Owners have filed 83 complaints
about the 2008 Subaru Legacy with NHTSA between 2007 and 2023.
The largest single group is the airbags.
Across this model's run it ranks 29 of 33 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 35
Against the median year of the Subaru Legacy. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 31
6% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 41
24% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
23.4%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
35.2%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
35.2%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
915.5%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
610.3%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
2034.5%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
1119.0%
150,000+ miles
46.9%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Oct 2007peak 4Jul 2023
Recalls on the 2008 Subaru Legacy
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
20V001000
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (STI included), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2005-2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
20V002000
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (including STI), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
20V003000
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (including STI), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2005-2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming or "Zone C." These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
19V297000
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester vehicles, 2008-2011 Impreza vehicles, 2008-2014 WRX vehicles, 2005-2014 Legacy vehicles, 2005-2014 Outback vehicles and 2006-2008 Tribeca vehicles equipped with a mechanical key ignition switch installed as a replacement part. The ball spring inside the switch may break, reducing the strength of the ignition switch. If this occurs, the weight on the key ring and certain road conditions could cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position to the accessory position, turning off the engine.
Risk: The engine turning off unexpectedly can increase the risk of a crash. If a crash occurs under this condition, the air bag may not deploy, increasing the risk of injury.
16V738000
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2007-2009 model year Legacy and Outback vehicles, 2008-2014 Impreza vehicles and 2009-2013 Forester vehicles, all equipped with turbo-charged engines. The relay that controls the secondary air injection pump may fail, causing the pump to continuously operate and overheat.
Risk: If the air injection pump overheats, it may melt and increase the risk of a fire.
15V323000
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2003-2004 Subaru Baja vehicles manufactured January 22, 2003, to July 21, 2004, 2004-2005 Impreza vehicles manufactured January 28, 2003, to May 31, 2005, 2003-2008 Subaru Legacy vehicles manufactured January 22, 2003, to May 2, 2008, 2003-2008 Subaru Outback vehicles manufactured February 18, 2003, to May 5, 2008, and 2005 Saab 9-2x vehicles manufactured February 11, 2004, to March 17, 2005. The affected vehicles are equipped with a passenger side frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture upon its deployment.
Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
14V311000
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
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.
Risk: 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.
13V110000
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
Subaru is recalling certain model year 2005-2009 Outback and Legacy vehicles manufactured from December 2003, through April 2009 and 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.
Risk: 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.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 202000123,159 units in Canada
Airbag
Issue: This recall is for certain vehicles that had an airbag inflator replaced as a part of an earlier recall campaign. This recall provides a final repair. Long-term exposure to high absolute humidity and temperature, combined with high temperature cycling, may eventually degrade the propellant contained in the passenger-front airbag. This could cause the airbag to deploy with more force than normal. If the airbag inflator ruptures, fragments could be propelled toward vehicle occupants or cause damage to the airbag assembly, preventing its proper function. Safety Risk: If the vehicle is involved in a crash requiring an airbag deployment, the airbag inflator could rupture and create a risk of injury. Corrective Actions: Owners will be notified by mail and instructed to take their vehicle to a dealer to inspect the passenger-front airbag inflator. The passenger-front airbag module or inflator will be replaced as necessary. Note: The Canadian climate results in the propellant degrading slowly. This recall is being conducted as a precaution to address future risk. It is expected that all airbag inflators will be replaced before their function would be affected.
Recall 2019191100 units in Canada
Electrical
Issue: A problem with certain replacement ignition switches may allow the key turn out of the “ON” position while driving. This could cause the engine to turn off suddenly. It could also cause the airbag system not to work properly in a crash. Note: This is a voluntary service campaign that is not being conducted under the requirements of the Motor Vehicle Safety Act. This problem only affects certain parts used for replacement of original parts. Safety Risk: A sudden loss of engine power could increase the risk of a crash. An airbag system that does not work properly in a crash could cause an increased risk of injuries. Corrective Actions: The company will notify owners by mail and instruct them to take their vehicle to a dealer to inspect the ignition switch, and replace it as necessary.
