The problem
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.
The 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.
The fix
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles. If no brake fluid seepage is observed, the affected area will be rustproofed with anti-corrosion wax. If brake fluid seepage is observed, the brake lines will be replaced followed by rustproofing with anti-corrosion wax. These services will be performed free of charge. The recall began on May 30, 2013. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's recall campaign number is WQG-43.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 13V-110 (13V110000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer number | WQG-43 |
| Manufacturer | Subaru of America, Inc. |
| Component | Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings |
| Report date | March 27, 2013 |
| Owners notified | May 30, 2013 |
| Vehicles affected | 274,402 |
| Initiated by | Manufacturer |
Vehicles covered
Owner complaints about the brakes
- 2005 Subaru Legacy brake problems 31
- 2006 Subaru Legacy brake problems 10
- 2007 Subaru Legacy brake problems 3
- 2008 Subaru Legacy brake problems 13
- 2009 Subaru Legacy brake problems 9
- 2005 Subaru Outback brake problems 31
- 2006 Subaru Outback brake problems 19
- 2007 Subaru Outback brake problems 8
- 2008 Subaru Outback brake problems 31
- 2009 Subaru Outback brake problems 8
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 13V-110 repair free?
Yes. Subaru dealers will fix the problem at no cost: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles. If no brake fluid seepage is observed, the affected area will be rustproofed with anti-corrosion wax.
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 274,402 vehicles built in a certain window. Check your 17-character VIN with our VIN recall check or at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.