This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.
So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.
I own a 2001 Subaru Outback. I bought it new and over the last 4 years it has required 3 complete brake jobs (rotors and pads), so currently the car has it's 4th set of brakes. I have never owned any car that has required that many brakes jobs in such a short period of time. I have had all my repairs done at Subaru dealerships and have been told by the service technicians that the design and materials of the brakes cause the rotors to warp and wear out prematurely, requiring both the pads and rotors needing to be replaced each time, which is expensive. As the wear progresses, the steering wheel wobbles and the wobble gets worse very quickly over time. The first 2 brake jobs were covered under warranty. I had to pay for the last one. I have since learned that there are many other Subaru owners like me experiencing the same premature brake wear. For just one example of other testimonials, visit the website ww.autobytel.com/content/research/forums/index.cfm/action/posts/fid/1959 and you can see that I am not alone in my complaint. I believe the brake design is a factory defect. I think Subaru should redesign them and in the mean time be made to cover the cost of these repeated repairs. I have been in contact with Subaru of America about this problem but their position is that it is "a wear issue". I realize, like tires, certain items on cars do wear out over time and require replacement as part of the normal maintenance of a car. However, I do not agree that the problem with the brakes on my Subaru is simply a wear issue and apparently, neither do their own maintenance technicians.
Have been experiencing continued brake problems with my 2001 Subaru Outback ltd. This causes shuddering and pull to both left & right upon application of brakes. Dealer has turned rotors etc. ( 1st @ 18000 miles) but problem still exists (current milage 28500) I have been hearing of other indiv. With the same problems in this model year...rumor : rotors are too thin /undersized" for car heat build up etc. I feel this to be a safety issue as well. Car is hard to stop in a straight line...I am also concerned as to Subaru backing up their warranty on this problem, as I've been hearing some "horror stories". can you explore the safety/warranty issues on this problem"
Car attempts to accelerate when applying brakes to come to a stop. Engine roars and it is difficult to stop car. Problem happens intermittently and usually when the car is going 5 miles per hour or less. Brake pedal goes all the way down when attempting to stop car.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Webster, NH, USA