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Does Subaru have a problem with Crosstrek and Ascent mirrors?
A new class-action lawsuit against Subaru of America says the latest 2024 Subaru Crosstrek and Subaru Ascent models have dangerous mirror problems because they move and shake while driving. Here's what customers need to know.
The lawsuit filed by a Texas woman says her 2024 Subaru Crosstrek driver-side mirror vibrates and shakes while driving, and her vision of the road is impaired. It poses a serious problem because she can't see traffic in the blurry mirror.
The Texas class action lawsuit alleges that the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek and 2024 Subaru Ascent driver's side mirrors vibrate and shake so badly drivers cannot see the surrounding traffic.
The class action lawsuit highlights the potential risk, stating, "The Mirror Defect poses an extreme safety hazard to drivers and other operators. A vibrating mirror distorts the reflection of vehicles or objects behind or alongside the vehicle, making it difficult for a driver to judge distances or identify potential hazards accurately, especially at night, thereby increasing the risk of accidents during lane changes or turns."
The class action against Subaru of America includes "All persons or entities who purchased or leased any 2024 Subaru Crosstrek or 2024 Subaru Ascent vehicle in the State of Texas."
ClassAction.org says Texas plaintiff Katelyn Robinson purchased a new 2024 Subaru Crosstrek but soon realized the driver's side mirror vibrated and shook while driving. The mirror vibration caused the image in the mirror to appear blurred, which caused her to have trouble seeing the traffic.
Within a month, the Texas woman took her Subaru Crosstrek to a dealership to complain about the mirror vibration. Dealer technicians inspected the small SUV and ordered a replacement driver-side mirror.
Katelyn Robinson returned her vehicle to the Subaru dealer in August 2024 after she was told the replacement driver-side mirror had arrived. Subaru verified the complaint about mirror vibration and replaced the Crosstrek driver-side mirror assembly.
Despite the plaintiff's efforts, the Subaru driver-side mirror vibration persisted. The plaintiff returned her Crosstrek to a dealership and again complained about the driver-side mirror vibration, but the lawsuit alleges the Subaru dealer said nothing more could be done.
This lack of action is a cause for concern.
On behalf of Robinson, Lemberg Law, LLC filed the Subaru of America class action lawsuit for for $5 million. The legal proceedings are expected to unfold over the coming months, and we will keep you updated on any developments.
Subaru issued a TSB in 2015.
The Subaru Crosstrek and Ascent mirror class action lawsuit references a December 2015 technical service bulletin (TSB 12-195-15) Subaru issued to dealerships about door mirror problems.
"Should you receive a customer concern of vibration or looseness in either of the door mirrors, a design change has been made to the three mirror head mounting holes in the mounting base. In addition, a new retaining bolt and tightening torque specification are now used to secure the mirror head to the mounting base. This bulletin provides a procedure for repairing the existing mirror assembly by replacing the three mounting screws with updated fasteners." — TSB 12-195-15
It's important to note that the Technical Service Bulletin 12-195-15 references 2013-2016 model year Subaru XV Crosstrek vehicles. However, the lawsuit says there has been no TSB for the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek and 2024 Subaru Ascents in Texas or any other state.
The lawsuit further alleges that defective vibrating and shaking driver-side mirrors are replaced with the same defective Subaru mirror, not a newly remodeled OEM part that will fix the vibration issue.
"Had it done so, Plaintiff and class members would not have purchased the Class Vehicles or would have paid substantially less for them" if Subaru had warned them about the vibrating mirrors, the suit contends, and accuses Subaru of benefiting from the sale of 2024 Crosstreks and Ascents while "avoiding warranty obligations."
This could potentially impact the resale value of these vehicles.
The plaintiff contends the automaker has "actively concealed the Mirror Defect from its customers even though Subaru "has long known that its driver-side mirrors will vibrate due to defective mounting."
CarComplains.com says, "The plaintiff also insists Subaru learned about the mirror vibration problems because of the high number of replacement driver-side mirrors ordered by Subaru. But the plaintiff doesn't say what that number is."
Subaru has yet to issue a Crosstrek or Ascent mirror recall, and the plaintiff says no TBS bulletins have been issued to dealerships about the vibrating mirrors. Subaru has also allegedly not offered to reimburse all 2024 Subaru Crosstrek and 2024 Subaru Ascent owners in Texas for expenses related to mirror vibrations.
I'll update you on new Crosstrek or Ascent model vibrating mirror developments. Stay tuned.
Have you experienced mirror vibration?
We'd like to hear if you have purchased a 2024 Subaru Crosstrek or 2024 Ascent and have mirrors that vibrate or shake. If so, click the red Add New Comment link below and let us know.
I am Denis Flierl, a Senior Torque News Writer since 2012. I’ve invested over 13 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role, working with every major car brand. I am an experienced Rocky Mountain Automotive Press member. You'll find my expert Subaru analysis here. Follow me on my X SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.
Photo credit: Subaru
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