2013 Subaru Outback Brakes Problems

I purchased a car from Middletown Nissan on May 24, 2025. The car was assured to have all these different safety checks so far it had to have the power steering pump replaced twice the power steering lines replaced all new control arms a new bearing brand new back brakes which include rotors and pads, and four new tires When the tires were put on they found that the car had significant damage in the subframe from rotting there are holes in it. The car was at the dealership several times for different problems and they never disclose this problem. They basically told me it was my fault when I’ve had the car for two months that the frame is completely rotted. The car is clunking and not driving mechanically the way it should

NHTSA ID

11684961

Incident

Aug 15, 2025

The contact owns a 2013 Subaru Outback. The contact stated while driving at approximately 35 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the brakes failed to engage. The contact stated that eventually, the brakes would return to normal operation. No warning light was illuminated. The contact researched and was made aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 11V562000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was taken back to the residence. A dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000.

NHTSA ID

11631590

Incident

Jul 19, 2024

Mileage

72,000 mi

The contact owns a 2013 Subaru Outback. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the parking brake warning light illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that several other unknown warning lights illuminated, and the vehicle lost motive power. The contact stated that the parking brake had seized. The parking brake was released, and the vehicle was restarted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the dealer declined to inspect the vehicle due to a title alert for a total loss report. In addition, the contact stated that he had owned the vehicle for eight years, and the vehicle had been serviced at the same dealer for routine service. The contact was informed of an unknown recall repair; however, the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 154,500.

NHTSA ID

11614806

Incident

Jul 16, 2024

Mileage

154,500 mi

I was driving on a highway when my car started to suddenly stutter, hesitate, and jerk after about an hour on the road. I pulled over on the shoulder immediately and tried to better position the car further off the highway with the same vehicle behavior. Initially I thought a tire had blown so sudden was the impact but after exterior inspection I realized the tires were fine and the problem was probably under the hood. The CVT transmission and TCM malfunctioned, and electric parking brake engaged creating a noise. My ability to steer the vehicle in a predictable direction was gone creating a safety hazard on the highway or any road. The car had to be long-distance towed back to where I live; it could not be safely driven. The problem has been reproduced and confirmed by two independent service centers, one a general service center and the other a foreign car expert service center. The vehicle has not been inspected by anyone else. There were dashboard warning lights that came on at the time the vehicle started to shake. The lights were the vehicle dynamics control warning light and the check engine warning light. A " boat load" of transmission codes that lead to the vehicle being assessed at the foreign car service center. I am asking for Subaru’s assistance in resolving this matter. I purchased a Subaru based on recommendations from other family members and their experience of having multiple Subaru vehicles some of which lasted 300,00 miles. If this is a manufacturing problem I believe that Subaru has a responsibility to notify their owners of the potential problem (which didn’t happen in my case) and a responsibility to resolve the problem when it occurs. I took my vehicle into my nearest Subaru dealership for a warranty repair that I was notified of approx. three years ago. No one notified me of the potential CVT transmission problem at that time. My vehicle cannot be driven in its current state and it is dangerous to drive because of this problem.

NHTSA ID

11564224

Incident

Dec 9, 2023

Over time, brake pedal travel has increased and brakes have a ‘soft’ or ‘mushy’ feel. Unable to ‘lock up’ the brakes, and can frequently hit the end of travel on the brakes. Cannot stop quickly. Rotors, pads and calipers have been replaced and passed state inspection, but still unable to stop quickly in an emergency situation.

