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.
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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.
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Comments
I believe my 2022 starling…
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I believe my 2022 starling system is defective. Only problem is I am past 36,000 miles. What can I do?
2109 Subaru Crosstrek with…
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2109 Subaru Crosstrek with Gen 3 HK head unit. Radio set buttons don't "stick" and saved stations blank. Hands free system works but does not connect to speaker/microphone.
I bought my Subaru Outback…
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I bought my Subaru Outback in 2019 and it is beyond the 36 month/36000 mile warranty. Like many Subaru owners my Starlink system has started shorting out with different station jumping episodes and basically not responding to my efforts to use bluetooth etc. I took it to the dealership and for $80 they supposedly downloaded some new programs to remedy the problem all to no avail. The dealer told me that to replace the existing system would be $1500+. What are my options? Can I join one of the lawsuits? I live in Utah.
Yes, same issue. After much…
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Yes, same issue. After much internet sleuthing, I acted on a recommendation to contact Subaru of America. They ultimately agreed to cover the repair ($1,500) and authorized my local dealer to order and install a replacement unit.
The kicker… apparently this is such a widespread problem (I’m surprised it hasn’t made recall status), that the unit is back ordered anywhere from 3 months minimum up to 1+ years. I’ve been waiting 2 months so far. Will keep everybody posted.
Friend has a new 2024…
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Friend has a new 2024 Crosstrek with the Denso unit. It reboots continuously. No solution in sight.
Radio scan keeps activating…
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Radio scan keeps activating at random. Took to dealer and said bubbles in screen. It is 2019 outback and out of warranty.
2019 Legacy. Only owner…
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2019 Legacy. Only owner. First delam bubble appeared today. Taking it tomorrow. Guessing they will tell me it’s not covered. Hope this class action lawsuit moves forward and covers these things before it gets too bad.
I purchased a 2019 Subaru…
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I purchased a 2019 Subaru Legacy for my daughter’s 16th Birthday in February, 2022. Vehicle was only 3 years old but high mileage due to original owner traveling for work. Shortly after turning over 100,000 miles, the touch screen system began acting up by changing stations, volume, speaker settings and input settings on its own. Touch screen stopped working shortly thereafter and now nothing can be changed or viewed using the screen. Never in my life have I owned a car that an information system stopped working, especially when only 3 years old. Needless to say, my teenage daughter isn’t thrilled about it not working.
We purchased a new 2020…
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We purchased a new 2020 Outback in spring 2020. Now, with only 33K miles we have had the Starlink DCM replaced twice and twice some other tinkering at the dealership done involving it. Now only 6 months after the last replacement (thankfully still under warranty at that time) the overhead red light is on again & no communications. We purchased the car to have emergency notification capabilities since we mostly travel where cell-phone coverage is spotty at best. This is our 1st Subaru and 1st modern car w/such technology - so frustrating & wondering if we're the only ones feeling this way. Otherwise we love the car with the back-up camera, auto braking, and other helpful driving features. Grr!
I have a 21 Outback Limited…
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I have a 21 Outback Limited and a 22 WRX Limited. My Outbacks' infotainment system has been replaced and still have issues after having it replaced. Every time I take it in for an infotainment issue, I get told are you sure there isn't anything blocking the cameras or they can't duplicate the issue. I will have the emergency braking go off with nothing in front of me. I have had my whole system turn off on me while driving for it to come back on a minute later. It has done all of this with my teenagers learning to drive in it. Scared them to death and they won't drive my car anymore. Took it in to see if an update was available, there was one, and was told they did it but the next one would be on me even after I told them I bought the extended warranty on the technology in the car. Now my 22 WRX is having issues as well. Drove it the other day and the system went off and then about a minute later turned back on.
The screen in my 2021 Subaru…
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The screen in my 2021 Subaru Outback constantly shuts off along with the eye safety system. It happens almost every day several times. It does reboot but doesn’t again and again making it basically useless.
I have a 2019 Outback,…
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I have a 2019 Outback, purchased new. The Starlink system began to randomly beep and change screens about a month ago and has rapidly gotten worse. It is now distracting when driving and certainly a safety hazard. I am interested in joining the class action.
