The problem
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 Impreza, 2008-2014 WRX and 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 that were remedied under recall 14V-311 prior to December 23, 2014. The brake lines may experience brake line corrosion due to salt water splashing on the brake lines through a gap in the fuel tank protector.
The risk
Brake fluid may leak due to the brake line corrosion and 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 apply an anti-corrosion wax to the four-way joint connector area of the brake line system, free of charge. The recall began on January 27, 2015. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WQQ-52. Notes: This recall is specific to affected Forester, Impreza, WRX, and STI customers who had their car remedied under NHTSA recall no. 14V-311 prior to December 23, 2014. Subaru has determined that this remedy was inadequate due to incomplete repair instructions provided to dealers. Affected Forester, Impreza, WRX, and STI vehicles that were not repaired under NHTSA recall no. 14V-311 prior to December 23, 2014 will continue to be processed under NHTSA recall no. 14V-311. Affected vehicles not currently, or formerly, registered in the salt belt states identified in this recall are eligible for repair, at no cost to the customer, upon request.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 14V-830 (14V830000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer number | WQQ-52 |
| Manufacturer | Subaru of America, Inc. |
| Component | Service brakes, hydraulic |
| Report date | December 31, 2014 |
| Owners notified | January 27, 2015 |
| Vehicles affected | 200,064 |
| Initiated by | Manufacturer |
Vehicles covered
- 2009 Subaru Forester
- 2010 Subaru Forester
- 2011 Subaru Forester
- 2012 Subaru Forester
- 2013 Subaru Forester
- 2008 Subaru Impreza
- 2009 Subaru Impreza
- 2010 Subaru Impreza
- 2011 Subaru Impreza
- 2008 Subaru WRX
- 2009 Subaru WRX
- 2010 Subaru WRX
- 2011 Subaru WRX
- 2012 Subaru WRX
- 2013 Subaru WRX
- 2014 Subaru WRX
- 2008 Subaru WRX STI
- 2009 Subaru WRX STI
- 2010 Subaru WRX STI
- 2011 Subaru WRX STI
- 2012 Subaru WRX STI
- 2013 Subaru WRX STI
- 2014 Subaru WRX STI
Owner complaints about the brakes
- 2009 Subaru Forester brake problems 16
- 2010 Subaru Forester brake problems 37
- 2011 Subaru Forester brake problems 20
- 2012 Subaru Forester brake problems 15
- 2013 Subaru Forester brake problems 9
- 2008 Subaru Impreza brake problems 21
- 2009 Subaru Impreza brake problems 15
- 2010 Subaru Impreza brake problems 7
- 2011 Subaru Impreza brake problems 6
- 2008 Subaru WRX brake problems 25
- 2009 Subaru WRX brake problems 11
- 2010 Subaru WRX brake problems 1
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 14V-830 repair free?
Yes. Subaru dealers will fix the problem at no cost: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will apply an anti-corrosion wax to the four-way joint connector area of the brake line system, free of charge. The recall began on January 27, 2015. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783.
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 200,064 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.