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Subaru of America is hit with another class-action lawsuit concerning the Subaru Outback wagon. The new Subaru class action lawsuit alleges 2016-2019 Subaru Outback and 2019-2020 Subaru Ascent SUVs have electrical problems. The alleged defect may also be present in the 2020 Outback according to the filing.
The lawsuit contends plaintiff Dustin Dalen’s 2017 Subaru Outback has a defective electrical system causing his battery to drain prematurely. Dalen represented by Tina Wolfson, Bradley K. King, and Ruhandy Glezakos of Ahdoot & Wolfson PC., says his Outback’s battery failed with only 12,000 miles on the odometer. The vehicle left Dalen’s wife and two children stranded at a park. When he took the vehicle to an Oregon dealership where he purchased the wagon, the technician could not diagnose the problem, the filing states.
2019 Subaru Outback
The lawsuit contends Dalen has since had to change his vehicle’s battery regularly at home to keep it from going dead. On a business trip to Seattle, the Outback’s battery failed again and Dalen was forced to take an Uber to purchase a battery charger and jumper cables so he could get the car started and drive home the next morning, the Subaru class action lawsuit states. At his next scheduled oil change, Subaru technicians determined the battery's voltage was low and replaced the battery under warranty.
The lawsuit also contends Subaru has known about the problem since 2017 and issued a technical service bulletin addressing potential battery discharging after repeated periods of short-trip-driving resulting in a dead battery. The lawsuit says if owners of Outback and Ascent models take their vehicle in for diagnosis of the problem, dealers replace the old battery with the same OEM battery “and is thus a temporary fix only.”
2019 Subaru Ascent
The lawsuit contends the 2019-2020 Subaru Ascent 3-Row family SUV also suffer from the same battery problems. The plaintiff says his Subaru Outback has lost its resale value and the drained battery caused him stress, money, and time.
Another class-action lawsuit has been filed by a California woman, Virginia Tomasian alleging her 2017 Subaru Outback also has battery problems. This recent lawsuit also alleges 2016-2020 Subaru Outback and 2019-2020 Subaru Ascent SUVs are equipped with batteries that drain and die. The Subaru dead battery lawsuit was also filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey.
Subaru of America has been hit with a number of other lawsuits concerning the Outback wagon. There are lawsuits concerning the vehicle’s Subaru Starlink infotainment system, defective windshields, and an Outback airbag causing serious injury class-action all in the past 18 months.
What should 2016-2020 Subaru Outback and 2019-2020 Subaru Ascent owners do if you have experienced the same battery issues? You should first report a problem to the NHTSA, and you can contact attorneys Ahdoot and Wolfson or Chimicles Schwartz Kriner & Donaldson-Smith LLP.
You Might Also Like: Subaru Outback, Ascent, Impreza, Legacy Recalled For Defective Fuel Pump
Denis Flierl has invested over 30 years in the automotive industry in a variety of roles. All of his reports are archived on our Subaru page. Follow Denis on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Subaru Report. Check back tomorrow for more Subaru news and updates at Torque News!
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Photo credit: Subaru USA
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Comments
My 2019 Outback uses a
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In reply to I owned a 2019 Outback,and by Al jardine (not verified)
My 2019 Outback uses a regular key to start the car. The car battery has been drained and replaced once in the winter 2020. Jumped in summer 2020. Dead again January 2021. It's driven weekly summer and Dakota winter. Your comments are helpful.
Our 2017 Outback is on its
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Our 2017 Outback is on its second battery. The original battery died at about 15,000 miles without warning. The dealer said that we don't drive the car enough. I doubt if our next car will be a Subaru.