Recall 201649215,378 units in Canada
Electrical
On certain turbocharged vehicles, the relay which controls the secondary air injection pump may have been manufactured incorrectly. As a result, the relay may allow the pump to operate continuously. If this condition were to occur, the pump may overheat and melt, causing burning smell or smoke and possibly resulting in a fire. This could increase the risk of injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will install a revised relay.
Recall 201559922,864 units in Canada
Airbag
On certain vehicles, the passenger frontal airbag inflator could produce excessive internal pressure during airbag deployment. Increased pressure may cause the inflator to rupture, which could allow fragments to be propelled toward vehicle occupants, increasing the risk of injury. This could also damage the airbag module, which could prevent proper deployment. Failure of the passenger airbag to fully deploy during a crash (where deployment is warranted) could increase the risk of personal injury to the seat occupant. Correction: Dealers will replace airbag inflators. Note: This is an expansion of recall 2015-234.
Recall 2014223105,649 units in Canada
Brakes
On certain vehicles, the center and rear brake lines may become perforated due to corrosion. This would cause a leak in the brake system potentially increasing stopping distances, which could increase the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will inspect vehicles and either apply an anti-corrosion coating to the lines, or replace them as necessary. Note: This recall supersedes recall 2013092. Vehicles that were inspected and/or repaired under the previous recall will require re-inspection and/or repair.
Recall 201309225,732 units in Canada
Brakes
On certain vehicles, due to the design of the fuel tank protector, the center and rear brake lines may become perforated due to corrosion. This would cause a leak in the brake system potentially increasing stopping distances, which could increase the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will inspect vehicles and either apply an anti-corrosion coating to the lines, or replace them as necessary. Note: This recall is superseded by recall 2014223.
Recall 20083331,489 units in Canada
Engine
On certain vehicles equipped with a 2.5L turbo engine, the oil supply pipe to the turbocharger may crack at the stay brazing on the cylinder head-side. If the pipe cracks it will allow oil to leak and if the leaking oil contacts components operating at high temperatures, an engine compartment fire could occur. Correction: Dealers will replace the cracked pipe with a modified unit or if no crack is found an additional bracket will be installed to increase the rigidity of the pipe.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Farmington, UTFire
POWER TRAIN
The CV axle on the passenger side caught on fire. It was the rubber boot on the inner side over the catalytic converter. There were no warnings other than the smell of smoke. Fortunately, I caught it early and put out the fire with a fire extinguisher. I had been driving 25 to 40 MPH on city streets for about 5 miles before the incident.
NHTSA complaint #11420204 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 105,000 milesSteger, ILCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
MY AIRBAG LIGHT HAD BEEN TURNING ON INTERMITTENTLY AS IS DESCRIBED BY MANY 2008 SUBARU LEGACY AND OUTBACK OWNERS ABOUT A YEAR PRIOR TO MY ACCIDENT. ON OCTOBER 15TH, 2014, I LOST CONSCIOUSNESS WHILE DRIVING AND WENT OFF THE ROAD AND STRUCK TWO TREES. MY VEHICLE WAS TOTALED WITH A CRACKED FRAME AND IT TOOK TWO TOW TRUCKS AND A WINCH TO PULL MY CAR OFF OF THE TREES. IN THIS ACCIDENT MY AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND I SUFFERED A FRACTURED VERTEBRA, A TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY, KNEE INJURIES, AND SHOULDER INJURIES. THIS IS BEYOND WRONG AND SUBARU KNOW THERE ARE DEFECTIVE PARTS IN THESE LEGACY'S AND OUTBACK'S AS IS OUTLINED BY ALL OF THE COMPLAINTS OUT THERE ONLINE AND WITH THE NHTSA. I WILL NOT STOP PURSUING THIS UNTIL SUBARU IS HELD ACCOUNTABLE ETHICALLY, AS WELL AS FINANCIALLY FOR THE PROBLEMS I HAVE SUFFERED AS A RESULT OF THEIR DEFECTIVE PRODUCT.
