The gap allows vibrations from driving to loosen the bolts—especially if they weren't, as Subaru now belives, properly torqued during manufacturing—allowing the stabilizer bracket to shift or disconnect. And that's a problem unless you want your car to feel like you're driving a boat on rolling seas.
While a few allegations were removed due to legal technacilities, the judge said dismissing the case entirely at this point would be premature.
The California lawsuit's plaintiffs have made very similar allegations to the previous lawsuit filed in May. Mostly that the vehicles will suddenly go into gear and lunge forward for a couple of seconds
despite having their foot on the brakes. Something allegedly caused by a disturbance in the electrical current of the throttle body.
Subaru doesn't appear concerned about the growing number of reports and hasn't issued a technical service bulletin about the problem.
]]>The class-members inclused all qualifying owners or lessees in every province except Quebec. Now a new lawsuit wants the same protections for Quebec citizens.
Both lawsuits are worried that even with recalls available, not everyone is convered and those that are haven't been told to stop driving until the repairs have been made.
]]>While the recall only covered certain 2019 models built between January and April of 2018, a new class-action lawsuit says the pumps can be found in vehicles dating all the way back to 2013. It also wonders why certain 2019 models, like the Forester, were skipped.
"Rather than spend the money ... to address the defect, or at least warn its customers that they have cars equipped with faulty fuel pumps," the suit reads, "Subaru has shifted the significant and serious risk of inoperable vehicles, accidents, injury, and even death onto its customers."
The lead plaintiff says any Denso fuel pumps with a part number prefix of 42022 should be recalled.
]]>Naturally.
There's no real evidence that any of this actually happened. But part of me really wants it to be true just so I can envision a meeting leader at Subaru HQ pulling down the blinds to the board room before saying "ok, everyone ... I've got this idea."
Sauer sued Subaru demanding they pay for new engines because the surging issues can descrease the value of the vehicle. She included the 2014-2016 Subaru XT and 2015-2016 Subaru WRX in her arguments.
But in their motion to dismiss Subaru points out that not all those vehicles were included in the 2016 recall. Not only that, but the Forester uses an FA-series engine, while the WRX uses an EJ-series – two different engine platforms that don't share interchangable parts.
That was enough to get a New Jersey judge to drop the case for any vehicle except for the 2014 Foreter XT with the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine.
So you're saying there's a chance.
]]>The settlement provides an extended warranty on the system up to five years or 100,000 miles.
Certain out-of-pocket expenses may also be covered.
]]>The lawsuit references recalls in the US and covers class-members in all Candian provinces except, oddly, Quebec (tant pis pour toi!).
]]>One of the lead plaintiffs says they were driving slowly with the foot on the brake pedal, and as they were about to shift into PARK the vehicle surged forward causing a collision.
The lawsuit alleges that Subaru has concealed the problem since 2011 and that dealerships routinely blame the drivers for mixing up the pedals or letting their floor mats get out of place.
It's the same thing Toyota used to say before they had to recall over 4 million vehicles for similar problems.
]]>The drying agent can cause micro-cracks that absorb fuel and expand over time leading to swelling and deformities.
Once the impeller can't properly rotate inside the pump, fuel stops going to the engine, and bad things start to happen.
At least 245 fuel pump warranty claims have been filed.
The recalled vehicles include any 2019 Ascent, Impreza, Legacy, and Outback manufactured between April and July of 2018.
]]>The faulty pawl springs can cause the webbing sensor locks to fail. Which is a fancy way of saying buckling up isn't going to do much good in a crash.
Back in January Subaru announced a similar recall in other countries where dual-mode locking mechanisms are a requirement. For whatever reason it took them a couple months to decide to offer the same recall repair to owners in the USA and Canada.
]]>The motion to dismiss says the plaintiffs' argument lacks standing because the breadth of vehicles included consists of two different design generations where Subaru used multiple windshield suppliers.
So ... maybe they both suck?
