2021 Subaru Forester Brakes Problems

On August 12, 2025, at approximately 10:16 AM, while driving at normal speed on CR-43 NW southbound just past Minnesota Ave in Big Lake, MN, my Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assist System, specifically the Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) / Pre-Collision Braking System, suddenly activated without warning and with no obstacle present. The braking was abrupt and unnecessary, causing the vehicle behind me to nearly rear-end mine. Road conditions were clear, dry, and unobstructed, with no pedestrians, vehicles, or hazards in my lane. This appears to have been a “false positive” from the AEB system. This sudden stop placed both my safety and the safety of other drivers at serious risk, and in different circumstances could have caused a collision resulting in injury or death. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. The problem has not been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or service center because Subaru requires a $200 diagnostic fee, which I have not paid. The vehicle has not been inspected by Subaru, police, insurance, or any other parties for the same reason. No warning lamps, error messages, or other indicators appeared prior to the incident. All systems appeared to be functioning normally before the unexpected braking occurred. I am concerned this defect persists beyond 48,000 miles, outside the limits of prior settlements, and believe Subaru should issue a recall covering all affected vehicles, regardless of mileage, to prevent potential crashes.

Brake Rotor and Pad issues at 20K, 30k, 40k, and 66k- eventually replace OEM parts with aftermarket Duragold parts. Rotors had severe damage at every 10k interval with gauged Metal on rotor

1. July 15, 2021 the brakes didn’t fully engage three times. Twice within 30 minutes while driving to work and once on my drive home. 2. Unknown 3. Yes. Car was at dealership put through all kinds of tests and field engineer checked it out. They had me come out on Monday, 9 August and drive it with the head mechanic while hooked up to a computer trying to see if the problem replicated. 4. Yes. 5. Yes. Eyesight technology picked up there was a problem – light came on, a text and an email were sent to me. Subaru got the message too. A specific issue was not identified at that time. Vehicle was towed to dealership three days later. Subaru’s field engineer was called into examine vehicle. Apparently, he saw something he didn’t like on a reading – it had to do with the AEB-autonomous emergency braking system. Dealership replaced the entire braking system and returned the car to my driveway on Monday, 16 August. I bought this car in February 2021 after much research to include the NHTSA recommendations.

My brake rotors warped at 6900 miles. They were resurfaced and covered under warranty. The shop indicated that because I washed my wheels in the course of a 4 minute car wash 3 blocks from my house that I caused them to warp. The symptoms included very rusty view from eye level and shuddering on braking. This was the front axle. Today I took car in at 42000 miles rotors and pads have to be replaced front and back rotors surfaced and pads replaced. My car was aok but sat for 2 weeks after Xmas and upon driving again they instantly suffered on braking and were very rusty. I am not a hard or fast braker. I do occasionally tow a 4x6 small wood box trailer that does not have its own brakes.. way too old… steel frame wood sides. It sounds silmilar to the issue the ascent has. My concern is obviously safety first and second cost to replace every 20-30k miles adds $1200 to $1800 and it should not be that way. Ever car prior to this has gone at least 120k before needing any brake replacement parts. Is it the ceramic pads leaving material on the rotors, not rotor warp? Is it improper tightening of parts per specs? Is it hub warp? Lugs overtightened? And how can I and many others (google it) avoid this safety issue and the costs??