Subaru Announces Voluntary Recall Of 1998-1999 Forester And Legacy Vehicles

CHERRY HILL, NJ - Subaru of America, Inc., announced a voluntary recall campaign on its 1998-1999 model year Forester and Legacy vehicles, including Outback models.

The campaign involves a replacement of the brake master cylinder to remedy a possible malfunction of the secondary braking circuit on some 1998-1999 model year Forester and Legacy vehicles equipped with anti-lock brake systems (ABS).

This recall affects approximately 221,000 vehicles excluding 1999 2.2 liter Legacy models (Brighton, L and Postal Legacy). There have been no reported accidents or injuries.

In extremely cold weather (minus 22 degrees Fahrenheit and below), during normal light brake application, a small number of the affected vehicles have experienced increased pedal travel and stopping distance. These conditions are caused by an internal valve in the master cylinder momentarily sticking open and causing decreased braking pressure in the secondary circuit. The primary circuit of the master cylinder continues to operate properly.

Owners who experience this condition can recover full braking performance by quickly releasing the brake pedal and then depressing it sharply one time. If an owner experiences this condition, the vehicle should be taken or transported to a Subaru dealer for inspection.

All registered owners of vehicles potentially affected by the voluntary recall will be notified by first class mail. The company will notify owners in cold weather areas first.