Is there a class action suit against Subaru?
Yes. There have been several class action lawsuits filed in U.S. courts against Subaru of America (and in some instances Subaru Corporation) over issues such as oil consumption in certain 2.5-liter engines and CVT transmission problems; outcomes have ranged from settlements to ongoing litigation or dismissals.
The landscape of Subaru-related class actions has evolved as owners report reliability concerns and as courts address whether these disputes can proceed on behalf of a broader group. This article outlines the main categories, where to look for current case information, and what affected owners should know.
Notable Subaru Class Action Cases
Below are the broad categories that have produced class action lawsuits in recent years. Each category represents a common set of complaints that plaintiffs have asserted against Subaru entities.
- Oil consumption lawsuits targeting 2.5-liter Subaru engines: Plaintiffs say certain engines burn oil at unexpectedly high rates, causing low oil levels and potential engine damage between routine maintenance intervals.
- CVT transmission lawsuits: Claims that the continuously variable transmissions (Lineartronic) in some Subaru models experience premature wear, shuddering, slipping, or failure, sometimes leading to costly repairs.
- Warranty and recall-related disputes: Cases alleging misrepresentation, denial of warranty claims, or inadequate recall repair practices in relation to defective components.
Judicial action in these matters has occurred in federal and state courts and has produced a mix of settlements, dismissals, and ongoing litigation in different jurisdictions.
How Class Actions Proceed
The course of a class action follows standard procedures, with notices to potential class members, certification rulings, and possible settlements or trials. The exact path depends on the court and the specifics of each case.
How to Check for Active Subaru-Related Cases
To determine whether there is an active class action involving Subaru at any given time, use these resources:
- Search public court dockets (such as federal and state court portals) for terms like “Subaru,” “oil consumption,” and “class action.”
- Review announcements from major law firms that have filed class actions on behalf of consumers against Subaru, or that represent plaintiffs in related disputes.
- Monitor consumer protection and automotive-issues watchdog sites for updates on settlements and notices to class members.
Because cases can be filed, settled, or dismissed, always verify current status through official docket entries or counsel announcements before acting on any claim.
What Subaru Owners Can Do Now
If you own a Subaru and want to understand potential exposure or relief opportunities, consider these steps:
- Confirm your vehicle’s model and year, and collect records of oil consumption, maintenance, and any repairs related to the concern.
- Search for any active class action notices or settlement programs that may cover your vehicle or claim category.
- Consult a qualified consumer-law attorney to review eligibility and guide you through any steps to participate in a settlement or pursue individual remedies.
Staying informed and keeping documentation organized will help you assess whether you might be eligible for any class action relief if a case involves your vehicle.
Summary
Subaru has faced multiple class action lawsuits in recent years over oil consumption in certain 2.5-liter engines and CVT transmission reliability, among other consumer-relations issues. The status of these cases varies by jurisdiction and case, with some settlements reached and others still litigated. Owners should monitor court dockets and firm announcements for current information, and consult counsel if they believe they may be affected.
How do I file a claim with Subaru?
To file a Subaru claim, you must first determine if your claim is related to a specific class action lawsuit, such as those for windshields or fuel pumps, or a standard warranty claim. For a class action settlement, you must file a claim online or by mail with the required documentation, such as repair invoices, proof of payment, and a completed claim form, before the specific deadline for that settlement. For a standard warranty claim, contact your local Subaru dealership to initiate the process, and ensure you have all relevant service records.
For a class action settlement
- Identify the correct settlement: Check the Subaru class action settlement websites for the specific issue you're claiming (e.g., Subaru Windshield Settlement or Subaru Fuel Pumps Settlement).
- Check the deadline: Each settlement has a specific deadline to file a claim. For example, the Subaru EyeSight settlement had a deadline of September 27, 2025, and the fuel pump settlement also has a deadline.
- Gather required documents: You will need a completed claim form and supporting documents like repair invoices showing the VIN, parts and labor costs, and proof of payment.
- Submit your claim: Follow the instructions on the settlement website to submit your claim online or by mail.
For a standard warranty claim
- Contact a dealership: Schedule a service appointment with a Subaru Certified Collision Center or your local dealership to have the issue assessed.
- Provide necessary information: Bring your vehicle, warranty information, and any service records you have from previous repairs.
- Follow the warranty process: The dealership will guide you through the process of submitting the claim to Subaru of America for warranty coverage.
How much money do you usually get from a class action lawsuit?
There is no single average class action lawsuit payout, as individual payouts can range from a few dollars to thousands, depending on factors like the total settlement amount, the number of class members, and the severity of the damages. For example, with a very large number of claimants, payouts might be between $10 and $50 per person, while more severe cases or smaller groups could result in payouts from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.
Factors that influence individual payout amounts
- Total settlement fund: The total amount of money agreed upon in the settlement or awarded by a court.
- Number of claimants: The more people in the class action, the smaller the individual share of the settlement, potentially resulting in very small payouts.
- Severity of damages: Cases involving significant harm, such as personal injury from a medical device, typically have higher overall settlements and can lead to larger individual payouts.
- Attorney fees and expenses: Legal fees and other case-related expenses are deducted from the total settlement before the money is distributed to class members.
- Lead plaintiffs: In some cases, lead plaintiffs may receive a larger award for their role in the lawsuit.
- Documented damages: Individuals who can prove specific or greater damages may qualify for higher payments than those who cannot.
How much will I get from the Subaru EyeSight settlement?
The Subaru EyeSight settlement deadline to file a claim has already passed (September 27, 2025), so no new payouts are available. For eligible claimants, the settlement provides reimbursement for 75% of the cost of one covered repair, with checks to be issued within 150 days of the settlement's effective date (around May 10, 2026). The settlement covers specific models between 2013 and 2024 that had certain EyeSight-related issues.
Who was eligible
- Owners or lessees of specific model years of Subaru vehicles equipped with EyeSight, including certain 2013–2022 Legacy, 2013–2022 Outback, 2015–2023 Impreza, 2015–2023 Crosstrek, 2014–2021 Forester, 2019–2022 Ascent, 2016–2021 WRX, and 2022–2024 BRZ models.
- Vehicle owners had to have paid for a covered repair before July 29, 2025.
What the payout was for
- Reimbursement for 75% of the paid invoice for one qualifying repair.
- Qualifying repairs had to be performed within four years or 48,000 miles, whichever came first, of the vehicle's in-service date.
Current status
- The deadline for submitting a claim was September 27, 2025.
- Final approval was granted on November 5, 2025.
- Checks are expected to be sent out approximately 150 days after the settlement's effective date, which is around May 10, 2026.
What is the class action lawsuit against Subaru?
Subaru EyeSight Settlement Ends Class Action Lawsuit Over Alleged Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist Defects. August 8, 2025 A class action settlement will resolve a lawsuit that alleged that defects plaguing key features of the EyeSight suite in certain Subaru vehicles can cause the system to function improperly.