NHTSA ID

11543498

Incident

Sep 8, 2023

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? ACTUATOR ASSY-EPB, part number 26002aj02c (from technical service bulletin), part is not available How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Brake light and iSight warning light comes on. Safety systems will not operate properly when these lights are on Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? No Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Brake light and iSight warning light comes on, this started several months ago After driving this car for about an hour, shutting it off then starting it back up after short amount of time, like 20 minutes, the brake warning light and iSight light (safety system/adaptive cruise control/automatic braking) will come on immediately, they will stay on until the car has been allowed to cool down for several hours. This happens more often in hot weather. This has happened about a couple dozen times already. Took the car to Eurasian Autoworks in Tilton NH, the mechanic, who i'm told is a former Subaru master tech says this is a common problem and is usually fixed by replacing the emergency brake actuator under Technical Service Bulletin 06-58-17R. I called the local dealership and they do not have any of these parts available. I called Subaru customer support, case number [XXX] . and was told the part is discontinued and essentially said I should get one from a junkyard. I do not believe a 10 year old car should have safety related parts unavailable, especially on a common issue with this year/model of car. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11534430

Incident

Jul 1, 2023

The contact owns a 2013 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that on two separate occasions while driving at undisclosed speeds, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The contact stated that after several attempts of applying pressure to the brake pedal, the vehicle stopped. The contact was unsure if any warning lights were illuminated. The contact then stated that on a separate occasion, while driving at an undisclosed speed, she depressed the brake pedal, but the vehicle failed to respond. The contact then stated that the after approximately thirty seconds of applying pressure to the brake pedal, the vehicle stopped. Additionally, the cruise control warning light intermittently illuminated, and the contact heard the engine revving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed but no cause for the failure was determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was notified of the failure and an appointment was scheduled for the following day. The vehicle had not yet been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 117,000.

NHTSA ID

11515940

Incident

Apr 6, 2023

Mileage

117,000 mi

The electronic parking brake warning light keeps flashing indicating a failure in the off-on mechanism. The brake could go on while the car is in motion, causing loss of control. Or the brake could fail while in park, and the car could roll. Subaru mechanic has been telling me they are waiting for a part, which is on back order nationwide. This has been going on with my car for months, literally. I deal with Subaru of Rockville, MD, (240)903-9338.

NHTSA ID

11514551

Incident

Aug 17, 2022

When backing out of garage, car seemed to rev up and increase speed. I was unable to stop the car while applying the brakes. Car went down over an embankment and stopped only after I put transmission into Park and car was slowed down by running over a large shrub. Luckily, I was unhurt, but easily could have been. This is the second time a similar incident has happened. I have not reported the incident previously nor had the car inspected yet.

NHTSA ID

11460615

Incident

Apr 13, 2022

The brakes are spongy and the car doesn't stop properly. We've had repairs done and took it to the dealership and they tell us nothing is wrong.

NHTSA ID

11442910

Incident

Dec 2, 2021

The contact owns a 2013 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while parking the vehicle, the parking brake was applied, and the parking brake warning light was illuminated. The parking brake would not disengage when the contact attempted to drive the vehicle. The contact stated that the electric motor for the parking brake had failed. The contact crawled underneath the vehicle and rotated the electric motor 250 times as per the owner’s manual instructions. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in a recall and referred the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

NHTSA ID

11431922

Incident

Sep 3, 2021

Mileage

80,000 mi

The contact owns a 2013 Subaru Outback. The contact stated while entering the vehicle, her knee hit the button next to the center console labeled push on/push off parking brake which activated the parking brake. The contact was unable to turn off the button. The vehicle was taken to her son who works as an independent mechanic to release the activated parking brakes. The failure persisted. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage is 116,067.

NHTSA ID

11422838

Incident

Jan 8, 2021

Mileage

116,067 mi

BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER IS FAILING, ACCORDING TO SUBARU SERVICE MECHANIC. PRIOR 4 YEARS OF SAME MODEL WERE UNDER RECALL FOR MASTER CYLINDER DEFECT, REPLACEMENT. THIS IS TECHNICALLY THE SAME PROBLEM. SUBARU HAS PROVIDED FREE REPLACEMENTS FOR SOME 2013 OWNERS WHO HAD THIS PROBLEM WITH MASTER CYLINDER. SEAL IN MC IS BROKEN.

