1997 Subaru Outback Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 9about this part
- Share
- 11%of 79 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 60,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the brakes of the 1997 Subaru Outback, 11% of the 79 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 60,000 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Power brakes fail to function immediately and shortly after (within about 5 minutes) after cold start in temperatures below 10 degrees f. Brake pedal remains high and stiff with little to no travel distance indicating no power to power brake system but brake pedal apparently travels enough distance to allow shifting out of park. User remedy is to allow more than 5 minutes to warm and verify brake pedal travels normal distance indicating power brake system is functioning before shifting out of park. …”
NHTSA complaint #10054620, filed 2004-01, 60,000 miles“Problems with brake equipment on 1997 Subaru Outback. The brakes failed to stop, resulting in the consumer rear ended the vehicle in front. Moisture was found in the hose which resulted in the valve freezing due to cold temperature, blocking off the vacuum to the power brake unit.”
NHTSA complaint #10091766, filed 2004-09“While driving vehicle suddenly accelerates out of control which could cause a crash. The braking system does not work properly while vehicle is accelerating. Also problems with rack and pinion steering. Please provide further information.”
NHTSA complaint #849796, filed 1999-10“The braking system malfunctioned, causing brake pedal to feel mushy, and had extended stopping distance, which could cause a crash. Currently at dealer's. Please provide further information and VIN#.”
NHTSA complaint #844804, filed 1999-08“On a dry pavement, while driving 60 MPH, went to slow down by applying the brakes, and the vehicle spinned out and almost caused a serious accident. Dealer won't determine problem.”
NHTSA complaint #819794, filed 1997-12Related service bulletins
- 10163525Jul 11, 2019This Service Information bulletin announces instruction for application of additional lubrication between the brake caliper support and pad clips. This will prevent the pad from…
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 5% |
| 2025 | 7 | 8% |
| 2024 | 4 | 4% |
| 2023 | 7 | 8% |
| 2022 | 11 | 2% |
| 2021 | 8 | 3% |
| 2020 | 15 | 2% |
| 2019 | 22 | 2% |
| 2018 | 18 | 2% |
| 2017 | 25 | 3% |
| 2016 | 19 | 3% |
| 2015 | 28 | 5% |
| 2014 | 22 | 11% |
| 2013 | 31 | 10% |
| 2012 | 40 | 14% |
| 2011 | 78 | 12% |
| 2010 | 40 | 11% |
| 2009 | 8 | 8% |
| 2008 | 31 | 14% |
| 2007 | 8 | 6% |
| 2006 | 19 | 7% |
| 2005 | 31 | 11% |
| 2004 | 3 | 3% |
| 2003 | 7 | 8% |
| 2002 | 31 | 22% |
| 2001 | 30 | 18% |
| 2000 | 12 | 6% |
| 1999 | 9 | 8% |
| 1998 | 15 | 12% |
| 1997 | 9 | 11% |
| 1996 | 7 | 15% |
Other parts of the 1997 Subaru Outback
24 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
8 complaintsVehicle speed control
8 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
7 complaintsFuel system
5 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
5 complaintsElectrical system
4 complaintsSuspension
4 complaintsEquipment
3 complaintsBody and structure
3 complaintsWheels
3 complaintsAir bags
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 Subaru Outback
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology