Update:
- A federal judge in New Jersey declined to dismiss a class action lawsuit accusing Subaru of manufacturing and selling certain vehicles containing defective Starlink infotainment systems.
- U.S. District Judge Robert B. Kugler determined the court did not have enough facts to dismiss the common law claims of fraud, breach of warranty, unjust enrichment and fraudulent concealment.
- The judge also allowed all but one state consumer protection claim to move forward, ruling the class action adequately alleged the Starlink information systems did not work as advertised.
- Subaru, in its attempt to dismiss the claims, argued some of the claims were untimely and that any warranty would have been made solely by Subaru of America.
- The judge ruled it was too early in the case to distinguish the liability or severability between Subaru of America and Subaru Corp.
Subaru Starlink class action lawsuit overview:
- Who: Marco Cilluffo, Jeffrey Quarles, Pamela Doze and Carl Jean-Louis filed a class action lawsuit against Subaru of America Inc. and Subaru Corp.
- Why: The plaintiffs claim Subaru manufactured and sold certain vehicles equipped with allegedly defective Starlink infotainment systems that create a safety risk.
- Where: The class action lawsuit was filed in New Jersey federal court.
- What are my options: Advance Auto Parts carries many options when it comes to entertainment systems.
(April 14, 2023)
Subaru of America manufactured and sold certain vehicles equipped with Starlink infotainment systems containing a defect that has rendered them partially or wholly inoperable, a new class action lawsuit alleges.
Plaintiffs Marco Cillufo, Jeffrey Quarles, Pamela Doze and Carl Jean-Louis claim the Starlink systems contain a defect that causes them to “freeze, become non-responsive, experience ‘ghost touch’ or phantom input, shut off, reboot, work intermittently or not at all.”
The plaintiffs argue further that Subaru falsely promises the Starlink systems will provide drivers with “seamless navigation,” “extra safety” and “everyday convenience.”
“Instead, Subaru sells and leases Class Vehicles equipped with defective Starlink systems that fail intermittently or altogether, causing serious inconvenience and safety concerns for lessees and owners, their passengers, and other drivers on the road,” the class action states.
The plaintiffs want to represent a nationwide class and Arizona, New York, New Hampshire and Washington classes of consumers who have purchased or leased a Subaru vehicle equipped with a Starlink infotainment system.
Certain Outback, Legacy, Forester, WRX vehicles have defective Starlink systems, class action says
Subaru vehicles equipped with the allegedly defective Starlink infotainment system include model year 2019-2023 Subaru Outback, Legacy, Forester and WRX vehicles, according to the Subaru class action.
The plaintiffs claim the allegedly defective Starlink systems present a safety risk for drivers of the class vehicles by disabling safety features and presenting drivers with “distracting and frustrating” effects.
Further, the plaintiffs argue Subaru must be aware of the alleged defect based on “related service bulletins” and since it conducted pre-release vehicle testing and the alleged defect “manifests so quickly.”
The plaintiffs claim Subaru is guilty of unjust enrichment, common law fraud and fraudulent concealment, and of violating the New Hampshire Consumer Protection Act and New York General Business Law, among other things.
Plaintiffs are demanding a jury trial and requesting injunctive relief along with an award of punitive damages for themselves and all class members.
Subaru initiated a recall in December for certain of its model year 2019-2022 Subaru Ascent vehicles over concerns an issue with the fastening of their Positive Temperature Coefficient ground terminals could pose a fire risk.
Have you purchased or leased a Subaru vehicle equipped with a Starlink infotainment system you believe is defective? Let us know in the comments.
The plaintiffs are represented by Andrew W. Ferich, Robert R. Ahdoot and Bradley K. King of Ahdoot & Wolfson PC.
The Subaru Starlink class action lawsuit is Cillufo, et al. v. Subaru of America, Inc., et al., Case No. 1:23-cv-01897, in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey.
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124 thoughts onSubaru class action over Starlink infotainment defect escapes dismissal
I am interested in more info about being part of this legal action for my 2019 Subaru Outback.
I started having problems with my radio head after my car was out of warranty. I spoke with customer service at my dealership and they quoted me a price of $1400+ for just the part and about another $200+ in labor and taxes. It was recommended that I contact Subaru Customer Advocacy. My advocate was a joke. After he implied that lied about the quote amount, he told me that they would only give me $500 and I should be able to come up with $1100+ in two months to repair the radio. My radio is getting worse and has started to make phone calls. I’ve disconnect the Bluetooth because I’m afraid it’s going to call 911.
Same situation with my 2019 Outback and 2018 Crosstrek. Subaru of America paid fully on the Crosstrek but only about half of the Outback. The retailer also accused me of spraying cleaner on the touch screen to explain the ‘desiccation’ on the screen (inside bubbling).
I have a 2018 Subaru legacy. My head unit starting acting frantic a few months after my warranty expired, go figure! I just replaced my $200 battery this past week as well. Subaru of America refuses to replace the head unit. I am wondering how I can join this class action, or any advice would be greatly appreciated!
I have the ghost touch issue with my 2018 Outback. It started 4 months after the warranty expired. What are my options?
I am interested in info about joining the class action suit against Subaru for head unit replacement on my 2019 Outback. I also have the desiccation and other issues described.
I have a 2019 Subaru Outback with a failed head unit. I am replacing it with an aftermarket unit.
I purchased a 2919 Subaru Legacy in September of 2023 and had to replace my battery in October 2023 due to the constant draw from the faulty Starlink DCM / Infotainment system. I have had to purchase a jump pack since as the system has killed my battery twice since October 2023. I am now experiencing the freezing and phantom touches on the head unit as well. I have made an appointment to have it looked at but the dealership has insisted on recording the 2 different matters separately and I am fearful that they will attempt to drain me of funds that they should not be for a fix. Any help or guidance would be greatly appreciated.
I have a 2019 Subaru Outback with the same issue; it becomes completely unusable frequently, ghost switching and freezing up. There are little moisture spots all over the inside of the screen. I am going to my dealership tomorrow & will start the conversation about how they can resolve this. Fingers crossed.
I have purchased a 2018 Subaru Outback, and the infotainment component has become completely dysfunctional.
I have the same issues with my 2019 Outback. It seems this “common problem” is actually a defect. I would like recourse, as paying over $1200 for replacement is unethical.