NHTSA ID

11399873

Incident

Feb 20, 2021

Mileage

55,500 mi

BRAKE LIGHT FLASHES AND PARKING BRAKE DOES NOT FUNCTION

NHTSA ID

11352280

Incident

Aug 28, 2020

Mileage

123,000 mi

THE WARNING LIGHTS- BRAKES, TIRE PRESSURE, CRUISE CONTROL, ENGINE LIGHTS AND TRACTION CONTROL ALL COME ON AND WON'T GO OFF. HAD THEM RESET BY THE MECHANICS BUT A DAY LATER THEY CAME BACK ON WHILE I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY FOR NO REASON. CRUISE NO LONGER WORKS AS THE LIGHTS ARE ON. A LOT OF PEOPLE ON LINE SEEM TO HAVE THIS PROBLEM AND I THINK YOU SHOULD MAKE SUBARU ISSUE SOME KIND OF RECALL TO FIX THIS PROBLEM. THANK YOU. *TR

NHTSA ID

11327068

Incident

Jun 3, 2020

Mileage

83,000 mi

USE MORE THAN A QUART OF OIL A WEEK AND JUST CHANGE BRAKES AND THEY SHIMMY AND JOLT

NHTSA ID

11318151

Incident

Mar 1, 2020

Mileage

153,000 mi

MY 2013 SUBARU OUTBACK HAS THREE OPEN RECALLS, NUMBERED 19V009000 (AIRBAG), 18V626000 (PARKING BRAKE), AND 16V694000 (WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR). SUBARU OF AMERICA HAS TOLD ME, WITHIN THE PAST WEEK, THAT THE CAR IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE BECAUSE OF THE AIRBAG. I LIVE 138 MILES FROM THE NEAREST SUBARU DEALER. I HAVE GIVEN SUBARU TWO QUOTES, REQUESTED BY THEM, INCLUDING CONTACT INFORMATION AT TWO COMPANIES, FOR TRANSPORTING THE CAR TO THE NEAREST DEALER, RIMROCK SUBARU IN BILLINGS, MT. SUBARU OF AMERICA REFUSES TO CONTACT OR MAKE ARRANGEMENTS WITH THE TWO COMPANIES AND REFUSES TO SCHEDULE THE REPAIRS UNLESS I PAY IN ADVANCE, APPROXIMATELY $1,700.00, FOR ROUND TRIP TRANSPORTATION AND CAR RENTAL, TO GET THE CAR TO THE DEALER AND BACK. SUBARU TOLD ME, IN AN EMAIL TODAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2020, FROM [XXX] OF SUBARU CUSTOMER SERVICE, "MY ABILITY TO ASSIST IS ON A REIMBURSEMENT BASIS. THERE IS NO WORKAROUND FOR THIS." HIS EMAIL IS [email protected] THIS IS AN EXTREME HARDSHIP FOR ME AS I AM RETIRED WITH LIMITED DISCRETIONARY FUNDS. I HOPE YOU CAN CONVINCE SUBARU TO FULFILL ITS LEGAL RESPONSIBILITY TO COMPLETE THESE RECALLS WITHOUT MY FINANCIAL INVOLVEMENT. THANK YOU. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA ID

11308689

Incident

Feb 12, 2020

TOOK IT HOME FROM DEALER AND THE ELECTRONIC PARKING BRAKE WOULD NOT TURN ON. THE BRAKE LIGHT WAS ALSO BLINKING. A COUPLE DAYS LATER, ON THE WAY TO DEALER, I STOPPED AT A GAS STATION AND TURNED ON THE ELECTRIC PARKING BRAKE. IT WORKED THIS TIME, BUT WHEN I GOT IN THE CAR TO DRIVE, THE ELECTRIC PARKING BRAKE WOULDN'T TURN OFF. I WAS STUCK. THERE WAS NO WAY TO MOVE IT. I WAS BLOCKING THE GAS PUMP FOR ABOUT AN HOUR WAITING FOR A TWO TRUCK. TOW TRUCK DRIVER HAD DIFFICULTY LOADING VEHICLE AND TAKING OFF VEHICLE BECAUSE THE PARKING BRAKE WAS ON AND IT WAS AN AWD MEANING NONE OF THE WHEELS CAN MOVE.

