Vehicle does not brake properly when cold in sub-freezing weather conditions. Vehicle consistently has greatly increased stopping distances when it is very cold out and the condition resolves once the vehicle has warmed up.

- Girard, PA, USA

When the weather is very cold out (it was -15 to -20 celsius when this happened) there is no vacuum assist for the brakes. This is a common problem (check at www.subaruoutback.org). the vehicle is a 2001 Subaru Outback and the problem seems to be a check valve in the vacuum line running to the brake booster. In cold weather, the check valve freezes and there is no vacuum to the brake booster. This makes the brake pedal extremely hard to push as the is no power assist when there is no vacuum to the booster.

- Burlington, VT, USA

We had excessive brake problems and after repeated attempts to the dealer, my husband found there is a pin that the calipers slide on and it was locked up. He took it apart, lubed with "never seize" and problem solved. Unfortunately, after much $$$$ paid to dealers without any help.

- Akron, OH, USA

2001 Subaru Outback. When the temp falls below 20, and the car has sat for several hours, brakes will momentarily not work. Specifically, I apply the brakes to slow down, they will feel hard to push and will slow the car, I let up and push again, they feel even harder, and will not slow the car. Usually the fourth time I pump them they return to normal operation. This has happened in the past, I took the car to the shop, who said there was nothing wrong. Pads were fine, no water in the fluid. Fluid was changed and problem has recurred since then.

- Denver, CO, USA

I had to replace the brakes in my 2001 Subaru Outback after 20,000 miles. I lived the last two years in Alaska and was told by the dealer service department in seattle the salt from the roads created early corrosion on the brake pads and disc. The Outback is designed for more rugged driving and for geographic locations with harsher winters. Something about the design of the brakes causes the salt and dirt from winter roads to channel up through the brake system and cause excessive wear and tear. I just paid for a complete brake replacement as the front pads were no longer engaging correctly and the brakes are very worn due to the salt.

- Seattle,, WA, USA

While driving the vehicle at any speed and applied the brakes, the vehicle can experience extended stopping distance, vehicle suffered sudden acceleration. Dealer has inspected the vehicle and could not duplicate or correct the problem.

- Holmdel, NJ, USA