Is Your Subaru Experiencing Fuel Pump Problems?

With more than 274 million vehicles traveling American’s highways and byways each year, driver safety is a serious matter. And given the more than seven million automobile accidents that happen in the U.S. each year, the last thing a driver needs is to have their car malfunction in the middle of driving it.

So, drivers of some of Subaru’s most popular models – including the Ascent, Impreza, Legacy, and Outback – should know the manufacturer issued a recall earlier this year over a flawed part that can lead to the cars stalling out unexpectedly.

Subaru issued the recall for 188,207 of its 2019 model year vehicles in April over fuel pump problems that a report by Car and Driver said can increase the risk of drivers crashing while the cars are in motion. For its part, Subaru said it had no evidence the flaw has actually caused any accidents or driver injuries.

Why Are You Experiencing Subaru Fuel Pump Problems?

Reporting by the automotive consumer website CarComplaints.com indicates Subaru had 32 complaints about faulty fuel pumps between July 2019 and January 2020 and in 24 of those cases, drivers said their engines would not start. Drivers who lodged the other eight complaints said their cars either lost power while they were driving them at low speeds or just after starting the cars.

Another driver report filed later from outside the U.S. where the engine lost power while driving at highway speeds.

Although no crashes were reported in connection with the malfunctioning fuel pumps, at least 245 fuel pump warranty claims were filed with the automaker.

According to CarComplaints, Subaru’s engineers determined the problem is a deformed impeller.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s report on the recall says the affected cars were equipped with an impeller – part of the cars’ Denso fuel pump – that was “manufactured with a lower density.” As a result, the impeller can crack, leading to excessive fuel absorption and deformation. “Over time, the impeller may become deformed enough to interfere with the body of the fuel pump, potentially causing the low-pressure fuel pump to become inoperative,” the recall report says.

Subaru Fuel Pump Symptoms to Look Out For

If a Subaru has the fuel pump problems involved in the latest recall, chances are the driver of that vehicle will notice the engine running “rough” first. Running rough is a general term to describe myriad issues, including shaking, knocking or making unusual noises. The car’s check engine light might also come on. Then the vehicle might stall out.

Stalling is one of the biggest problems associated with the faulty fuel pump, reports said.

After the car stalls out, drivers might have a hard time getting their engines to start again. In some cases, the vehicle might not start at all, according to the automotive website Autoblog.

Unexpected stalling, while the vehicle is in motion and failure to restart, puts the driver at risk and could cause an accident.

Subaru says it is unaware of any crashes or injuries related to this issue.

What Are the Effects of a Faulty Fuel Pump?

A car’s fuel pump moves the fuel from the car’s gas tank to the engine. When a car has fuel pump problems, the engine might not get enough fuel to run properly, or at all.

Which Models Are on the Subaru Fuel Pump Recall List?

Four of Subaru’s models are involved in the latest recall reported to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. All involving 2019 model year vehicles.

The cars recalled include Subaru Outback wagons manufactured between June 29, 2018 and Feb. 19, 2019. A total of 86,278 of those models are affected, the CarComplains.com site says. Also recalled are 20,182 of Subaru’s Legacy sedans manufactured between June 29, 2018 and Feb. 19, 2019.

Subaru Impreza hatchbacks and sedans – 40,797 of them – manufactured between June 18, 2018 and Feb. 25, 2019 were also recalled. And 40,950 Subaru Ascents built between June 26, 2018 and Feb. 18, 2019 were subject to the recall.

A total of 188,207 vehicles were affected by the fuel pump problems recall in the U.S. Another 13,744 of Subaru’s cars manufactured in 2019 were recalled in Canada, CarComplaints said.

Should You Join a Subaru Class Action Lawsuit?

Subaru dealers were set to begin replacing the Denso fuel pumps in the recalled vehicles starting June 5, but some consumers might want to investigate the possibility of joining a class action lawsuit for further compensation. One way to know if you have a valid claim against the manufacturer of a defective product is to consult a qualified attorney.

Join a Free Honda, Acura, and Subaru Fuel Pump Recall Class Action Lawsuit Investigation

If you own a Subaru or Honda manufactured between 2013 and 2019 and have experienced engine problems such as reduced engine power, stalling, and/or engine shutdown due to a faulty fuel pump, you may qualify to join this investigation.

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This article is not legal advice. It is presented
for informational purposes only.