Own a 2019 Outback 3.6R
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Own a 2019 Outback 3.6R Limited (new 4/15/19) and a 2019 Subaru Ascent 2.4 Touring (new 5/30/19). Outback battery flaky mid-January, dealer replaced with new battery (same model) 1/28/20. At that point, I was only vaguely aware of battery issues. Mid-April the Ascent battery died, having sat in the driveway due to virus lockdown for about 3 weeks. Recharged battery, 3 days later it was dead again. Researched issue, called SoA, offered me a one-time courtesy refund if I send them a receipt for a battery of my choice. Still debating replacement options, but will join lawsuit and send complaint to NTHSA.
Just bought a brand new 2020
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Just bought a brand new 2020 Outback. Didn’t drive it for 7 days due to COVID. Car wouldn’t start - less than 70 miles. Called Subaru and they told me this is a common issue and I need to drive it more. Might be true, but also a new car shouldn’t die after a week in my opinion. Might need to change the settings so it doesn’t drain as fast.
My new 2020 Outback with less
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In reply to Just bought a brand new 2020 by Tori Danner (not verified)
My new 2020 Outback with less than 5,000 miles also had a dead battery when I didn’t drive it for two weeks due to the Covid quarantine. I had it to have it jumped. Drove it for over an hour. Ten days later, the battery was dead again. I contacted the dealer and the service rep initially said they would replace the battery with a more powerful battery. This did not happen. Battery was recharged and the recommendation and written instructions were to drive it every other day. If it sits for a week, drive it for 30 miles. I was also I instructed to take off the negative post on the battery when I leave it parked at the airport parking lot (I travel often) and reattach it when I return. I am a 65-year old woman and not a mechanic. The service manager admitted there was a design flaw, the electronics in the car drain the battery if it is not driven for a while, and there is no other higher powered battery to replace it as it is a “stop-start battery”. This means I can’t buy a better battery outside of Subaru as it won’t work with this model. This is ridiculous. Subaru needs to step up and fix this problem. I am stuck with an unreliable car.
I have a 2020outback , my
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In reply to My new 2020 Outback with less by Mary Beck (not verified)
I have a 2020outback , my wife took car to hike which she does EVERY week . Dead battery she was lucky she got it jumped. This I WILL not let happen to my wife . Will see subura of Las Vegas mon morn. Oh I only have 10.000 miles on car .
Mine is just 3 days old with
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In reply to Just bought a brand new 2020 by Tori Danner (not verified)
Mine is just 3 days old with 125 KM, I repeat 125 km only on ODO and battery died and leaked. Subaru dealer came home and replaced battery. I have now complained to Transport Canada as it can be dangerous to have died battery on the road with so called rubbish Auto Start stop.. not to forget leaking battery fluid is not good for environment.
I have a 2017 Forester with
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I have a 2017 Forester with the same issues, this is the 4th battery I'm on and the dealership has told me it's "normal"
My wife has a 2017 Forester
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My wife has a 2017 Forester which we liked so much that I'm waiting for the 2021 Crosstrek but am now having second thoughts after reading the extent of this problem. We've had two Subaru batteries that went so dead that they couldn't be jumped or charged. The first failure was at 17 months and 2800 miles, the second 28 months and 9000 miles later.The service manager told me that these modern cars have a lot of electronics now that keep alive when the cars are turned off. This situation should start showing up in Consumer Reports reliability ratings of Subaru cars especially if Subaru doesn't recognize it as a serious reliability problem. With all the warnings in the 400+ page Owners Manual, one of them should really be "Do not drive this vehicle less than 5000 miles a year."
I bought a new 2020 Outback
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I bought a new 2020 Outback on Dec. 14, 2019. Didn't drive it for two weeks due to Covid. Battery was dead. Recharged, drove it for an hour or more. It sat for 10 days and wouldn't start again, battery dead. Dealer charged the battery, stated the battery was fine, but gave written instructions that I needed to drive it every other day. If it sits for a week, it must be driven 30 miles or more. The service manager admitted there is no replacement battery, this is a design flaw due to the electronics in the car. There is no upgrade bacause the battery is a "stop-start" battery, thus he recommended against going outside of Subaru to buy a higher powered battery. I was instructed to pull off the negative post on the battery when I travel and need to leave the car at the airport parking lot, then reinstall the negative post when I return. This is absurd! The car has less than 5,000 miles. Subaru needs to correct this design flaw. I am stuck with an unreliable car.
