 2009. This recall applies to 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.

The defect involves a gap in the fuel tank protector that allows salt water to splash onto the brake lines. This exposure can result in excessive corrosion of the brake lines. Corroded brake lines may leak brake fluid, which can increase the distance required to slow or stop the vehicle, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.

Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles. If no brake fluid seepage is observed, the affected area will be rustproofed with anti-corrosion wax. If seepage is observed, the brake lines will be replaced and then rustproofed. These services are free of charge. The recall began on May 30, 2013. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783 or the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.

The recalled product

Product
SUBARU LEGACY, OUTBACK
Brand
SUBARU
Manufacturer
Subaru of America, Inc.
Category
Vehicle — Brake System
Hazard
Affected units
274,402

Is your product affected?

Check your packaging against the codes below. If any of them match, the product is part of this recall.

Model numbers (2)

  • LEGACY
  • OUTBACK

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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