Owner-reported complaints naming the brake system, filed with NHTSA
Data refreshed
Brakes reportsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
37
Latest Jun 16, 2022
Share of all reportsThis category as a share of every owner report on file for this model year. One report can name more than one component, so the categories overlap.
14%
of 262 total
Crash or fire reportedReports in this category whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. The reporter's own answer on the NHTSA form, not a verified finding.
5
Injuries or deaths reportedTotals the submitters entered on their own reports in this category. Not verified by NHTSA and not a casualty statistic.
2
What this page shows
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2010 Subaru Forester submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 37 reports on file name it.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Owner reports naming brake
The 25 most recent of 37, in the owner's own words
The contact owns a 2010 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that the rear brakes were replaced by an independent mechanic. After 6 months, the contact noticed that the brakes needed to be replaced again. The mechanic stated that the automatic braking system was not releasing the brakes as needed, and the braking system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed; however, the rear brakes were replaced again however, and the failure persisted. The manufacturer was contacted and informed of the failure. The manufacturer suggested that the vehicle be taken to the dealer for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 87,000.
NHTSA ID
11469569
Incident
Jun 16, 2020
Mileage
87,000 mi
Brakes
Filed Oct 9, 2020
MY BRAKES FAILED WHILE I WAS DRIVING BECAUSE SUBARU DID NOT PROPERLY ADDRESS RECALL WQK47 ON MY CAR IN 2018 EVEN THOUGH THEY CLAIMED IT WAS COMPLETED. MY BRAKE LINES ARE COMPLETELY CORRODED AND THEY ARE REFUSING TO HONOR THE RECALL THAT THEY IMPROPERLY ADDRESSED 2 YEARS AGO. THEY KNEW IN 2018 WHEN THEY APPLIED THE ANTI-RUST SOLUTION THAT THE BRAKE LINES WERE RUSTED BUT THEY DID NOT DO ANY REPAIRS. THUS, MY CAR IS CURRENTLY NON-FUNCTIONING.
NHTSA ID
11363617
Incident
Oct 2, 2020
Mileage
144,547 mi
Brakes
Filed Jun 16, 2020
MARCH OF 2019 A RECALL WAS PERFORMED FOR RUSTED BRAKE LINES...THIS YEAR THE BRAKES LINES SUDDENLY FAILED...APPARENTLY IF THE BRAKE LINES AREN'T LEAKING THE SUBARU FIX IS TO SPRAY SEALER OVER THE RUST. ONLY BY THE GRACE OF GOD WAS NO ONE INJURED AS THE CAR WAS BEING PARKED WHEN THE BRAKES LET LOOSE. AND OF COURSE SUBARU SAID THEY WOULD REPAIR THE BRAKES PROPERLY FOR $1400.00. I REMOVED THE CAR FROM THE DEALERSHIP FOR A PROPER REPAIR! *TR
NHTSA ID
11329104
Incident
Jun 11, 2020
Mileage
182,000 mi
Brakes
Filed Jan 7, 2020
NHTSA CAMPAIGN 14V830000 AND 14V311000: SUBARU OF AMERICA RECALL(S) WERE COMPLETED IN 2014. HOWEVER, ON JANUARY 5 2020, WHILE COMING TO A STOP ON A RURAL ROAD, THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR AND THE CAR ROLLED THROUGH THE INTERSECTION. NO OTHER CARS WERE PRESENT AND NO ACCIDENT OCCURRED. INSPECTION REVEALED THAT A BRAKE PIPE HAD RUSTED AND RUPTURED NEAR THE "4 WAY JUNCTION" AT THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VERY JUNCTION THAT IS THE SUBJECT OF THE AFOREMENTIONED RECALLS.
