The Recall Desk
SevereNHTSA·14V311000·Announced 2014-06-10

Subaru Recalls Vehicles for Brake Line Corrosion Risk

Subaru is recalling specific 2005-2014 models due to brake line corrosion from salt water, which may cause fluid leaks and increased stopping distances.

What this means for you

Illness, injury, or structural failure has been reported. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.

Our severity reasoning: The recall addresses a structural vehicle defect involving brake line corrosion that can lead to fluid leakage and increased stopping distances, which aligns with the rubric criteria for a Severe rating.

Plain-English summary

Subaru of America, Inc. is recalling certain model year 2005-2009 Outback and Legacy, 2008-2011 Impreza, 2008-2014 Impreza WRX/STI, and 2009-2013 Forester vehicles. The recall applies to vehicles currently or formerly registered in specific states including 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. Vehicles not registered in these areas are also eligible for repair upon request.

The defect involves salt water splashing onto brake lines through a gap in the fuel tank protector, resulting in excessive corrosion. This corrosion may lead to brake fluid leakage, which can increase the distance required to slow or stop the vehicle, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.

Dealers will test the brake system by depressing the brake pedal and inspecting for leaks. If no seepage is observed, affected areas will be rustproofed with anti-corrosion wax. If seepage is found, the brake lines will be replaced and rustproofed. These services are free of charge. The recall began in July 2014 and supersedes a previous campaign for certain Legacy/Outback models.

The recalled product

Product
SUBARU WRX STI, LEGACY, OUTBACK, IMPREZA
Brand
SUBARU
Manufacturer
Subaru of America, Inc.
Category
Vehicle — Brake System
Hazard
Affected units
461,338

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 (6)

  • WRX STI
  • LEGACY
  • OUTBACK
  • IMPREZA
  • FORESTER
  • WRX

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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