Lawsuit Alleges Premature Corrosion in Certain 2010–2017 Subaru Vehicles Can Compromise Critical Safety Components
NEW YORK — DiCello Levitt LLP, together with Lieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein LLP, Carella Byrne Cecchi Brody Agnello, P.C., and Corpus Law Patel, LLC, has filed a proposed nationwide class action against Subaru of America, Inc. and Subaru Corporation alleging that certain Subaru vehicles contain defective front subframes that can prematurely rust and corrode.
The lawsuit alleges that the defect affects at least 2010–2017 Subaru Outback, Legacy, Forester, Impreza, and Crosstrek vehicles. According to the complaint, corrosion can compromise the front subframe and nearby steering, suspension, and braking components, potentially causing steering instability, loss of vehicle control, or other safety concerns.
The complaint alleges that corrosion may result from a design that allows water, road salt, and air-conditioning condensate to collect on or inside the subframe, combined with inadequate corrosion protection. Because the corrosion can develop from the inside out, the lawsuit alleges it may be difficult to detect during routine inspections until the subframe has become significantly compromised.
“Vehicle defect cases often turn on complex engineering issues and how those issues affect drivers in the real world,” said DiCello Levitt Founding Partner Adam J. Levitt. “We have an extensive, successful track record in leading automotive defect class action cases—from inception through trial—and we look forward to putting that experience to work for Subaru owners and lessees.”
The lawsuit alleges that Subaru knew or should have known about the risk of premature subframe corrosion based on prior corrosion issues, consumer complaints submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and complaints made directly to Subaru and its dealerships. The complaint alleges that some owners have faced repair costs ranging from approximately $1,400 to more than $6,000.
The action seeks relief on behalf of a proposed nationwide class of people and entities who purchased or leased the affected Subaru vehicles. Claims include breach of implied warranty, violations of the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act and New Jersey Consumer Fraud Act, fraud by concealment, and unjust enrichment.
The case is Amy White, individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated v. Subaru of America, Inc. and Subaru Corporation, Case No. 2:26-cv-11449, filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey. A copy of the complaint is available here.
The DiCello Levitt team on the matter includes Adam J. Levitt, John E. Tangren, Daniel R. Ferri, and Elijah Savage.
Information for Subaru Owners
DiCello Levitt is continuing to investigate reports of subframe rust and corrosion in Subaru vehicles. Owners who want to learn more about the vehicles under investigation, reported symptoms, and information that may be important to preserve can visit the firm’s Subaru Subframe Rust and Corrosion Investigation page.
About DiCello Levitt
DiCello Levitt LLP is one of the leading plaintiffs’ law firms in the United States. Nationally recognized for our work in high-stakes class actions, mass torts, and complex litigation, we have recovered more than $25 billion for clients, including individuals, businesses, and communities. We take on some of the world’s most powerful interests, pursuing justice that reshapes industries and improves lives.
Built for trial, DiCello Levitt is among the few plaintiffs’ firms with a dedicated trial center, where our acclaimed trial lawyers bring both art and science to courtroom preparation and trial strategy. We are frequently appointed to lead major multidistrict litigation (MDLs) and consistently recognized among the nation’s top plaintiffs’ firms by Chambers USA, Benchmark Litigation, and The National Law Journal, which has named DiCello Levitt Plaintiffs’ Firm of the Year and Trial Strategy Innovation Firm of the Year.
Media Contact
Caitlin Whitehurst, Director of Communications
cwhitehurst@dicellolevitt.com