NHTSA complaint #10671992 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 25,000 milesMiddletown, PACrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
ON SATURDAY, APRIL 30TH, I WAS TURNING AROUND IN A DRIVEWAY, WHEN ALL OF THE SUDDEN MY CAR TOOK OFF. I HAD NO TIME TO REACT, EXCEPT TO TRY TO USE MY BRAKE. WHAT STOPPED ME WAS HITTING A TREE. MY CAR IS A 2008 SUBARU LEGACY WITH OVER $5,000 IN DAMAGES. THE POLICE INVESTIGATED AND I WAS NOT CITED. WHEN I RETURNED HOME, I LOOKED ON THE INTERNET TO SEE IF ACCELERATION PROBLEMS WERE COMMON IN SUBARU'S. I DID FIND THAT FORESTERS HAS PROBLEMS; BUT I ALSO FOUND THAT SOME LEGACY'S ALSO HAS ACCELERATION PROBLEMS, IN PARTICULAR I FOUND A 2008 SUBARU LEGACY WITH THIS PROBLEM. I REPORTED MY FINDINGS TO MY INSURANCE COMPANY AND TO SUBARU. SUBARU DID NOT GET BACK TO ME; MY INSURANCE COMPANY GAVE ME YOUR WEBSITE TO FILE A COMPLAINT. MY LOGIC IS, WHY SHOULD I OR MY INSURANCE COMPANY PAY FOR SOMETHING THAT WAS OUT OF MY CONTROL AND WAS THE FAULT OF THE CAR. EVIDENTLY, THERE ARE NO RECALLS FOR SUBARU'S FOR THIS PROBLEM. I JUST HOPE IT DOES NOT HAPPEN AGAIN - NEXT TIME I MIGHT NOT BE AS LUCKY.
NHTSA complaint #10399661 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 11,000 milesCambridge, MACrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SUBARU LEGACY. WHILE APPROACHING A STOP LIGHT AT A SPEED OF APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO THE REAR END OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE DEALER COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE DEALER REPAIRED THE STRUCTURE BODY OF THE VEHICLE. THE WEATHER WAS NOT A FACTOR. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 11,000. THE APPROXIMATE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 11,000. UPDATED 07/09/10. *LJ UPDATED 07/13/10.
NHTSA complaint #10324194 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Chicago, IL
SERVICE BRAKES
The issue occurred on a 08 Subaru Legacy GT Limited while the driver was driving the car with their family on a local street around 35-40mph. Initially, while the car was stopped at a traffic light, the driver noticed that the brake pedal seems off where it seems to be depressed much deeper than usual. While coming up on a second red traffic light, the driver noticed that the pedal has to be depressed all the way down to the floor before bringing the car close to a stop while using the emergency brake to complete the stop. The driver knows that this is a major issue given the symptoms and drove to a safe spot to stop the car and inspect the issue. At this time, the brake light has also came on in the dashboard. Upon the driver's preliminary inspection, there was brake fluid leakage coming from the rear passenger wheel area and the brake fluid in the reservoir has reached the minimum line which would confirm why the brake light came on. Given the situation, the vehicle was then brought to the Subaru official dealer immediately to be dropped off for a diagnostic on the next Monday since the dealer was closed when the driver arrived. After the diagnostic by the Subaru mechanic, they confirmed with the driver's suspicious where the brake line has been broken due to corrosion to a bare metal area of the rear brake line that was supposed to be addressed by the brake line corrosion recall, WQK-047. The line was broken at one of the clip point where the brake line has no sleeve over it to protect the line from corrosion. Subaru issued a recall on this area as they know that this was a design flaw where salt used on the road from the winter might get in accelerating the corrosion of the line causing it to leak or break. This is an serious issue since the car could have crashed if the brake fails completely without any brake fluid anymore. NHTSA should intervene on this as many owners have this issue and SOA, who boast about safety, did not address the issue with the recall.
