Subaru Owner Alert: New Class Action Oil Suit May Affect Some Subaru Vehicles
If you own certain makes and models of Subaru, you should be alert to a new issue that's prompting calls for a class action suit over an oil consumption problem that's causing owners to spend big bucks on Subaru repairs and maintenance to replenish fluids lost far faster than they should be. And Subaru of America is being accused of failing to alert owners and even refusing warranty coverage on engine repairs related to the problem. Subaru says this is not what happened and says they've been on top of the issue the whole time.
If you own one of these models, you may be affected by oil consumption issues:
- 2011-2014 Subaru Foresters with 2.5 liter boxer (flat-four) engines
- 2013 Legacy sedans with 2.5 liter boxer (flat-four) engines
- 2013 Outback with 2.5 liter boxer (flat-four) engines
- 2012-2013 Impreza with 2 liter boxer (flat-four) engines
- 2013 Crosstrek with 2 liter boxer (flat-four) engines
Here are the problems some Subaru owners of these models are dealing with:
- Constant need to replenish engine oil
- Excessive wear of oil control piston rings
- Expensive and extensive repairs to repair
Subaru Class Action Oil Filed in New Jersey
The class action lawsuit has been filed in New Jersey and says that the oil piston rings wear down too fast, causes owners to spend money on excess engine oil and ultimately on repairs that would not otherwise be required. Subaru is accused in the class action suit of consumer fraud, vehicle warranty breach and of delaying a recall that put drivers' lives at risk. To contact the law firm organizing the suit, click here.
As a Subaru owner, what's potentially the scariest part of this defect is that it could lead to spontaneous engine failure while the vehicle is being driven. The lawsuit seeks damages and also wants to force Subaru to issue a recall of the affected vehicles. The Forester and the Outback are Subaru's two top sellers so this lawsuit could potentially be a big deal. For its part, Subaru claims that it suggested repairs while nearly all of the affected vehicles were still covered under the powertrain warranty.
Subaru of America's Director of Corporate Communications Michael McHale says, "While we believe the oil consumption of our vehicles to be within acceptable levels, we continually work to reduce the amount of consumable goods, such as oil, that our vehicles require to operate" and insists they are working with customers on the issue.
One of the signs your Subaru may have this issue if if you're burning a quart of oil every 2,000-3,000 miles. Owners of these Subaru models have seen low engine oil lights come on as soon as 2,000 miles after new car purchase while others don't see the problem until 10,000 or more miles have accumulated. With this few miles on the vehicles, it makes sense that the warranty should cover the work.
What to Do About Engine Oil Consumption
If you own one of these Subaru models and have noticed that you're using a lot of engine oil, you should have your engine checked out ASAP. If you are one of the vehicles listed in the class action law suit and you are going through lots of oil you NEED TO CONTACT YOUR SUBARU DEALER. The dealer will need to monitor your oil consumption.