Class Action Law Suit Contends Subaru Boxer Motors Use Too Much Oil

A proposed class-action lawsuit contends Subaru of America failed to tell consumers about an oil-consumption problem in its most popular models.

The suit claims the vehicles "prematurely burn off and/or consume abnormal and excessive amounts of engine oil" and alleges Cherry Hill-based Subaru has refused to fix the problem, saddling some customers with steep repair bills.

The suit seeks to represent buyers of 2011-14 Foresters, the 2013 Legacy and 2013 Outback, all with 2.5-liter "Boxer" engines; and the 2012-13 Impreza and 2013 Crosstrek, with 2-liter "Boxer" engines.

Agent009 - 7/22/2014 4:11:27 PM

+1 Boost

Isn't the consumer is expected to check under hood every so often?

I know I always have, and every once in a while you see something and correct it.

Also what is expected to be normal consumption and what are these owners seeing?

It isn't uncommon to see a turbo motor consume a quart between changes.

MattDarringer - 7/22/2014 5:36:14 PM

+1 Boost

Subarus are known oil eaters and they also tend to develop valve train clatter at about 75K miles.

MorePower - 7/22/2014 10:28:36 PM

+3 Boost

I guess nobody in the class action ever owned a Mazda Rotary engine or a GM V8.

knowitall1985 - 7/23/2014 10:36:58 AM

+3 Boost

They could sue porsche also. The 911 engines all developed oil leaks. Dry sump engines have higher pressure so the oil finds a way out no big deal......

MattDarringer - 7/23/2014 10:48:48 AM

+2 Boost

It is a big deal because over time, the car can have catastrophic oil loss. I love the Subaru crazies out there (psychos), but Subaru engines are crappy. Other engines deliver as much power without ANY of the downsides of the Super Beetle engine.

40flash - 7/25/2014 1:15:12 AM

+1 Boost

I see that the 2.0 liter in the BRZ/FRS isn't on the list. Anyone know why this might be? I only have about 16k on mine and no issues yet but who know about later down the road.