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Subaru of America’s battery drain lawsuit has reached a final settlement. Subaru of America (SOA) has been battling an issue with drained batteries on the Outback midsize SUV, Forester compact SUV, Ascent SUV, Legacy sedan, and WRX sports car. The first lawsuit from 2020 and a second class action in 2021 against SOA alleged the Subaru vehicles had defective electrical systems causing premature battery failure. Now owners will be compensated.
A recent report from Bloomberg Law (by subscription) says the terms of the nationwide class settlement include payments for out-of-pocket repair costs up to 165 percent of the expenditure, warranty extensions, and a software update that improves the on-board computer’s “charging logic,” according to earlier filings in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey.
The deal is fair, reasonable, and adequate, Judge Joseph H. Rodriguez said Tuesday. He also approved $4.1 million in attorneys’ fees and expenses.
Which models are affected by the Settlement?
According to the Subaru battery settlement website, the Subaru vehicles in the lawsuit settlement include the 2015-2020 Subaru Outback, 2015-2020 Subaru Forester, 2015-2020 Subaru Legacy sedan, 2015-2020 Subaru WRX, and 2019-2020 Subaru Ascent 3-Row SUVs.
What does the Settlement provide?
1. Extended warranty service for qualifying battery failures experienced on or after the Date of the Notice. The Settlement also provides, where applicable, cash reimbursement for:
2. Battery replacements and related battery testing and diagnosis performed by an Authorized Subaru Retailer, or in some situations, an independent third party, for qualifying conditions on a Settlement Class Vehicle before the Date of Notice (“Pre-Notice”);
3. Towing services in connection with a Pre-Notice Qualifying Battery Failure.
4. Reasonably Reimbursable Costs related to a Settlement Class Member being stranded due to a Pre-Notice Qualifying Battery Failure.
What should Outback, Forester, Legacy, WRX, and Ascent owners do now?
This is the only way to get a reimbursement. The deadline to submit Claim Forms and supporting documentation is 60 days after the Effective Date, which could be as early as May 5, 2023. Subaru owners do not need to do anything now to ensure coverage under an extended warranty.
The report says 2015-2020 Subaru Outback, 2015-2020 Subaru Forester, 2015-2020 Subaru Legacy, 2015-2020 Subaru WRX, and 2019-2020 Subaru Ascent owners should review the notice materials on the Important Document page here.
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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
I guess all that love that
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I guess all that love that Subarus have must be hard on the batteries. Well, theres no such thing as a free lunch.
A few weeks after I received
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A few weeks after I received a notice in the mail regarding the Civil suit against Subaru, my battery was dead. I managed to get a jump before I went to Subaru of Bend where they worked on it all day long, and by 5pm, I was told they wanted to keep it charging all night long, even though it was completely charged. So, I was given a car to drive until the following day. Then the first 3days of January, I had a dead battery again. I have roadside service, so I called a tire company in town to give me a boost. After the boost, I went grocery shopping. When I walked out the grocery store with my bags and try to get in my car, the battery was dead again. It took 2 hrs for a tow to reach me to give my battery a boost again. Since that time, I have charged my battery daily at home. I want to trade my car in, but I’m not sure if Subaru will cover the battery for new owners.
Yes Subaru will replace your
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In reply to A few weeks after I received by Sharon Catania (not verified)
Yes Subaru will replace your battery for free but you must go through the lawsuit to do it. Call your Subaru dealership and ask them what you need to do. I had my new battery installed and now have to send in the paperwork to be reimbursed. FYI you can also be reimbursed for towing or buying a charger. Check for the different things you can be reimbursed for.
Subaru will not just replace
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In reply to Yes Subaru will replace your by Laura Mathias (not verified)
Subaru will not just replace the battery. In order for Subra replace your battery at no charge, the dealer has to run a test on the car to confirm the battery is failing and will replace the battery only if the car fails the test. Otherwise Subaru will only charge the battery and send you on your way. We have now gone through this twice with our 2019 Legacy.
We have a 2021. Outback. The
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In reply to Yes Subaru will replace your by Laura Mathias (not verified)
We have a 2021. Outback. The battery is driving us CRAZY. The dealer says my wife is not driving it enough to keep it charged. We have driven it 15,000 miles in 2 years.. I wil be @ the dealer @ 10:00 in the morning. "MAD"
Driving it is EXACTLY what…
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In reply to We have a 2021. Outback. The by Bill Johnson (not verified)
Driving it is EXACTLY what is killing the Battery ! They have Software in the Vehicle that thwarts charging the Battery UNTIL the Vehicle passes a series of "tests" .... and the bottom line is the Battery will not get recharged for up to 30-miles OR up to 30-Minutes !!! Meanwhile the battery is slowly being damaged.
