2000 Subaru Outback Brakes Problems

“I own a 2000 Subaru Outback wagon. While driving approximately 20mph I attempted to make a routine stop in traffic. The car would not slow down, so I depressed the brake to the floor. The antilock brakes seemed to engage (I could feel the stuttering) but the car did not slow quickly enough at all. Notably the temperature was about 8degrees fahrenheit without windchill. I have since discovered that Subaru has recalled older (1999) and later (2002) models for this exact situation (hydrolic master cylinder brake failure at low temperatures). …”

“1. Emergency braking from 50+ MPH on a freeway because the driver in front, in their own words, just stopped ! 2. 2000 Outback failed to slow. Hit rear of the lexus SUV. Torpedoed under the SUV up to 1/2 the hood length. No air bag deployment (again!) 3. Car is totaled! This is the 2nd major accident due to the failure of the braking system. Subaru of america denies any product defect.”

“Experienced poor brake performance including increased stopping distance, vibration, and steering wheel shimmy. Inspection of right front disc brakes showed inside brake pad worn unevenly. Brake caliper is two-piston system and uneven wear was due to one cylinder not working. Situation repeated approx. Eight months later on left side and now right side shows repeat of same problem. Repair required replacement of entire caliper assembly.”

“Brake pedal goes 1/2 way down before brakes engage at all. Pedal can be pushed to floor without much effort by my 120lb wife. Abs did not engage. Neither airbag deployed - impact speed was 30 to 35 MPH. Dealer insists brakes are ok. 2001 model has 13 inch discs and it stops great! (our rental is a 2001 Outback wagon). We love the car, it just worries us that it doesn't stopproperly and the airbags don't go off - apparently the 'computer' deemed it unecessary although it was a head-on, smack in the middle of the front, collision!”

“Brakes are very soft or mushy and are slow to respond. They do not effectively engage until the pedal is depressed very close to the floor, thus requiring an inordinate amount of time and distance to stop. The inadequacy of performace contributed substantially, in my judgment, to the accident in which I was involved because the brakes simply failed to start slowing the car down until the pedal was almost completely depressed to the floor. I have just reported it in writing to the dealership from which I purchased the vehicle. …”