NHTSA ID
11297738
Incident
Jan 5, 2020
Mileage
119,000 mi
BrakesSteering
Filed Sep 19, 2019
Crash reported1 injury reported
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2010 SUBARU FORESTER. AFTER REVERSING FROM THE DRIVEWAY, THE CONTACT PLACED THE VEHICLE IN DRIVE TO TRAVEL DOWN A HILL AT 5-10 MPH. WHEN THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO TURN LEFT, THE STEERING WHEEL FELT STIFF AND VEERED TO THE RIGHT. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE CRASH INTO A CURB AND TURNED COUNTER-CLOCKWISE. THE VEHICLE THEN ROLLED BACKWARDS AT A STEEP INCLINE. THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD. THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL NUMEROUS TIMES, BUT THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ROLL AWAY. THE VEHICLE CAME TO A STOP AFTER THE REAR END CRASHED INTO A TREE. POLICE REPORT NUMBER: 31-19-031911 WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE NECK AND BACK, A BRUISED ARM, AND A FRACTURED NOSE. THE CONTACT WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL VIA AMBULANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AWAY BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY AND DEEMED TOTALED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND A CASE WAS OPENED; HOWEVER, THEY WOULD NOT MOVE FORWARD UNTIL A POLICE REPORT WAS PROVIDED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 59,000.
NHTSA ID
11256651
Incident
Aug 21, 2019
Mileage
59,000 mi
AirbagsBrakes
Filed Mar 28, 2019
NHTSA RECALL NO 14V-830 (BRAKE LINES) AND RECALL TKC19 (PASSENGER AIR BAGS) DAVE WRIGHT SUBARU WILL NOT RETURN CALLS FOR ME TO SCHEDULE REPAIRS FOR THE BRAKE LINE RECALL
NHTSA ID
11192308
Incident
Feb 1, 2018
BrakesDriver assistance
Filed Apr 27, 2018
Crash reported1 injury reported
WHILE BACKING SLOWLY INTO A PARKING SPACE (2-3 MPH) IN MY APARTMENT PARKING LOT. CAR ACCELERATED RAPIDLY OUT OF CONTROL. BRAKES FAILED. CAR ACCELERATED FTOM 3MP TO 20-35 MPH JUMPED A CURB AND HIT CAR PARKED IN STREET (IMPACT SO HIGH THAT THE CAR ENDED UP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET). IMPACT WAS THE ONLY THING THAT STOPPED THE CAR.
NHTSA ID
11090383
Incident
Apr 13, 2018
Mileage
72,000 mi
Brakes
Filed Dec 21, 2017
IN FREEZING WEATHER, THE BRAKES ICE UP AND DO NOT WORK PROPERLY. WHEN I APPLY THE BRAKES IN A NORMAL FASHION, THEY DO NOT WORK. IF I PUMP THEM VERY GENTLY OVER A LONG PERIOD OF SLOWING DOWN, I CAN GET THE CAR TO STOP.
NHTSA ID
11056005
Incident
Dec 21, 2017
Mileage
66,000 mi
Brakes
Filed Dec 11, 2017
I WAS DRIVING ON A MIXTURE OF LIGHT SNOW AND ICE AND NOTICED ABS ENGAGING WHEN IT SHOULDN'T, CAUSING ME TO ALMOST SLIDE INTO AN INTERSECTION. I HADN'T LOST TRACTION AND WOULD FEEL THE SYSTEM ENGAGE THROUGH THE BRAKE PEDAL. IT WOULD COME ON VERY HARD AND ACTUALLY CAUSE ME TO START SLIDING INSTEAD OF ASSISTING WITH BRAKING. IN ICY CONDITIONS, IT FEELS LIKE SUBARU'S ABS IS VERY "HEAVY HANDED" IN IT'S APPLICATION AND OVERLY SENSITIVE IN IT'S DEPLOYMENT. I WAS IN COMPLETE CONTROL OF THE CAR UNTIL THE SYSTEM ENGAGED SUDDENLY ON A DOWNHILL LEADING TO A STOP SIGN. THIS OCCURRED THE FOLLOWING DAY AT A STOP LIGHT. RELEASING THE BRAKES COMPLETELY WAS THE ONLY WAY TO REGAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. IN BOTH INSTANCES, I WAS TRAVELING BETWEEN 5 AND 30 MILES PER HOUR, LEAVING MYSELF PLENTY OF ROOM TO STOP. I WANT TO REITERATE THAT BOTH TIMES, I HAD GRIP AND WAS SLOWING JUST FINE UNTIL ABS ENGAGED AND STARTED A SLIDE. THE ONLY THING KEEPING ME FROM GETTING INTO A WRECK WAS A LUCKY LIGHT CHANGE. (THE 2ND TIME) AND THE DISTANCE I GAVE MYSELF TO STOP. (THE 1ST TIME) THIS ISSUE IS BAD ENOUGH THAT I'M CONSIDERING PULLING THE ABS FUSE THE NEXT TIME I HAVE TO DRIVE IN SNOW OR ICE.
NHTSA ID
11053914
Incident
Dec 9, 2017
Mileage
76,000 mi
BrakesEngine
Filed Nov 18, 2017
Crash reported
I HAD PULLED INTO MY COMPANY PARKING LOT AND WAS BACKING INTO MY PARKING SPACE. I PULLED FORWARD, APPLIED THE BRAKE TO SHIFT INTO REVERSE. AS SOON AS I TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE CAR ZOOMED BACKWARD. I JUMPED A CURB, WENT THROUGH VERY THICK BUSHES AND LANDED ON TOP OF A SMALL AUDI PARKED IN THE LOT BEHIND OURS. I HAD TO TURN OFF THE CAR TO STOP THE ENGINE. I WAS TOO IN SHOCK TO TAKE PHOTOS BUT OTHERS DID AND I CAN ADD LATER, WITH THE POLICE REPORT WHEN IT'S COMPLETED, IF THAT'S POSSIBLE. I HAVE NO IDEA HOW FAST THE CAR WAS GOING. MUCH TOO FAST TO BE BACKING INTO A PARKING SPACE. AUTO BODY SHOP ACROSS THE STREET HELPED TO DISENGAGE THE CARS. NO TOWING NEC.
NHTSA ID
11047177
Incident
Nov 17, 2017
Mileage
83,000 mi
AirbagsBrakes
Filed Nov 1, 2017
TAMARA RECALL: I RECENTLY CALLED A NEARBY DEALERSHIP IN ATLANTA GA ABOUT RECEIVING A NOTICE ABOUT THE AIRBAG RECALL. I GAVE THEM MY VIN BUT THEY SAID THAT MY PARTICULAR CAR DOES NOT HAVE AN ACTIVE RECALL FOR THE AIRBAG. HOWEVER, WHEN I CHECK ONLINE AT AIRBAGRECALL.COM, I HAVE THE RECALL LISTED. THE DEALERSHIP SAID INSTEAD, I HAVE A BRAKE LINE CORROSION UP FOR RECALL. I WANTED TO MAKE SURE THIS IS TRUE.
NHTSA ID
11042212
Incident
Nov 1, 2017
Brakes
Filed Aug 22, 2017
MY 2010 SUBARU FORESTER HAS ONLY 71656 MILES AND I NEED TO REPLACE THE BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS FOR THE THIRD TIME. WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOUR SET UP? I AM NOT A KID WITH A HEAVY FOOT ,I AM 71. I KNOW BRAKE SYSTEMS, BECAUSE I WAS AN AUTO REPAIRMAN BE FORE I RETIRED.
NHTSA ID
11018904
Incident
Aug 21, 2017
Mileage
71,656 mi
Brakes
Filed Aug 27, 2016
REAR BRAKES WORE OUT AT 55K MILES. FRONT BRAKES STILL HAD 7MM WEAR ON THEM. TECHNICIAN SAID IT WAS PROBABLY DUE TO CORROSION OF THE CALIPERS. THE CALIPERS RUSTED, CAUSING THE BRAKE PADS TO BE IN CONSTANT CONTACT WITH THE ROTORS, WEARING THEM OUT PREMATURELY. THIS COULD HAVE CAUSED A FIRE IN THE VEHICLE DUE TO OVERHEATING OF THE ROTORS. SAME THING HAPPENED ON MY 2009 SUBARU FORESTER. REAR BRAKES WORE OUT AT 85K MILES, WITH 6MM LEFT ON THE FRONT BRAKES. THIS SOUNDS LIKE A DESIGN PROBLEM TO ME.
