I have 2002 LLbean outback with 26,000 miles. I have had repeated rotor and brake problems. I want to hear from others with similar experience and encourage them to register complaint at www.nhtsa.dot.gov.

Also would like suggestions on superior rotors and brake pads to replace subaru's. Thanks for help.

Maintenance experience outlined:

8/29/03 7,681 miles----vibration. Dealer resurfaced front rotors.

12/30/02 12,464 miles---vibration, brake noise. Dealer resurfaced front rotors and replaced front brakes (no pad left).

6/4/03 20,309 miles---vibration and uneven worn brakes. Dealer replaced rotors and brakes.

10/4/03 25,460 miles---dealer inspected rotors and found rotors & pads needing resurfacing. Dealer resurfaced front rotors and brakes. Front and rear brakes had 70% remaining.

I had to replace my front rotors after 58k. I bought new rotors from brakeworld.com. They are drilled and slotted, a bit boy-racer, but they look good and work well so far (500 miles).

I JUST BOUGHT A 02 WRX IT HAD 25K WHEN I GOT IT. IT NOW HAS 26.5K MY FRONT ROTORS NEED TO BE RESURFACED ALREADY.
FIRST I WAS WOUNDERING IF IT IS POSABLE THAT I DID ALL THE DAMAGE WITH IN THE 1500 MILES? ALSO WOUNDERING ABOUT THE STOP TEC ROTORS 99.99 EACH SOUNDS GOOD. IS THIS COMMON WEAR AND TEAR

I have an 02 VDC Outback Wagon that the front rotors warped. I had them resurfaced by the dealer at their cost (turned on the car) at around 18K miles. They have been fine ever since.

Originally posted by sara jones
I have 2002 LLbean outback with 26,000 miles. I have had repeated rotor and brake problems. I want to hear from others with similar experience and encourage them to register complaint at www.nhtsa.dot.gov.

Also would like suggestions on superior rotors and brake pads to replace subaru's. Thanks for help.


I hate to jump to conclusions, but that many brake problems are more likely a result of user error. Make sure you don't do any of the following;

-release your foot from the brake just before the car actually comes to a complete stop after lengthy or hard braking
-don't ride the brake pedal, ever
-avoid splashing the rotors with water of any kind (stream crossing, broken sprinkler spraying the street, whatever) if they are hot
-don't overheat your brakes

Sorry if I am telling you hings you already know, but many people do not know how to properly care for brakes.