The problem
Vehicle description: passenger and sport utility vehicles equipped with anti-lock braking system (ABS). (the 1999 2.2 liter legacy vehicles are excluded). In extremely cold weather, the brake pedal goes to the floor and the vehicle stopping distance is increased.
The risk
This condition causes the vehicle stopping distance to be increased, possibly resulting in a crash.
The fix
Dealers will replace the brake master cylinder.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 99V-040 (99V040000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer number | WXQ-74 |
| Manufacturer | Subaru of America, Inc. |
| Component | Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Master cylinder |
| Report date | March 3, 1999 |
| Owners notified | June 7, 1999 |
| Vehicles affected | 221,987 |
| Initiated by | Manufacturer |
Vehicles covered
Owner complaints about the brakes
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 99V-040 repair free?
Yes. Subaru dealers will fix the problem at no cost: Dealers will replace the brake master cylinder.
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 221,987 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.