Subaru Oil Consumption Lawsuit Update: What Should You Do?

Subaru’s oil consumption issue case against the automaker affects more than 665,000 Subaru owners with Forester, Outback, Crosstrek, Impreza and Legacy, models from 2011 to 2015. If you are one of them, what should you do?

According to a report from Pittsburgh’s Action News 4, Subaru is offering to settle with drivers of the affected vehicles to put an end to a class-action lawsuit. Under the deal worked about by their attorneys, Subaru would extend manufacturer’s warranties to 100,000 miles and pay for all repairs related to the defect. This will automatically kick in unless consumers opt out.

What should you do?

If you're part of this class action case, you have until tomorrow (June 13) to opt out of the class action law suit. If you do nothing, you will automatically become part of the settlement, which will prevent you from filing a Lemon Law complaint.

Automotive Lemon Law attorney Bob Silverman says, each effected Subaru owner needs to decide whether to accept the settlement based on their own individual situation. “It’s great for you if you don’t have a problem,” he says. “If you’ve already had a problem with your car, and it’s burning a lot of oil already, I would opt out,” he says.

If owners don’t opt out, they will only be covered for the expense of the repairs and it will prevent you from filing a Lemon Law complaint. If owners do opt out, they can hire an attorney and file a Lemon Law case against Subaru. What is the benefit of filling a Lemon Law case?

Go to PAGE 2: What is the Lemon Law?

There are Lemon Laws in every state and these laws provide relief to consumers whose cars, trucks, and motorcycles are in the shop repeatedly for the same repair or for an extended period of time. Legal remedies can include monetary compensation, a complete refund, or a new vehicle to replace your defective one.

Statement from Subaru spokesman Michael McHale

"Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) and counsel for plaintiffs have agreed to resolve a claim that alleges certain Forester, Legacy, Outback, Impreza and Crosstrek vehicles may experience oil consumption beyond expectation. Although fewer than 1 percent of Subaru owners raised this concern, the company has extended the powertrain warranty from 5 years, 60,000 miles to 8 years, 100,000 miles, whichever comes first. Additionally, the company agreed to reimburse owners for certain expenses such as repairs and rental.”

"Additionally, if a Subaru owner believes that their vehicle is exhibiting this condition, we recommend that the vehicle is presented to an authorized Subaru retailer for an oil consumption test and if necessary, a repair will be performed at no cost. We believe that this proposed resolution affirms SOA’s reputation for standing behind its products and taking care of its customers."

The Subaru settlement for 2011-2015 Subaru Forester, Outback, Crosstrek, Impreza and Legacy models is expected to be made final at a court hearing in July. After that, drivers will be notified of their rights. For information on the Lemon Law go here.

Source: Action News 4-Pittsburgh

Image source: Subaru