Subaru Battery Lawsuit - New Information Outback And Ascent Owners Should Know

[AVANTI R5]

There is an update in the Subaru drained battery lawsuit. See what it means for 2015-2020 Subaru Outback and 2019-2020 Subaru Ascent owners.

Torque News covered the Subaru drained battery lawsuit one year ago when the news first broke. The class-action lawsuit alleges 2016-2020 Subaru Outback and 2019-2020 Subaru Ascent SUVs have electrical problems causing the battery to drain. Torque News reported recently, multiple lawsuits were filed, and they have been consolidated into a new class-action titled, In regard Subaru Battery Drain Products Liability Litigation.

Attorneys Chimicles Schwartz Kriner & Donaldson-Smith LLP told Torque News a new ruling by the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey largely denied Subaru's motion to dismiss the plaintiffs' consolidated class action complaint.

Subaru made the motion to dismiss the case recently, saying the battery drain lawsuit "is a classic vague and inconsistent 'shotgun' pleading that 'asserts multiple claims against multiple defendants without specifying which of the defendants are responsible for which acts or omissions, or which of the defendants the claim is brought against."

The attorney's report says the court dismissed some claims and found plaintiffs "stated numerous viable claims under state consumer protection statutes, common law, and for breaches of warranty." The court's new ruling allows the Subaru case to proceed into discovery.

The lawsuit contends Subaru has known about the problem since 2017 and issued a technical service bulletin addressing potential battery discharging after repeated periods of short-trip-driving resulting in a dead battery. The lawsuit says if owners of Outback and Ascent models take their vehicle in for diagnosis of the problem, dealers replace the old battery with the same OEM battery "and is thus a temporary fix only."

What should 2016-2020 Subaru Outback and 2019-2020 Subaru Ascent owners do if you have experienced the same battery issues? You should first report a problem to the NHTSA.

If you are a 2015-2020 Subaru Outback or 2019-2020 Subaru Ascent owner or lessee who has experienced battery drain problems and would like more information, you can contact lawyers Benjamin F. Johns and Alex M. Kashurba here.

https://www.torquenews.com/1084/suba...rs-should-know

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[gathermewool]

What about my 2014 FXT, which will read 12.3VDC a few days after being manually fully charged with the doors shut for those few days (nothing to exacerbate parasitic draw)

[wrxsubaru]

Originally Posted by gathermewool

What about my 2014 FXT, which will read 12.3VDC a few days after being manually fully charged with the doors shut for those few days (nothing to exacerbate parasitic draw)

I have no idea on what the cause is for the Subaru power draw, but i am really hoping you have tried a new battery. If a battery is 5 years old just replace it.

Have you tested you draw? If you think your battery is fine figuring out your parasitic draw is an easy test.

[chanomatik]

2013 BRZ, I had to replace the battery within 3 months of new car ownership after having the battery tested and it failed.

2011 WRX, battery replaced within 9 months of new car ownership after it died on me.

2017 Impreza, still on the same battery since Day 1. About 2 months ago I had the battery tested just for giggles and it still keeps a good charge. Never had any issues.

Just odd car things.

[murrdogg24]

I had an 05 Acura TL that constantly had a dead battery. Turned out it was the bluetooth stereo integration module. Removed it and never had a dead battery again. In fact I still have the module sitting in a drawer somewhere lol.

[subyski]

My 08 Impreza oem battery lasted 6 years. I'm on my 2nd battery still, granted I don't put the mileage on it as I once did.

[SeeeeeYa]

People just don't know how to take care of their cars properly, let alone their batteries, given the many posts across the Subaru forums' spectrum.

In thirty years of Subarus I've replaced two batteries. First was chosen as a complement to an overall build, not a failure. Second one was because I left a map light on too long and it killed the battery. My bad. To ensure maximum life from my batteries I've made sure all incandescent lights that could be a culprit were changed to LEDs. That took care of that.

