What is the 2018 Subaru Head Unit lawsuit?
The 2018 Subaru Head Unit lawsuit refers to several consumer class-action complaints filed around 2018 that allege defects in Subaru’s infotainment system—the head unit that runs Starlink—across various model years. Plaintiffs typically claimed the head unit would freeze, reboot, or otherwise malfunction, sometimes after software updates, and that Subaru failed to provide adequate remedies or disclosures. These actions did not form a single nationwide case but rather a cluster of related lawsuits in different jurisdictions, with outcomes ranging from settlements to ongoing litigation.
What the head unit is and why the issue matters
The head unit is the central touchscreen and computer that controls the vehicle’s infotainment system, navigation, smartphone integration (Apple CarPlay/Android Auto), and related functions. When it malfunctions, drivers can experience distraction or safety concerns, and repair or replacement costs can be substantial. In the lawsuits, plaintiffs alleged defects stemmed from design choices, manufacturing issues, or software updates that led to repeated failures.
Timeline and context of the 2018 actions
To understand the landscape, here are the core allegations and patterns seen in the suits.
- Allegations that the infotainment head unit would freeze, become unresponsive, reboot, or crash while driving, sometimes repeatedly.
- Claims that software updates or lack of timely fixes left owners with unusable CarPlay/Android Auto or navigation features.
Outcomes across these actions have varied by case and jurisdiction. Some suits progressed toward settlements or court-approved remedies, while others remained unresolved or were dismissed on technical grounds. The exact terms depend on the specific model year, the court, and the forum in which the suit was filed.
Notable settlements and outcomes
Because these were multiple actions rather than a single nationwide case, settlement terms diverged. In some instances, plaintiffs secured extended warranty coverage for the head unit or reimbursements for certain repairs, while in others, cases did not result in broad class-wide relief. Local court rulings and negotiated settlements have shaped the practical remedies available to affected owners.
- Some settlements offered extended warranty or service coverage for infotainment head units in affected Subaru models.
- Other actions resulted in reimbursements for out-of-pocket repairs or partial settlements limited to specific models or years.
- Several cases remained pending or were dismissed, with plaintiffs able to pursue individual claims rather than class-wide relief.
As with any consumer-informatics defect litigation, outcomes hinge on the exact model years, the nature of the alleged defect, and the jurisdiction. Owners should review case dockets or consult a lawyer to determine if their vehicle and year are covered under any active or settled claims.
How to check if your vehicle is affected
Owners concerned about their Subaru head unit should take practical steps to verify potential eligibility for remedies or settlements. The following steps are commonly recommended in consumer-action guidance.
- Check your VIN against Subaru’s official recall notices and any service bulletins related to infotainment or Starlink systems.
- Search the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recall database for your model year and confirm whether infotainment issues are listed.
- Contact your local Subaru dealer or Subaru of America customer service to ask about extended warranty coverage or settlement eligibility linked to head-unit problems.
- Consult a consumer-law attorney or consumer-class-action resource to confirm whether a specific settlement or case may apply to you.
Because settlements and recalls can change over time, owners should verify current information with official sources and avoid relying on old press releases or third-party summaries alone.
What this means for Subaru owners today
For owners, the takeaway is that infotainment head-unit issues have been a recognized complaint in the legal arena, with some remedies made available through settlements or warranty enhancements in certain cases. While not every owner will qualify for compensation, those who experience persistent head-unit failures after a model-year or within a settlement window may have avenues to pursue repair costs or extended protections.
Summary
The 2018 Subaru Head Unit lawsuits describe a cluster of consumer actions alleging defects in Subaru’s infotainment head units across multiple model years. While the cases differ by jurisdiction and model, common themes include freezing, rebooting, and connectivity problems that drive calls for extended warranties or reimbursements. Outcomes have varied, with some settlements providing remedies and others leaving issues ongoing. If you own a Subaru with a Starlink-based head unit and are experiencing problems, your best course is to check official recalls and service notices, contact a dealer, and consider legal guidance to understand current remedies that may apply to your vehicle.
