The problem
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2015 Legacy and Outback vehicles manufactured on July 20, 2015. The brake fluid used in these vehicles may contain excess moisture which may adversely affect the performance of the electronic stability control system. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems."
The risk
Poor performance of the electronic stability control system when it is activated may result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will perform an ABS activation, then flush and replace the brake fluid, free of charge. The recall began on May 20, 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WTC-64.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 16V-251 (16V251000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer number | WTC-64 |
| Manufacturer | Subaru of America, Inc. |
| Component | Electronic stability control (ESC) |
| Report date | April 27, 2016 |
| Owners notified | May 20, 2016 |
| Vehicles affected | 766 |
| Initiated by | Manufacturer |
Vehicles covered
Owner complaints about the stability & traction control
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 16V-251 repair free?
Yes. Subaru dealers will fix the problem at no cost: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will perform an ABS activation, then flush and replace the brake fluid, free of charge. The recall began on May 20, 2016. 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 766 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.