Because I often go long periods with short trips and several days in-between... especially in the winters (now made "normal" behavior during the pandemic)... I got a good battery restorer/tender. This little gadget ensures my batteries are always operating at their best, eliminates the normal degradation that such use promotes in batteries, and prolongs their life under all circumstances.

I also have a constantly visible voltage display (the default I selected on my RD) that always keeps me aware of the battery's and the charging system's health and operation.

I don't have any sympathy for people who want someone else responsible for their own actions... or their INactions.

[4S-TURBO]

Whoa, thought maybe you caught the covid. Looks like you caught a new Subaru instead.

The BEST Subaru to date no doubt.

[SeeeeeYa]

Originally Posted by 4S-TURBO

Whoa, thought maybe you caught the covid. Looks like you caught a new Subaru instead.

The BEST Subaru to date no doubt.

And here I thought you didn't care anymore.

[neg_matnik]

Originally Posted by SeeeeeYa

And here I thought you didn't care anymore.

Congrats ! FB20 or FB25 in your Crosstrek?

[chanomatik]

He has a Limited, so FB25. I'm jelly.

[JustyWRC]

Originally Posted by SeeeeeYa

People just don't know how to take care of their cars properly, let alone their batteries, given the many posts across the Subaru forums' spectrum.

In thirty years of Subarus I've replaced two batteries. First was chosen as a complement to an overall build, not a failure. Second one was because I left a map light on too long and it killed the battery. My bad. To ensure maximum life from my batteries I've made sure all incandescent lights that could be a culprit were changed to LEDs. That took care of that.

Because I often go long periods with short trips and several days in-between... especially in the winters (now made "normal" behavior during the pandemic)... I got a good battery restorer/tender. This little gadget ensures my batteries are always operating at their best, eliminates the normal degradation that such use promotes in batteries, and prolongs their life under all circumstances.

I also have a constantly visible voltage display (the default I selected on my RD) that always keeps me aware of the battery's and the charging system's health and operation.

I don't have any sympathy for people who want someone else responsible for their own actions... or their INactions.

There is a battery issue......


A person shouldn't need any battery tenders on a car they drive every day and maybe miss a day or two and come back to a dead car. Not when that car is a month old. 4 months old. A year old.....


I've replaced the battery in my '05 Baja once in 160K miles. '06 Forester once in the 70K I've had it. The original owner didn't change it(all maintenance done at dealership). No other issues. Granted these newer cars have LOTS more electrics; but, what I'VE seen bugs me.

[SeeeeeYa]

Originally Posted by JustyWRC

There is a battery issue......


A person shouldn't need any battery tenders on a car they drive every day and maybe miss a day or two and come back to a dead car. Not when that car is a month old. 4 months old. A year old.....


I've replaced the battery in my '05 Baja once in 160K miles. '06 Forester once in the 70K I've had it. The original owner didn't change it(all maintenance done at dealership). No other issues. Granted these newer cars have LOTS more electrics; but, what I'VE seen bugs me.

Sooo... while you have not had a problem yourself... you want to carry a protest placard anyway? To fit in? Show sympathy?

What about all the headgasket problems. Or the oil usage thing. Marching with those protestors, too?

Aint had none of those either, personally. Lucky?

Seems to me that any manufacturer with sooo many terrible issues would have an acceptance factor in the basement...

Or maybe there are more intelligent Subaru owners than entitled ones, who understand the vehicle they have's needs and requirements and address them instead of going to bed feeling all cuddly because Daddy Subaru has promised them a bright trouble free future and backed that up with a great warranty and tales of glory over foes of old.

But I am glad you noticed there might be some fallacy in comparing fifteen year old cars to new ones... now try to envision what's happened to society and the owner base in the same timeframe.

[JustyWRC]

Originally Posted by SeeeeeYa

Sooo... while you have not had a problem yourself... you want to carry a protest placard anyway? To fit in? Show sympathy?

What about all the headgasket problems. Or the oil usage thing. Marching with those protestors, too?

Aint had none of those either, personally. Lucky?

