WQG-43A

Subarunet Announcement
To: All Subaru Dealers
From: Subaru of America, Inc.
Date: March 27, 2013
Subject: New Subaru Recall Campaign: Brake Line Corrosion WQG‐43
Subaru of America, Inc. has determined that a defect, which relates to motor vehicle safety, exists on the
following affected vehicles. These vehicles may have been manufactured with brake lines that could, over
time, corrode in the area of the four‐way joint connector if exposed to salt. To address this condition, a
recall campaign will be released within the next 60 days.
Affected Vehicles
Certain 2005‐2009 model year Subaru Legacy/Outback vehicles whose owners either currently reside in,
or the vehicle has ever been registered in, at least one of the following “salt‐belt” states or Washington
D.C.
Connecticut
Delaware
District of Columbia
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Missouri
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New York
Ohio
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
Vermont
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Description of the Safety Defect
Depending on driving conditions, salt water could splash on the brake lines through a gap in the fuel tank
protector, resulting in excessive corrosion of the brake lines. Due to the shape of the fuel tank protector
used exclusively on 2005‐2009MY Legacy & Outback vehicles, the amount of water which could contact
the affected area is significantly more than other Subaru models/model years when driven over 19 mph
and passing over puddles 1.5 in. or more deep.
Description of the Safety Hazard
Should a brake line corrode to the point of developing a perforation, brake fluid may leak from the line(s).
Since the center and rear brake lines work independently of one another, braking will still be possible if
either (but not both) systems fail. The driver will be alerted to a fault in the brake system via illumination
of the brake system warning telltale lamp because the fluid level will drop in the system. However, failure
of either the center or rear brake lines might cause the driver to misjudge the amount of brake pedal
travel required to achieve the desired stopping distance.
Owner Notification
Subaru is in the process of acquiring materials and replacement parts necessary to remedy the condition.
When available, Subaru will notify potentially affected vehicle owners by first class mail. This is expected
to occur within the next 60 days. Dealers will be advised in advance of the owner notification mailing.