When it comes to staying safe on the road, few components are more critical than your vehicle’s brake system. For Subaru owners, dependable brakes are essential—not just for everyday commutes, but for confidently tackling Colorado’s winding mountain roads, icy winters, and unpredictable conditions. At Pleiades Automotive, we’ve seen our fair share of Subaru brake system issues. Whether you’re driving an Outback, Forester, Impreza, or WRX, brake problems can creep up if they’re not caught early.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the most common Subaru brake problems, explain what causes them, and show you what to do if they happen to your vehicle. Let’s dive in.
1. Soft or Spongy Brake Pedal
What It Feels Like:
 You press the brake pedal, and instead of a firm response, it feels soft, squishy, or sinks too far.
Possible Causes:
- Air in the brake lines
- Brake fluid leak
- Worn master cylinder
- Contaminated brake fluid
How to Fix It:
 Start with a brake fluid check—dirty or low fluid can affect pedal feel. If that’s not the problem, the brake lines may need to be bled to remove air pockets. A thorough inspection will help locate any fluid leaks, especially around the master cylinder or brake calipers. At Pleiades Automotive, we always check the full system for leaks and can perform a brake bleed with OE-spec fluid to restore proper pedal pressure.
2. Grinding or Squealing Noises
What It Sounds Like:
 A high-pitched squeal or a metal-on-metal grinding noise when you brake.
Possible Causes:
- Worn-out brake pads
- Rotor damage
- Debris caught between pad and rotor
How to Fix It:
 Squealing often means your brake pads have worn down to their wear indicators—a built-in warning system. Grinding is more serious and usually means the pads are completely gone, and the metal backing is scraping the rotor. Both problems require prompt attention. Our technicians at Pleiades Automotive will inspect the pad thickness and rotor surface, and if needed, replace both using OE-quality parts for long-lasting, quiet braking.
3. Vibration When Braking
What You Feel:
 The steering wheel or brake pedal vibrates or pulses when applying the brakes, especially at highway speeds.
Possible Causes:
- Warped brake rotors
- Uneven brake pad wear
- Loose suspension components (can amplify the issue)
How to Fix It:
 Warped rotors are a common issue in hilly or mountainous areas like ours, where drivers often ride their brakes on descents. Resurfacing the rotors may fix the issue if they’re not too worn, but replacement is often the better choice. We also check the wheel bearings and suspension during the inspection to rule out related issues. With the right equipment, our techs can diagnose and balance your braking system quickly and accurately.
4. Brake Warning Light On
What It Means:
 Your Subaru’s brake warning light comes on. Depending on your model, this might be a red BRAKE light or a more specific warning icon.
Possible Causes:
- Low brake fluid
- Worn brake pads (especially on newer models with pad wear sensors)
- ABS malfunction
How to Fix It:
 Don’t ignore a brake warning light. It’s your car’s way of telling you something needs attention. At Pleiades Automotive, we use Subaru-specific diagnostic tools to read brake and ABS system codes. Once we identify the issue—whether it’s low fluid, sensor failure, or a more complex electronic problem—we’ll walk you through the repair options and get you back on the road safely.
5. Uneven Braking or Pulling to One Side
What Happens:
 When you brake, your Subaru veers slightly to the left or right instead of stopping straight.
Possible Causes:
- Uneven brake pad wear
- Sticking caliper
- Contaminated or old brake fluid
- Brake line obstruction
How to Fix It:
 This issue can affect your control and tire wear. A sticking caliper is often the culprit, especially in older Subarus or vehicles driven in snowy conditions where road salt can cause corrosion. We’ll check caliper operation, fluid quality, and pad wear to restore even braking power across all wheels.
6. Burning Smell After Braking
What You Notice:
 A sharp, chemical-like burning smell after heavy braking or driving downhill.
Possible Causes:
- Overheated brakes
- Sticking caliper
- Excessive pad friction
How to Fix It:
 If you smell something burning, safely pull over and let your brakes cool down. Continued driving with overheated brakes can damage the calipers, pads, and rotors. Our team can identify if you’ve had a brake system overheat and inspect for damage, warped components, or signs of a seized caliper.
7. ABS System Problems
What You Experience:
 Unusual pulsing when braking, ABS light on the dashboard, or a lack of ABS activation on slippery surfaces.
Possible Causes:
- Faulty ABS sensor
- Damaged tone ring
- Wiring issue or corroded connector
How to Fix It:
 Modern Subarus rely heavily on ABS for safe braking in rain, snow, and ice. If your ABS light is on, it means the system is off and won’t help you in emergencies. At Pleiades Automotive, we use Subaru’s factory scan tools to pinpoint which wheel or sensor is causing trouble and replace the faulty part with precision.
Why Subaru Brake Issues Deserve Specialized Attention
Subaru braking systems—particularly in AWD models—are designed for performance, balance, and safety. But they also rely on specific brake pad compounds, rotor sizing, and brake bias unique to each model. Using generic parts or skipping proper diagnostic steps can lead to repeat issues, uneven wear, or compromised braking power.
That’s why at Pleiades Automotive, we only use Original Equipment (OE) parts designed for your exact Subaru model. Our Subaru-certified team understands how to work with the unique geometry and performance needs of each vehicle.
When to Service Your Brakes
If you’re experiencing any of the issues above—or it’s been over a year since your last brake inspection—it’s time to schedule a checkup. Subaru recommends a brake inspection every 12,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first. If you drive in harsh weather, mountainous terrain, or tow frequently, more frequent service may be needed.
Why Choose Pleiades Automotive for Brake Repairs?
- Subaru Certified Technicians: Over 30 years of combined experience with Subarus
- Genuine OE Parts: Designed for durability, safety, and perfect fit
- Advanced Diagnostics: Factory-level tools for pinpoint accuracy
- Transparent Service: We keep you informed every step of the way
- Convenient Appointments: Easy online or phone scheduling
If your Subaru’s brakes feel off, don’t wait.
Call Pleiades Automotive at 303-953-1391 or schedule your appointment online today. Let our Subaru experts give your vehicle the attention it deserves—because your safety starts with your brakes.