Subaru's warranty does exclude coverage for "any part which malfunctions, fails or is damaged due to objects striking the vehicle, road hazards" but not spontaneous malfunctions like many owners have complained about.
]]>During the investigation it was determined that a decrease in contact pressure between the terminals of the OCS sensor mat was causing an unstable electrical connection. This is likely limited to those vehicles with heated seats.
NHTSA is satisfied that Subaru's recall of 366,000+ Forester has solved the problem, and has closed their investigation.
]]>This case adds additional models to class-action pool, including the Outback, Forester, Crosstrek, Impreza, Legacy, and Ascent.
]]>The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) says they've received 51 complaints about this issue and plan on investigating the 2016-2018 model years specifically, covering about 554,000 vehicles.
]]>]]>Subaru allegedly knew WRX and WRX STI components were defective in engines coded EJ255, EJ257 and FA20. The plaintiffs say engines should last at least 120,000 miles but the Subaru engines may last just half that time before they fail.
Subaru customers also complain about turning off the engines with the Starlink screens frozen, resulting in drained batteries that strand drivers. In addition, there is a clear and present safety issue if a driver relies on a frozen backup camera screen believing the image is in real time.
Subaru has issued two software updates in the last year, but whether or not they actually improve anything is up in the air. The infotainment system is notorious for freezing randomly, blasting the radio volume upon waking up, and generally being unresponsive.
]]>The lawsuit only names 2014-2016 vehicles with turbocharged engines, including the Forester XT, WRX and WRX STI.
]]>Anyone else remember when parking brakes weren’t fancy and just worked? Those were good times.
]]>The models include most of Subaru’s lineup – Forester, Legacy, Impreza, Outback, Tribeca, WRX. David Woods has the breakdown of model years and recall zones on CarComplaints.com.
Takata has been in the news a lot lately, and none of it has been good – more confirmed casualties and stop-driving orders have prompted questions from our much-maligned Senators. Ooo, I have a question – what the heck took them so long?
]]>_…the engines allegedly have severe problems with oil lubrication to the bearings and crankshafts which doesn't create enough lubrication to properly protect the engines from problems.
This isn’t the first time we’ve heard about Subaru and oil controversy.
The plaintiff claims his 2010 Impreza WRX suffered complete engine failure in 2016 when the car had 73,000 miles on the odometer, something that shouldn't occur to an engine that should last for at least 120,000 miles.
Subaru was hit with a similar class-action claiming the 2013-14 WRX and WRX STI are manufactured with defective “EJ” short block engines with insufficient oil supply to the bearings.
I’m sensing a trend.
]]>A Subaru transmission warranty extension has been issued for 2010-2015 Legacy and Outback, 2012-2015 Impreza, 2013-2015 Crosstrek, 2014-2015 Crosstrek Hybrid, 2014-2015 Forester and 2015 WRX vehicles, all equipped with continuously variable transmissions (CVTs).
However, it’s a limited time offer. Inspections or repairs need to be completed by July 31, 2018.
]]>Plaintiff Joy Diane Shuey says she purchased a new 2015 Subaru Forester, but about a month later she took the SUV back to the dealer because of a fuel odor and an illuminated check engine light.
The technician allegedly discovered the fuel line and rear wiper hose needed to be replaced because they had been chewed by rats. Shuey says she paid $318.52 for repairs that Subaru didn't cover under warranty.
This is by no means a Subaru-specific problem. To date, Honda, Toyota, Hyundai, and Kia are all facing similar lawsuits for using soy-based coating and refusing to cover repairs under warranty.
According to automakers, it’s unfortunate but not a defect.
That doesn’t sit well with owners like Shuey who also had to pay $388.09 for a damaged fuel line and a staggering $2,433.30 to replace an engine wiring harness – both of which had been chewed by rats.
The class-action, Joy Diane Shuey, et. al, vs. Servco Subaru, Inc, et. al., is only for owners who purchased a Subaru from a specific dealership in Hawaii. However, depending on the outcome it could lay the groundwork for statewide or nationwide litigation.
