general problems of the 2002 Subaru Outback

The contact owns a 2002 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that the brakes would not release after being applied, even when the contact¿s foot was no longer on the brake pedal. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000. The current mileage was 135,000.

Dates are approximate, problem is ongoing. Upon initial start-up, in cool/cold weather the brake pedal will be very hard and brakes are very weak requiring tremendous foot pressure with still reduced braking effectiveness. After a period of time and multiple stops brake assist seems to increase and the brakes get stronger or normal. I have researched that this is not an uncommon problem with Subaru cars at higher mileage. It is said to be water in the brake booster hose one way valve. Changing the hose, I am told, will not solve this problem as more water will enter the system and freeze or gum pu the works. Very dangerous especially for drivers who do not have the strength to press so hard on the pedal.

My 2002 Subaru Outback had front rotor failure in 2007-----the fins that hold the rotors together rusted and broke. When you checked the rotor thickness with a micrometer it was fine but when you applied brakes the pressure squeezed the surfaces together and made it feel like the rotors were warped---also undetectable by runout gage.

In cold severe weather brakes shutter. Recall 02v079000 was issued; however, this vehicle was not included in the recall due to VIN.

While driving 25 mph on a dirt road the consumers vehicle began to fishtail. When the consumer applied the brakes they did not stop the vehicle and the steering failed. The consumer lost control of the vehicle and collided head on with a tree. Neither the front driver nor passenger air bags deployed.

The vehicle started to fish-tail, the consumer depressed the brakes with force and discovered the vehicle had no brakes.

When the brake was applied, the vehicle experienced extended stopping distance.