Why is my brake light not turning off in my Subaru?
In most Subaru models, a brake light that won’t switch off is usually caused by the parking brake being engaged or a faulty brake light switch. Releasing the parking brake or replacing the switch often fixes it.
Beyond the basics, a brake light that stays on can indicate an electrical fault in the rear-light circuit, a failing brake light switch, or a misadjusted pedal switch. This guide walks you through common causes, diagnostic steps, and model-specific notes for Subaru owners.
Common causes
Several issues can keep your brake lights on even after you release the pedal. The most frequent culprits are a parked or stuck parking brake, a faulty brake light switch, a misadjusted pedal switch, or an electrical fault in the lighting circuit. Review these possibilities to narrow down the source.
- Parking brake engaged or a stuck/misadjusted parking brake switch
- Brake light switch stuck closed or misadjusted near the brake pedal
- Binding or sticking brake pedal that keeps the switch depressed
- Electrical fault in the rear-light circuit, including damaged wiring, corroded connectors, or a blown fuse/relay
- Faulty center high-mounted stop lamp (CHMSL) wiring or a failed CHMSL bulb that drags current through the circuit
Each Subaru is different, and sometimes more than one issue is at play. A careful check of the parking brake, switch, and wiring will usually reveal the root cause.
Diagnostic steps
To determine what is causing the brake light to stay on, start with the simplest checks and move to a more thorough electrical inspection. Follow these steps in order.
- Ensure the parking brake is fully released. With the engine off and transmission in Park (automatic) or Neutral (manual), verify the brake light turns off when you release the lever or pedal.
- Inspect the brake light switch at the brake pedal. Look for a damaged plunger, loose mounting, or signs of wear. If the plunger is stuck or the switch is misadjusted, adjust or replace it as needed.
- Test the switch wiring. Disconnect the switch connector and see if the brake lights go out. If they do, the switch or its wiring is the likely fault; inspect for pinched wires or corrosion.
- Check fuses and relays related to the brake lights. A blown fuse or a faulty relay can keep or cut power in unusual ways; replace as needed.
- Inspect the rear light clusters and CHMSL wiring for damage or moisture. Look for corrosion at sockets or a short to ground that could keep the circuit energized.
- Test for a more complex issue. If the light remains on after these checks, the problem may reside in the body control module (BCM) or in a wiring harness that feeds multiple rear lamps. A professional scan may be required.
If you are uncomfortable with electrical work, stop after the basic checks and seek a professional technician. Electrical faults can cause unpredictable behavior and, if not fixed, may affect other systems.
Subaru-specific considerations
Brake light switch location and common failures
In many Subaru models, the brake light switch sits on or just behind the brake pedal assembly. It can fail or go out of adjustment due to pedal wear, heat, or moisture. A common symptom is the brake lights staying on even with the pedal released.
CHMSL and wiring considerations
The center high-mounted stop lamp shares wiring with the rear lamps. Inspect the CHMSL socket and its wiring for corrosion, a loose connection, or a short that keeps power flowing to the entire rear lighting circuit.
Service bulletins and recalls
Some brake-light-related issues in certain Subaru models have been addressed in service bulletins (TSBs) or recalls. If your VIN is subject to a safety bulletin, a dealer can perform the repair at no cost. Check Subaru's recall database or speak to a dealer about current campaigns.
What to tell a mechanic
When you visit a shop, provide details on when the light stays on, whether it occurs with the parking brake, and whether it turns off after certain actions. Note model year, mileage, and whether the issue started suddenly or gradually. If available, bring dash notifications or a recent diagnostic report.
- Specific model/year and whether it happens with the parking brake released or engaged
- Whether the CHMSL also stays lit and whether other rear lights behave normally
- Any recent work on the brake system or lighting circuit
With clear information, a technician can focus on the most likely causes and expedite the repair.
Safety considerations
A brake light that won’t turn off can reduce reaction time for drivers behind you and may indicate a fault that also affects braking performance in some scenarios. If the light stays on while you’re driving, pull over safely, turn off the engine, and arrange service. Do not drive long distances with a known brake-light issue if you notice pedal feel changes, leaks, or unusual noises.
Summary
Brake lights that won’t turn off in a Subaru are most commonly caused by a stuck or misadjusted parking brake or brake-light switch, with electrical wiring faults as a frequent secondary culprit. A systematic check—starting with the parking brake, then the brake light switch and wiring, and finally fuses/relays—usually identifies the source. Subaru owners should pay attention to model-specific switch location, CHMSL wiring, and any relevant service bulletins. If in doubt, have a technician diagnose and repair the issue promptly to ensure safe operation on the road.
Why won't my parking brake light turn off Subaru?
A Subaru's e-brake light staying on typically indicates a problem with the brake system, most often due to low brake fluid, but also potentially a faulty brake switch, worn brake pads, or issues with the electronic parking brake's wiring or actuator. To address this, first check your brake fluid level and top it off if low, but be aware that this may only be a temporary fix if brake pads are significantly worn. A more serious underlying issue requires professional diagnosis, especially if other warning lights are also on.
Possible causes and what to check
This video demonstrates how to check and refill the brake fluid, a common solution for the e-brake light issue: 53s06WRXDUDEYouTube · Mar 13, 2023
- Low brake fluid: This is a very common cause, as the light can be triggered by a low level.
- Check the brake fluid reservoir and add fluid if it's below the "MIN" line.
- If you top it off and the light turns off, it may indicate your brake pads are wearing down, as this causes the fluid level to drop.
- Worn brake pads: As brake pads wear out, the fluid level drops, and the light may come on. A mechanic should inspect the pads to see if they need replacement.
- Faulty brake switch: The switch that senses when the parking brake is disengaged could be failing.