NHTSA complaint #11533570 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 149,000 milesAkron, OH
SERVICE BRAKES
I had the recall done in 2017 and I was recently driving on the highway when my brakes had no pressure, I nearly crashed my car. Pulled over and realized my brake lines were leaking from where they said it had been fixed during the recall. I called the Subaru Stealership that did the recall and they informed me when I brought the vehicle in “it showed no signs of leakage” so they sprayed “anti corrosion” on the lines. I called Subaru of America and they want me to pay $200 to diagnose the issue and pay for the repair since the lines busted from “wear and tear”. Spraying anti-corrosion does nothing when the rust has already ruined the integrity of the brake line. Subaru is trying to pull a fast one and scam their customers by spraying anti-corrosion when the lines need to be replaced instead.
NHTSA complaint #11515278 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Malvern, PA
SERVICE BRAKES
I received my Subaru legacy from the dealer after an unrelated repair. My wife got in the car and very slowly drove through the lot to exit the dealership. She was going 5-6 mph at most and luckily after putting the car into gear she had her hand resting on the center console literally right above the hand brake. As she approached the stop sign to exit the dealership, she put her foot on the brake pedal and it went immediately straight to the floor with no resistance or application of the brakes. She immediately grabbed and pulled the hand emergency brake to stop the vehicle from entering a busy route 3 (West Chester Pike.) After nursing the car back to service at very low mph she parked the car again using the hand brake. Service looked at the car and found ruptured brake lines. The lines were the subject of a recall in 2015 and were supposedly inspected and an anticorrosive was applied.
NHTSA complaint #11475429 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Limestone, TN
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
DASHBOARD HAS MELTED FROM SUN AND HEAT, HAS BECOME EXTREMELY SHINEY & STICKY, PLUS SUN & HEADLIGHTS REFLECT OFF THE WINDSCREEN.
NHTSA complaint #11470670 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Columbus, OH
ENGINE
I have a great suspicion that Kia has not only sold bad engined vehicles that are their own make and models but I believe they are selling used cars they buy like that as well. The car I bought has major engine problems that were hid from me at the time of the sales leading to a $5000 repair bill for a 7200$ car. I only had it for a couple weeks before it became un-drivable. Not only did they hide and lie about fact in the sales of their own cars , I have evidence showing that they are doing the same to used cars they're selling. They are barely doing the bare minimum to fix anything. They have lied to AUTOCAP on record about facts as well when I have recordings or them telling me other wise.
NHTSA complaint #11441690 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Stamford, CT
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
2008 SUBARU LEGACY. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO ISSUES WITH FUEL PUMP. THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD TURN OVER, BUT WOULD NOT START. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THE THE METAL OF THE PUMP HARNESS WAS SEVERLY BURNED AND MELTED DUE TO EXTREME HEAT. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED.
NHTSA complaint #11434020 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Stamford, CT
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
2008 SUBARU LEGACY. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO ISSUES WITH FUEL PUMP. THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD TURN OVER, BUT WOULD NOT START. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THE THE METAL OF THE PUMP HARNESS WAS SEVERLY BURNED AND MELTED DUE TO EXTREME HEAT. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED.
NHTSA complaint #11434020 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chicago, IL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
There is a parasitic drain on my car battery. I have replaced the alternator and battery twice, and the car can’t hold a charge.
NHTSA complaint #11430867 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chicago, IL
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
There is a parasitic drain on my car battery. I have replaced the alternator and battery twice, and the car can’t hold a charge.
NHTSA complaint #11430867 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Farmington, UTFire
POWER TRAIN
The CV axle on the passenger side caught on fire. It was the rubber boot on the inner side over the catalytic converter. There were no warnings other than the smell of smoke. Fortunately, I caught it early and put out the fire with a fire extinguisher. I had been driving 25 to 40 MPH on city streets for about 5 miles before the incident.
