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Subaru Faces Third Lawsuit Over Alleged Engine Defects

By Molly Zilli, Esq. on April 04, 2018 | Last updated on March 21, 2019

Everybody loves that new car smell. But no one loves the sound that car makes when it's breaking down, especially if it's a serious issue due to the manufacturer's errors. In three recent lawsuits, many Subaru owners are claiming they were sold vehicles with engine defects. Subaru, of course, denies the claims and is celebrating record sales years.

What Is Product Defect?

In a product liability lawsuit involving cars, you argue that the vehicle was defective when you purchased it. You also have to show that you used your car the way it was intended to be used, and that you suffered damages as a result of the defect. Unlike a negligence claim, you don't have to show that the manufacturer was careless. Product defect cases like these are based on strict liability.

Claims of Faulty Parts

The current lawsuits against Subaru focus on the Impreza WRX and WRX STi vehicles. They each describe different engine defects and allege that Subaru hid these issues from customers.

In the lawsuits, there are a number of claims being made. In one lawsuit, the plaintiff claims a crankshaft defect causes engine failure in cars made between 2009 and 2014. Another says that metal shavings from the rotating assembly contaminate the engine oil, causing engine failure in cars made between 2012 and 2017. And the latest lawsuit, filed March 18, alleges that Subaru's pistons were "improperly designed and manufactured" in cars from 2009 to 2014 because there are gaps in the piston rings which can lead to dangerous breakdowns and expensive repairs.

If you're concerned that your Subaru or other type of car may have an engine defect, speak with an experienced product liability attorney to assess your case for compensation.

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