SO ... if you try to "Re-Charge The Battery By Driving...." you are going to have to WASTE A LOT OF GASOLINE and TIME; of course Subaru did NOT tell the US EPA about this well hidden Charge-Program in their Vehicle's (hidden) Software !!!!
2019 Outback The software…
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In reply to Driving it is EXACTLY what… by Marv Bohnert (not verified)
2019 Outback The software shuts off the charging to increase fuel mileage. Takes the load off the engine. Was told 7-10%...
Ours has died in our garage 5-6 times,at the airport on 2 weekend trips.We carry a jumper battery all the time since this started.2nd optima battery now.Dealer charged us $85 to check and told us battery was bad,first optima red top.Replaced the factory battery 6 months earlier 1st.Killed 2 batteries.Retired Master tech here, they spent very little time diagnosing because factory doesn't to admit any fault in design which causes a safety issue for owners.They also don't pay for troubleshooting ,diagnosis of systems that require extended time to have it happen in front of them to properly diagnose and then repair the problem. We are going to sell ours, I can't trust it won't start when my wife drives anywhere. 40k for a subaru and have to haul around a jumper battery for back up when it's dead and won't start out of the blue.I put the batteries in so we probably won't be reimbursed even though we took into dealer after the 15th time and they gave us the hotline number to call and get a number for the dealer to use. I'm pretty sure the factory also paid them to check it also on top of the $85 we spent. Which I had checked at home with my $600 load meter before taking to dealer. But wife kept arguing about they will check for free, as a tech I knew they wouldn't do it for free even under warranty when the battery wasn't a factory battery.
This will be a total mess getting the dealerships to handle this in any way a timely manner.
Good luck all
Gary
They denied my claim which
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In reply to Yes Subaru will replace your by Laura Mathias (not verified)
They denied my claim which included my battery replacement and expenses of being stranded in WA for 3 days. Cost me $2500 and I am appealing them denying me. I want my damned money back.
My claim was also denied.
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In reply to They denied my claim which by Kim (not verified)
My claim was also denied. Apparently I made the grave mistake of having the local shop that's 2 miles from my home rather than a dealer who is 19 miles away replace the original battery then the second time it happened I replaced it myself with an affordable battery from Costco. Given the horrid service I have already received from the dealer I originally purchased my Outback from, this will be my last Subaru.
My Subaru Outback was fine…
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In reply to My claim was also denied. by Timothy J O'Connor (not verified)
My Subaru Outback was fine until I retired and wasn’t driving much. Even though the Subaru dealership submitted my claim, it was denied because I went to a local shop to get a new battery (twice) instead of to the dealership. I have to start up my car every third day and let it charge or it is dead the next time I go to drive somewhere. The Subaru dealership denied there was a battery drainage problem. I guess I am screwed and have no recourse.
My 2017 Subaru Forester is on
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In reply to A few weeks after I received by Sharon Catania (not verified)
My 2017 Subaru Forester is on its 4th battery. The first two were factory and the last two I paid about $500 for the two. I carry a portable jump starter with me. I had the computer updated and that has helped. It has 95,000 miles on it and seems to be holding up well mechanically. The battery probably is a problem but there are far worse recalls on every type of car out there. I have only had to replace batteries and my ball joints so far.
That "there are far worse
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In reply to My 2017 Subaru Forester is on by Michael (not verified)
That "there are far worse recalls on every type of vehicle out there" is irrelevant to the fact that Subaru's handling of these cases is unacceptable. If you're okay having purchased 4 new batteries, and having spent over $1K unnecessarily, that's your wallet & your prerogative. I daresay that, sadly, more people are willing, like you, to accept garbage business practices because they'd rather do that than go to the trouble of "complaining." I'm not okay with my own vehicle failing to function as it should, and I'm far less okay with Subaru doing nothing about it while I spend thousands to clean up after their slipshod manufacturing. That this is happening to many people is 100% "unsat." My most recent issue is the cam carrier seals were busted on my car, causing a massive leak. The dealership was being incredibly shady, saying this repair would cost nearly $6K "if I was lucky," AND going so far as to recommend services I knew my car did not need. Thus, I took my car to a trusted private mechanic who confirmed the dealership was lying about the extras and had quoted the repair at nearly $2K more than what it should cost, even on the high end. Because I didn't use "genuine Subaru parts/service," the Subaru of America rep told me Subaru wouldn't make good on a problem that many have had, and one that shouldn't by ANY means be happening to a vehicle with fewer than 75K miles on it. Why on earth would I use Subaru parts when they were what had failed in the first place? And why would I use Subaru service when they are confirmed liars, so clearly looking for the money-grab? Yes, "the dealership is always more expensive," but this was ridiculous.) Subaru of America is completely folding on customer service/satisfaction these days. This was my first Subaru, and it's been an horrible experience from the word "go. In fact, I've never had more problems with any other vehicle I've owned. Result: I'll never buy another Subaru again. Maybe it's not a big deal to Subaru to have lost one customer who's only ever bought one car from them. Being from Upstate NY, however, my family has owned numerous Subarus over the years. That won't be happening again. My parents, my brother, two of my aunts, and a couple friends have all chosen "other" after having experiences similar to my own, and they're glad of it. Have a nice day.
