2021 Subaru Outback recalled over brake booster fault – UPDATE

The second recall affects 1982 examples of the new-generation large SUV and pertains to a fault with the car's pre-collision braking system.

The issue prompted the car maker's Japanese factory to issue a "stop delivery" notice to Australia Subaru dealers.

Full details of the second recall can be found here.

Subaru Australia has recalled 256 examples of its 2021 Outback over a fault with the brake booster – an issue unrelated to the brand's recent "stop-delivery" notice for the same car.

According to the recall notice, filed with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), there may be an issue with the setup of the Electronic Brake Booster, which uses engine vacuum pressure to assist braking.

The fault can prevent the cruise control function from working, may cause the brake lights to remain on when not braking (which could lead to a flat battery), and may require more braking pressure to be applied under braking.

"The brake booster may have been incorrectly manufactured, causing an internal fault, which could produce a feeling of brake hardness, decreased braking assistance and increased stopping distance," Subaru Australia said in a statement.

"The likelihood of these symptoms occurring is low."

A full list of the affected vehicle identification numbers (VINs) can be found here. Owners will be contacted to arrange a service appointment to correct the issue, free of charge.

"The recall rectification procedure consists of checking the brake booster serial number within a certain Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) range. If certain serial numbers are identified, the brake booster will be replaced with a new one," Subaru Australia said.

"The initial check takes five minutes. If brake booster replacement is required, the rectification work is estimated to take 1.6 hours."

A Subaru spokesperson told Drive the company was not aware of any local incidents related to the recall, with only Australia and "a small number of vehicles in New Zealand" affected.

The recall notice is dated 2 March 2021, as this was this original date Subaru Australia lodged the action with the ACCC, meaning a large number of affected vehicles have already been rectified.

"We are well down the track with rectifying the affected cars," the Subaru Australia spokesperson told Drive.

The recall notice follows Subaru Australia issuing a "stop-delivery" notice for its 2021 Outback over an unrelated issue.

"This is separate to the issue behind the current delivery stop. As per last week, we are still awaiting advice from the factory in Japan on that topic," the spokesperson said.

However, the spokesperson explained there could be some "limited crossover" with the vehicles already recalled and those yet to be delivered, meaning some of the new cars could be affected by the brake booster fault.

As of the end of February 2021, Subaru has sold 1162 Outbacks year-to-date.