Subaru does not rely on a single brake-pad brand; OEM pads come from multiple suppliers, with Akebono commonly used in North America.
The exact supplier varies by model, year and market. To confirm the correct brake pads for your vehicle, check the part number on the pad, inspect your owner's manual, or contact a Subaru dealer or service department.
Brands Subaru Uses for Brake Pads
The exact brand depends on the model and market, but Subaru has historically sourced brake pads from several suppliers. The following brands have appeared in Subaru's OEM catalogs at various times.
- Akebono — the most common OEM brake-pad supplier for Subaru in North America, used on many models’ front and rear pads.
- Nissin — another Japanese supplier used on certain models or markets.
- Bosch — appears in some regional or market-specific brake-pad catalogs as an OEM option or for certain packages.
Note that availability varies by model and region, so always verify with official parts data for your vehicle.
Regional variations
Subaru's braking-system supply can differ between North America, Europe, Asia, and other markets. While Akebono is common in the U.S. and Canada, other brands may be used elsewhere or for special editions. For the most accurate match, consult the dealership or Subaru's official parts lookup using your VIN.
How to Identify the Correct Brake Pads for Your Subaru
To ensure you replace with the correct pads, follow these steps to verify the exact brake-pad brand and part number for your vehicle.
- Look up your vehicle’s OEM brake pad part number in the Subaru Parts Catalog or on the service invoice for your car.
- Enter your VIN in Subaru’s parts lookup or ask a dealership to confirm the exact pad specification for your model and year.
- Check the current brake pads for any stamped part numbers or friction-material codes that can be cross-referenced with official catalogs.
- When ordering from a dealer, request Subaru Genuine Parts or an OEM-verified pad set that matches your VIN and model.
- If choosing aftermarket pads, ensure the product is specified for your calipers and rotor sizes and that it matches the OEM friction rating for your braking system.
Following these steps helps ensure you purchase the correct brake pads for your Subaru and maintain expected braking performance.
Summary
Subaru uses multiple brake-pad brands rather than a single supplier. Akebono is the most common OEM brand in North America, with Nissin and Bosch appearing in other regions or on certain models. Because supply varies by model and market, always verify the correct part number for your vehicle through the dealer or Subaru’s official parts catalog before purchasing brake pads.