NHTSA complaint #11420204 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 76,877 milesEvans City, PA
SERVICE BRAKES
The contact owns a 2008 Subaru Legacy. The contact stated while driving approximately 30-35 mph, the brake pedal went to the floorboard while depressed. The contact was concerned that the brake was failing with her husband and four-month-old baby in the vehicle. The contact veered to the shoulder and turned off the vehicle. The contact’s husband inspected the vehicle and saw that there was fluid dripping near the rear passenger’s side tire, below the fuel tank. The contact’s husband then drove the vehicle back to the residence. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the dealer had performed a recall repair on the brakes on January 22, 2021. The contact was informed that anti-corrosion wax was sprayed onto the brake line connectors as part of the remedy. The manufacturer referred the contact back to the same dealer where the vehicle was repaired under recall, to have the vehicle diagnosed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and diagnosed that rodents had chewed the brake line and the brake line was not part of the recall repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact that the vehicle was not repairable. The manufacturer offered a $ 1,000 voucher for a newer vehicle. The failure mileage was 76,877.
NHTSA complaint #11418809 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 183,000 milesLaurel, MD
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SUBARU LEGACY. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, HE BECAME AWARE OF CORROSION AROUND THE BRAKE LINE. THERE WAS FLUID LEAKING FROM THE BRAKE LINE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING, THE BRAKE PEDAL FELT SOFT WHEN DEPRESSED. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE HOWEVER, INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VIN WAS NOT UNDER RECALL. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V311000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) AS A POSSIBLE SOLUTION TO THE FAILURE HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 183,000.
NHTSA complaint #11372899 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 213,569 milesCoxsackie, NY
SERVICE BRAKES
WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE AND TRYING TO BRAKE IT LOST THE ABILITY TO APPLY THE BRAKES ALMOST CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. AFTER FURTHER INSPECTION FOUND THIS WAS A RECALL FOR THIS VEHICLE. I CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND THEY SAID IT WAS PERFORMED AND THEY COULD NOT DO ANYTHING FURTHER. THE EXACT AREA PERTAINING TO THE BRAKE LINES FAILING AS DESCRIBED IN THE RECALL IS WHERE IT HAS FAILED. THEIR IS NO EVIDENCE OF THE RECALL BEING PERFORMED AS THE REPAIR INDICATED SPRAYING THE VEHICLE WITH ANTI CORROSION SPRAY. IT DOES NOT APPEAR THAT WAS EVER DONE. THIS IS FOR THE BRAKE LINES IN THE PASSENGER REAR OF THE VEHICLE NEXT TO THE GAS TANK. RECALL NUMBER THEY SAY WAS COMPLETED IS WQK-47. RESEARCH SHOWS MANY OTHER PEOPLE HAVE THIS ISSUE STILL AND SUBARU HAS NOT REPAIRED THE VEHICLE AS IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN. THANK YOU
NHTSA complaint #11366814 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 125,765 milesPlainfield, IL
SERVICE BRAKES
I SAW THE BRAKE LIGHT COME ON WHILE DRIVING ON CITY STREET, I TAPPED THE BRAKES LIGHTLY AND CHECKED IF MY EBRAKE WAS UP A FEW TIMES AND THE LIGHT WENT AWAY FOR A BIT BEFORE IT FINALLY STAYED ON WHILE DRIVING AFTER DOING THAT. I THOUGHT MAYBE IT WAS A SENSOR SINCE LIGHT TAPS AND BRAKING SEEMED FINE. I GUESS WHEN I WAS TAPPING AND TESTING THE BRAKES OVER AND OVER, I WAS JUST PUMPING ALL THE BRAKE FLUID OUT OF THE CORRODED BRAKE LINE IN THE BACK AND COULD BARELY STOP WHEN I ACTUALLY HAD TO USE THE BRAKES TO COME TO A COMPLETE STOP. THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT ALL THE WAY TO FLOOR AND I HAD TO ASSIST IN BRAKING WITH MY E-BRAKE AND ENGINE BRAKING INTO 1ST GEAR. WHEN I GOT UNDER THE CAR AND HAD SOMEONE PUMP THE BRAKES, I CAN SEE FLUID COME OUT OF A CORRODED HARD BRAKE LINE NEXT TO THE GAS TANK. LOOKING ONLINE THIS IS ONE OF THE SPOTS WHERE 2 PREVIOUS RECALLS WERE ISSUED FOR BRAKE LINE CORROSION. THE RECALLS WERE TAKEN CARE OF IN 11/2013 @~89K MILES AND 09/2014 @~97K MILES BY THE DEALER. MY CAR IS CURRENTLY AT ~125K MILES AND HAS ONLY BEEN DRIVEN IN THE SUMMER FOR PAST FEW YEARS. IT LOOKS LIKE THE RECALL DOES NOT FIX THE ISSUE AND STILL CREATES A DANGEROUS DRIVING SITUATION.
