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Update: Subaru oil consumption class action lawsuit

Some Subaru Foresters, Outbacks, Legacys, XV Crosstreks and Impreza models may have oil consumption issues. What models are included in the class action lawsuit against Subaru?

Some 2011-2014 Subaru Forester, 2013 Outback, 2013 Legacy, 2013 XV Crosstrek and 2012-2013 Impreza may use more oil than what is normal. Here’s an update and a Q&A that may help consumers who are experiencing oil consumption issues with these vehicles.

We received more information from Girard Gibbs Law Group who filed an amended complaint in a class action lawsuit against Subaru on September 17, 2014. The lawsuit alleges that certain Subaru vehicles have defective engines, which burn a substantial portion of their oil. The lawsuit also alleges that this defect can damage the engine and other components, create a risk of stalling, and can lead to increased emissions and decreased fuel efficiency.

The lawsuit also alleges that Subaru sold and leased vehicles without disclosing that they consume a substantial portion of their engine oil. Below are some Frequently Asked Questions and answers from Girard Gibbs Law Group for consumers who own one of these vehicles.

Q. Which vehicles are included?

A. The plaintiffs have asked the court to let this case cover a class that includes everyone who purchased or leased the following Subaru vehicles:

2011-2014 Forester (with 2.5-liter engines)
2013 Legacy (with 2.5-liter engines)
2013 Outback (with 2.5-liter engines)
2012-2013 Impreza (with 2.0-liter engines)
2013 XV Crosstrek (with 2.0-liter engines)

Because the court has a role in deciding who is included in the class, it’s possible that the scope of the class could change. Girard Gibbs Law Group will provide updates if that happens.

Q. Why aren’t other Subaru models included in the class?

A. This lawsuit focuses on an alleged oil consumption defect in Subaru FB engines. Not all Subaru vehicles have FB engines installed in them.

Q. I have one of the vehicles listed above - what can I do?

A. If you have not already done so, Girard Gibbs Law Group recommends you contact Subaru of America's customer support and inform them of your oil consumption issue. They may request you take your vehicle to an authorized Subaru dealership to have the defect diagnosed and documented. The dealership may require you to undergo an oil consumption test where the dealership will fill your vehicle up with oil and have you return at various mileages to measure the oil consumption.

The Law Group also recommends that you keep a log of when and how much oil you have been required to add to your vehicle between oil changes. Please also be sure to keep any receipts of vehicle repairs and engine oil that you purchase to resolve the issue.

Q. How can I stay up-to-date on the status of the case?

Consumers can go to the Girard Gibbs Law Group website and get updates on the case.

If you own one of the Subaru vehicles with the engine listed above, and you are experiencing excessive oil consumption, take your vehicle in to your Subaru dealer and ask for an "oil consumption test." But keep in mind, it’s been reported that some Subaru dealers are telling owners that the oil consumption issue is “normal” and that normal usage is 1 quart every 1200 miles.

Not all Subarus have this issue, but if your Forester, Outback, Legacy, XV Crosstrek or Impreza with the FB engine does, take it to the dealer who should change the oil free of cost, and ask you to come back in 1200 miles. If the oil usage is over their acceptable specifications, they could replace the piston rings to correct the problem. Stay tuned.

Comments

Tim (not verified)    September 27, 2017 - 4:25PM

I also have a 09 Subaru Impreza with a blown engine. It started to burn 2qts between oil changes. Then the Subaru knock started and it's bad with only 95,000 miles. I loved Subaru till this car been nothing but junk

dennis h (not verified)    October 3, 2017 - 7:08PM

have any problems with 3.6? I have 2012 Tribeca ,started codes after 37000 mi. In shop now looking at pressure reg. I had trouble years ago with aunts new Olds ,it ran low and light came on at 700 miles. GM rep said it tells you in manual to check oil when fueling, and there was no way they would work on it. A new car! I tore it down and found missing spacers on oil rings on 3 cyl( one bank) I showed them and they promptly told here they would not cover drive train as I had messed with it. No wonder they went out. I think it is time for you to get cyl pressure taken , and if you can have a leak down test done, That would show warn cyls., and rings. If pressures check ok, then valve seals/guides could leak oil. I know earlier 4 cyl. had issues with valve guides slipping in head. Take valve covers off and see if they have migrated toward rockers. I HOPE MY ISSUE IS SIMPLER THAN YOURS. Note if cyl pressure shows wear try high milage oils I had good luck w3ith Castrol Hi Milage

Ruth Emerson (not verified)    November 13, 2017 - 1:36PM

Our 2014 Subaru Forester is losing a quart of oil every few thousand miles. We keep up with the synthetic oil changes and take it to the dealer. They have recently done two oil consumption test. The first they over filled by a quart of oil and said it would be ok. Of coarse the the oil was at full at the end of the test. The second test my husband observed. When we took it back, they said it was full. My husband pointed out to them it wasn't! They were able to put more oil in than what the test required to be short. Still they won't do anything. The Subaru company or the dealership. Who is to blame? No one wants to address the elephant in the room!

Larry (not verified)    June 15, 2019 - 1:46AM

Ignorantly, I just bought a 2013 Forester. Wonder what my options are? Have not taken it off the lot yet. Should I ask for engine oil consumption test? Since this vehicle was originally sold and serviced through this dealership, perhaps they have records of oil consumption.