Same issues on 2020 subaru…
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Same issues on 2020 subaru wrx premium freeze up glitch go to radio cd satellite radio no sound
2019 Subaru Outback…
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2019 Subaru Outback. Problems with media systems. Estimate of 8 months to a year for a fix. Turn off and it comes back on. Very distracting beeps when it comes back on. Can't use the GPS system. What a disappointment.
I purchased my 2023 Subaru…
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I purchased my 2023 Subaru Outback XT Touring in March, 2023. The built-in navigation, Android Auto nav (Google maps and Waze), the compass and the speed limit detection are all defective or do not work at all. Also the info scroll on the dashboard changes its display randomly. I've brought it to the dealership service department twice with no resolution. It's there again now. In total, I've been without my car while they try to fix this problem for about 15 days.
We bought a 2019 Subaru…
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We bought a 2019 Subaru Outback about a month ago, and the head unit needs to be replaced. We can’t update the system because the buttons don’t respond to touch. Our phone has no sound through the unit, so we cannot use hands free. The maps don’t darken at night so we have this blinding display once the sun goes down. Love the car and would buy another one, but I really wish they would get this fixed!
2019 Subaru Outback…
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2019 Subaru Outback Infotainment system when haywire 3 months ago. Bubbles appeared across the screen and the radio just selects channels constantly beeping the whole time I'm driving it. I've got 24,000 miles on the car with a 100,000 mile warranty. Dealer claims it is the Kartman Harman system and that is it covered by my warranty. Supposedly they have me on a 6-9 month waiting list since Sept 2023. Just wondering if there is any update on the Class Action. Bummed because I'm a dedicated Sub owner with a 2001 Outback where everything still clicks at 220,000 miles. Wish we could go back to that era. I appreciate all the info provided on this site.
I own a 2023 Outback Touring…
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I own a 2023 Outback Touring XT and the Infotainment system has been nothing but a nightmare. It is so sluggish and distracting when pushing a button. It can take up to 10 seconds for anything to happen. You have to take your eyes off the road to make sure you actually hit the button. I also listen to music on the USB thumb drive. Subaru did an update back in March that messed my music up. Every time you start the car it resets the thumb drive and I hear the same song play every single time. Subaru supposedly did a somewhere update, eventually replaced the entire unit, and another update. Nothing is fixed. It's still a piece of trash. I have never owned a car with such a joke as this infotainment system. I drive a lot (46,000 the first year) and have to get in this car every day and deal with this piece of crap makes my skin crawl. If I wouldn't lose my butt on a trade, I would get rid of this car tomorrow. Subaru knew about these issues but their executive bean counters said "ship them"! They should all be lined up for a firing squad.
I am happy to know that I am…
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I am happy to know that I am NOT crazy!! I have been having issues with Starlink since I purchased my 2020 Subaru Legacy. I reported the issue to the dealer within the first 6 months of owning the car and they told me ‘they had never heard of the issues I was having’! My screen will freeze up, lose calls & maps, turn off & on by itself, shut off ALL safety features and the list goes on …. They had my car overnight and said they did not experience anything. I told them they would have to drive it regularly for a week or so to catch any of the issues. I absolutely LOVE my legacy but the Starlink is making me want to look to other makes of cars. Very sad for a Subaru owner since 2009! I can only hope the issues can be resolved sooner than later!
2019 Outback Touring -…
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2019 Outback Touring - Infotainment system is totally shot through and through. Further, it is affecting every other system in the car, e.g., the (new) battery left overnight bleeds itself dry and none of the systems allied with the central system work. I have contacted their HQ in NJ, I have been unfavorably received at my Subaru dealer. I have been lied to, stiff armed and treated with great disrespect for my persistent questioning. I am going on my seventh month of this nightmare with no end in sight. I've even suggested to the personnel in NJ that this is a deliberate ploy to slow the process of repairing or remediating the injured customers. There was no denial from them.
I have a 2019 Subaru Outback…
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I have a 2019 Subaru Outback.
