Update - Subaru Defective Fuel Pump Lawsuit And What You Should Know

Subaru was recently hit with a lawsuit over defective fuel pumps manufactured by Denso in the 2017-2019 Subaru Outback, Ascent, Impreza, and Legacy models. If you own a 2019 Outback, Ascent, Impreza, or Legacy, Subaru will replace the fuel pumps in a recall announced by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that began June 5, 2020. The recall affects 188,207 U.S. vehicles.

The class-action lawsuit was brought against Subaru by plaintiffs, Katherine Griffin, Janet Oakley, and Adam Whitley represented by attorneys Beasley Allen Crow Methvin Portis & Miles, P.C. The lawsuit details two plaintiffs’ defective 2017 Subaru Outback experiences. The lawsuit expands the model years and now includes 2017-2019 Subaru Outback, Ascent, Impreza, and Legacy models, and other model years (2013-2019) may also be affected and are being considered.

The lawsuit states Subaru knew about or should have known about the fuel pump defect “after running countless tests and diagnostics throughout production, yet continued to manufacture, market, sell, and lease their vehicles without disclosing the defect to the public.” 

The supplier, Denso International America located in Michigan, supplied Subaru with the defective “low pressure” fuel pump prior to July 2019 and began using a new fuel pump with filter, with a higher density impeller after that date.

The Courier Post, in an interview with Dominick Infante Subaru Director, Corporate Communications, says “We are aware of the lawsuit and we are currently investigating the allegations.”

Infante says, if owners of a Subaru vehicle has issues with the fuel pump, “We recommend that it be taken to an authorized Subaru retailer for inspection.” Dominick Infante added in a statement, “We stand behind the quality and safety of Subaru vehicles.”

What should owners do?

If you own or have leased a 2013-2018 Subaru vehicle with a Denso low-pressure fuel pump, and have experienced engine problems such as reduced engine power, stalling, and/or engine shutdown due to a faulty fuel pump, you may qualify to join this investigation. You can contact attorney Clay Barnett in Beasley Allen’s Atlanta office to discuss potential legal claims.

If you own or have leased a 2019 Subaru Outback, Ascent, Impreza, or Legacy model you are covered under the recall that began June 5, 2020. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRD-20.

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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 and the founder of 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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Photo credit: Subaru USA