Subaru Recalls 72,000 Vehicles Because Automatic Braking Systems Are Supposed To Actually Help Drivers

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The ability to brake may be one of the most essential safety features of a vehicle. But part of that intricate system – specifically the automatic braking component – just isn’t working like it should for tens of thousands of newer Subaru vehicles.

Subaru notified [PDF] the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that it will recall about 72,000 model year 2015 Impreza, Crosstrek, Legacy, and Outback vehicles and model year 2016 WRX vehicles equipped with the Eyesight Driver Assist System.

According to the company, if the switch that activates the brake light fails, the automatic pre-collision braking component of the company’s driver-assist system will not function. This can cause the vehicle to not react to an obstacle in its path, increasing the risk of a crash.

The company says the brakes will work when the pedal is depressed and drivers are not affected if they don’t have the automatic system turned on.

Subaru says it is currently unaware of any injuries or accidents related to the issue.

Dealers will notify owners of affected vehicles and reprogram the driver assist system.