# Subaru Crosstrek brake warning light: complaints, recalls and what to do **Verdict:** Stop driving - **Owner complaints:** 6 - **Most complaints:** 2015 (2) - **Related recalls:** 1 - **Verdict:** Stop now ## Quick answer NHTSA has 6 owner complaints about the brake warning light on the Subaru Crosstrek (2015-2026 models), most for the **2015** model year (2). There is **1 recall** for related parts; check yours by VIN. Stop driving: If the light goes out when you release the parking brake, you are fine. ## Subaru Crosstrek brake warning light complaints by model year | Model year | Complaints mentioning the brake light | All complaints that year | Share | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 2015 | 2 | 100 | 2% | | 2019 | 1 | 286 | 0% | | 2020 | 1 | 71 | 1% | | 2023 | 1 | 36 | 3% | | 2024 | 1 | 120 | 1% | Counts are complaints filed with NHTSA whose description mentions this light. They show where owners have had trouble, not a failure rate: popular years collect more complaints simply because more cars are on the road. ## Subaru Crosstrek recalls related to the brake warning light **[17V701000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=17V701000)** (2018 models, reported 2017-11-07): If the floor mat moves out of position and interferes with the accelerator or brake pedal operation, it can increase the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Subaru has notified owners, and dealers will inspect the floor mat retention bracket and replace it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 14, 2017. Recall repairs are free at any Subaru dealer. Enter your 17-character VIN at [nhtsa.gov/recalls](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) to see whether yours is still open. ## What Subaru Crosstrek owners report - "Immediately after the warning, the brakes engaged forcefully on their own, causing abrupt and unexpected deceleration while overtaking another vehicle. This created a significant safety risk to us and surrounding drivers, as the vehicle slowed rapidly in active traffic without any legitimate hazard. In addition to..." -- owner of a 2024 Subaru Crosstrek, complaint filed 2026 - "The emergency brake lamp also was lighted. Subaru service has not found a solution as of yet. This issue clears then coms back within a single day. I find the system that I purchased not working is most alarming." -- owner of a 2023 Subaru Crosstrek, complaint filed 2024 - "The engine was OFF due to the auto-stop system and failed upon lifting my foot from the brake on a slight incline, causing a constant warning beep and a starter system failure message on the dash display. Immediately after failing to start the brake pressure significantly dropped causing my car to roll into the..." -- owner of a 2020 Subaru Crosstrek, complaint filed 2026 Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly cleaned for reading. They are owners' own accounts and have not been verified. ## What the brake warning light means The red brake warning light most often means the parking brake is still on. If it stays on after you fully release the parking brake, the brake fluid is likely low, which can mean worn pads or a leak in the brake system. A brake light that stays on while driving is a reason to pull over and check, because a fluid leak can lead to loss of braking. The most common causes, on any make: 1. **Parking brake on or not fully released** (most common) 2. **Low brake fluid from worn pads** (common) 3. **Brake fluid leak** (less common) 4. **Faulty fluid level sensor or parking brake switch** (less common) Full causes, what to do and how to reset it: [Brake warning light](/warning-lights/brake). ## Frequently asked questions ### Is there a recall for the Subaru Crosstrek brake light? Yes. NHTSA lists 1 related recall (17V701000) covering 2018 models. Recall repairs are free; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is open. ### Which Subaru Crosstrek years have the most brake light complaints? In NHTSA's database the 2015, 2019 and 2020 Crosstrek model years have the most complaints mentioning the brake warning light, with 2 for 2015. Complaint counts reflect how many cars were sold as well as how often problems happen. ### Is it safe to drive a Subaru Crosstrek with the brake light on? Stop driving. If the light goes out when you release the parking brake, you are fine. If it stays on, especially with a soft pedal, low fluid, or the ABS light also on, stop driving and have the car towed, because the brakes may fail. ### How do I check if my Subaru Crosstrek has an open recall? Enter the 17-character VIN from your dashboard or registration at nhtsa.gov/recalls, or ask any Subaru dealer. Open recalls are fixed free of charge, even if you are not the first owner. ## Sources - [NHTSA: Vehicle safety complaints and recalls (api.nhtsa.gov)](https://www.nhtsa.gov/nhtsa-datasets-and-apis) - [NHTSA: Check for recalls by VIN](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) ## Other Subaru Crosstrek warning lights - [Check engine light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/subaru-crosstrek): 39 complaints - [Coolant temperature warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/coolant-temperature/subaru-crosstrek): 6 complaints - [Power steering warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/subaru-crosstrek): 20 complaints ## Brake warning light on other models - [Honda CR-V](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/honda-cr-v): 561 complaints - [Chevrolet Silverado](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/chevrolet-silverado): 383 complaints - [Honda Accord](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/honda-accord): 360 complaints - [Honda Pilot](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/honda-pilot): 223 complaints - [Jeep Cherokee](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/jeep-cherokee): 215 complaints - [Ram 1500](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/ram-1500): 208 complaints - [GMC Sierra](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/gmc-sierra): 206 complaints - [Honda Odyssey](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/honda-odyssey): 176 complaints - [Chevrolet Equinox](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/chevrolet-equinox): 154 complaints - [Jeep Grand Cherokee](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/jeep-grand-cherokee): 142 complaints ## Subaru Crosstrek - [Subaru Crosstrek specs and mpg by year](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/subaru-crosstrek) --- Source page: https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/subaru-crosstrek Updated: 2026-11-04 General information, not a substitute for a qualified mechanic.