Seems to me that any manufacturer with sooo many terrible issues would have an acceptance factor in the basement...

Or maybe there are more intelligent Subaru owners than entitled ones, who understand the vehicle they have's needs and requirements and address them instead of going to bed feeling all cuddly because Daddy Subaru has promised them a bright trouble free future and backed that up with a great warranty and tales of glory over foes of old.

But I am glad you noticed there might be some fallacy in comparing fifteen year old cars to new ones... now try to envision what's happened to society and the owner base in the same timeframe.

WTH are you on about. Since when do I "fit in" with the complainers on here? If I see something complained about and I have a counter to, then I'll say it. But, I am not trying to "fit in" when I've heard toooooo many customers complain that they were stranded and had to call roadside assistance. I've even taken a jump box to customers because their car died while they were in the store. And, yes, I checked every light to make sure they hadn't left one on. Sometimes that was the issue. MANY times it was not. Oil consumption? Yeah, you are supposed to check the oil. And all those people that did, and kept the levels where they should be.....this week.......then next week......then the next week. The amount of money in oil having to be put in. Yes, the amount of oil being consumed by many(not all) was an unacceptable amount. Head gaskets? That primarily happen at higher miles? Yeah, that is an "issue" and one I openly tell any customer that asks me what to expect to "go wrong". The Forester I have was traded in cause the head gaskets needed to be done. I took advantage of the low trade in and discounted work and had them done and purchased the car. I use my 15 year old car as an example of a time batteries weren't an issue and that there is clearly one now. These customers I help are multiple Subaru owners. Never had an issue with their previous ones; but, now they have a dead battery the morning after they can't get to work. Unless they call roadside assistance that will take an hour or more to get to them?


Should you consider yourself "lucky"? I would say not as I AM on the side that MOST Subarus don't have issues. But MANY do and some of those I consider, , since being around Subarus as long as I have, to be unacceptable. Considering the product Subaru pitches to it's customers.

[Pre]

Originally Posted by SeeeeeYa

People just don't know how to take care of their cars properly, let alone their batteries, given the many posts across the Subaru forums' spectrum.

In thirty years of Subarus I've replaced two batteries. First was chosen as a complement to an overall build, not a failure. Second one was because I left a map light on too long and it killed the battery. My bad. To ensure maximum life from my batteries I've made sure all incandescent lights that could be a culprit were changed to LEDs. That took care of that.

Because I often go long periods with short trips and several days in-between... especially in the winters (now made "normal" behavior during the pandemic)... I got a good battery restorer/tender. This little gadget ensures my batteries are always operating at their best, eliminates the normal degradation that such use promotes in batteries, and prolongs their life under all circumstances.

I also have a constantly visible voltage display (the default I selected on my RD) that always keeps me aware of the battery's and the charging system's health and operation.

I don't have any sympathy for people who want someone else responsible for their own actions... or their INactions.

But don't you swap cars so often new batteries are a waste of time?

[neg_matnik]

Originally Posted by Pre

But don't you swap cars so often new batteries are a waste of time?

I think SeeYa might go through 3 or 4 oil changes, at most, before jumping into a new car.
At this rate, there can never be any issue, leave alone having to replace a battery.
I hold on to cellphones way longer than SeeYa holds on to cars .

[chanomatik]

I'm a Subaru fanboi, but I'm not gonna act like battery, oil consumption and headgaskets aren't well-documented/renowned issues. I feel fortunate that I've only had to deal with two issues out of the Trifecta of Issues.

I'm about to go on another x-country road trip soon and my Impreza is gonna be well over 90k miles. I'm very curious to see what issues begin popping up at 100k. I'm in no rush to get there.

[Brahmzy]

Originally Posted by SeeeeeYa

People just don't know how to take care of their cars properly, let alone their batteries, given the many posts across the Subaru forums' spectrum.

