Subaru Brat problems
The Subaru BRAT (acronym for “Bi-drive Recreational All-terrain Transporter”) is a light-duty, four-wheel drive coupé utility, version of the Subaru Leone originally introduced in 1977. The BRAT was developed directly from the company's four-wheel drive station wagon model and was first introduced as a 1978 model – following the concept of coupe utilities such as the Chevrolet El Camino and the Ford Ranchero. The BRAT is also known as a Brumby, MV Pickup or Shifter depending on where it was sold. The vehicle was sold from 1978 until 1994.
Technical
All BRAT's had four-wheel drive and the Subaru EA engine. Early models received the 1.6 litre EA-71, whereas 1981 and later models received a 1.8 litre EA-81 engine. The 1983 and 1984 models could be purchased with an optional 94 hp (70 kW) turbocharged engine. Manual transmissions were standard on all models, and an automatic transmission was available on turbocharged BRAT's. The 1980 and earlier models had a single-range transfer case, while 1981 and later GL models had a dual-range transfer case (DL's still had single range), and all turbocharged models were equipped with a 3 speed automatic transmission with a single-range, push-button, four-wheel drive.
First generation
Developed in Japan in 1977 at the request of the President of Subaru of America, the BRAT was introduced to match the demand for small trucks in North America, in order to compete against other manufacturers, such as Toyota, Nissan, and Mazda. Unlike trucks from other manufacturers, all BRATs had four-wheel drive, as they were developed from the existing Leone station wagon. When the Leone was redesigned in 1979 for the 1980 model year, the BRAT continued with the original Gen I body until 1982.
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Subaru Brat model years
Common Subaru Brat problems
Based on the complaints from owners of the Subaru Brat cars, several common problems have been identified:
- Brake Lights Failing to Illuminate:
- Silicone gas seeping into the brake lamp switch housing can cause a loss of conductivity, resulting in brake lights not illuminating properly.
- Cracking Engine Oil Pipe:
- Deformed turbocharger oil supply pipes can lead to vibrations, cracks in the engine oil pipe, and potential oil leaks, posing a risk of engine compartment fires.
- Overheating Windshield Wiper Motor:
- Inappropriate manufacturing processes of the front windshield wiper motor bottom cover can cause overheating due to interference between components, affecting certain models of the Legacy and Outback.
- Unexpected Ignition Switch Shutdown:
- A faulty ignition switch with a prone-to-break ball spring can unexpectedly turn off the ignition, affecting various year models of Subaru cars.
- Corrosion in Brake Lines:
- Corrosion in brake lines can lead to brake fluid leaks, resulting in increased brake pedal travel distance and foot pressure required to slow or stop the vehicle.
- Malfunctioning Starlink Infotainment System:
- Issues with the infotainment system include freezing backup cameras, loss of audio functions, system lock-ups, and high-volume radio turn-ons, affecting several Subaru models.
- Car Proceeding to Move Without Warning:
- Complaints have been filed about Subaru cars moving unexpectedly while parked, posing safety risks to owners.
These problems highlight various issues that Subaru Brat owners have faced, ranging from safety concerns like brake light failures to technical issues such as engine oil pipe cracks and ignition switch malfunctions.
How rare are Subaru BRATs?
How many Subaru BRATs were made? Records indicate that there were about 100k Subaru BRAT pickup trucklets sold in the US. Most of them became work trucks and, unfortunately, have since been left to waste away in junkyards or backyards. Finding a nice example to take home is a difficult task.
Why did the Subaru BRAT have seats in the back?
The seats were a ploy to circumvent a punitive tariff on light trucks known as the Chicken tax. The plastic seats in the cargo bed allowed Subaru to classify the BRAT as a passenger car, rather than as a light truck.
How much is the new Subaru BRAT going to cost?
And the Santa Cruz which commence at 23. And 25 700 respectively however it's worth considering that those figures. May not hold up in reality. Given dealer premiums and high demand.
How much is a Subaru BRAT worth?
A: The lowest recorded sale price was $4,000 for a 1986 Subaru Brat GL on Dec 22 2022. Q: What is the average sale price of a Subaru BRAT? A: The average price of a Subaru BRAT is $16,042. Q: What years was the Subaru BRAT sold?
Percentage distribution of complaints by Subaru Brat years
We have researched Subaru problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Subaru Brat cars and compiled the top 1 most problematic Subaru Brat model years:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Subaru Brat model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Subaru Brat years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Subaru Brat car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Subaru Brat , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Tires problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Subaru Brat vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Subaru Brat . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Subaru Brat vehicles.
List of Subaru Brat complaints
Subaru Brat 1982
- Date Of Incident: 2001-01-01
- Date Complaint: 2001-05-15
- VIN: JF2AT53B1CE
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 60 MPH ON HIGHWAY AND HEARD A LOUD NOISE, LEFT FRONT TIRE TREAD HAD SEPARATED. UNIROYAL , P185/80R13. DEALERSHIP WAS AWARE OF PROBLEM.*AK ON ANOTHER OCCASION, THE LEFT REAR TIRE EXPERIENCED TREAD SEPARATION AT 30 MPH, DOT NUMBER ANJKBB0165. *SLC
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