Do subarus have ABS brakes?
Yes. ABS brakes are standard on virtually all Subaru models sold today.
Subaru's safety lineup integrates Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with traction control, stability systems, and the EyeSight driver-assist suite, helping keep steering control during hard braking. As of the 2025 model year, ABS is standard across the entire lineup.
How ABS works in Subaru vehicles
Below is a concise explanation of how ABS functions in Subaru models and how it interacts with other safety systems on the road.
- Anti-lock braking prevents wheel lock by rapidly modulating brake pressure at each wheel during hard or sudden stops.
- Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) helps allocate braking force to the wheels with the best grip, improving stability.
- Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) and traction control work with ABS to maintain directional stability on slippery surfaces.
- ABS braking works in concert with Subaru's EyeSight driver-assist system, including pre-collision braking when necessary, to enhance overall stopping performance.
- In AWD models, ABS helps manage braking across the distribution of power to each axle, aiding control on snow, rain, or ice.
Practically, Subaru owners benefit from consistent braking performance and steering control under a variety of conditions, backed by the automaker’s safety philosophy that blends ABS with stability and collision-avoidance systems.
ABS coverage across the current Subaru lineup
To what extent is ABS available? The latest model-year brochures show Anti-lock Braking Systems as standard equipment across the main Subaru models in the U.S. lineup.
- Impreza (sedan and hatch)
- Crosstrek
- Forester
- Outback
- Legacy
- WRX
- Ascent
In other words, today’s Subarus typically do not offer ABS as an optional feature; it’s a baseline safety standard across the lineup in most markets.
EyeSight and ABS: how they work together
Subaru’s EyeSight driver-assist suite uses stereo cameras to detect potential collisions and can apply brake pressure automatically. ABS is the braking backbone that allows those automated braking interventions to occur smoothly and without wheel lock, helping the system to modulate force for maximum stopping efficiency while preserving steering control.
While EyeSight provides proactive braking assistance under certain conditions, ABS remains a foundational safety feature that ensures the system can modulate brake pressure safely across a variety of road conditions.
Maintenance and safety tips related to ABS
Keeping ABS functioning requires regular maintenance and attention to brake components and sensors.
- Timely replacement of worn brake pads and rotor surfaces to prevent uneven braking.
- Regular brake fluid checks and timely replacement as recommended by Subaru.
- Keep wheel speed sensors clean and free of debris, as their signals feed the ABS control unit.
- If the ABS indicator light comes on, have the system checked by a qualified technician promptly.
Regular service helps ensure ABS brakes function correctly, especially in adverse weather where braking performance is critical.
Summary
Subaru vehicles sold today generally come with ABS brakes as standard equipment, integrated with stability control, traction management, and the EyeSight driver-assist system to improve stopping performance and steering control in challenging conditions. If you’re shopping a specific model, confirm the exact package contents with a dealer, but you can expect ABS to be a baseline safety feature across the lineup.
What is the number one issue with Subarus?
Now. So the head gasket. Issue we've heard it over and over again i've made many many videos here on YouTube about it. And lots of repair videos on fixing Subaru head gasket. Issues.
What year did ABS become mandatory?
ABS became federally mandatory for new passenger vehicles in the United States starting with the 2012 model year. Other regulations for heavier vehicles and international markets have different timelines, with some medium and heavy-duty vehicles required to have ABS starting in 1997 and 1998, and in Europe, it was required for new vehicles by 2004.
- United States: ABS became a federal requirement for all new passenger vehicles manufactured on or after September 1, 2011 (for the 2012 model year).
- Medium and Heavy-Duty Vehicles (U.S.): ABS was mandated in stages. For example, truck tractors were required to have it starting March 1, 1997, and single-unit air-braked vehicles were required to have it starting March 1, 1998.
- Europe: ABS became a mandatory safety feature on all new cars sold in Europe by 2004.
- Canada: ABS was mandated for new passenger vehicles in 2012.
Which subarus have automatic emergency braking?
Explore Models With This Feature
Most Subaru models come standard with Pre-Collision Braking including: Subaru Outback. Subaru Forester. Subaru Ascent.
Do subarus have ABS?
Standard on every Subaru, ABS keeps your wheels spinning during braking.
