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Subaru Hit With 4th WRX/STI Lawsuit Claiming Dealers Installed “Secret Software”

Subaru is being hit with a 4th WRX/STI engine lawsuit. This time claiming they installed “secret software” and now engines are stalling or surging. It also includes the Forester 2.0XT.

It’s been a tough two years for Subaru of America as they can’t shake being hit with class action lawsuits concerning the 2.5-liter turbo engine in the WRX/STI performance cars. Subaru has just been hit with a fourth lawsuit, this time claiming engine stalling or surging on 2014-2016 Subaru WRX STI and 2015-2016 WRX 2.0-liter turbo and 2014-2016 Forester 2.0XT models.

According to a report from CarComplaints.com, The latest lawsuit filed by Cheryl Sauer in New Jersey, says her 2014 Subaru Forester 2.0XT was recalled for an “emissions” issue, but claims Subaru fixed problems with the ignition timing and the recall was allegedly just a cover-up to “secretly update the operating systems" of the performance engines.

The new lawsuit claims Subaru repaired 2014-2016 Forester 2.0XT (2.0-liter turbo), WRX and WRX STI 2.5-liter turbocharged engines by “de-tuning” the engines in an attempt to fix the damage that had already been done.

According to Sauer, after the recall repairs were completed, her Forester 2.0XT began to surge and stall, so she took the small SUV back to the dealership. The plaintiff says the automaker initially refused to correct the engine problems but finally offered to replace the engine after the plaintiff kept complaining. The plaintiff claims Subaru told her the replacement engine wouldn't be available for months and that they would not replace or buy back her Forester.

The lawsuit goes on to claim owners often complain their vehicles suddenly accelerate or stall after the allegedly “secret software patch” was installed after the recall, then having to listen to Subaru dealer technicians who say they can't find anything wrong with the vehicles. According to the class-action lawsuit, the engine tuning problems in the 2014-2016 Subaru WRX, WRX STI and Forester 2.0XT cause drivers serious safety issues and also lead to decreased vehicle values, something Subaru should pay for.

Subaru just settled three class-action lawsuits claiming an engine defect in 2012-2017 WRX and WRX STI models equipped with the EJ25 2.5-liter turbocharged Boxer engine. The lawsuit was settled in August following months of discovery.

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Photo credit: Subaru USA

Comments

Dee Collins (not verified)    January 2, 2021 - 4:03PM

I have the worst investment in my life a 2016 wrx clutch went first time at 6k? My first car was a standard I was 16 and drove a Harley Harley Davidson till I was 40 now 58 the clutch went I believe 4 times I have an extended warantee Subaru charged me almost 2I for last clutch also have full ins from.Alstate and from Subaru First their was a recall to the manifold to TURBO has been many recalls the car is registered to a grey car meanwhile its iced silver metallic in NYS must be a distinguished color # from a grey to a silver metallic and why was all my electronics changed 10 days before my purchase ? Also why no on star stuff also bought a sensor alarm in case car was taped in a parking lot? Like it was my cell phone and car alarm are suppose to go off? Also had a 2011 battery In a 16 subaru kept my car for 10 days and about 120 miles sub said test drive I asked to manhatt!n? I dont belive their are airbags? When my car was held for 10ndays my rims were scratched? IM NOT PHYSICALLY WELL THAT DOESNT MAKE ME STUPID AND WHY I noticed the show room model exactly same as mine was gone and in parking lot? I noticed when I got home close to 100 miles on it the title says 5 miles???