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Subaru Lemon Law in California

Purchasing a new Subaru is an exciting milestone—that distinctive boxer engine rumble, the legendary all-wheel drive capability, and the promise of adventure on any terrain. You’ve invested not just financially, but emotionally in your new Outback, Forester, Impreza, or other Subaru vehicle. But what happens when that dream car becomes a recurring nightmare of repair visits, persistent issues, and growing frustration?

When your Subaru spends more time at the dealership service department than in your driveway, you’re not just facing an inconvenience—you’re potentially dealing with a lemon. 

At American Lemon Law Group, our experienced Los Angeles lemon law lawyers understand both the technical complexities of Subaru’s common defects and the mounting frustration of dealing with a problematic vehicle. 

Call us today at (877) 311-1133 or contact us online for a free case evaluation and learn how we can help you secure the buyback, replacement, or cash settlement you deserve.

How Can Subaru Lemon Law Help Me?

California’s Subaru lemon law provides significant protections for consumers who have purchased or leased defective vehicles. Under the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act (California’s lemon law), Subaru owners have legal rights when their vehicles exhibit persistent defects that substantially impair the vehicle’s use, value, or safety.

If your Subaru has been in the repair shop multiple times for the same issue or has been out of service for an extended period, you may be entitled to significant remedies:

  • Buyback: Subaru may be required to repurchase your vehicle and refund your money, including monthly payments, down payment, and other expenses (minus a usage fee).
  • Replacement: You could receive a new, comparable Subaru vehicle to replace your defective one.
  • Cash Settlement: In some cases, you might negotiate a cash settlement while keeping your vehicle.

Recent changes to California’s lemon law through Assembly Bill 1755 (effective in phases as of January 1, 2025) will streamline the process but also introduce new requirements. Most notably, consumers will need to provide written notice to Subaru at least 30 days before filing a lawsuit (effective April 1, 2025), and the statute of limitations has been modified to one year after the final warranty expires or six years total after vehicle delivery.

Is Your Subaru a Lemon?

Is Your Subaru a Lemon

To qualify for protection under California’s lemon law, your Subaru must meet specific criteria:

  • Your vehicle must be covered by the manufacturer’s original warranty when the defect first occurred
  • The defect must substantially impair the vehicle’s use, value, or safety
  • You’ve given Subaru a reasonable number of attempts to repair the issue
  • The vehicle was purchased, leased, or used primarily in California

Under California law, a “reasonable number of repair attempts” is presumed if:

  • Your Subaru has been repaired 2 or more times for a serious safety defect that could cause death or serious injury
  • Your Subaru has been repaired 4 or more times for the same substantial defect
  • Your Subaru has been out of service for repairs for a total of 30 days or more (not necessarily consecutive)

It’s important to note that following the California Supreme Court ruling in Rodriguez v. FCA, used Subaru vehicles with unexpired manufacturer’s warranties are no longer eligible for lemon law remedies unless they were sold as Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) vehicles with a new car warranty issued at the time of sale.

Common Subaru Car Issues That May Qualify for Lemon Law Claims

Subaru vehicles have exhibited several recurring issues that could potentially qualify for lemon law claims. Being aware of these common defects can help you identify potential lemon law situations:

  • Excessive Oil Consumption: Particularly in 2011-2015 Forester, Outback, Impreza, and Crosstrek models with the 2.0L and 2.5L engines. Some owners report consumption rates of 1 quart per 1,000 miles, far exceeding normal limits. Subaru issued Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 02-157-14R addressing this issue, but many vehicles continue to experience problems even after repair attempts.
  • CVT Transmission Failures: 2015-2019 Subaru models equipped with Continuously Variable Transmissions (CVTs) have experienced shuddering, hesitation, and complete transmission failure. 
  • Battery Drain Issues: Many 2019-2022 Subaru Forester, Outback, and Ascent owners report batteries that drain completely overnight, leaving vehicles unable to start.
  • StarLink Infotainment System Failures: 2019-2023 models with the StarLink system experience frequent freezing, black screens, backup camera failures, and Bluetooth connectivity issues.
  • Engine Stalling/Hesitation: Some 2018-2022 Subaru models with direct-injection engines experience random stalling, hesitation, and rough idle. These safety-critical issues often return despite multiple dealership visits.

How Does Subaru Lemon Law Buyback Work?

When your Subaru qualifies as a lemon, you have several options for resolving your case. The most common remedy is a buyback, where Subaru repurchases your defective vehicle. Here’s how the process typically works:

  1. Documentation: Gather all service records, repair orders, and communication with the dealership and Subaru.
  2. Legal Consultation: Contact a specialized Subaru lemon law attorney for a free case evaluation.
  3. Demand Letter: Your attorney will send a formal demand letter to Subaru outlining your claim. (Note: As of April 1, 2025, this step will be mandatory at least 30 days before filing a lawsuit under new California requirements.)
  4. Negotiation: Your attorney will negotiate with Subaru to secure a fair resolution.
  5. Settlement or Litigation: Most cases settle without going to court, but if necessary, your attorney will file a lawsuit and represent you throughout the legal process.

Under California’s lemon law, the statute of limitations is currently four years from the discovery of the defect. However, with the upcoming changes effective in 2025, this will change to one year after the final warranty expires or six years total after vehicle delivery.

Contact a Subaru Lemon Law Attorney Today

Contact a Subaru Lemon Law Attorney Today

Dealing with a defective Subaru can be frustrating, time-consuming, and potentially dangerous. California’s strong lemon laws exist to protect consumers like you, but navigating the legal process requires specialized knowledge and experience.

At American Lemon Law Group, our attorneys have extensive experience with Subaru lemon law cases throughout California. We understand the manufacturer’s common defect patterns, warranty policies, and negotiation tactics. We’ve also taken on cases against other manufacturers including:

The best part? Our services cost you nothing out of pocket. Under California law, Subaru must pay your attorney fees if your claim is successful.

Don’t continue struggling with your defective Subaru. Call us today at (877) 311-1133 for a free case evaluation, or complete our online contact form. Our team handles cases throughout California, including Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, Sacramento, and all surrounding areas.