One Million New Subscribers And The Subaru Starlink Lawsuit Update
Subaru of America announced it enrolled the one-millionth subscriber into the automaker’s Starlink connected services. Customers can get the safety and security subscription service in the 2021 Forester, Outback, Crosstrek, Ascent, and other models. The in-vehicle technology offers customers multimedia content, smartphone connectivity, seamless navigation, and safety.
Subaru offers three packages for customers, including automatic collision and maintenance notification, emergency and roadside assistance, a vehicle health report, and more. The initial 3-year subscription is free, and subscribers can access the services through the vehicle, smartphone, or computer.
The current-generation Starlink technology seems to be working well, but some previous-generation Starlink infotainment system subscribers claimed their vehicle’s system was defective.
Subaru recently settled the Starlink class-action lawsuit for $6.25 million. The settlement benefited current and former owners and lessees of 2017 Impreza, 2018 Impreza, 2018 Forester, 2018 Outback, 2018 Legacy, 2018 Crosstrek, and 2018 BRZ vehicles equipped with a generation 3.0 head unit manufactured by Harman International Industries.
Owners claimed the system was prone to freezing and other malfunctions that make it non-responsive. The plaintiffs also claimed the malfunctioning system could cause drivers to be distracted, potentially leading to unsafe driving and collisions with other vehicles.
Some Subaru owners experienced several problems that included backup camera freezing/or shutdowns, loss of audio functions, complete system lockup, display shutoff, inability to shut radio/audio off or turn the high volume down backing up.
Other issues included the radio coming on at high volume when the car is turned on, smartphone favorites aren’t saved, audio/radio functioning is erratic, touchscreen controls are unresponsive, and Bluetooth connectivity issues.
Subaru did not admit to any wrongdoing but agreed to resolve the claims against them in a $6.25 million Starlink class action settlement in June 2020. Subaru decided to give class-action members a five-year/100,000 mile extended warranty and reimbursement for qualifying out-of-pocket expenses.
Check out: Having Problems With Subaru Starlink? What Owners Can Do
The Subaru Starlink lawsuit potentially benefited 785,000 Subaru owners and lessees. Subaru said in a joint statement, “We believe that by entering into this settlement, Subaru has affirmed its reputation for standing behind its products and taking care of its customers.”
The current generation Starlink technology seems to be operating without issue, and the automaker has corrected the problem with the previous-generation 3.0 system. Customers can get the new updated Starlink system on the 2021 Forester, Outback, Crosstrek, Ascent, and other models.
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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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Photo credit: Subaru
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