Brake complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 20% | 6,000 miles |
| 2024 | 7 | 22% | 40,000 miles |
| 2022 | 2 | 14% | — |
| 2021 | 1 | 7% | — |
| 2020 | 5 | 6% | 20,000 miles |
| 2019 | 8 | 4% | 32,000 miles |
| 2018 | 3 | 2% | 21,000 miles |
| 2017 | 7 | 6% | 28,000 miles |
| 2016 | 6 | 8% | 65,000 miles |
| 2015 | 4 | 5% | 57,000 miles |
| 2014 | 5 | 5% | 21,000 miles |
| 2013 | 25 | 10% | 48,000 miles |
| 2012 | 15 | 6% | 47,000 miles |
| 2011 | 6 | 10% | 26,000 miles |
| 2010 | 7 | 15% | 34,000 miles |
| 2009 | 15 | 14% | 95,000 miles |
| 2008 | 21 | 12% | 62,000 miles |
| 2007 | 6 | 9% | 93,000 miles |
| 2006 | 6 | 11% | 38,000 miles |
| 2005 | 6 | 8% | 87,000 miles |
| 2004 | 6 | 6% | 21,000 miles |
| 2003 | 14 | 23% | 11,000 miles |
| 2002 | 60 | 21% | 25,000 miles |
| 2001 | 3 | 27% | 1,000 miles |
| 2000 | 5 | 12% | — |
| 1999 | 2 | 9% | — |
| 1998 | 1 | 3% | — |
| 1997 | 1 | 3% | — |
| 1996 | 5 | 25% | — |
| 1995 | 3 | 7% | — |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns a 2024 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated that while driving 45 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop as intended. The contact stated that there was no resistance in the brake pedal, and the vehicle was uncontrollable. The vehicle independently accelerated and crashed into a vehicle, which then crashed into another vehicle. The contact stated that the air bags deployed after the first collision and obstructed road visibility; however, bystanders informed the contact that the other vehicle had crashed into another vehicle, and vehicle occupants sustained unknown injuries. The vehicle was towed to a local tow lot. A police report was filed. An insurance agent took photos of the vehicle. The manufacturer was contacted by phone, and a case was filed. The manufacturer requested to review the EDR. The failure mileage was approximately 41,000.
The contact owned a 2024 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop as intended. The contact stated that the brake pedal went to the floor with no resistance. No warning lights illuminated. The vehicle independently accelerated and rear-ended another vehicle, resulting in a multi-vehicle crash. The vehicle was towed to a local tow yard. The contact went to a local medical center and was treated for back pain and body soreness. The vehicle was deemed a total loss. Prior to the failure, the vehicle was serviced at a dealer on August 24, 2026, for a routine oil change and tire rotation. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.
I believe this article describes the cause of the issue. Thankfully the vehicle was parked in my driveway, and did not roll into the street or harm any people, but it could have. 2020 Subaru Impreza Wrx Service Brakes related problems https://www.carproblemzoo.com/subaru/imprezawrx/2020/2020-subaru-imprezawrx-service-brakes-problems.php
A loud rumbling noise and vibration occurs while braking at high speed. Braking force seems unaffected but the noise in concerning. Upon inspection and a test drive, Subaru confirmed the issued and noticed uneven brake pad wear on the front brakes and leakage in the front caliper. Subaru recommended replacement of front calipers, pads, and rotors. Subaru replaced pads and rotors. The noise continues to occur occassionally. Subaru is recommending replacement of front brake calipers but is unable to replace them due to a shortage. I am concerned the brakes or other components may fail due to unusual wear. No inspection by police or insurance has been completed. No warning lights occurred, only the noise and vibration during braking.
I was driving in stop and go traffic on the highway for several minutes. Everything worked fine until one moment when I went to press the brake pedal down and the pedal would not move. I used all my strength to push it down for several seconds. It was locked in position. I could not move it all. My car slid into a semi truck in front of me at a very very low speed. After impact, everything worked again and I was able to pull the car to the side of the road. Initially, I believed the truck behind me had pushed my car causing the brake pedal to lock. I contacted the police and we examined my vehicle. There was no damage from the impact on the front of my car and there was no evidence I had been rearended. Two Subaru shops have examined the vehicle. One theory from the first shop is that an object in the road lifted the car off the road and caused the pedal to fail. …
The brakes on this car squeak constantly. Even after replacing brake pads and rotors the car still squeaks every time the brakes are used. After searching the issue I have found multiple Reddit forums of 2019 Impreza owners complaining of the same issue. I have filed a complaint with Subaru and the dealership I bought the car from (brand new) and they refuse to address this issue. It is extremely concerning to have a car that squeaks constantly as if there is an actual brake issue I would not know it since the car sounds like it has an issue already. If even replacing the rotors and brake pads does not fix this issue, I am concerned that there is a bigger issue at play that may reveal itself later. I ask that Subaru be required to fully look into this issue and correct the brakes for all owners as this is not unique to me and my vehicle.
Suspected defective and/or faulty brake booster or brake hose on the front left tire. Car starts violently shaking/shuddering when easing onto the brakes (once the brakes have warmed up for my daily commute to work). Resulting vibrations travel up the steering column to the steering wheel, and into the cabin. The car will then pitch its nose in various directions; it feels as though the front left brake is being grabbed and not properly released. Taken to a Subaru dealership multiple times. New brakes and rotors installed in July 2022; other components of the brake (calipers, pistons) were inspected in Aug. 2022 and appeared fine. However, on inspection (08/2022) the newly replaced rotor on the front left tire was already showing visible wear/damage (white scalding) due to excessive heat generated while braking. …
March 2023 I had all 4 rotors & brakes replaced. About 2 weeks after, doing 65 mph on highway 79 I had to lightly apply my brakes. After letting off the brake all of a sudden my whole car, steering wheel, etc started shaking. I pulled off the road thinking something broke but nothing was. A couple months later on 79 it did it again without applying my brakes. It's happening more often and the shaking is getting more severe to where my car is either going to fall apart or bounce off the road or into another car. I'm terrified when this happens because I don't know what's going to happen. I won't even put my grand children in my car. One if my co-workers had the same thing happen to her Subaru. She said after her mechanics did some investigating, they found that there was an issue with the replacement rotors warping and causing the car to shake terribly. …
Related recalls (3)
Service brakes, hydraulic
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,…
Remedy: 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.
Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2005-2009 Outback and Legacy, 2008-2011 Impreza and 2008-2014 Impreza WRX/STI, and 2009-2013 Forester vehicles, currently, or formerly, registered in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New…
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will test the brake system by depressing the brake pedal and inspecting for brake fluid leaks.
Service brakes, hydraulic › Pedals and linkages
Subaru is recalling certain model year 2012 impreza sedans and wagons (except wrx/sti models), manufactured from April 21, 2011, through November 15, 2011, and legacy and outback vehicles manufactured from October 17, 2011, through November 23, 2011.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake master cylinder and if necessary, replace it, free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during December 2011.
Frequently asked questions
Which Subaru Impreza years have brake problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2002 (60), 2013 (25), 2008 (21), 2009 (15) and 2012 (15) model years. Brake complaints make up 21% of all complaints for the 2002.
Is there a recall for Subaru Impreza brake problems?
Yes — 3 recalls, including 14V-830 (service brakes, hydraulic, Dec 31, 2014); 14V-311 (hoses, lines/piping, and fittings, Jun 10, 2014); 11V-562 (pedals and linkages, Nov 29, 2011). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Subaru Impreza brake problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 46,000 miles; 61% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (73 mentions), followed by the foundation components (5).
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.