The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration says Subaru has recalled certain Outback and Legacy vehicles because of a brake line defect.
The vehicles are currently, or have ever been, registered in 20 “salt belt” states, including Iowa and Illinois.
Salt water could splash on the brake lines through a gap in the fuel tank protector, according to a recall notice on the NHTSA website. That can result in excessive corrosion of the brake lines, which could lead to brake fluid leaking and failure of the center or rear brake lines and increase the risk of a crash.
Certain 2005 to 2009 Outback and Legacy models are included in the recall.
Subaru will repair recalled vehicles free of charge. If no brake fluid leak is found, the affected area will be rust-proofed. If brake fluid is leaking, the brake lines will be replaced and then rust-proofing applied.
Vehicle owners can get more information from Subaru by calling 1-800-782-2883 or from the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 or online at www.safercar.gov.
This recall follows one in January 2013 for water leaks that increased fire risk in some late-model Subaru vehicles, and another recall for some late-model Subaru vehicles with a faulty remote engine starter that could start without human intervention.
