Recall 11V562 affects 32,685 2012 Subaru Impreza, Legacy, and Outback vehicles for brake master cylinder malfunction. Repair is free at any franchised Subaru dealer.
Subaru is recalling 32,685 2012 Impreza, Legacy, and Outback vehicles because the brake master cylinder can malfunction and require more brake pedal travel to slow or stop. That change can happen without warning, lead a driver to misjudge stopping distance, and raise crash risk; the Subaru dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The brake master cylinder in these 2012 Subaru Impreza, Legacy, and Outback vehicles is the part that turns brake pedal force into hydraulic pressure. When you press the pedal, the master cylinder sends brake fluid pressure through the brake system so the brakes clamp down and slow the vehicle.
In recall 11V562, the problem is a malfunction inside that master cylinder. The result is longer brake pedal travel, meaning the pedal has to move farther before the vehicle slows or stops as expected. That extra travel reduces the driver's normal brake response and changes how the vehicle feels during a stop.
There is no warning sign before failure. If the malfunction starts while driving, the main thing an owner would notice is the brake pedal moving farther than normal when trying to slow or stop the vehicle.
Who's affected?
Covers 3 Subaru models from the 2012 model year, all tied to the hydraulic brake pedal linkage.
| 2012 Subaru Impreza | hydraulic brake system |
|---|---|
| 2012 Subaru Legacy | hydraulic brake system |
| 2012 Subaru Outback | hydraulic brake system |
| Units affected | 32,685 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included.
What's the safety risk?
Unexpected brake-pedal travel can make the driver misjudge how much pedal pressure is needed to reach the intended stopping distance, increasing crash risk. There is no warning sign before this happens. If your VIN is included, drive cautiously and arrange the dealer inspection soon. Repair will be free at any franchised Subaru dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2012 Subaru Impreza, Legacy, or Outback is included in this recall.
- Use the Subaru owner notice mailed on December 5, 2011, or contact a franchised Subaru dealer and reference recall number 11V562.
- Ask the dealer to inspect the brake master cylinder and replace it if needed, free of charge, to fix the extra brake pedal travel.
- Drive cautiously until the inspection is complete. Leave extra following distance and allow more room to stop.
- Call Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783 with questions before your dealer visit.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Subaru technician inspects the brake master cylinder. If the inspection shows the part needs replacement, the technician replaces the brake master cylinder at no charge under the recall. Subaru's filing says owners were to be notified before the recall repair began, but it does not confirm whether the final repair is open now. The dealer repair will be free once available, with parts and labor covered.
Timeline
| November 29, 2011 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| December 5, 2011 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 11V562?
Recall 11V562 covers 32,685 2012 Subaru Impreza, Legacy, and Outback vehicles with a brake master cylinder concern. The defect can increase brake pedal travel needed to slow or stop the vehicle, raising crash risk. Subaru dealers inspect the brake master cylinder and replace it for free when needed.
What should I do if my 2012 Subaru Impreza, Legacy, or Outback is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 11V562. If it is, contact a franchised Subaru dealer to schedule the brake master cylinder inspection. Reference recall number 11V562 when you call. The inspection and needed replacement are free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Subaru's remedy says dealers will inspect the brake master cylinder and replace it, if needed, free of charge. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to complete the recall repair at no cost at a franchised Subaru dealer.
What is the safety risk?
The brake pedal can travel farther than expected before the vehicle slows or stops. A driver can misjudge the extra pedal travel needed to reach the intended stopping distance, increasing crash risk. There is no warning sign before failure.
What if I bought this Subaru used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the VIN, not the original owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your 2012 Subaru Impreza, Legacy, or Outback is included, then give recall number 11V562 to the Subaru dealer service desk.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/11V562000 |
|---|---|
| Subaru customer service | 1-800-782-2783 |
| NHTSA recall # | 11V562 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 11V562000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 2, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →