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New York · Article Updated May 23, 2026

Subaru Lemon Law Cases in New York

Subaru's NY Lemon Law cases focus on excessive oil consumption in FB-series engines, head gasket failures in EJ engines, CVT transmission issues.

Subaru vehicles produce a substantial share of NY Lemon Law cases. The bulk involve well-documented engine issues.

Common Subaru defect categories

FB-series excessive oil consumption

Subaru’s FB-series boxer engines (Forester, Outback, Legacy, Impreza, Crosstrek roughly 2011-2015) — one of the most-litigated engine issues in NY. Affected vehicles consumed oil at rates of 1 quart per 1,000-1,500 miles or worse.

Subaru issued multiple TSBs, extended warranty coverage (Special Service Campaign WTY-82), and class-action settlements. NY buyers brought NY Lemon Law claims plus § 349 actions.

Oil-consumption test process — multiple measurement visits — meets § 198-a(d) thresholds. See engine defects article.

EJ-series head gasket failures

Older EJ engines (2000-2010) — coolant loss, coolant in oil, white smoke. Most older cases past the 2-year / 18,000-mile window; newer EJ-equipped vehicles may still qualify.

CVT transmission issues

Subaru’s Lineartronic CVT — shuddering, hesitation, belt/chain issues. See transmission defects article.

Eyesight ADAS issues

Unexpected braking, system disengagement, phantom warnings.

Solterra EV issues

Subaru’s first EV — recalled in 2022 for wheel-hub bolt issues.

Forester / Outback / Crosstrek issues

Beyond oil consumption and CVT — electrical, infotainment, steering and suspension concerns.

WRX / STI issues

Engine (FA20DIT, EJ257), transmission concerns, electrical.

Ascent issues

Engine and transmission issues, electrical, build-quality.

Subaru’s settlement profile

Subaru of America, Inc. handles escalated cases. Subaru settles most NY cases at AG arbitration or court mediation. Established settlement frameworks for oil-consumption volume.

Subaru issues substantial TSBs for engine issues — supports § 349 “knowing” violation.

Settlement values

Subaru refunds in NY typically range:

  • Impreza, Crosstrek: $25,000-$40,000+
  • Legacy, Outback: $30,000-$50,000+
  • Forester: $30,000-$45,000+
  • Ascent: $40,000-$60,000+
  • WRX, STI: $35,000-$60,000+ (STI higher)
  • Solterra: $45,000-$70,000+

What you should do

  1. Pull every repair order, including oil consumption test visits.
  2. For oil consumption cases, save oil change records.
  3. Save extended warranty / class-action records.
  4. Send § 198-a(d) notice.
  5. Get a free case review.

Related

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