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Subaru Finishes The Year Reaching Highs With 2020 Outback And A Few Real Lows

Subaru finished 2019 on some extreme highs with the new 2020 Outback but there were also a few lows. See where Subaru exceeded your expectations and where they need to improve.

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Subaru had a great year in 2019 as they had a big win with the launch of the sixth-generation 2020 Outback wagon and the seventh-generation 2020 Legacy sedan. They brought both models with a new 2.4-liter turbocharged engine, upgraded interior, improved driving dynamics, and more standard safety technology. The Outback is Subaru of America’s (SOA) best-selling model in the lineup and they got it right. This was a big win for Subaru.

2020 Subaru Outback is a big success for the automaker2020 Subaru Outback is all-new and gets impressive upgrades

Subaru is hit with a number of lawsuits in 2019

The Camden, N.J. automaker also had some real lows as they were hit with a number of class-action lawsuits. Late last year, Subaru was slapped with a class-action lawsuit over the Starlink infotainment system in the 2018 Subaru Outback, 2018 Crosstrek, 2017-2018 Impreza, 2018 Legacy, and 2018 BRZ.

Then they were hit with two more lawsuits with plaintiffs seeking damages against Subaru for the drivers of 2017-2019 Subaru Forester, Outback, and Crosstrek models alleged to have defective windshields.

Subaru was hit with many class-action lawsuits in 20192019 Subaru Forester allegedly had a defective windshield

There was another lawsuit against SOA and Toyota claiming the automakers claiming recall repairs on the Subaru BRZ and Toyota 86 sport coupes were causing some engines to catch fire.

Subaru issues more recalls in 2019

Subaru Corporation had many recalls in 2019 for the Outback, Forester, Crosstrek, Ascent, Impreza, Legacy, and BRZ models. Recalls for various models were over some engine, suspension, driveshaft assembly, electrical, welds, window glass, and airbag issues. These were all fixed at no cost to customers.

Why is Subaru having so many recalls?

Subaru Corporation and Subaru of America have been victims of their own success. The Camden, N.J. automaker has seen 10 consecutive record years in a row and should hit its 11th record year this month (December). This has caused the small Japanese automaker to ramp up production to its highest levels and beyond what employees can handle. Quality has been an issue the company is very aware of.

Should quality be a concern for customers?

Subaru is taking steps to improve quality and restore customer trust. There have been management changes at the top and changes made at the Japan factory to correct production problems. Subaru Corporation has assured customers they will be getting new Subaru Outback, Forester, Crosstrek, and Ascent models that are made to last. The 2020 Subaru Outback has been a success right out of the gate and the automaker finished 2019 with a win. Check out what's coming in 2020-2021.

You Might Also Like: Subaru Tries To Rebuild Your Trust After Scandals And Quality Issues But It Won't Be Easy

Denis Flierl has invested nearly 30 years in the automotive industry in a variety of roles. All of his reports are archived on our Subaru page. Follow Denis on FacebookTwitterInstagramSubaru Report. Check back tomorrow for more Subaru news and updates!

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Comments

Martin Stabile (not verified)    December 31, 2019 - 3:36PM

Get it together Subaru get togethers OK my 98 outback sport 230000 miles everything still works the best car Subaru ever made to point to leader go back to the old ways and everything will be fine loyal Subaru driver since 1979

J Angeny (not verified)    January 1, 2020 - 11:51AM

I had to replace the value box in my 2011 Outback..calling the Cherry Hill NJ headquarters I was offered a $700. credit on buying a new Outback. I chose to replace the value as I had plan to pass this vehicle to a family member.I wonder if the $700 credit would be good when I’m ready to buy in the future.

Craig William Pate (not verified)    January 1, 2020 - 1:57PM

Subaru lost their way years ago. People still think they can get 300k out of these cars. They have head gasket and transmission problems for many years. I have owned 2 older model's and I probably won't buy another one. Many things I love about Subaru but when they fail its very expensive.

Bud W. (not verified)    January 4, 2020 - 8:27PM

I have an '11 Forester that was affected by excessive oil consumption requiring replacement of the car's short block, which is a pricey repair. It took a class-action suit for Subaru to acknowledge the problem and fix it. Because of Subaru's shady business practices I am on my last one. Subaru is overrated while there other choices on the market without all the problems.
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