NHTSA complaint #11350930 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 200,000 milesTitusville, FL
SERVICE BRAKES
DRIVING CAR AND HAD COMPLETE LOSS OF BRAKES. VEHICLE HAS HAD ISSUES OR RANDOM CONSUMPTION OF BRAKE FLUID. PASSENGER REAR BRAKE PIPE BURST OPEN AND FAILED DUE TO CORROSION NOT ADDRESSED BY PREVIOUS RECALLS. SUBARU OF AMERICA WILL NOT HONOR REPLACEMENT AND SERVICES COST BECAUSE THE LEGACY MODEL IS NOT SPECIFIC TO THE RECALL AND OUT OF WARRANTY. SOA DID HONOR $350 CREDIT FOR REPAIRS THAT COST $1100.
NHTSA complaint #11331442 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 109,345 milesCary, NC
AIR BAGS
RED AIRBAG INDICATOR IN INSTRUMENT CLUSTER BEGUN COMING ON/OFF ONCE OR TWICE A WEEK THEN BECAME CONSTANT. OBSERVED PASSENGER AIRBAG INDICATOR HAD NO LIGHTS ON(NO ILLUMINATION AT ALL) SEARCHED FORUMS AND FOUND MULTIPLE SIMILAR CASES WITH NO RESOLVE FROM THE DEALERSHIP. AS A MECHANIC MYSELF I BEGAN MY OWN DIAGNOSIS, CAUSE: REMOVED OVERHEAD CONTROL PANEL AND PERFORMED ELECTRICAL TESTING ON PASSENGER AIRBAG CIRCUIT. FOUND OPEN CIRCUITS BETWEEN COMPONENT CONTACTS. CORRECTION: RETINNED CONTACTS AND ADDED SOLDER. HAVEN'T HAD AN AIRBAG LIGHT SINCE THE REPAIR.. I HAVE HEARD THE DEALER WANTS 300+$ TO REPAIR. THIS IS SUCH A COMMON AND SERIOUS ISSUE THAT IT SHOULD BE CONSIDERED FOR A RECALL... I HAVE SEEN AND PERFORMED FAR MORE TRIVIAL RECALLS. THAT SAID; IF YOU TAKE YOUR CAR TO A DECENT SUBARU OR INDEPENDENT SHOP THEY SHOULD BE ABLE TO DIAGNOSE THIS AND FIX IT FOR ALOT LESS THAN THE DEALER
NHTSA complaint #11298303 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 109,345 milesCary, NC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
RED AIRBAG INDICATOR IN INSTRUMENT CLUSTER BEGUN COMING ON/OFF ONCE OR TWICE A WEEK THEN BECAME CONSTANT. OBSERVED PASSENGER AIRBAG INDICATOR HAD NO LIGHTS ON(NO ILLUMINATION AT ALL) SEARCHED FORUMS AND FOUND MULTIPLE SIMILAR CASES WITH NO RESOLVE FROM THE DEALERSHIP. AS A MECHANIC MYSELF I BEGAN MY OWN DIAGNOSIS, CAUSE: REMOVED OVERHEAD CONTROL PANEL AND PERFORMED ELECTRICAL TESTING ON PASSENGER AIRBAG CIRCUIT. FOUND OPEN CIRCUITS BETWEEN COMPONENT CONTACTS. CORRECTION: RETINNED CONTACTS AND ADDED SOLDER. HAVEN'T HAD AN AIRBAG LIGHT SINCE THE REPAIR.. I HAVE HEARD THE DEALER WANTS 300+$ TO REPAIR. THIS IS SUCH A COMMON AND SERIOUS ISSUE THAT IT SHOULD BE CONSIDERED FOR A RECALL... I HAVE SEEN AND PERFORMED FAR MORE TRIVIAL RECALLS. THAT SAID; IF YOU TAKE YOUR CAR TO A DECENT SUBARU OR INDEPENDENT SHOP THEY SHOULD BE ABLE TO DIAGNOSE THIS AND FIX IT FOR ALOT LESS THAN THE DEALER
NHTSA complaint #11298303 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 133,000 milesReynoldsville, PA
SERVICE BRAKES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SUBARU LEGACY. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH AND WHEN ATTEMPTING TO PRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL, BRAKE FLUID BEGAN TO LEAK FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THEY WERE ABLE TO PARK THE VEHICLE SAFELY. THE CONTACT REFERRED THE FAILURE TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V311000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC OR A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 133,000.