I bought the 2020 Subaru
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In reply to I bought a new 2020 Outback by Mary R Beck (not verified)
I bought the 2020 Subaru Outback 2.5i premier on 14th July 2020... It's battery was out on July 15th 2020. Now it's at the Subaru service centre where they are saying they replaced the battery but there are few other issues too.
Got rid of my 2017 Outback 4
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Got rid of my 2017 Outback 4-cyl Ltd this week - so glad to be rid of it. Constant battery/failure to start issues and the dealer couldn't have cared less. Over the course of my ownership of Outbacks I've tallied 9 roadside assistance calls due to the car not starting. Car was practically brand new having been driven less than 25K miles. Totally unacceptable. Thrilled so far with my new Honda Pilot EX-L AWD. Done with Subaru.
2016 Outback-purchased May 31
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2016 Outback-purchased May 31, 2016- based on Subaru's claim on reliability. First battery dies after 30,000 miles around January 2019-with no warning. Electrical system checked out by dealer-said everything is in good working order-and gave me a new battery-no charge..About 11,000 miles-March 30, 2020 new battery dies -with car in driveway and again with no warning. I had AAA replace-with a new battery-cost $150. One month later car- no warning car-would not start--got a boost from AAA and was told the battery tested good---as the technician said there had to be a drain on the battery--and get it checked out. My Subaru dealer told me to bring it in and will check the entire system out. However, will be looking to sell the car--and get a different vehicle that I can rely on-not a Subaru.
Battery drained in my 2017
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Battery drained in my 2017 Subaru Outback 3.6r Limited on several occasion barely
after a year of ownership. Filed a report with NHSTA and Subaru of America.
Subaru of America was very conscientious and referred my case to a specialist who in turn made arrangements at my local dealership to troubleshoot this issue. I was given a loaner car and received a call from the dealer that they had diagnosed the problem.
My electric brake was draining the battery and they ordered a controller and replaced the part. I was very impressed that the service department diagnosed the problem and fixed it! I was shown the utmost respect and received phenomenal customer service. My experience with Subaru of America was very postive! Thank you! That's why I have owned two Subaru's!!
I have a 2015 Outback Limited
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I have a 2015 Outback Limited. 71 kmiles and on the third battery. Haven't had to pay for a new one since they don't make it to the 30 month limit for free replacement. Other than that have been very happy with it.
Battery drained in my 2017
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Battery drained in my 2017 Subaru Outback 2.5, exactly at 30 months after purchase date. I've always had superior service with Subaru, and I don't think there will be a problem with diagnosis. I don't mind getting the same battery free under warranty, however I would like it if they solved the underlying issue.
My 2019 Subaru Outback had
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My 2019 Subaru Outback had approx 14,000 miles, and the battery went dead. The dealership replaced the battery with no problems. I was not given a reason why this happened.
I have a 2017 Outback with
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I have a 2017 Outback with 22000 miles. The battery was completely dead this morning and we had to jump it to take it to the dealer. While waiting at the dealer I heard a couple of other service reps mention ‘battery’ to other customers while so I googled it and found this right before the rep came to tell me it was ready and that there was nothing wrong. When I confronted him about this article, I got the deer in the headlights look. He said that I need to drive it more than once a week, so I hope this pandemic ends soon! I’m just waiting to receive my survey from the dealer.
I'm an owner of a 2017
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I'm an owner of a 2017 outback. We have 35,000 miles. First battery was put in 8 months after buying the new car. I've already had 5 batteries put in. Now on the 6th. They tell me they can't find anything when I take it in. I'm afraid to drive it.
Subaru is doing nothing to help me except putting in another battery.