Same here, first time Subaru…
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In reply to That "there are far worse by P.W. (not verified)
Same here, first time Subaru owner, and last. I am just now finding out about this battery issue and getting ready to do battle with Subaru over who is going to pay for the $400 battery that Subaru is now recommending. I am mad like a wet hen! I actually feel sorry for the person at Subaru that is going to have to deal with me. I so dislike being taken advantage of and that is exactly what Subaru has been doing to so many!!!!
Bought a 2023 Ascent in
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In reply to A few weeks after I received by Sharon Catania (not verified)
Bought a 2023 Ascent in January and by May I had to boost the battery everyday. Took to the dealer. They told me the battery was defective and replaced it. Had a 60 amp and replaced it with an 85 amp. Sounds very suspicious to me. How long before the 85 amp gets drained to?
Hi there! My husband and I…
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In reply to Bought a 2023 Ascent in by Sam Lopez (not verified)
Hi there!
My husband and I bought a brand new 2023 Ascent in June. We are first time Subaru owners. Yesterday, 12/2/23, it did not start. Battery was dead so we gave it a jump and it ran fine the rest of the day. We called the dealership and requested an appointment; next available they had is this coming Tuesday. This morning it wouldn’t start; battery is dead again. We suspect that we’re about to encounter all the issues many on this forum have communicated. Very frustrating… Just curious to know how your Ascent has been running since its 60 amp was replaced with an 85 amp.
Thanks in advance for reading this message.
-Sary Torres
You need to go into FULL…
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In reply to A few weeks after I received by Sharon Catania (not verified)
You need to go into FULL COURT PRESS :
1) Remove that stupid foam insulating "box" from around the Lawn Mower Battery ;
2) Buy a 900(+) CCA Battery (WalMart @ ~$100, not those hideously over-priced Subaru's)
3) Disregard ALL Subaru propaganda, they constantly flood the world with useless "info" !
4) Keep your Battery in DeSulphated State by using a (EBay) Battery Maintainer;
5) Subaru's constant Chronic UNDER-CHARGING destroys batteries by allowing un-corrected Sulphation of the Battery Plates; use your Battery Maintainer over weekends.
What is the batterie?…
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In reply to A few weeks after I received by Sharon Catania (not verified)
What is the batterie? Panasonic?
Someone should start a
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Someone should start a lawsuit for the older models like my 2008 Impreza WRX. The brake and clutch pedal assembly is so dangerous. It's very common for the whole assembly to drop after some tiny spot welds break
What about Australian owners?
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What about Australian owners?
I’ve had my 2007 model WRX since new & im still having to continue charging my battery every 3 days or so. Multiple new batteries over the years
To me that sounds really
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To me that sounds really fishy to charge your battery just once a month...everybody knows that car manufacturers don't put in the best batteries that there will come a time that the battery will die...I swear some people are so f--ing stupid
They think they deserve stuff for free
Russ Johnson, I think we
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In reply to To me that sounds really by Russ Johnson (not verified)
Russ Johnson, I think we agree on just two points, but your sentences are vague. First, I don't know who you're replying to, because I don't see anyone saying they have to charge their battery "just once a month."
Second, what's fishy? That it's *just* once a month?? Or that there's nothing unusual about having to do that??
What the hell are you talking about with "everybody knows that car manufacturers don't put in the best batteries..."? What an absurd generalization. Which manufacturers? What does "best" mean? What evidence do you have? Don't project your fantasy onto what "everybody knows."
As for "...there will come a time that the battery will die" who is arguing that point??
We agree that some people seem to think they deserve stuff for free. Many others, though, including myself, do not feel so entitled. Over the decades I've eaten countless expenses and endured countless problems that seemed unfair. Unfortunately, that's life. But I can easily believe there's a design flaw with these Subarus and/or batteries because my battery was dead in my *new Forester* the day I bought it 8 years ago. The salesperson had to jump it on the lot. Then it left me stranded at least two more times. I complained and got resistance at first, which made me angry. They finally gave me a new battery, which they claim was removed from another car, leaving some other poor sap with my problem. Irresponsible! And then the replacement battery was equally weak, as determined by a Subaru mechanic. I never had such issues with any previous car.
