Brake Electric Antilock problems of the 1996 Subaru Legacy

Ten problems related to brake electric antilock have been reported for the 1996 Subaru Legacy. The most recently reported issues are listed below.

1 Brake Electric Antilock problem

Failure Date: 01/08/2001

Brake pedal would go down 1/2" to 3/4" to floor only when vehicle was sitting for a while or while applying brake at a stop position. Dealer/manufacturer were not notified at this time. Please feel free to provide any further details on this matter.

2 Brake Electric Antilock problem

Failure Date: 01/27/2000

While applying brakes to stop about 5 mph, consumer bumped into vehicle in front, and both air bags deployed without a prior warning.

3 Brake Electric Antilock problem

Failure Date: 11/01/1999

Abs does not seem to slow or stop vehicle quick enough, in emergency situation.

4 Brake Electric Antilock problem

Failure Date: 06/21/1999

First instance was in Dec 98, 2nd 6-21-99 cruise control stays on, cannot cancel or turn off, brakes go to the floor with no effect what so ever, have to turn the ignition key off and restart the engine in order to get out of cruise and get the brakes back (this is a little scarry when you have power steering). This was a life and death situation in traffic at highway speed on an approach to a severe turn on a exit ramp.

5 Brake Electric Antilock problem

Failure Date: 12/01/1998

When applying the abs brakes in cold weather conditions pedal goes to the floor, causing extended stopping distance, cause unknown.

6 Brake Electric Antilock problem

Failure Date: 01/13/1998

Driving at approximately 20 mph , began applying brakes, vehicle did not stop, or slow down, resulting in a rear end collision, airbags also did not deploy.

7 Brake Electric Antilock problem

Failure Date: 02/08/1997

Antilock brakes locked up, causing brakes to overheat/smoke.

8 Brake Electric Antilock problem

The front brake rotors warped, causing the brakes to become mushy, resulting in extended stopping distance. The dealer and manufacturer have been notified.

9 Brake Electric Antilock problem

The abs brakes do not perform well in snow and ice. While applying brakes in these road conditons, vehcile will not stop. Dealer noted that vehicle is operating to specs.

10 Brake Electric Antilock problem

Anti lock brakes lock up on occasions causing extended stopping distances.


Other Service Brakes related problems of the 1996 Subaru Legacy


Safety Ratings of Legacy Cars
Fuel Economy of Legacy Vehicles
Legacy Service Bulletins
Legacy Safety Recalls
Legacy Defect Investigations