Vehicle recall 02V079000 · March 12, 2002

Subaru Legacy and Outback

On certain passenger vehicles, the brake master cylinders may not function properly in ambient temperatures below freezing 32 degrees fahrenheit and lower).

Source: NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026. Last refreshed Sep 23, 2026, 2:43 AM UTC.

Summary: On certain passenger vehicles, the brake master cylinders may not function properly in ambient temperatures below freezing 32 degrees fahrenheit and lower).
Consequence: At these temperatures, the brakes may not release after being applied, even when the driver's foot is no longer on the brake pedal. This can occur withour prior warning, possibly resulting in a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the master cylinders. Owner notification began March 21, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783.
Notes: Customers can also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-888-dash-2-dot (1-888-327-4236).

Recall details

NHTSA campaign: 02V079000
Reported to NHTSA: March 12, 2002
Filed by: SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Owner notification: March 21, 2002
Vehicles potentially affected: 1,252
Initiated by: the manufacturer
Components: Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Master cylinder

Recall 02V079000 on nhtsa.gov, with the manufacturer’s documents

Vehicles covered

As listed by NHTSA. A recall usually covers only some vehicles of each model and year, often a production date range.

Subaru Legacy (2002): 2002
Subaru Outback (2002): 2002

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