Does the 2013 Subaru Outback have a brake recall?

Yes. Recall 18V626000 covers the electronic parking brake on 2010-2014 Legacy and Outback models with a manual transmission, which may not engage as intended.

How many brake complaints does NHTSA have for the 2013 Outback?

NHTSA lists 33 brake complaints for the 2013 Outback, which is 11% of the 297 total complaints filed for that model year.

At what mileage do brake problems typically show up on the 2013 Outback?

The median mileage at failure for brake complaints on the 2013 Outback is 73,500 miles.

Were there any crashes linked to brake problems on the 2013 Outback?

NHTSA data shows 2 crashes associated with brake complaints for the 2013 Outback, with no reported fires or injuries.

Is the brake complaint rate higher for the 2013 Outback than other years?

The 11% share for 2013 is close to nearby years like 2010 (11%) and 2014 (12%), and lower than 2012 (14%) and 2011 (13%).

2013 Subaru Outback Brakes Problems

NHTSA lists 33 brake complaints for the 2013 Subaru Outback, 11% of that year's 297 total complaints, with a median failure mileage of 73,500. A related recall (18V626000) covers the electronic parking brake on manual-transmission 2010-2014 Legacy and Outback models.

Brakes complaints: 33; 11% of 297
Crashes reported: 2
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 0
Median mileage: 73,500 mi
Related recalls: 1

Typical brake symptoms owners report

Owners report the electronic parking brake engaging on its own while driving or failing to release when parked.
Several describe needing to press the brake pedal unusually hard to stop the vehicle, in one case after an unintended acceleration event.
Some report brake-related warning lights (brake, cruise control, check engine) illuminating together on the dash.
Owners describe the parking brake failing on hills or engaging while the vehicle is in drive.
One owner reported waiting over three months for a replacement part under the recall campaign.

When 2013 Subaru Outback brake complaints were filed

First complaint Nov 25, 2012, latest Sep 4, 2025.

33 complaints filed with NHTSA from Nov 2012 to Sep 2025; peak Apr 2018 (2).

Brakes recalls for the 2013 Subaru Outback

NHTSA 18V626000Sep 13, 2018Brakes27,175 vehicles
Parking brake
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2010-2014 Subaru Legacy and Outback vehicles equipped with a manual transmission. The electronic parking brake (EPB) may not engage as intended, allowing the vehicle to rollaway if the transmission is not in the proper gear when parked.
Risk: A vehicle rollaway can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the EPB actuator assembly, free of charge. The recall began July 19, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WTV-81.

Brakes complaints by Outback model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

201040 (11%)
201184 (13%)
201241 (14%)
201333 (11%)
201424 (12%)
201531 (6%)
201622 (3%)
201728 (3%)
201821 (3%)
201925 (2%)
202017 (2%)
20218 (3%)
202211 (2%)
20237 (8%)
20244 (4%)
20256 (7%)

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2013 Subaru Outback have a brake recall?: Yes. Recall 18V626000 covers the electronic parking brake on 2010-2014 Legacy and Outback models with a manual transmission, which may not engage as intended.
How many brake complaints does NHTSA have for the 2013 Outback?: NHTSA lists 33 brake complaints for the 2013 Outback, which is 11% of the 297 total complaints filed for that model year.
At what mileage do brake problems typically show up on the 2013 Outback?: The median mileage at failure for brake complaints on the 2013 Outback is 73,500 miles.
Were there any crashes linked to brake problems on the 2013 Outback?: NHTSA data shows 2 crashes associated with brake complaints for the 2013 Outback, with no reported fires or injuries.
Is the brake complaint rate higher for the 2013 Outback than other years?: The 11% share for 2013 is close to nearby years like 2010 (11%) and 2014 (12%), and lower than 2012 (14%) and 2011 (13%).