NHTSA ID
10901951
Incident
Jul 10, 2016
Mileage
55,000 mi
Brakes
Filed Jul 9, 2015
THE AUTO UNDER WARRANTY AND HAS CALIPERS THAT STICK, THIS IS A DANGER FROM EVERY MECHANIC I SPOKE TO, SUBARU REFUSES TO HONOR THE WARRANTY, FROM EVERYTHING I HAVE READ AND HEARD, SUBARU HAS HAD A CONSTANT CALIPER PROBLEM AND WILL NOT MAKE GOOD ON IT - THEY SAY IT IS OK TO DRIVE LIKE THIS, I HAVE TWO LITTLE CHILDREN AND I WAS TOLD BY SEVERAL MECHANICS THAT THIS COULD BE A FIRE HAZARD, SUBARU SHOULD BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS PROBLEM AND MAKE GOOD ON IT
NHTSA ID
10732915
Incident
May 30, 2015
Brakes
Filed May 4, 2015
Crash reported
MY MOTHER AND I WERE OUT AND ABOUT ON A FRIDAY 5/1/15 AS WE GOT READY TO LEAVE OUR LOCATION. I PLACE MY FOOT ON THE BRAKES AND PUT IT INTO REVERSE, THEN EVER SO SLIGHTLY PUT MY FOOT ON THE GAS PADDLE, THEN THE TRUCK SUDDENLY ACCELERATED BACK AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED AND HIT ANOTHER TRUCK IN BACK OF ME, BEFORE IT CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP. NO ONE WAS INJURED -NO POLICE WERE CALLED AS IT WAS ON PRIVATE PROPERTY. BOTH VEHICLE WERE DAMAGED. I THEN TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL MECHANIC THE NEXT DAY AND WAS TOLD THAT THE REAR AND FRONT BREAK PADS NEEDED TO BE REPLACE AND IF I HAD NOT BROUGHT IT IN WHEN I DID I WOULD HAVE NEEDED ROTORS AS WELL. THERE WAS NO SOUND THAT THE BREAKS WERE GOING BAD, AND THERE WAS NO WARNING SIGNALS OF ANY KIND. THIS IS A VERY HIGH SAFETY ISSUES AS PEOPLE LIVES ARE AT RISK. THANK GOD MY MOTHER AND I ARE OKAY. *TR
NHTSA ID
10714389
Incident
May 1, 2015
Mileage
83,114 mi
Brakes
Filed Feb 6, 2015
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V830000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THE RECALL REMEDY WAS PERFORMED BUT FAILED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE SPECIFICS OF THE FAILURE WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A SECOND NOTICE FOR THE RECALL INFORMING THAT THE INITIAL RECALL REMEDY WAS NOT A PERMANENT REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000. UPDATED 03/24/15*LJ UPDATED 10/20/2015*JS
NHTSA ID
10681673
Incident
Feb 4, 2015
Mileage
70,000 mi
Brakes
Filed Sep 29, 2014
2010 SUBARU FORESTER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE BRAKE LINE CORROSION. *SMD THE CONSUMER HAD TO REPLACE THE BRAKE LINES TWICE, IN THE PAST 18 MONTHS. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS RECALLED FOR THE EXACT PROBLEM HE EXPERIENCED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHERE THEY ONLY SPRAYED ANTI-RUST MATERIALS ON THE BRAKE LINES. *JB
NHTSA ID
10637909
Incident
Jan 10, 2013
Brakes
Filed Sep 24, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V311000 (SERVICE BRAKES) AND STATED THAT THE PART NEEDED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO PROVIDE AN EXPECTED DATE FOR WHEN THE PART WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
NHTSA ID
10638626
Incident
Jul 25, 2014
Brakes
Filed Aug 25, 2014
THE REAR BRAKES ARE COMPLETELY WORN OUT AT 29,700 MILES. THIS WAS DISCOVERED DURING THE MANDATORY ANNUAL VIRGINIA SAFETY INSPECTION. I HAVE OWNED AND DRIVEN CARS FOR 37 YEARS AND I HAVE NEVER SEEN REAR BRAKES WEAR SO FAST. THE FRONT BRAKES LOOK NORMAL FOR A VEHICLE OF THIS AGE. WHAT IS IT WITH THE REAR BRAKES ON FORESTERS? I HAVE READ OTHER OWNER'S COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE REAR BRAKES. *TR
