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
My 2019 Subaru Outback…
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My 2019 Subaru Outback touchscreen has developed bubbles and Ghost touch.
I had a problem with the…
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I had a problem with the thermal control valve, in my 2020 Forest, I had fully repaired without any cost.I have a question is this valve will leak to inside of the engine and burned.Since after repaired, I found the coolant expansion bottle reduce about 1inch lower of the coolant max.level in 3 weeks.Found no leaks in outside.pls reply.
2019 Outback. Bubbles on…
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2019 Outback. Bubbles on screen and random actions on infotainment center by itself.
I was having trouble with my…
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I was having trouble with my 2022 Outback CarPlay. I’d plug my iPhone in with a USB lightning cable and it would work sometimes and at other times not at all. The dealership replaced the system. It did the same thing… until I figured out that the lightening cable going into the phone has to be plugged in a certain way (one “side” of the plug needs to face up to work properly). I marked the correct “side” of the cable that needs to “face up” and it works perfectly every time.
Bought a 2024 Outback XT. 2…
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Bought a 2024 Outback XT. 2 days after bringing it home, started having issues with Nav and starling. Been in the shop ever since. Dealer gave us a loaner car and the system does the exact same thing as the car I bought
I bought a brand new 2022…
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I bought a brand new 2022 Subaru Forester in October 2022 and everything worked great until 13 months in and my Starlink app quit working, my phone was no longer connecting to my car speakers, although my text messages and phone book were still visible on the car screen and it said it was connected. I updated everything I could on my car and my phone. My car no longer responds to my verbal commands. My autostart quit working during the coldest time of the year in Alaska and basically errored out on everything I tried to do on MySubaru app. I've been paying for a service I haven't been able to use for over a month now. I called the dealership and they said I would have to take it in for a $180 diagnostic test that MIGHT be covered under the warranty, so I called Starlink and they couldn't help. I ended up talking to Subaru of America Customer Service and they had no idea. I sent an email to the customer advocacy department and they told me to take it into the service department. So around and around I go. I have an appointment for next week and we'll see what happens! So far, I'm not impressed!!! I am interested in joining the lawsuit!
I own a 2019 Subaru Outback…
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I own a 2019 Subaru Outback. The media screen (back up) flickering to ghosts touches that are EXTREMELY disturbing while driving. The screen turns itself on so no matter what you do and VERY startling to a veteran who has ptsd. Please advise. I need to drive my car but feel it's not good to do so
Having the same issue with…
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Having the same issue with my 2019 Subaru Outback. Just started delaminating and of course out of warranty and dealer said replacement would be $2000.
In Canada with a 2019 Subaru…
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In Canada with a 2019 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited. Leased it for 3 years then bought it at the end of the lease. Just started having the "ghost problem" with the infotainment system, where I see a little spot in the corner of my screen that is not on the outside and suddenly the screen changes, menu pops up, or radio station changes, or CarPlay showing my directions shuts off.
It's after warranty, so the dealership says it will charge me to change it.
But I hear the replacements will have the same issue, so don't want to spend $1000 for nothing.
I own a 2019 Outback past…
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I own a 2019 Outback past warranty
Starlink system has a mind of its own, goes from app to another(ghosting)
What recourse do I have
Thank you
My Subaru definitely has…
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My Subaru definitely has this issue! It is completely possessed and you can't even turn it off😡😡
2019 Subaru Outback Screen…
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2019 Subaru Outback
Screen has bubbles under the glass and freezes to the touch..
We bought a used 2019…
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We bought a used 2019 Outback premium in August 2023. Immediately had problems with the Eyesight system; additionally the display screen is mostly frozen and worthless.
My Starlink Infotainment…
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My Starlink Infotainment system started failing at about 15,000 miles. The only thing I can count on is the backup camera screen. The rest is a hot mess! I have a 2019 Subaru Outback. I had owned the vehicle for over 3 years so Subaru said the warranty wouldn't cover it. They quoted $2700 to replace it but suggested I could file a claim with Subaru and maybe get a discount. Eventually the claims department said they would pay $1,000 for a new unit but the Subaru dealership said it would still cost $1700 to install it. Of course, I then read that the new systems are failing also so I didn't accept the offer from Claims. Since the last lawsuit only covered through 2018, I am very interested in the progress and outcome of this new lawsuit. How do I find out more?
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I have a 2019 Outback…
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I have a 2019 Outback Limited and the delamination and ghosting started after I hit a deer and had to have a massive amount of body work done to the car. About 2 months after that I started having all of the issues that have been outlined here. Please add me to any class action that might be filed. I live in Kentucky.
