Subaru of America is hit with another class action lawsuit involving its Starlink multimedia system. A new report from Top Class Actions says Subaru vehicles equipped with the allegedly defective Starlink infotainment system now include the 2019-2023 Subaru Outback, 2019-2023 Forester, 2019-2023 WRX, and 2019-2023 Legacy vehicles, according to the new Subaru Starlink lawsuit.
Previously in 2020, Subaru of America settled a lawsuit concerning its Starlink multimedia system involving the 2018 Subaru Forester, 2018 Subaru Outback, 2018 Crosstrek, 2018 Legacy, 2017-2018 Impreza, and 2018 BRZ. A New Jersey Judge signed an order valued at $6.25 million benefiting 785,000 Subaru owners and lessees.
This month, attorneys Andrew W. Ferich, Robert R. Ahdoot, and Bradley K. King of Ahdoot & Wolfson, PC filed the lawsuit against Subaru, claiming the automaker is guilty of “unjust enrichment, common law fraud, and fraudulent concealment, and of violating the New Hampshire Consumer Protection Act and New York General Business Law, among other things.”
Plaintiffs Marco Cillufo (2021 Subaru WRX), Jeffrey Quarles (2019 Subaru Forester), Pamela Doze (2022 Subaru Outback), and Carl Jean-Louis (2019 Subaru WRX) claim the allegedly defective Subaru Starlink system presents a safety risk for drivers of the 2019-2023 Subaru Outback, Forester, WRX, and Legacy vehicles by disabling safety features and presenting drivers with “distracting and frustrating” effects.
The Subaru Starlink head units involved in the previous class action were Harman Gen 3 audio and navigation head units. However, Subaru recently switched to Starlink head units built by Denso.
According to the new class action lawsuit, the Subaru multimedia system problems can only be fixed by replacing the display screen. According to the new class action lawsuit, the Subaru multimedia system problems can only be fixed by replacing the display screen. Additionally, the lawsuit alleges replacement Starlink head units fail because they are as defective as the originals.
The new Subaru Starlink lawsuit also says Subaru was aware of the alleged defect based on “related service bulletins” because it conducted pre-release vehicle testing, and the suspected deficiency “manifests so quickly.”
In addition to the Starlink system issue of rebooting and other malfunctions, the lawsuit alleges the automaker’s EyeSight driver assist safety technology can fail. The new class action further alleges Subaru knew about the multimedia system problems because the automaker settled a previous Starlink class action lawsuit.
The report says plaintiffs Cillufo, Quarles, Doze, and Jean-Louis “are demanding a jury trial and requesting injunctive relief along with an award of punitive damages for themselves and all class members.”
What can Subaru owners do?
If you are experiencing problems with your Subaru Starlink system in your 2019-2023 Subaru Outback, Forester, WRX, or Legacy, take your vehicle to a Subaru retailer. The Starlink equipment is covered under the new vehicle warranty of 3 years/36,000 miles. Stay tuned, and we will bring Subaru customers any further information on the Subaru Starlink lawsuit.
If you have purchased or leased a Subaru vehicle equipped with a Starlink multimedia system and believe it is defective, let us know in the comment section.
You Might Also Like: Subaru Recall - The New 2023 Ascent SUV Tires Could Experience a Sudden Loss Of Pressure
Denis Flierl has invested over 30 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role working with every major car brand. He is an accredited member of the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press. Check out Subaru Report, where he covers all of the Japanese automaker's models. More stories can be found on the Torque News Subaru page. Follow Denis on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Subaru Report - We’ve got you covered! Check back tomorrow for more unique, informative SUBARU news, reviews, and previews you can trust.
Leave your comments below, share the article with friends, and tweet it out to your followers!
Photo credit: Subaru USA
Comments
I own a 2020 forester sport…
Permalink
I own a 2020 forester sport. The STARLINK system has had a server error for weeks now. My remote services work fine, but the STARLINK app is completely broken. Opens to an error message.
What about the sorry wheel…
Permalink
What about the sorry wheel bearings that subarus have? I've never had to replace rear wheel bearings on another vehicle. Just subaru seem to be prone to this defect.
I have a 2019 Subaru Outback…
Permalink
I have a 2019 Subaru Outback. Dealer told me that head unit malfunction is covered by warranty, but I have been waiting five months for the component. They just say that it is on national back order and that there s nothing they can do about it. Very frustrating to drive with no maps, no GPA, no radio, etc.