NHTSA ID
10628084
Incident
Aug 25, 2014
Mileage
29,691 mi
Brakes
Filed Aug 22, 2014
BRAKE WARMING LIGHT CAME ON WILL DRIVING AT 35 MPH. AFTER THE BRAKE LIGHT CAM ON I DROVE 2.5 MILES TO MY HOME ADDRESS. AFTER I PARKED THE CAR I NOTICED BRAKE FLUID ON THE GARAGE FLOOR UNDER THE LEFT (DRIVER SIDE) REAR TIRE. I CHECKED THE GOVERNMENT WEBSITE ON RECALLS AND FOUND NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V311000 INDICATING SALT WATER COULD SPLASH ON THE BRAKE LINES THROUGH A GAP IN THE FUEL TANK PROTECTOR, RESULTING IN EXCESSIVE CORROSION OF THE BRAKE LINES. THE CONSEQUENCE: 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. I HAD RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER IN JULY THAT INDICATED AN ISSUE AND I WOULD BE CONTRACTED WHEN PARTS BECAME AVAILABLE. RECALL CAMPAIGN WQK-47 NHTSA RECALL NO. 14V-311. *TR
NHTSA ID
10627627
Incident
Aug 16, 2014
Mileage
20,000 mi
Brakes
Filed Aug 14, 2014
2010 SUBARU FORESTER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO BRAKE LINE CORROSION RECALL AND SEEKS REIMBURSEMENT FOR REPAIRS. *SMD
NHTSA ID
10621648
Incident
Jul 3, 2014
Mileage
44,211 mi
Body & structureBrakes
Filed Jul 28, 2014
BESIDES CORROSION OF BRAKES IN RECENT RECALL, BODY PAINT BEHIND EACH WHEEL IS CORRODING SINCE 2013. FURTHERMORE, SUBARU ISSUED THE BRAKE CORROSION RECALL LETTER #1 TO A COMPANY THAT IS NOT THE REGISTERED OWNER!!! *JS
NHTSA ID
10616987
Incident
Jan 1, 2013
Mileage
46,000 mi
Brakes
Filed Jul 12, 2014
I OWN A 2010 SUBARU FORESTER WITH ONLY 31, 000 MILES. I HAD TO REPLACE THE REAR RIGHT ROTORS AND CALIPERS AND ALL 4 BRAKE PADS. I AM VERY CONCERNED, THESE ARE NOT NORMAL WEAR AND MAINTENANCE. *TR
NHTSA ID
10610012
Incident
Jul 12, 2014
Mileage
31,000 mi
BrakesDriver assistance
Filed Apr 4, 2014
AT 40 MPH FRONT LEFT BRAKES " SELF-APPLIED" AT MAXIMUM FORCE. ABS PREVENTED COMPLETE SKIDDING OF THE TIRE, SO NO FLAT SPOT ON TIRE. THE VEHICLE LURCHED INTO A " NOSEDIVE" ONTO THE LEFT FRONT WHEEL. AFTER INCIDENT STEERING WHEEL COCKED TO LEFT AT ABOUT THE "10:00" POSITION. FLATBED TO DEALER. DEALER SHOWED ME BENT TIE ROD END, ANTI SWAY BAR AND LOWER CONTROL ARM. VEHICLE 100% FINE BEFORE INCIDENT. I BELIEVE THE SUDDEN VIOLENT WEIGHT TRANSFER ONTO FRONT LEFT CAUSED DAMAGES. DEALER UNABLE TO ROAD TEST CAR WITH BENT COMPONENTS. PARTS ON ORDER TO DEALER. WILL ROAD TEST AFTER REPAIRS GOT CASE # FROM SUBARU OF AMERICA. WAITING TO HEAR FROM THEM. *TR
NHTSA ID
10577414
Incident
Apr 2, 2014
Mileage
44,000 mi
BrakesDriver assistanceEngine
Filed Dec 10, 2013
Crash reported
SUDDEN ACCELERATION FROM FULL STOP. THE VEHICLE HAD EXHIBITED SUDDEN ACCELERATION 3 WEEKS PRIOR BUT THE DEALER DID NOT FIND ANY PROBLEM. FROM A FULL STOP, THE VEHICLE WAS PLACED INTO REVERSE AT WHICH TIME THE ENGINE REVVED TO FULL THROTTLE, OVERRIDING THE BRAKES, RESULTING IN THE VEHICLE BACKING UNCONTROLLABLY AND STOPPING ON TOP OF A BOULDER WITH THE BACK WHEELS OFF THE GROUND APPROXIMATELY 4 FEET. THE INCIDENT WAS WITNESSED BY A BYSTANDER. THE VEHICLE UNDERCARRIAGE SEVERELY DAMAGED AND NOT DRIVE-ABLE. PHOTOS AND A POLICE REPORT WERE SUBMITTED. *TR
NHTSA ID
10555497
Incident
Dec 8, 2013
Mileage
41,000 mi
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Other components reported on this vehicle
Categories with enough reports to have a page of their own