Couples months back in the summertime, I noticed these almost looks like oily bubbles under my display screen. Didn’t think much of it unless the bubbles kept multiplying. Now, it flips through apps, changes the radio, can’t use Bluetooth because it decides to start calling people, can’t use CarPlay anymore because it messes with my audio and maps, it also decided to change my settings so now music only plays on drivers side speaker. Completely ridiculous.
I’ve contacted Subaru of America to see what my warranty status is. I can’t pay out of pocket for a replacement but I absolutely despise what is going on with my Subaru. It’s distracting and is a safety concern and it makes driving pretty obnoxious.
2020 Subaru Outback I've had…
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2020 Subaru Outback
I've had issues with entertainment system remaining blank for 1.5 milles from my home. I live in the SF Bay Area and it doesn't get extremely cold. However, when I take it on to Subaru, they cannot recreate the issue. I was told to video the issue for them. I do not have my phone out when I get in the car and start to drive. My car just ran out of warranty in Nov. 2023.
I own a 2019 Outback with…
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I own a 2019 Outback with the defective infotainment system. It constantly beeps while driving while changing modes. It randomly makes calls while driving. It is very distracting while trying to drive the vehicle. It is beyond the 36000 mile warranty, and Subaru Service has told me that the cost of over $1200 is not covered. This is the second Subaru that I have owned. And will be the last. PS: my first Subaru, a 2017 Outback, was replaced per Lemon Law specifications due to issues with the steering.
Yes I bought 2022 outback…
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Yes I bought 2022 outback and have complained since the day I drove off lot. Radio malfunction and windows. And they won't fix it. Every oil change I complain of glitch and windows not closing which a safety concern. Even have video of window problems. But keep getting denied to fix. What can I do?
I have a 2019 Subaru outback…
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I have a 2019 Subaru outback. I noticed that the Starlink screen has been acting buzzard for about two months. The screen freezes, punches strainge addresses itself while I am driving, and automatically changes the disternation address. It is so dangerously distracting as it often guides me to a wrong place. I have made many phone calls to Subaru dealers and SOA. Unfortunately, Subaru dealer says that my 5 year-warranty was passed on September of this year, 2023, so it is not under warranty anymore. It is frustrating to have the issue like that despite the car is pretty new, I only drove it about 20k and it has been usually kept inside my garage. I claimed this issue to SOA about a month ago, but haven't received ant phone call from SOA. I am now making another phone call to SOA, hoping to get some help from them. it is 5th call I have made and I hope to get some answer. My family and I are extremely disappointed to Subaru. It is super exhausting. I heard many Subaru owners have experienced the same issues like myself. I hope Subaru of America handles this issue respectfully.
Thanks,
I bought a preowned 2019…
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I bought a preowned 2019 Subaru Outback last week and the screen is having serious issues with “ghost touch.” It’s so bad I cannot even listen to the radio or use Bluetooth for calls. I have to shut off the entire thing due to the severe distraction it is causing me while driving.
The system recently began…
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The system recently began spontaneously scanning through the radio stations. Pressing "scan" did not stop the continuous scanning. Preset radio stations will often not remain on channel as the radio will begin randomly scanning. Have also noticed that the eyesight system seems to briefly disable even in fair weather.
My 2019 Subaru Outback radio…
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My 2019 Subaru Outback radio is ghosting, won't turn off and switches channels all the time. I only have 32,000 on it and do regular maintenance. I would like to join the class action.
I have a 2021 Crosstrek with…
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I have a 2021 Crosstrek with STARLINK issues. It stopped working at some point and then my battery started dying frequently. This has been an ongoing problem for the better part of a year, maybe more. The dealer is replacing the Data Control Module under my extended warranty but charging me a deductible and for the back up battery, which they recommend but say isn’t required. I’m going to argue the fees and hope this finally fixes the problems.
I have a 2022 Forester and…
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I have a 2022 Forester and the eye site sensor doesn't always work, Ive taken it in a few times and Subaru service writers tell me that if the window is dirty and/or there is cold weather then yes it can and will malfunction . Also while driving the cruise control, and Lane assist also shut off without warning
Pagination