I am having several issues…
Permalink
I am having several issues with Starlink. The Dealership is giving me a hard time
Received a red alert stated Recall High head unit “ on my screen also stated to stop car and call dealership. They could not give me an appointment for one week. Received call from dealership stating.They received a call from Starlink stating the message was released in error. How can I join the class action suit? My car is a 2023 Outback
I purchased a used 2019…
Permalink
I purchased a used 2019 Subaru Outback in February 2023. In March I attempted a update and the updated resulted in failed update with a the system shutting down then trying to turn back on. There is message the the USB device could not be found. I took the vehicle to the nearest dealership for diagnostics and to see if they could repair the Infotainment System. They could not and said I needed a new head unit. As of today the new Head Unit is still on back order with no estimated date of arrival. Since I have no warranty and the new Head Unit is costing me over $1,600.00 to be replaced. The system was working fine till I tried to do the update.
My 2022 Outback Wilderness…
Permalink
My 2022 Outback Wilderness experience chronic issues with the touch screen going out, not recognizing its being touched, eye sight suddenly going out, radio going out and being glitchy. This is my fifth Subaru and potentially my last. I have never had so many issues with any other vehicle.
I purchased a 2019 Subaru…
Permalink
I purchased a 2019 Subaru Crosstrek that is experiencing all of the reported symptoms in the models listed in the lawsuit and uses a Harmon Gen 3 head unit. However, the Crosstrek is not listed as a model in the suit. I'm wondering if anyone knows why. I have an appointment with the dealer this week. They are going to attempt to upgrade the software to resolve the issue.
I have a 2019 Outback with…
Permalink
I have a 2019 Outback with 112,600 miles. After at least 8 episodes of battery drain and favorable checks of my alternator and battery, I finally was able to get in to a Subaru dealership after a 3wk wait. They diagnosed the battery drain as a DCM/Phase 3 starlink connectivity issue and reset it to sleep mode. The display screen has also recently been randomly switching SXM channels and other odd messaging. After reading a few other forums today regarding the battery drain fix causing the microphone of my cell phone bluetooth to deactivate, I tried my cell phone immediately after getting the keys and found the bluetooth microphone to be deactivated. I informed the Subaru service manager and he said it is a brand new issue. Battery drain fixed, but no bluetooth and screen issues. He said he would research a workaround for 2019's. I'm anxious to learn where the class action law suit goes before I need to buy a new DCM ($1,000) or screen/radio (quoted at $2,300). Please keep me posted.
Just bought 2023 WRX and I…
Permalink
Just bought 2023 WRX and I only put 2200 miles on it and the whole display is black so I can’t access anything and it has my eye sight and other safety features disabled.
Our first Subaru, a 2020…
Permalink
Our first Subaru, a 2020 Legacy w/28000 miles..Since day one the Starlink System shuts down, screen goes black. Separately, safety functions like eyesight stop working or constantly warn. Cannot trust any safety functions to be operating properly at any given time. Seems to happen ramdomly, perhaps more often in winter. Have gotten the "we checked it and nothing wrong" four (maybe five) times from the dealer with no improvement. VERY tired of this happening in a new car
2019 Sub.Forester AND 2021…
Permalink
2019 Forester & 2021 Legacy owner
Both had identical problems. Had many frightening drives with various parts of the touchscreen shutting down, and including eyesight navigation. Cried so much I ended up selling the 2019 and buying the 2021. Now the 2021 is doing it and I'm told the same thing- cannot duplicate the problem. I drove out of their lot and it did it so that was a lie. I particularly love the HVAC shutting down or starting on its own.
I have a 2021 Subaru Legacy…
Permalink
I have a 2021 Subaru Legacy and starling will not pair with any of our phones.
Unfortunately, my 2019…
Permalink
Unfortunately, my 2019 Subaru Outback’s Infotainment System has just gone crazy in the last week (since 8/1/23); therefore, the 3/36 warranty has expired.
Infotainment system suffers…
Permalink
Infotainment system suffers from ghost touching. The dealer has units on backorder since November 2022 (it is now August 2023). I can't trade this thing in until this is fixed. I can no longer use the Nav system. Nor can I change radio stations. No other apps work either.
My STARLINK system hasn’t…
Permalink
My STARLINK system hasn’t worked in years. How do I join the class action lawsuit?
2019 Subaru Outback,…
Permalink
2019 Subaru Outback, infotainment system changes itself, calls people through the attached phone (call my deceased Mother-in-Laws phone with my wife and kids in the car). The service people at the dealer know that this is a HUGE problem, there have already been lawsuits with earlier models, they want $1471.25 to fix it, and SOA says that they are willing to pay $300. This is rediculous for a problem that they obviously know about.
I purchased a 2023 Subaru…
Permalink
I purchased a 2023 Subaru Outback onyx, and apple carplay is not working . I’ve been back to dealer three times and have been told they have no idea why. Now I’m to record when it stops working and show proof . A brand new car and I cannot get help from Subaru customer help line or dealer
I have a 2019 Subaru outback…
Permalink
I have a 2019 Subaru outback with under 30k that the infotainment is going bad and doing all sorts of weird stuff. As I read so many people are having problems with this and I see a class action against them. Hopefully they will pay to have this problem resolved.