NHTSA complaint #11297718 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 70,000 milesConway, AR
VISIBILITY/WIPER
THE DASH HAS MELTED LEAVING IT HARD TO SEE OUT OF THE WINDSHIELD. THE DASH IS ALSO EXTREMELY STICKY AND SHINY. I THOUGHT IT JUST NEEDED TO BE CLEANED BUT REALIZED SHORTLY AFTER THAT WAS NOT THE CASE AND HAVE SINCE FOUND THIS IS AN ISSUE WITH MY MAKE AND MODEL PER SUBARU.
NHTSA complaint #11290436 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 180,000 milesRhinebeck, NY
SERVICE BRAKES
THIS IS IN REFERENCE TO SUBARU RECALL WQK-47: WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE, BRAKE INDICATOR ON DASHBOARD ILLUMINATED AND WITHIN A FEW MINUTES OF DRIVING, I COULD FEEL SOMETHING WAS A BIT DIFFERENT WITH THE BRAKE PRESSURE. WITHIN A FEW MOMENTS OF THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO STOP, I NOTICED THE PEDAL WENT ALL THE WAY DOWN TO THE FLOOR AND ON SUBSEQUENT PUMPS OF THE BRAKES I GOT SOME PRESSURE. ATTEMPTING TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE FURTHER (SLOWLY), RESULTED IN VERY LITTLE, IF ANY, BRAKING POWER. I CHECKED BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIR AND NOTICED IT WAS BELOW THE MIN MARK. I HAD SOME BRAKE FLUID IN THE TRUNK AND FILLED IT. I ATTEMPTED TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE A BIT FURTHER AND WAS ABLE TO RECOVER BRAKE FUNCTIONALITY FOR A FEW MORE MINUTES BEFORE THE SAME ISSUE OCCURRED. THANKFULLY THIS WAS DONE WHILE ON A ROAD THAT HAD A LOW SPEED LIMIT AND THERE WEREN'T MANY VEHICLES AROUND. LOSING BRAKE POWER WHILE ON A HIGHWAY FOR INSTANCE ON A TURN WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN AS GOOD. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A DEALERSHIP WHERE THEY FOUND THAT THE RIGHT REAR LINE WAS LEAKING. I WENT IN TO LOOK AT THE VEHICLE AND INSPECTED THE FOUR-WAY CONNECTOR MENTIONED IN THE RECALL AS WELL AS THE LINE THAT RUNS NEAR THE FUEL TANK WHERE THE CLIP HOLDS ON TO IT. THIS PART OF THE LINE IS EXPOSED JUST AS THE RECALL MENTIONS. I NOTICED THAT THE 4-WAY CONNECTOR WAS COVERED SUFFICIENTLY IN THE WAX COMPONENT THAT THE RECALL MENTIONED SHOULD BE USED BUT THE AREA WHERE THE LEAK WAS DOES NOT APPEAR TO HAVE ANY WAX AT ALL THE WORK FOR THE RECALL WAS PERFORMED IN OCTOBER 2018, SO A LITTLE OVER A YEAR LATER AND THE BRAKE LINE CORRODED THROUGH WHERE THE RECALL WORDING INDICATED IT COULD. IF THE LINES HAD BEEN SEALED AS INDICATED, PERHAPS THIS ISSUE WOULD NOT HAVE OCCURRED. THE DEALERSHIP QUOTED $1300 TO REPLACE A SINGLE BRAKE LINE. ANOTHER CONCERN IS THAT IF THAT ONE LINE WAS CORRODED ENOUGH TO LEAK, THEN THE OTHERS COULD TOO.
