The anti skid system on this vehicle has a major flaw in operational design that only becomes evident in packed snow & ice conditions, and at very low initial speeds, when first beginning to move on a downhill slope. On such slippery surfaces, when the car is barely moving forward downhill by gravity, if you apply the brakes ever so gently to avoid unwanted acceleration, the anti-skid will release rapidly and continuously, destroying any deceleration capabilitity, even though the surface friction characteristics are such that the tires could grip and stop the car. I drive in hilly terrain in the winter and this has happened a number of times. To demonstrate to myself that the car can be stopped under such conditions, I have, on several occasions, done the following; placed the transmission in reverse while the car is stopped on a slippery downhill grade, with the footbrakes applied. The 'reverse' input to the transmission tries to move the car upward on the hill. Slowly releasing the brakes permits gravity to move the car downhill, even though the transmission is applying a force against it.. as the car accelerates forward (because of gravityd), I apply just enough gas pedal to bring the car to a stop, via the transmission 'reverse' imput to the tire and surface interface.. had I applied the footbrake alone, without the reversing force, the anti-skid would have activated and rapidly cycled as the car accelerated downhill. I have nearly wrecked my car several times because of this shoprtcoming. Each time I stopped oniy when reaching the bottom of the hill. This dangerous problem that can easily be fixed by Subaru by tweaking the system to cut out at very low speeds. I hope you can solve this dangerous problem before someone gets into real trouble. Thank you. J. ruddy.

- Lansdowne, VA, USA

The design of the anti-lock brake system (ABS) seems to overcompensate in icy or slick conditions, to the point that no significant braking occurs. This has caused the vehicle to sail through intersections during icy conditions numerous times. The system does not perform as other ABS systems such as Chrysler/Dodge. This problem is typical for those people driving in northern areas of the U.S. where winter condition exist. The problem appears to be a design defect, not a maintenance related issue. Constant or increased pressure on the brakes did not affect the outcome. Disengaging the servo to the ABS may be a safer option during winter conditions than to allow the ABS system to override driver braking control entirely. Subaru customer service (1-800-782-2783 attn:don) was contacted on 1/5/2000 and did not recognize this as a significant/chronic problem, but noted that they would log the complaint. Review of the NHTSA defects investigations points to this problem as being an ongoing and recurring theme.

- Rigby, ID, USA

When traveling 45 and mph upon applying the brake pedal to make a suden stop, vehicle continued to acclerate, causing extended stopping distance, resulting in an accident. Upon impact, neither driver's side nor passenger's side air bags deployed. Passenger side frontal damage to the front end. Consumer has contacted the dealer.

- Prescott, AZ, USA