I'm having the same problem!…
Permalink
In reply to I have a 2019 Subaru outback… by Brad call (not verified)
I'm having the same problem!! I hope evryone here is calling the consumer advocacy group and letting them know. I'm being told it will be $2500 to fix. How do we get in on this class action suit??
I too, am experiencing…
Permalink
I too, am experiencing major inconvenience with my multi-media starlink system in my 2019 Outback. I noticed bubbling on the touch screen about a month ago. I did not make the connection that the bubbles are affecting the touch screen when the problems with switching stations began, it was random so I would turn it off. Now I turn it off and it turns itself back on and starts going through all the screens like crazy. It's distracting and frustrating to be told the radio is broken and can't be replaced anytime soon because it's on backorder. I don't feel safe driving the vehicle since I know the whole touch screen is fried.
While standing there at the dealership I heard another woman say she brought hers in because the radio was bad. The dealership was cagey about my personal situation and if I had not overheard her and then brought it up with my service rep. I think they would have let me believe this was a one-off situation.
I'm upset that I still have payments to make and I'm not sure it is a good idea to continue driving with such a major component malfunctioning and no replacement currently available. I've contacted SOA and gotten only an email acknowledging my attempt to contact them about my problem. Put me on the list as a dissatisfied consumer who thinks Subaru needs to make this right. Especially if they knew this was a problem.
Same problem here and they…
Permalink
In reply to I too, am experiencing… by Stacey L Knights (not verified)
Same problem here and they're trying to say that because I didn't purchase the extended warranty that they don't think there's anything they can do. It's clearly a faulty part. A huge one!! My screen is bubbled too!! My dealership wants $2500 to replace.
A friends 2024 Subaru…
Permalink
A friends 2024 Subaru Crosstrek with the 11.6 Denso unit resets often. We went on a road trip this last weekend and it reset 3 times in 8 minutes. Seems much worse when carplay is active with google maps open. Other combinations result in reset much less frequently.
My 2019 Subaru Legacy is…
Permalink
My 2019 Subaru Legacy is experiencing the same issues list above in the lawsuit. I went to my local Subaru Dealership to have the issue diagnosed. They charged me $99.95 diagnostic fee and wanted to charge another 702.50 + Tax to replace my radio system. I declined and now looking into being part of the new Class Action Law Suit against Subaru.
Please let me know how to…
Permalink
In reply to My 2019 Subaru Legacy is… by Eric (not verified)
Please let me know how to get in on this lawsuit. I'm having the same issue. And clearly it's a faulty system. Subaru needs to own up to that!!
Thank you,
Starlink System had several…
Permalink
Starlink System had several issues. Rear view camera stopped working, Display didn’t change when a song changed. Bluetooth didn’t work. Ultimitly, all features were dead. New unit ordered on Jan. 18, 2023. Took 5 months to receive and install.
Our 2020 Outback has had…
Permalink
Our 2020 Outback has had issues since day 1.
1. Reboots periodically
2. All audio comes out of front dash speaker loud. Requires reboot.
3. Eyesight sometimes disables itself
4. DCM (4G) suspected of draining battery (maybe related to AT&T signal). This killed the battery once already.
There are many more quirks despite having the latest updates.
I just bought my 2019…
Permalink
I just bought my 2019 outback at the height of used car shortage- I could not order a new one -due to computer chip shortage - , as of yet - I haven’t owened this car for year. This crazy touch screen- totally has a mind of it’s own Turns itself on it scans for the channels by itself the whole screen just keeps scrambling what a distraction and how horrible if I’m on Bluetooth it’s on Bluetooth turn off Bluetooth on Bluetooth turn off Bluetooth enough to make you get in an accident😣 I bought the extended warranty and it’s been one week since I took my car into Subaru and waiting with no answer most terrible customer service I have experienced I’ve emailed I’ve called and left messages texted no reply to extend warranty company contacted me that they’ve been trying to get a hold of the Subaru dealership I don’t know what to do it’s just does not seem right I would like to join on the class action lawsuit also! Where do I begin?
I am having THE EXACT SAME…
Permalink
In reply to I just bought my 2019… by Kim Hajduk (not verified)
I am having THE EXACT SAME THING with my 2019. They are telling me that because I did not have an extended warranty there's likely nothing they can do except sell me a new one for $2500!!! I'm so pissed because I always thought Subaru was a good company with cars that LAST!!
I was just told I'm out of…
Permalink
I was just told I'm out of the 3 yr warranty so subaru will not cover my radio replacement in my 2019 outback with only 22k miles. The representative said they're blaming the radio not working on chemicals people used during covid...I don't use chemicals inside my car and it was barely used during covid times...
I just purchased a 2019…
Permalink
I just purchased a 2019 Legacy sport on 8/28/2023 and the screen on the starlink screen does strange things. It has 50,000 miles though so I do not think it will be covered.
Pagination