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Campaign 14V311 Posted June 10, 2014 461,338 units

2005-2014 Subaru Multi-Model Recall 14V311: Brake Lines

RN
Reviewed by the RecallNotify editorial team
Published June 2, 2026

Recall 14V311 covers 461,338 2005-2014 Subaru Legacy, Outback, Impreza, Forester, Wrx, and Wrx Sti vehicles for brake-line corrosion. Repair is free at franchised Subaru dealers.

Subaru is recalling 461,338 2005-2014 Legacy, Outback, Impreza, Forester, Wrx, and Wrx Sti vehicles in salt belt states because salt water can corrode brake lines through a gap near the fuel tank protector. Leaking brake fluid can require longer stopping distance and increase crash risk, and Subaru dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.

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What's wrong?

The brake lines on 2005-2014 Subaru Wrx Sti, Legacy, Outback, Impreza, Forester, and Wrx vehicles are metal tubes that carry brake fluid under pressure. When you press the pedal, that pressure moves through the lines to the brake components at the wheels, so the car can slow or stop. The fuel tank protector sits near part of this routing and is supposed to shield nearby components from road spray.

On affected vehicles, a gap in the fuel tank protector lets salt water splash onto the brake lines. Vehicles that spent time in salt-belt states face the problem because road salt speeds corrosion on exposed metal. As the lines rust, the metal thins and the line can leak brake fluid under braking pressure.

There is no warning sign before failure. If corrosion has already opened a leak, the owner can notice reduced braking performance or brake fluid loss.

Who's affected?

Includes Legacy, Outback, Impreza, Forester, Wrx, and Wrx Sti across the 2005-2014 model years, all with the hydraulic brake hose component.

2013 Subaru Wrx Sti hydraulic brake hose
2012 Subaru Wrx Sti hydraulic brake hose
2014 Subaru Wrx Sti hydraulic brake hose
2011 Subaru Wrx Sti hydraulic brake hose
2010 Subaru Wrx Sti hydraulic brake hose
Units affected461,338

A matching year and model does not confirm inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included.

What's the safety risk?

Brake line corrosion can cause brake fluid leakage, lengthening the distance needed to slow or stop the vehicle and increasing crash risk. Drive cautiously until the inspection and repair are complete. Repair is free at any franchised Subaru dealer.

What should I do?

  1. Check your VIN to confirm your 2005-2014 Subaru Wrx Sti, Legacy, Outback, Impreza, Forester, or Wrx is included in this recall.
  2. Contact a franchised Subaru dealer to schedule the free brake-line inspection and corrosion repair that addresses brake-line corrosion and fluid leaks.
  3. Bring the recall notice if you have it, and reference recall number 14V311 and Subaru campaign WQK-47 when you call.
  4. Ask the dealer to test the brake pedal and inspect for brake-fluid leaks before rustproofing or replacing brake lines.
  5. Drive cautiously until the repair is complete. Leave extra following distance and avoid hard braking when traffic allows.

What happens at the repair

At the dealer, a Subaru technician tests the brake system by depressing the brake pedal and inspecting the brake lines for fluid leaks. If no seepage is found, the technician applies anti-corrosion wax to the affected areas. If seepage is found, the technician replaces the brake lines, then applies the wax treatment. The recall repair is free, including parts and labor. Vehicles already repaired under the earlier Subaru campaign still need the added rustproofing called for in this recall.

Timeline

June 10, 2014 NHTSA published the recall
July 21, 2014 Interim owner notification (was planned for this date)
July 23, 2014 Owner notification mailed

Frequently asked questions

What is recall 14V311?

Recall 14V311 covers 461,338 2005-2014 Subaru Wrx Sti, Legacy, Outback, Impreza, Forester, and Wrx vehicles with brake lines exposed to salt-water corrosion. Corroded lines can leak brake fluid, increasing stopping distance and crash risk. Subaru dealers inspect, rustproof, or replace the brake lines for free.

What should I do if my 2005-2014 Subaru Wrx Sti, Legacy, Outback, Impreza, Forester, or Wrx is on this recall?

Check your VIN to confirm your specific Subaru is included in recall 14V311. If it is, contact a franchised Subaru dealer and reference recall 14V311. The dealer will inspect the brake lines, add anti-corrosion wax, or replace leaking brake lines for free.

Is the recall repair free?

Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to perform the recall repair at no cost. Subaru dealers will inspect the brake system, rustproof affected brake-line areas, and replace leaking brake lines for free when replacement is needed.

What is the safety risk?

The safety risk is longer stopping distance from brake fluid leakage. Salt water can corrode the brake lines, and a leaking line reduces braking performance. If your brake pedal feels soft or you see fluid near the vehicle, call a Subaru dealer before driving.

What if I bought this Subaru used?

The free repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the VIN, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included, especially if it was ever registered in the listed salt-belt areas or the District of Columbia.

More information

NHTSA campaign pagenhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/14V311000
Subaru customer service1-800-782-2783
NHTSA recall #14V311
NHTSA recall # (full)14V311000

Source documents

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 →