Subaru is facing a federal lawsuit alleging that some of its models burn excess oil, which can result in engine failure while in operation.
Subaru, one of the largest automobile companies, is facing legal troubles due to a potential engine defect in some of its vehicles. The lawsuit was filed on behalf of Keith Yaeger of Californa who owns a 2014 Forrester and Florida's Michael Schuler, a former owner of 2013 Outback wagon. The plaintiffs claim the car maker has violated state's consumer fraud act and breach of express warranty and are seeking unspecified damages and a recall from Subaru.
The lawsuit, which was filed Wednesday, in a federal court in Camden, identifies the problem as excessive oil consumption in the 2011-14 Forester 2.5-liter, 2013 Legacy 2.5-liter, 2013 Outback 2.5-liter, 2012-13 Impreza 2-liter and 2013 XV Crosstek 2-liter. The oil consumption can lead to engine failure while the affected vehicles are in operation, regardless of time, speed and driving conditions. As a result, drivers and on-board passengers are exposed to high risk of accident, injury or even death.
There were no reports of injuries or accidents related to the problem in the suit, which also names Subaru's parent company, Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. of Tokyo, as a defendant.
The lawsuit also alleges the Cherry Hill-based car maker of being aware of the problem for a long time and that it resisted recalling or repairing the fault at no charge.
Subaru spokesman Michael McHale said the company was aware of the lawsuit. "While we believe the oil consumption of our vehicles to be within acceptable levels, we continually work to reduce the amount of consumable goods, such as oil, that our vehicles require to operate," McHale said in a statement, according to USA Today.
"Subaru both acknowledged the oil consumption defect and suggested a repair ... while all, or nearly all, of the (affected models) should still be covered under Subaru's powertrain warranty," the suit states.