- Try wiggling the parking brake handle. If the light flickers or goes off, the switch is a likely culprit.
- Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) system issues: For cars with an EPB, problems can arise from:
- Faulty wiring or connectors: A loose or corroded wire can cause the light to stay on.
- Failing actuator or motor: The motor that operates the electronic parking brake can fail.
- Glitch or sensor fault: The control module can glitch, causing the light to stay on despite no actual problem.
What to do
- Check your brake fluid immediately: This is the easiest first step. If the fluid is low, top it off.
- Drive to a mechanic: If the fluid level is fine, or if topping it off doesn't fix the problem, it's best to have the vehicle inspected by a professional. They can diagnose the issue accurately.
- Use an OBD-II scanner: A mechanic can use a scanner to read diagnostic trouble codes from the system, which can help pinpoint the exact problem.
- Do not ignore the light: A continuously illuminated e-brake light can signal a serious problem, and depending on the underlying cause, it could put your braking system at risk.
What does it mean when your brake light doesn't turn off?
If your car's brake lights won't turn off, it's most likely due to a faulty brake light switch, a broken or worn-out pedal stop, or a stuck brake pedal. The simplest solutions involve checking for a stuck brake pedal or a missing plastic/rubber stop on the pedal arm. If those aren't the issue, a professional may need to inspect the brake light switch itself or the associated wiring.
Common causes and solutions
This video shows how to identify the cause of the problem: 38sFormula BeanYouTube · Jan 3, 2024
- Stuck brake pedal: The pedal may be stuck just enough to keep the brake light switch engaged.
- Fix: Try pressing the brake pedal down hard several times to dislodge anything that might be stuck, or remove any debris around the pedal assembly.
- Worn or missing pedal stop: A small rubber or plastic piece on the brake pedal arm acts as a "pedal stop." When this piece wears off, the pedal doesn't return to the correct position to disengage the switch.
- Fix: You can often replace this part by simply pressing the pedal down and inserting a new stop. This is a common, inexpensive fix that can sometimes be done yourself.
- Faulty brake light switch: The switch itself might be broken, damaged, or misaligned.
- Fix: Inspect the switch for physical damage. If it looks fine, the switch may need to be replaced. If you're not comfortable with this, it's best to take it to a mechanic.
- Wiring issues: Damaged or corroded wiring can cause a short circuit that keeps the lights on.
- Fix: This is an electrical problem that should be diagnosed and repaired by a professional.
What to do if you can't fix it
If you've checked the simple fixes and the lights are still on, it's best to have a professional mechanic inspect the brake light switch and wiring to prevent battery drain and ensure the car's safety systems are functioning correctly.
What is the recall on the Subaru brake light switch?
Subaru issued a recall for over one million vehicles in the US, including specific years of the Forester, Impreza, WRX, and Crosstrek, due to a faulty brake light switch. The recall, numbered WUE-90, addresses a condition where contaminants can cause the brake light switch to malfunction, which may prevent brake lights from illuminating and/or prevent keyless-ignition vehicles from starting. The fix involves replacing the brake light switch and applying a silicone-free grease.
This video explains the details of the Subaru brake light switch recall: 22sKOAA 5YouTube · Mar 2, 2019
Affected vehicles
- Forester: 2014–2016
- Impreza: 2008–2016 (both 4-door and 5-door models)
- WRX: 2008–2014 (including STI)
- Crosstrek: 2013–2017
How to check if your vehicle is affected
- Use your vehicle identification number (VIN) to check for recalls on the Subaru recall website, as recommended on Fox Business and Evergreen Subaru.
- Check the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website or your state's vehicle recall website.
What to do
- Contact a Subaru dealership to schedule a free repair.
- The repair involves replacing the brake light switch with a new one and applying a protective grease to prevent future contamination.
What the recall means for you
- Brakes: The brakes themselves will still function correctly, but the brake lights may not come on.
- Ignition/Transmission: Keyless-ignition vehicles may not start, and CVT/automatic transmissions may not be able to be shifted out of Park.
- Safety: Non-functioning brake lights can increase the risk of a rear-end collision, so it is important to have the recall performed.
Why is my brake light on in my Subaru?
Your Subaru's brake light is on because of issues like low brake fluid, the parking brake being engaged, worn brake pads, or a faulty ABS sensor. It's best to have a professional check it, but you can also visually inspect for simple problems like the parking brake and brake fluid level.
This video shows how to check and top off brake fluid: 53s06WRXDUDEYouTube · Mar 13, 2023
Common causes
- Parking brake is on: This is the most common reason. Even a partially engaged parking brake can trigger the light.
- Low brake fluid: When brake fluid is low, it can indicate worn brake pads or a leak in the system. As pads wear down, the fluid level drops because the pistons have to extend further.
- Worn brake pads or rotors: The brake system has sensors that detect when pads are worn, and this can trigger the warning light.
- Faulty ABS (Anti-lock Braking System): Issues with the ABS unit or its sensors can cause the light to come on, often accompanied by other warning lights.
- Sensor malfunction: The light could be triggered by a defective sensor in the master cylinder or parking brake system.
What to do
- Check the parking brake: Make sure it is fully disengaged.
- Check the brake fluid level: Locate the brake fluid reservoir under the hood and check if the fluid is between the "min" and "max" lines. If it's low, it could mean worn pads or a leak. Do not add fluid until you've had the system inspected, as this could be a temporary fix for a leak.
- Drive with caution: If the light stays on, drive cautiously, avoid hard braking, and increase your following distance. It's best to have a mechanic diagnose the problem to avoid dangerous situations.
- Seek professional help: Schedule an appointment with a trusted mechanic or authorized Subaru service center to ensure your brake system is in good working order. They can perform a thorough diagnosis and fix the underlying issue.