We agree on one other thing: some people *are* stupid, though I would be cautious of such judgment if I couldn't form sentences clearer than yours. Other people, like yourself, just come across as insulting and overly quick to jump to conclusions.
I have a 2019 Subaru outback.
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In reply to Russ Johnson, I think we by Matt (not verified)
I have a 2019 Subaru outback. I have now had my car towed in due to a dead battery. The second time they replaced what they called an ECM unit. This is what was suggested to the Subaru dealer to fix the issue.
This did not work because now my batter is dead for the 3rd time now. Something is draining batter. My battery is dead after about 30 to 45 days. And it is after I did not use my car for 3days. I still have not been reimbursed for my towing.
we have a 2021 Outback and
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In reply to I have a 2019 Subaru outback. by Jackie (not verified)
we have a 2021 Outback and having the same problems you are. I am not happy.
I’ve been researching…
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In reply to I have a 2019 Subaru outback. by Jackie (not verified)
I’ve been researching battery, drainage in outbacks. I too have a 2019 Subaru outback and then all of a sudden within the last year been experiencing battery drainage. I have now had a dead battery three times. It seems to be some parasitic drain I think from Starlink. What was your resolve on this matter from Subaru? I just had to put in a claim for my infortainment system as all of a sudden it has what they call apparently a ghost touch. I think they possibly have a class action suit started on this matter as well. I think I’m going to have to call Subaru again and put in a complaint about my battery. I’m hoping that they have gotten enough complaints and they will fix this problem with my battery as I am on battery number three now. So frustrating to have an unreliable car.
Would love to hear how your…
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In reply to I’ve been researching… by christine (not verified)
Would love to hear how your situation is going. I am just now finding out about the battery situation now and am wondering how Subaru is going to respond to me
I have a 2019 Subaru outback.
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In reply to Russ Johnson, I think we by Matt (not verified)
I have a 2019 Subaru outback. I have now had my car towed in due to a dead battery. The second time they replaced what they called an ECM unit. This is what was suggested to the Subaru dealer to fix the issue.
This did not work because now my batter is dead for the 3rd time now. Something is draining batter. My battery is dead after about 30 to 45 days. And it is after I did not use my car for 3days. I still have not been reimbursed for my towing.
I've owned my car since 2018
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In reply to To me that sounds really by Russ Johnson (not verified)
I've owned my car since 2018 and I'm about to replace the battery FOR THE SECOND TIME! This is not normal and it's why people are complaining. Visit any of the forums. You clearly have no idea what you're talking about. This is not normal wear & tear.
I was left stranded all over…
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In reply to To me that sounds really by Russ Johnson (not verified)
I was left stranded all over the country, from Texas to New Mexico to Montana to New Jersey to Virginia to North Carolina to Pennsylvania. The ~12th time in my first year of ownership I got stuck in the middle of rural N.C. It was after 12am & I waited for 2 hours for a jump. I drive to Asheville & got a motel room. I had to have another jump to get to the Asheville Subaru dealer where the female service manager kindly replaced my battery. All this occurred during the first 2 1/2 years after I’d bought my 2015 Forester, beginning a few months after purchase. The lawyers are the only ones who make out on class action suites, BTW. So much grief. Now it’s worse because my ext. warranty expired in 2022, & I have to maintain a Costco exec membership in order to have roadside assistance on my policy. $$$. I’m moving to the Northeast where I have access to public transportation. We’ve been owned by the auto industry & I’m done with it.
Extremely poorly written
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Extremely poorly written story! Leaves mores questions than answers. No hotline, no way to contact anywho who can answer questions! My question is: After submitting my claim successfully and receiving a claim number for having to purchase a new battery, will I receive any dollars or what do I have to do now, again, to be reimbursed. I traded the forester ergo no longer own it. Simple question! If anyone can find that answer in this article, I will be amazed. Thank you, I have since moved on. Subaru and their "feel good" ads are just hype. The product was a nightmare. Thanks for reading and responding. Enjoy your day!
I have a 2012 Outback that
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I have a 2012 Outback that has to be started every day or the battery dies. I'm not happy the settlement only goes back to 2015 but that doesn't concern me as much as there seems to be no fix for this. I've taken it to the local dealership, before the settlement, and they acted like they had never heard of this. They blamed the battery as being defective and sold us a new one. That battery didn't last and we had to get another. I've been left stranded at 3 times because of dead batteries. We bought a new Outback in 2021 and the dealership offered us 5k for the old one as a trade in. I should have taken the deal. Why is there no fix for this?