NHTSA ID

11253364

Incident

Sep 3, 2019

Mileage

77,550 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AT A FUEL STATION, THE EMERGENCY BRAKE FAILED TO RELEASE AND THE EYESIGHT COLLISION WARNING FAILED TO ACTIVATE. THE CONSUMER STATED PARKING ACCELERATOR BRAKE FAILED AND DEALER REPAIRED AT NO CHARGE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 66,600. *TT *TR

NHTSA ID

11242889

Incident

Aug 2, 2019

Mileage

66,600 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE BRAKE, WINDSHIELD WIPER FLUID, CRUISE CONTROL, AND CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE EMERGENCY BRAKE ENGAGED INDEPENDENTLY AND THE VEHICLE FAILED TO DRIVE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE ALSO OCCURRED ON OTHER OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SUBARU OF ORANGE PARK (LOCATED AT 7023 BLANDING BLVD, JACKSONVILLE, FL 32244, (855) 851-7200) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED AND AN UNKNOWN FAILURE CODE WAS LOCATED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE CONTACT DID NOT KNOW THE SPECIFICS. THE CONTACT BELIEVED THERE WAS AN UNKNOWN SENSOR FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT PLANNED TO TOW THE VEHICLE TO SUBARU OF ORANGE PARK. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000.

NHTSA ID

11233739

Incident

Jul 10, 2018

Mileage

30,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE BRAKES SEIZED WITHOUT WARNING. LAST WEEK, THE TRANSMISSION SEIZED WHILE IN TRAFFIC ON THE GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE. ON BOTH OCCASIONS, THE CONTACT HAD TO PULL THE VEHICLE OVER TO PREVENT A CRASH. THE TRANSMISSION WARNING INDICATOR WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED THREE TIMES TO MARIN SUBARU (595 FRANCISCO BLVD E, SAN RAFAEL, CA 94901, (415) 454-9240) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT A NEW TRANSMISSION WAS NEEDED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED FIVE ADDITIONAL TIMES, BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 250,000.

NHTSA ID

11187060

Incident

Mar 15, 2018

Mileage

250,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER FAILED TO PROVIDE THE PART WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME FRAME FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V626000 (PARKING BRAKE). THE CONTACT HAD BEEN WAITING OVER THREE MONTHS FOR THE PART. THE RECALL LETTER STATED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. GROOVE SUBARU (5300 S BROADWAY, ENGLEWOOD, CO 80113, (720) 279-9409) AND THE MANUFACTURER DID NOT KNOW WHEN THE PART WOULD BE AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT WAS WAITING ON THE MANUFACTURER TO DETERMINE A SOLUTION AND PROVIDE THE PART. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ID