In thirty years of Subarus I've replaced two batteries. First was chosen as a complement to an overall build, not a failure. Second one was because I left a map light on too long and it killed the battery. My bad. To ensure maximum life from my batteries I've made sure all incandescent lights that could be a culprit were changed to LEDs. That took care of that.

Because I often go long periods with short trips and several days in-between... especially in the winters (now made "normal" behavior during the pandemic)... I got a good battery restorer/tender. This little gadget ensures my batteries are always operating at their best, eliminates the normal degradation that such use promotes in batteries, and prolongs their life under all circumstances.

I also have a constantly visible voltage display (the default I selected on my RD) that always keeps me aware of the battery's and the charging system's health and operation.

I don't have any sympathy for people who want someone else responsible for their own actions... or their INactions.

Clueless as usual. I see some things don't change.

Major TSB open on the Ascent that replaces a module that causes the high-amp drain.

Old news. Wake up, get with it and quit spreading misinformation like you always do.

I'm thankful for the lawsuits - it seems it's the only way real issues seem to get attention from manus.

[fredzy]

Originally Posted by Brahmzy

Clueless as usual. I see some things don't change.

Major TSB open on the Ascent that replaces a module that causes the high-amp drain.

Old news. Wake up, get with it and quit spreading misinformation like you always do.

I'm thankful for the lawsuits - it seems it's the only way real issues seem to get attention from manus.

I also read that the battery charging strategy was largely to blame. Car waits until full warm up to begin drawing power to charge the battery, hence short trips beating batteries up. Emissions trickery that everyone does, but of course Subaru takes it too far.

My battery died 3 years ago or so, after only 4 years. Have never known a car battery of any quality to go bad that quickly, I was livid. I'm hoping the subsequent software updates toned down the aggression of that charging strategy as I've seen speculated. But anyway I replaced the pitiful OEM battery with a chonky AGM so it should make it to the arbitrary 10 year finish line I've set for the car.

[chanomatik]

Acura has been doing the same thing for years. But, yes, Subaru batteries have sucked for years now. BRZ battery replaced after 3 months, WRX battery replaced after 9 months. Both replaced with OEM batteries that never had issues again. Impreza battery has held on strong for 4 years.

I was at the dealership recently and the service advisor was telling another customer that she was driving too short of distances which was causing her battery issues. He said the pandemic made the issue a bit more frequent.

[SeeeeeYa]

Originally Posted by Brahmzy

Clueless as usual. I see some things don't change.

Major TSB open on the Ascent that replaces a module that causes the high-amp drain.

Old news. Wake up, get with it and quit spreading misinformation like you always do.

I'm thankful for the lawsuits - it seems it's the only way real issues seem to get attention from manus.

Shame, blame, accuse, and point fingers. I see you're still the same as well.

Nothing penetrates the litigious generation of the personal responsibility challenged.

Not to point out the obvious... but ever notice that the biggest cost increases in modern cars is due to manu's having to deal with stupid?

[Brahmzy]

Originally Posted by SeeeeeYa

Shame, blame, accuse, and point fingers. I see you're still the same as well.

Nothing penetrates the litigious generation of the personal responsibility challenged.

Not to point out the obvious... but ever notice that the biggest cost increases in modern cars is due to manu's having to deal with stupid?

Just **** dude. Everybody in the thread and on the forum want you gone because of your endless Subaru shilling and misinformation.

Pathetic and tiresome. A lone shill standing, fighting, lying, in the middle of the river of truth. Your BS rhetoric was worn out about 3 years ago.

[SVX WRX]

Originally Posted by SeeeeeYa

Shame, blame, accuse, and point fingers. I see you're still the same as well.

Nothing penetrates the litigious generation of the personal responsibility challenged.

Not to point out the obvious... but ever notice that the biggest cost increases in modern cars is due to manu's having to deal with stupid?

i see the #1 fanboi is still at it.


i abandoned the idea of buying another Subaru years ago. always hoped they would get their **** together and start making reliable cars again, but it looks like that hasn't happened yet.

[chanomatik]

Keep a turbo away from the engine and you're all good!