Subaru is normally known as a company that makes reliable cars that drive smoothly and without major issues for years of ownership. Unfortunately, one former Subaru owner did not have that experience. A 2020 Subaru Outback, purchased new from a Roseville, California, dealer, experienced no major problems for its first 35,000 miles. Then, after about two and a half years of ownership, a routine inspection started a cascade of issues that only ended once Subaru repurchased their defective vehicle.
In June 2023, the Outback’s owner went in for an ordinary 6,000 mile interval inspection. Technicians replaced filters and fluids as normal, and the car was out of the shop the same day after maintenance was complete. Less than a month later, though, it would be back at the same shop after its check engine light illuminated and the owner brought it in to be looked at.
Though the check engine light was not on during the inspection, technicians identified multiple cylinder misfires and recommended driving the vehicle almost to empty and refilling it in case there was water in the gasoline last used to fuel up the car. After a two day inspection, the vehicle was returned to the owner.
About half a year later at the beginning of 2024, the owner brought the vehicle back in after its battery had died multiple times. Technicians replaced the battery and the parts it connects to in order to remedy this problem. Although this was the end of the owner’s battery troubles, more engine issues were just on the horizon.
Several months later, the owner returned to the dealership because the check engine light was back on. Technicians identified a problem with the temperature control valve and replaced it, along with systems and lines it connected to. After a test drive, the technicians determined this had solved the issue and returned the vehicle to the owner after a two day period of repairs.
Of course, this would not actually be the end of the engine problems; the owner returned another handful of months later for the same engine light problem. This time, it was the spark plugs that were determined to be the problem. After repairing the vehicle for three days, it was returned to the owner.
Just 62 miles later, the vehicle stalled and the check engine light came back on. Frustrated by the failed repair attempts, the vehicle owner contacted the Lemon Law Experts for help. Subaru eventually repurchased the defective car and the owner was compensated for its purchase. If this story sounded like your own experience, you might be dealing with a lemon too! Contact the Lemon Law Experts today; our team would love to help you understand your rights and get you back on the road.