Bought a 2018 subaru outbak…
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Bought a 2018 subaru outbak on carvana in 2020. The headunit is defective, phantom touches and a delay for turning on but Subaru told me it is out of warranty.
2019 outback screen has…
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2019 outback screen has bubbles and wont stay connected. Contacted subaru was issued case #, only solution was a refurb radio. I didnt want refurb without garauntee that issues wouldnt happen again. Why can they issue recall and replace
We own a 2019 Subaru Outback…
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We own a 2019 Subaru Outback with a defective display unit with "ghost bubbles". The dealer is going to try to get us extended warranty but not hopeful. Please send us in any information you may have.
I have a 2019 Subaru Outback…
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I have a 2019 Subaru Outback limited with 57,000 miles. The screen keeps freezing, the scan keeps scanning. There are also several fingerprints that are under the glass that cannot be removed and they are touchscreening the system, Ghosting as it has been said her.
2019 Subaru Outback with …
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2019 Subaru Outback with 'bubbles' all over screen that causes ghost touch and frozen buttons/screen. I cannot listen to the radio or even plug my phone in because it goes rogue and starts pressing buttons on its own, changing station, continuous button sounds or when my phone is plugged in it will call people. It is a danger and beyond frustrating!
2019 Subaru Outback with …
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2019 Subaru Outback with 'bubbles' all over screen that causes ghost touch and frozen buttons/screen. This began about one year ago and has become progressively worse as time goes by. I cannot listen to the radio or even plug my phone in because it goes rogue and starts pressing buttons on its own, changing station, continuously and making random calls!. I have described this system as “possessed!” It is a danger and very frustrating! When I talked with my Subaru dealership, they acted as if they had no knowledge of any of these problems, I do not believe that. They told me it would likely be very expensive to fix. I am on social security and cannot afford to fix this problem. I need help!
My 2023 Subaru Forester…
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My 2023 Subaru Forester Wilderness started intermittently “beeping” while it was off and locked and sitting in the driveway. It is the single beep sound that it makes when you remote start using the MySubaru app. This had been going on for a month and I even took it to the dealer. I replaced the battery, the key fob battery, I even tried disabling the alarm. I was literally losing sleep because it kept waking me up!! I finally went and signed out of the app on my phone and guess what - no more beeps. I guess I won’t be using the app or remote start anymore!
Our radio has bubbles under…
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Our radio has bubbles under touch screen and know is starting to change channels on it own and freezes up
2019 Outback Premium Head…
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2019 Outback Premium
Head unit will randomly call people. It will all so hang up on calls. You maybe be placed on hold at random while on a call. The screen is separating and you can see cloudy areas of the touch screen.
My 2019 outback infotainment…
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My 2019 outback infotainment system has gone from acting erratically to freezing up!
My 2019 Outback has the same…
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My 2019 Outback has the same problem as described by so many others: the bubbles behind the screen and "ghosting" and freezing of the screen. The problem developed slowly and surely, just as a well-planned expensive malfunction should. I cannot use USB, CD, radio, navigation or connect anything with bluetooth. My dealer told me that a new radio head would cost $2,233.86 to install. My Subaru dealer sold me this hunk-of-junk used knowing good and well that this problem existed and failed to tell me about it.
I have a 2019 Legacy and it…
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I have a 2019 Legacy and it only has 19000 miles on it and this week the Starlink system went crazy. Weird noises and I can't turn off the radio! It's driving me crazy. The dealership is no help and Subaru coroporate is ignoring me. How does one join the class action suit.
Our 2019 Subaru Outback…
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Our 2019 Subaru Outback began experiencing the issues with our touchscreen during the fall of 2023. Our dealer said ours isn’t covered as the warranty had expired. After much complaining they agreed to order a new one and replace it but to date, we haven’t received any updates. 2/17/24
I have a 2017 Outback…
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I have a 2017 Outback limited and have the exact same issues with starlink. So far no dealership will fix it. The issues are starlink dashboard freezing, glitching, and changing stations on its own.
I’m sitting at Subaru right…
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I’m sitting at Subaru right now dealing with this infotainment system. Same thing: bubbles and phantom changes, car play stops working, Bluetooth stops working, radio starts scanning on it’s own. It’s a nightmare.
The car itself (2019 Outback Limited) has been wonderful, although once the infotainment system stopped working I stopped using the cruise control and Eyesight for fear it would malfunction. So far, the replacement part is $1200 and labor will be $300ish. I’ve got the number to customer service to see if I can be reimbursed for this. 🙏
Pagination