Subaru Outback Recall R/2015/131: Brake Lamps May Not Function, Who Is Affected And What To Do
- Urgent
- How serious
- 11 Jun 2015
- Launched
- 436
- vehicles in the UK
- R/2015/131
- DVSA reference
Subaru recalled Outback vehicles. There is no inherent problem with the brake lamp switch. The recall notice describes the fix as: that are likely to be affected and reprogram the driving support system. You won't usually pay for it.1
What’s Wrong
There is no inherent problem with the brake lamp switch. However if the brake lamp switch did fail the driver would not be informed that the brake lamps were not working or the adaptive cruise control or pre-collision braking. The brake lamps not working would increase the risk of an incident during normal driving.
DVSA's Original Wording
Concern: BRAKE LAMPS MAY NOT FUNCTION Defect: There is no inherent problem with the brake lamp switch. However if the brake lamp switch did fail the driver would not be informed that the brake lamps were not working or the adaptive cruise control or pre-collision braking. The brake lamps not working would increase the risk of an incident during normal driving. Remedy: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and reprogram the driving support system.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
The Risk
If the fault occurs, the recall notice says it could increase the risk of an incident during normal driving.
The Fix
The recall notice describes the fix as: that are likely to be affected and reprogram the driving support system. The fix is a software update, which usually takes under an hour at the dealer.
Are You Affected?
Outback may be included. Subaru estimates 436 vehicles in the UK. Enter your registration to check, then confirm by VIN with Subaru, because not every car in the date range may be included.
Which Car Is It?
Choose the make and model so we can match recalls to your car.
What To Do Now
- Check your car by registration above, then by VIN with Subaru.
- Book with any franchised Subaru dealer, quoting the DVSA reference R/2015/131. See how to get a Subaru recall fixed.
- Follow the letter's instructions until the repair is done. See can you drive a car with a recall?.
Related Recalls
| Launched | Vehicle and fault | Severity | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| OutbackMalfunction of inhibitor switch on CVT | Low | R/2024/391 | |
| Impreza, Levorg, Outback, XVThe electronic park brake connector may disconnect | Urgent | R/2022/260 | |
| OutbackThe eyesight logic may cause an un-necessary activation of the pre-collision braking | Urgent | R/2022/053 | |
| Legacy, OutbackA driving range indicator in the multi information display has a program error | Low | R/2019/052 | |
| BRZ, Forester, Impreza, Legacy and 2 moreThe load may exceed the valve spring's fatigue strength and the spring may fracture | Book soon | R/2019/025 |
This is one of 37 Subaru recalls in DVSA’s data. The Subaru recall launched before it was R/2014/127 on 30 Nov 2014, for brake fluid may leak. The one launched after it was R/2015/112 on 1 Jul 2015, for passenger side airbag may fail to deploy correctly. You can also see every Subaru recall, all recalls launched in 2015 and brake recalls across every make.
Source: DVSA recall R/2015/131, launched 11 June 2015. Data updated 15 October 2026. How we grade urgency.
Sources
- The Code does not itself say repairs are free. GOV.UK guidance says "You will not usually have to pay for any repairs or parts under a safety recall." gov.uk Checked 15 Oct 2026.