]]>When vapor builds up, the fuel pressure goes down which leads to rough idling, stalling, or even a problem starting the engine.
More than 33,000 Imprezas will be recalled but Subaru doesn't know when.
It's been a rough couple weeks for the 2017 Impreza which was also recently recalled for memory issues causing blank or frozen rearview camera screens.
]]>While both situations are frustrating, a frozen screen seems particularly dangerous – it might give you the impression that the area behind you is clear, when it really isn't.
As always, it's good not to rely 100% on technology.
Don't forget the tried-and-true "look over your shoulder" method. I won't even judge you when you complain about how tight your neck is while doing it.
]]>Subaru is recalling 186,000 vehicles, some of them for the second time. Find out if yours is on the list (make sure to scroll through all the different recall "zones").
]]>"...the automaker received another report and this time the secondary air injection pump caught fire. Subaru wanted to investigate the part but a fire department had already taken it. But by May 2015, Subaru learned of another pump catching on fire, and this time the automaker was able to look at the pump and confirm the underlying problem."
Subaru says a check engine light will warn drivers. But an even better warning might be all the smoke coming out of your hood. And remember, where there's smoke ...
]]>"The 2010-2014 Legacy and Outback have windshield wiper motors with bottom covers that can become contaminated. Because of the contamination, components inside the bottom covers can interfere with each other, and if the wipers are obstructed by anything, the motors can overheat, melt, [and catch on fire]."
OK, so obviously Subaru didn't intend for this to happen. But I promise you, there will come a time this winter when you wish your wiper motors were shooting fireballs at the 3" of ice that accumulated on your windshield.
]]>The 2017 Subaru Legacy and Outback vehicles are equipped with knee guard brackets that may not be properly attached to the steering beam assemblies.
The knee guard is meant to help provide additional protection to a driver in a crash, especially if they aren't wearing a seat belt.
Or you could just wear your darn seat belt. #realtalk
]]>Takata's metal inflators are at risk of exploding because they don't contain a drying agent called desiccate. Over time, the ammonium nitrate inside the inflator can become unstable when exposed to heat and humidity. If they do explode during an airbag deployment, metal shrapnel shoots throughout the cabin, injuring or killing the people inside.
Subaru, like other automakers, doesn't have enough replacement parts to fix their vehicles. This is the largest recall in US history with 70 million cars affected and parts are scarce.
Owners should get an initial recall notice in the mail, and then another when parts become available.
]]>"(Subaru) says the tool used in building the steering column used an incorrect setting and caused an improper machining of one of the steering column shafts. The condition can cause the steering column shaft to fail to engage properly and leave the steering wheel to rotate freely any way it wants."
The recall was expected to begin on May 13, 2016.
]]>Well turn those frowns, upside down. Subaru has agreed to a settlement, but won't admit any guilt in the process. Instead they're just doing it to "save on the cost of litigation." OK, guys, whatever helps you sleep at night (wink, wink).
The final hearing is scheduled for July 26, 2016.
In the meantime, you should read more details about the settlement --- including which models are covered by year, transmission, and VIN --- on CarComplaints.com.
Think of it like homework, but homework that could result in cash reimbursements. Man, I wish they had that back in high school.
]]>Subaru Outback owner Kathleen O’Neill filed a lawsuit after allegedly experiencing numerous failures of exterior lighting, especially the headlights. The lawsuit says O’Neill purchased a new 2011 Subaru Outback and by the end of 2011, the left front headlight had failed followed by the right headlight in February 2012.
The lawsuit names the 2010 and 2011 model years, and our data confirms both have complaints about headlight issues.
If anything comes of the lawsuit, we'll let you know.
]]>The 2015-2016 Subaru WRX and Forester 2.0XT have turbocharger air intake ducts that may crack and cause problems with engine performance while driving.
Symptoms of a cracked turbocharger air intake duct include rough idling, reduced power, and a bruised ego when trying to accelerate.