11173886

Incident

Nov 1, 2018

WAS DRIVING SOUTH ON I-5 NEAR ORLAND, CA ON 12/26/18 WHEN MY OUTBACK BEGAN SHAKING AND ATTEMPTING TO "BRAKE" (I WAS DOING BETWEEN 65 - 70 MPH). I LOOKED DOWN AND THE PARKING BRAKE SIGNAL WAS ILLUMINATED. (I HAD NOT ENGAGED THE BRAKE.) I WAS ABLE TO PULL TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. I DISENGAGED THE BRAKE AND RESUMED. IT HAPPENED AGAIN. I PULLED OFF THE ROAD AND CALLED MY SUBARU DEALERSHIP, CARLSEN SUBARU, REDWOOD CITY, CA. I DISENGAGED THE BRAKE -- BUT THE BRAKE KEPT TRYING TO RE-ENGAGE. I COULD DRIVE BUT ONLY HAVE CONSISTENTLY AND CONSTANTLY MAKING SURE THE BRAKE WAS NOT ENGAGED. THE BRAKE LIGHT WOULD FLASH ON AND OFF PERIODICALLY. I IMMEDIATELY TOOK THE CAR INTO THE DEALERSHIP ON 12/27/18. AS SUSPECTED, THE DEALERSHIP DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AS THE PARKING BRAKE MODULE. THE CHARGE WAS $185 FOR DIAGNOSIS AND ANOTHER ESTIMATED $1,250 FOR THE REPAIR. (SEE ATTACHED DIAGNOSTIC/ESTIMATE) ONE OF THE SERVICE TECHNICIANS GAVE ME THE NATIONAL SUBARU CUSTOMER SERVICE NUMBER -- I CALLED AND ALERTED THEM. THEY ARE INVESTIGATING. HOWEVER, LATER THAT EVENING I DISCOVERED SUBARU HAS RECALLED 27,000 2010-2014 OUTBACKS & LEGACYS WITH FAILING PARKING BRAKES. THE SUBARU RECALL IS OFFERING REPLACEMENT OR EXTENDED WARRANTY PROVISIONS DEPENDING ON WHETHER THE CAR IS MANUAL OR AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION (WITH AFFECTED VIN NUMBERS). (RECALL BEGAN IN OCT 2018. I HAVE RECEIVED NO NOTIFICATION.) THE NATIONAL SUBARU REPRESENTATIVE MADE NO MENTION OF THE CURRENT RECALL TO ME. I WENT TO THE DEALERSHIP AGAIN THIS MORNING (12/28/18)--GOT A COPY OF THE DIAGNOSIS/ESTIMATE. THE SERVICE TECHNICIANS DO NOT SEE THE RECALL IN THEIR SYSTEM WITH MY VIN NUMBER. THIS APPEARS TO BE A SIMILAR ISSUE TO OTHERS REPORTED IN THE RECALL -- SUBARU SHOULD LOOK CAREFULLY AT OTHER VEHICLES WITHIN THOSE SAME YEAR/MODEL RANGES. I FEEL THE CAR MAY BE DANGEROUS TO DRIVE.

NHTSA ID

11163805

Incident

Dec 26, 2018

Mileage

75,000 mi

SUBARU OUTBACK SELF-ACCELERATED (UNINTENDED ACCELERATION) ON MARCH 22, 2018 AS I WAS ATTEMPTED TO PARK THE CAR IN A PARKING LOT. DUE TO THE SELF-ACCELERATION THE CAR HOPPED OVER THE CURB IN THE PARKING LOT AND RAN OVER A BUSH. MY FOOT WAS NO WHERE NEAR THE ACCELERATOR AND EVEN WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKE, I HAD TO PRESS EXTREMELY HARD ON THE BRAKE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. WHILE IT SELF-ACCELERATED THE ENGINE MADE A LOUD REVVING SOUND. ON MARCH 23, 2018 THE CAR SELF-ACCELERATED AGAIN WITH MY HUSBAND DRIVING ON THE OPEN ROAD. AFTER THIS INCIDENT WE HAD THE CAR TOWED TO OUR CAR DEALERSHIP. SUBARU HAS HAD THE CAR SINCE MARCH 23 AND DENIES ANY PROBLEM WITH THE ACCELERATOR OR CAR.

NHTSA ID

11089972

Incident

Mar 22, 2018

Mileage

69,000 mi

I TOOK MY CAR IN FOR AIRBAG RECALL, THE BRAKE LIGHT INDICATOR FLASHES ON/OFF ON DASH, INTERMITTENT. SERVICE DEPT COULD NOT REPLICATE AT FIRST, DISCOVERED ELECTRONIC PARKING BRAKE COMPONENT FAULTY. PARKING BRAKE COULD ENGAGE WHILE CAR IS IN DRIVE OR FAIL ON HILL. CHARGING ME 1100 FOR REPAIR, SAYS ITS NOT UNDER WARRANTY OR RECALL. THIS IS SAME DEFECT/RECALL ON 2015 MODEL OUTBACK. DEALER SAYS NO RECALL FOR 2013 MODEL OUTBCAK. I DISPUTE THIS.

NHTSA ID

11084774

Incident

Apr 9, 2018

Mileage

550,000 mi