NHTSA complaint #11289575 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Central Point, OR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
VEHICLE DIES. I KNOW THERE IS A RECALL OUT THERE FOR THIS REASON BUT I'M TOLD THAT MY CAR IS NOT PART OF THIS RECALL BUT MY CAR IS DOING EXACTLY WHAT THE RECAL IS TALKING ABOUT
NHTSA complaint #11232581 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Central Point, OR
ENGINE
VEHICLE DIES. I KNOW THERE IS A RECALL OUT THERE FOR THIS REASON BUT I'M TOLD THAT MY CAR IS NOT PART OF THIS RECALL BUT MY CAR IS DOING EXACTLY WHAT THE RECAL IS TALKING ABOUT
NHTSA complaint #11232581 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mooers, NY
AIR BAGS
AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT ON THE DASHBOARD COMES ON INTERMITTENTLY , BUT NOW STAYS ON THE MAJORITY OF THE TIME. TOOK CAR TO DEALER FOR PASSENGER AIRBAG RECALL AND THEY TOLD ME THE AIRBAG LIGHT ON THE DASH IS FAULT CODE 26. MANY OTHER SUBARU OWNERS REPORTING THIS EXACT SAME ISSUE, WHICH IS RELATED TO FAULTY SOLDERING OF COMPONENTS IN THE OVERHEAD MAP LIGHT CONSOLE. AS THIS IS A CRITICAL SAFETY ISSUE (PASSENGER AIRBAG MAY NOT DEPLOY IN AN ACCIDENT), SUBARU SHOULD ISSUE A RECALL TO REPAIR OR REPLACE THE FAULTY COMPONENT(S). BEWARE- SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. ALSO FEEL THAT THE TAKATA INFLATORS IS RELATED TO THEIS ISSUSE. I HAVE HAD THIS AIRBAG ISSUE SINCE I OWENED THE SUBARU COMPLAINED TO THE DEALERSHIP BUT I WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR THE FIX WHEN I NO THAT THERE IS FAULT IN THE WAY THE COMPONENTS WERE WELDED.
NHTSA complaint #11190972 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 145,000 milesNewton, NC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
HAD THE RECALL FOR BRAKES DONE & RECALL FOR AIR BAG, & CATALYTIC CONVERTER. NEVER RECIEVED POST CARD FOR ELECTRICL RECALL , HAD ALL KINDS OF WORK DONE & THE ENGINE LIGHT, CRUISE CONTROL,ETC WILL NOT TURN OFF. WHY HAVENT I RECIEVED RECALL NOTICE SO THAT I CAN BRING IT TO SUBARU DEALER, THANK YOU [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).'
NHTSA complaint #11183796 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 109,000 milesFairview, PA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
WHEN THE REAR WINDOW DEFROST IS TURNED ON THE RADIO NO LONGER WORKS. I BELIEVE THIS TO BE A SAFETY CONCERN IN THE EVENT OF TRYING TO HEAR IMPORTANT BROADCASTS IN POOR WEATHER. THIS IS A WELL KNOWN ISSUE, BUT HAS BEEN POORLY ADDRESSED BY SUBARU. THIS AFFECTS MANY MODELS IN THIS YEAR RANGE. LEAVING THE CONSUMER TO PAY TO REPLACE A POORLY MADE PART TO REPEATEDLY OCCUR EVEN AFTER REPLACEMENT IN SOME CASES.
NHTSA complaint #11170679 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.