Having problem with the
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Having problem with the Battery in my 2020 Subaru Outback it has 2300 miles . Had to take in to a Subaru dealer they said bad battery they replaced it. It was so bad I couldn’t get the tail gate to open it seems to be dead every time I want to drive it we keep car in a basement garage and keys up stairs we have basically shut off interior lights etc. this is wrong wished I knew this I wouldn’t have purchased it.
My Outback only has 2300
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My Outback only has 2300 miles had to have battery replaced today.. wished I had known sooner about the battery problem I wouldn’t purchased the car I was wondering why the car had to be charged when ever I wanted to drive got feed up with the problem charged it over night took in in the dealer ship that said Bad battery they replaced it. Now I’m reading about all the problems were in our 70 we can’t we doing everything to keep it running
Today the Subaru dealer
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Today the Subaru dealer installed the fourth (4th!) battery in my 2016 Outback purchased October 30, 2015. My mileage is 41,000. If it sits more than a couple of days, it has to go on the charger if I want it to start. The Austin dealership has been entirely gracious and accommodating, but I want to know whether it is bad batteries, a problem with the car, or both.
A manager at the dealership
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In reply to Today the Subaru dealer by Terry Meyer (not verified)
A manager at the dealership responded to my post-service survey response. He said that my car received the firmware update that corrected a bug that prevented the alternator from charging the battery fully. However, the battery must be replaced at the same time. My battery was already damaged, although it tested as being good, and they have since realized that both must be replaced regardless. By sometime in 2022 I should know if this was the problem.
My 2017 Outback is on its
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My 2017 Outback is on its third battery with on 67K total miles on the vehicle. So far each one has been covered under warranty but I’m sitting at Lithia Subaru of Fresno now and they are tell me my battery is corrosive and want to charge $29 to address. I pushed back that there is a clear battery issue with the car and shouldn’t be charged. I’m waiting for the response.
Purchased a new 2016 Outback
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Purchased a new 2016 Outback in September of 2015 and have had recurring battery problems, especially in winter. The dealership did a software update and said everything else was fine. NOT! Even after shutting of all the automatic inside lights (very inconvenient) I have to check to see if it will start the day before I'm planning to go somewhere. In the winter I almost always have to put it on the charger overnight and make sure I drive it to the next city and back before I turn it off. This car has less than 17,000 miles on it. This was my first Subaru and it will be my last. I'm truly disgusted.
My 2020 Ascent has had
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My 2020 Ascent has had battery issues since covid-19 since I don't drive it every day. Four dead battery issues within the last month and when I went to Dealer here in SLO county, was told to turn off all interior dome lights, make sure headlights are NOT on Auto, and that may solve the issue. Thus far, it has not. Dealer said that it's a manufacturing issue, and they can't do anything about it. Am very disappointed with the brand.
I just looked up batteries
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I just looked up batteries going dead in Subaru Outback because one day ago I sat in car listening to the radio for less than 15 minutes while wife was in a store. Went to leave and battery was dead. Had car in for oil change today at dealer and I mentioned the battery issue and was told...yeah, that happens in new Subarus, and that was that. Very odd, so I’m researching this and yes, I just turned 12,000 in my 2020 Outback.
Just purchased 2019 Outback
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Just purchased 2019 Outback limited and battery is draining and wont start every time. The service manager says it the dcm and wil cost us. Isnt this supposed to be undere warranty?
2020 Outback Touring with 3k
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2020 Outback Touring with 3k miles had battery fail. Briefly saw a message about something detected to the rear before the displays started flashing. Very disappointed as the vehicle is less than 4 months old. Had to be towed and lost a day of work.
2020 Outback Touring with 3k
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2020 Outback Touring with 3k miles had battery fail. Briefly saw a message about something detected to the rear before the displays started flashing. Very disappointed as the vehicle is less than 4 months old. Had to be towed and lost a day of work.