Subaru hasn't said when the recall will begin.
]]>Subaru is recalling 77,000 Tribecas for that exact reason:
"Subaru blames the problem on rusted parts or solidified grease that can gradually cause the springs inside the hood safety system or hood lock system to fail to return to the proper positions."
Blame it on whatever you want, Subaru. Just get it fixed. The automaker didn't say when the recall will begin.
]]>The original lawsuit thought the problem was defective piston rings, but:
"Subaru issued four technical service bulletins to dealers about excessive oil consumption that told dealers to replace the piston rings for any customer who complained about oil consumption. Subaru owners complain the cost can be as much as $8,000 to replace the piston rings and it does nothing to decrease oil consumption."
Subaru has agreed to provide a free “oil consumption test” to affected owners, in addition to extending the warranty to 8 years/100,000 miles.
Settlement notices have been or will be mailed to owners who then must file for compensation.
]]>Subaru says proper tightening procedures weren't followed for the nuts that secure the propeller shaft to the rear differential. The automaker blames the problem on an improper use of the torque wrench.
Looks like somebody in the Subaru factory is going back to "Torque Wrench 101." So how do some loose nuts lead to a fire? It's simple, really.
Loose connection → propeller shaft comes loose → propeller hits the gas tank → gas tank leaks → small spark turns your car into a lump of coal.
OK, maybe it isn't that simple, but the threat is there. If you own a 2016 Legacy or Outback you should get your car fixed as soon as possible. The recall is already underway and there's full details on our site.
]]>"Plaintiff Marion Hadley claims she was driving her 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca 65 mph when the hood suddenly flew open. Hadley says the hood slammed into the windshield, sending glass all over her and dislodging the rear-view mirror."
Did Subaru know about this design flaw? They won't admit it, but they did change the hood design to use bolts instead of plastic clips starting in the 2007 model year.
]]>[Subaru] says the seal cap and seal may be deformed inside the propeller shaft yoke, a problem that can cause transmission fluid to leak.
That leaking transmission fluid can hit the hot exhaust pipe and start a fire. Car fires are no yoke.
You should have received your notice by now as the recall was expected to begin on August 28, 2015. To find out which specific vehicles were recalled, visit our site or call Subaru at 800-782-2783. They're using recall number WQU-56 for this problem (if you call, kindly inform them that W, Q, and U aren't numbers).
]]>A proposed class-action lawsuit says the dashboards were made with a defective material that fails in high heat or sunlight. It melts, becomes shiny, and creates a strong glare off the windshield.
Some say you can simulate the experience by duct taping a flood light to your dash, point it directly at your retinas, and then try to not rear-end the person in front of you. Bonus points if you do it with a massive headache because the the melting dashes tend to give off a mind-numbing chemical smell:
"The plaintiffs claim the cost to replace a melted dashboard can be as high as $1000. Once a customer has paid to have a new dashboard installed, the original defective plastic is still used and will eventually melt and become a blinding menace."
And then there's the question of its affect in airbags:
"The plaintiffs say the passenger-side airbag deploys through perforations in the dashboard, so what happens if the dashboard is damaged?
Subaru denies and wrongdoing because ... of course they do. The lawsuit targets the 2005-2009 model years.
]]>Demand in the US for the once Birkentocked cars is off the charts. In fact, Fuji Heavy Industries has struggled to meet it. Sales were up 28% (to $1.08 billion dollars), with a majority of the demand for the Legacy and Outback. Just take one drive down my street and you'd swear it was the Forester.
Now the $1.08 billion dollar question is -- will increased demand and manufacturing pressure mean more problems coming off the line?
Rolling in the depp.
]]>Passersby probably thought this scene was staged. Maybe for a movie? But it really happened. The Subaru owner, who was stocking up on some fine adult beverages when he heard a horrible noise, came out to find his Outback wearing a brand new hat.
Red really does bring out its headlights, if that's any consolation.
