Top Class Actions’s website and social media posts use affiliate links. If you make a purchase using such links, we may receive a commission, but it will not result in any additional charges to you. Please review our Affiliate Link Disclosure for more information.
A proposed class action lawsuit has been filed against Subaru of America Inc. alleging that certain Subaru Outback vehicles suffer from design and/or manufacturing defects that pose a safety issue.
Plaintiff Kathleen O’Neill filed the lawsuit in federal court this week stating that the exterior lighting bulbs on the 2010 and 2011 Subaru Outback vehicles are “defective due to interference within the lighting assembly and overvoltage in the lighting circuits.”
According to the complaint, “These problems cause the bulbs to burn out prematurely and require frequent replacement.”
In addition, the complaint claims that the defect is exacerbated when the vehicle is in the Subaru-recommended “auto” mode.
Because the bulbs tend to burn out, the condition poses a threat to the driver of the vehicle as well as the other vehicles on the road, O’Neill says.
“The Exterior Lighting Defect, in turn, may lead to unsafe conditions, such as impairing the driver’s ability to see the road, obstructions, road signs, and other vehicles during operation. The Exterior Lighting Defect also prevents other drivers from seeing the Class Vehicle while on the road,” the complaint reads.
Multiple lighting areas on the Subaru vehicles are apparently affected and the bulbs as well as other lighting components need frequent replacement, according to court documents.
“As a result of this defect, consumers will have to pay to replace the exterior lightbulbs and their assemblies, including low beam headlamps, side marker lightbulbs, turn signal lightbulbs, tail and brake light assemblies, license plate lightbulbs, and parking lamps,” the complaint details.
O’Neill alleges that Subaru was aware of the defect as early as 2009, as complaints about the issue were evident in consumer complaints, repair orders at dealerships and other avenues that listed such problems.
“Subaru knew or should have known about the defective nature of the Class Vehicles since 2009 but failed to disclose the defect to Class Members and actively concealed it,” O’Neill states.
O’Neill also alleges that not only did Subaru know about the defect, the manufacturer suggested repairs on the car to only temporarily fix the issues, and it did not offer permanent solutions.
The plaintiff states that she purchased a 2011 Subaru Outback in January 2011, believing the car to be a safe and reliable vehicle. In November of the same year, she said she began experiencing issues with the exterior lighting.
O’Neill outlined eight separate visits to various dealerships and auto repair shops over the next five years and had multiple replacements of nearly all her exterior lighting components, and often had multiple lights fixed at a single date.
The lawsuit brings forth several counts against Subaru including violation of California’s Consumers Legal Remedies Act, violation of California Business and Professions Code, breaches of implied warranty pursuant to Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act and under the Mangnuson–Moss Warranty Act as well as unjust enrichment.
The plaintiff seeks to represent a nationwide Class, a California subclass and two additional California subclasses who purchased or leased any 2010 or 2011 Subaru Outback vehicles.
On behalf of herself and others, O’Neill is seeking declaratory and injunctive relief, damages, interests, disgorgement of profits and attorneys’ fees and costs.
The plaintiff is represented by Jordan J. Luie, Rober K. Friedl, Tarek H. Zohdy, Cody R. Padgett and Karen L. Wallace of Capstone Law APC.
The Subaru Design Defect Class Action Lawsuit is Kathleen O’Neill v. Subaru of America Inc., Case No. 2:16-cv-02774-R-KS, in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, Western Division.
ATTORNEY ADVERTISING
Top Class Actions is a Proud Member of the American Bar Association
LEGAL INFORMATION IS NOT LEGAL ADVICE
Top Class Actions Legal Statement
©2008 – 2024 Top Class Actions® LLC
Various Trademarks held by their respective owners
This website is not intended for viewing or usage by European Union citizens.
10 thoughts onSubaru Class Action Claims Outback Vehicles Suffer Design Defects
Subaru Outback 2011.
I have had to change headlights way too often. Let me know how to sign on to a class action suit.
We have had our 2011 Subaru Outback for less than a year and have had to replace both low beam bulbs twice already. Mechanic shops charge $150 to change 1 bulb due to difficulty and location of said bulbs.
My 2011 Subaru Outback has chronically required frequent front passenger low beam bulb replacement.Subaru states they are aware of the issue and agreed to pay for replacement. They state there is no fix to the issue and no recall.Most of the time it is a police officer who alerts me to the problem. It is dangerous and time consuming
My 2011 Subaru Outback has chronically required frequent front passenger low beam bulb replacement.Subaru states they are aware of the issue and agreed to pay for replacement. They state there is no fix to the issue and no recall.Most of the time it is a police officer who alerts me to the problem. It is dangerous and time consuming
This is a Sh@t Storm on Subaru. Same problem with week old car.
I have the exact same issue (among others) with my 2011 Outback. How can I join this suit??
I have the exact same issue (among others) with my 2011 Outback. How can I join this suit??
Same for me, I’ve had to replace as many as 5 bulbs in 1 visit! It is crazy how a huge well known company like subaru can just ignore all the issues with the 2011 car; these are not small issues and for people that bought thinking the subaru would last at least 200,000 miles, in turn have cars that barely make 120,000 or 150,000! They are left with a car they can’t afford to fix and most do not have the funds to go purchase another one! My car is barely broke in, I’ve put over $4300. In it in last 18mths. I’ve wasted more time sitting at the mechanics, not to mention hours and hours of research and trying to find what’s causing my car to run poorly. With almost all brand new parts underneath it should be running just fine!
My 2011 Subaru Outback has chronic problems with water leakage, Within weeks of purchase we noticed water on rug passenger side. Large amounts of water. Enough to soak a bath towel. Return to dealer,nrepair but chronic problems leaking on seats, even through lights by rear view mirror. We not notice water on passenger side, and mold started to grow under seat. I would not recommend Outback to anyone.
This+hits+home+with+me!!+I+go+to+the+dealer+every+year+for+something+and+there+is+ALWAYS+some+bulb+out.+Sometimes+it’s+a+few.+I+just+was+there+last+and+my+front+headlight+was+out+AGAIN!+I+complained+to+the+service+department+so+they+looked+up+my+history+and+explained+it+away+by+saying+that+there+are+16+outer+bulbs+and+if+I+have+them+on+all+the+time+this+can+happen.+I+own+a+2011+OUTBACK.+This+sounded+lame+to+me+so+I+am+extatic+to+see+this+suit+filed,