Subaru Outbacks, Legacies, Forester, Imprezas or Crosstreks may contain a corrosion defect, a new class action claims

New Jersey resident Amy White filed a class action lawsuit against Subaru of America Inc. and Subaru Corp. on Sept. 3, alleging certain 2010-2017 Subaru vehicles have front subframes that can prematurely corrode and compromise steering and suspension components.

The proposed nationwide class covers people and entities that purchased or leased a 2010-2017 Subaru Outback, Legacy, Forester, Impreza or Crosstrek.

What is the alleged corrosion defect?

A front subframe supports major parts of a vehicle's engine, steering and suspension systems. White claims the affected Subaru subframes lack adequate corrosion protection and use a design that lets water, road salt and air-conditioning condensate collect on or inside the component.

The complaint alleges water from the A/C drain can collect with road salt on the front subframe, causing corrosion that develops out of sight. If the rust reaches control-arm mounting points, it can cause steering problems or suspension failure while driving, the lawsuit claims. The class action estimates repair costs can range from $1,400 to more than $6,000.

The plaintiff's experience

White says she bought her 2016 Subaru Outback new and regularly brought it in for recommended service and inspections. She claims the alleged defect went undetected until 2026 when she learned her vehicle had excessive subframe corrosion, including around suspension-arm mounting areas.

White says she has not repaired the vehicle and claims she would have paid less, or not bought it at all, had Subaru disclosed the alleged defect.

Subaru reportedly had prior knowledge of the defect

In 2003, Subaru issued a rear-subframe corrosion recall for older vehicles after finding improperly applied paint could allow corrosion after prolonged road-salt exposure. The lawsuit cites that recall as part of its argument that Subaru had prior knowledge of subframe corrosion risks.

The complaint also references National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports from owners who described severe front-subframe corrosion, steering problems and structural failures. Some of those reports say Subaru dealerships diagnosed the corrosion, while others allege Subaru claimed the vehicles fell outside warranty coverage.

The legal claims

The lawsuit brings five claims against Subaru:

  • Breach of implied warranty of merchantability: A New Jersey claim that products sold to consumers should be fit for their ordinary intended use
  • Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act: A federal consumer protection law that allows buyers to pursue certain claims over breached warranties
  • New Jersey Consumer Fraud Act: A state law that prohibits deceptive or misleading practices in the sale of consumer products
  • Fraud by concealment: A claim that applies when a company allegedly withholds material information from consumers who would have considered it important
  • Unjust enrichment: A legal theory that can require a company to return money it allegedly received unfairly at someone else's expense

What this means for Subaru owners

The lawsuit asks the court to certify a nationwide class and require Subaru to notify owners, pay for inspections, reimburse repair costs and permanently fix affected vehicles. It also seeks damages, restitution, attorneys' fees and punitive damages against Subaru of America.

There is no settlement or claims process, and the court has not certified a class. The case remains at an early stage.