<img src="http://cdn.carcomplaints.com/minisites/img/subaru/camaro-crash-1.jpg" alt="" lazyload="true />
As for the Camaro driver, he was able to jump out of his car and hop down to safety without being hurt. Although I'm guessing there's a speeding ticket or wreck-less driving citation coming his way soon.
<img src="http://cdn.carcomplaints.com/minisites/img/subaru/camaro-crash-2.jpg" alt="" lazyload="true />
Still, impressive kid. Damn impressive.
]]>Subaru is recalling the cars after finding what can only be described as a strange cause for the airbag failures. The automaker says the airbag occupant detection system can fail if a front seat passenger uses a cell phone or other device that is plugged into the power outlet.
Considering most of us have cell phones nowadays, this is a big deal.
The recall was announced back in July 2015, so you should have received a notice by now. This is a reminder for anyone who hasn't heard or received their repairs yet. Full details are available on CarComplaints.com, or you can call Subaru at 800-782-2783 and make reference to recall number WQT-55.
]]>The problem was discovered on April 15, 2015 when Subaru was developing other models. Of course, this isn't the first time we've heard of EyeSight problems.
The automaker says the following vehicles with the EyeSight feature are being recalled.
Subaru hasn't announced when the recall will begin.
]]>When owners start questioning if that system is working correctly, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) usually takes notice. That's exactly what's happening with over 33,000 2012 Subaru Impreza sedans.
NHTSA opened their investigation after receiving multiple reports of the airbag light switching on and off with a passenger in the seat the whole time. NHTSA says Subaru has known about the problem since 2012 when they sent a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) to dealers discussing the issue.
If a defect exists or a recall is ordered, we'll let you know about it.
]]>The fight against corrosion is a tough one, especially for a company that is popular in the rust belt, but it never looks good when your fixes are nothing more than band-aids. Not even the good band-aids, but you know those generic store brand kinds that don't stick and kind of smell like old cheese? Anways...
As CarComplaints.com points out:
]]>The recall should begin January 26, 2015, when dealers will apply an anti-corrosion wax to the four-way joint connector area of the brake line system. You'll need to have the work done even if you had your vehicle "repaired" before.
The problem: The Outback trailer hitch has eight bolts welded to the body of the vehicle. Subaru says an owner could damage the bolts when tightening the nuts because the trailer hitch wasn't mounted properly during manufacturing.
The recalled models: Any 2015 Outback (with a trailer hitch) that was manufactured between January 22, 2014 and August 18, 2014. Only 56 vehicles in total.
Next steps: Subaru should have already sent out their recall notices asking owners to schedule an appointment. The eight mounting nuts will need to be replaced and dealers will inspect the eight bolts for any damage too.
Questions or concerns? Give Subaru a ring at 800-782-2783 and refer to recall number WQN-50.
]]>The "road salt" problem: It's no surprise that road salt is corrosive, its job, after-all, is to eat through surface ice. We use a lot of the stuff here in Vermont during the long winters. In fact, I'm pretty sure Vermonters are made up of at least 3% road salt (the other 97% is a combination of maple syrup and Ben & Jerrys). And while the chemistry of road salt is pretty awesome, it's a lot less awesome when you realize it's not just eating away at ice -- it's also feasting on your door panels, undercarriage and brake lines.
Once brake lines corrode, brake fluid pours out and that whole "being able to stop your car" feature disappears.
The vehicles affected: The recall covers 660,000 vehicles including the 2005-2009 Outback, 2005-2009 Legacy, 2008-2011 Impreza, 2008-2014 Impreza WRX/STI, and 2009-2013 Forester. It's important to note:
The "salt belt" states: Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia
What to Do Next: Subaru hasn't announced when the recall will begin, but when it does dealers will check the brake lines for any fluid leaks and apply rustproofing or anti-corrosion wax if necessary.
Concerned owners can contact Subaru at 800-782-2783 and refer to recall number WQK-47
]]>
