Subaru Says Some 165,000 Vehicles Have Faulty Fuel Pumps

Subaru is calling back some 165,000 that the company says are at increased risk of a crash, it recently told federal regulators.

The automaker needs to replace faulty fuel pumps that could crack and fail, Subaru said in a notice filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The defect could cause recalled cars to unexpectedly stall, the company said.

“If the low pressure fuel pump becomes inoperative, the check engine warning

light or malfunction indicator light may illuminate, and/or the engine may

run rough, Subaru said in the defect notice. “In the worst case, an inoperative fuel pump may result in the engine stalling without the ability to restart the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.”

The recall “encompasses every model made by Subaru except for the Crosstrek,” The Car Connection reports. It marks Subaru’s second fuel pump recall in two years.

The company told NHTSA it was not aware of any accidents resulting from the defect. Subaru is asking owners of recalled cars to bring their vehicles to a local dealer for a free fuel pump replacement.

In the meantime, they should keep an eye on their check engine lights.

Recalls are Dangerously Common: Know Your Rights

This is, unfortunately, not Subaru’s first rodeo when it comes to recalling cars for serious defects that put people’s safety at risk.

The company in 2019 recalled more than 250,000 vehicles, citing a faulty engine part that could cause cars to stall suddenly and without warning. Earlier the same year, Subaru called back some 1.3 million cars because their brake lights may not properly illuminate, increasing the likelihood of a collision.

The good news for Subaru and other car owners in California is that you have some valuable rights and protections under the state’s lemon law.

The Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act requires carmakers to perform a wide range of repairs on vehicles while they are under warranty. It also obligates the companies to buy back covered cars that they cannot or will not fix. That includes compensating the owner for the purchase price, financing costs and other related expenses.

Although a manufacturer can instead offer to replace the vehicle, it is up to the owner to accept or reject this alternative arrangement. An experienced California lemon law attorney can help you weigh your options. 

Speak with a California Lemon Law Attorney

If you have been stuck with a defective or malfunctioning vehicle, a California lemon law attorney at Bickel Sannipoli APC can help you fight back. We represent people across the state and have a long track record of successful results for our clients.  

Our attorneys understand the stress that can come with haggling with car dealers and manufacturers. That is why our lawyers work tirelessly to resolve these cases for the people that we represent.

Our offices are conveniently located in San Diego, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. Call us at (888) 800-1983 or contact us online to speak with a California lemon law attorney.