Subaru Class Action Lawsuit Claims Starlink System is Defective

A class action lawsuit filed by Subaru drivers claims that the Starlink infotainment systems installed in many vehicles are defective because they suffer from a range of technical difficulties.

Plaintiffs Chad Udeen and Mary Jane Jeffery say that vehicles like the 2018 Subaru Outback, 2018 Subaru Legacy, 2018 Subaru Crossback, 2017-2018 Subaru Impreza and the 2018 Subaru BRZ are equipped with a “Starlink system.”

Udeen and Jeffery note that the Starlink system is a “touchscreen multimedia and video interface” in the center console. They say that it includes the video for the backup camera, controls the auto and radio systems in tech car, provides cell phone connectivity, weather information, navigation, and other features.

Allegedly, Udeen and Jeffery, along with many other consumers, specifically chose to purchase their Subaru vehicles because it came with the Starlink system.

The Subaru class action states that Subaru advertised the system as convenient as well as being “safe and easy” to access and use.

However, the Starlink system allegedly possesses technical problems that make it neither safe nor effective to use.

The Subaru Outback class action claims that the Starlink system is prone to freezing, becoming non-responsive, or otherwise malfunction.

This is largely inconvenient for drivers and passengers, because it makes them unable to access many of the functions controlled via the Starlink system, according to the plaintiffs.

The Subaru class action lawsuit claims that the defect can cause drivers to become distracted while driving, possibly causing unsafe driving or collisions.

Additionally, impact of features like navigation and the backup camera can cause problems related to the safety of driving the vehicle, the plaintiffs claim.

Udeen and Jeffery say they were financially injured by the defect because had they known that the system did not work, they would not have purchased their vehicle, or they would not have paid as much for it.

Allegedly, Subaru knew or should have known about the problem, but has not been able to remedy it.

The Subaru Starlink system defect class action lawsuit argues that “Subaru’s knowledge is evidenced by a number of service bulletins it issued related to the problem and by the overwhelming number of consumers who have complained about glitches.”

Udeen and Jeffery claim that some consumers complain about the issue when they bring in the vehicles for repairs related to the issue.

Allegedly, the car company has taken several steps to attempt to fix the defect, including updating the software and providing technical service guidance to dealerships. However, these efforts have allegedly failed to fix the problem.

The Subaru Starlink class action claims that some customers receive replacement Starlink systems when they complain of the problem, but the new system is faced with the same problems.

In fact, the plaintiffs say that many people have had to go through the inconvenience of having their Starlink systems replaced multiple times, to no avail.

The case was originally filed in the Superior Court of New Jersey but was removed to federal court this week.

Udeen and Jeffery are represented by J. Llewellyn Mathews along with Benjamin Johns and Andrew Ferich of Chimicles & Tikellis LLP.

The Subaru Starlink System Defect Class Action Lawsuit is Chad Udeen, et al. v. Subaru of America Inc., Case No. 1:18-cv-17334, in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey.

UPDATE: On Aug. 30, 2019, Subaru has reached a $6.25 million settlement with drivers who claim that the Starlink touchscreen infotainment systems are defective.

UPDATE 2: February 2020, the Subaru starlink defect class action settlement is now open. Click here to file a claim.