According to a class action lawsuit filed September 20, certain Subaru vehicles have defective side-view mirrors.
Alleged defect
Named plaintiff and Texas resident Katelyn Robinson claims the affected models are the 2024 Crosstrek and 2024 Ascent. Specifically, Robinson asserts, these vehicles have a safety defect that causes the driver-side mirror to shake and vibrate while driving.
She believes the alleged defect may result from deficient materials in the mirror housing or a deficiency in the housing structure.
This vibration, claims Robinson, distorts the reflection of other vehicles or objects. As a result, drivers have difficulty accurately judging distances or potential hazards, especially at night.
Further, she contends, a vibrating mirror distracts drivers, does not clearly show blind spots, and exacerbates headlight glare at night. Moreover, the lawsuit claims the alleged defect is non-compliant with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 111, which addresses rear visibility.
Named plaintiff’s allegations
Robinson claims she bought a 2024 Crosstrek in July 2024 with the alleged defect. She says her vehicle had Subaru’s New Vehicle Limited Warranty, which promises to “correct defects in material or workmanship” without charge within the earlier of 36 months or 36,000 miles.
Within a month of her purchase and less than 900 miles, Robinson claims, she returned to the dealership for driver-side mirror shaking. However, a replacement driver-side mirror assembly allegedly did not fix the defect.
She again took her vehicle back, at which point she claims the dealership told her there was nothing else it could do for her.
Relief sought
Robinson seeks to represent a Texas class—those who purchased or leased a 2024 Crosstrek or Ascent in the state.
Her lawsuit claims Subaru is liable for fraudulent concealment, unjust enrichment, breach of express and implied warranties, and violation of the Texas Deceptive Practices Act.
She seeks remedies including damages and a recall and repair of all affected vehicles.
The case is Katelyn Robinson v. Subaru of America, Inc., case number 1:24-cv-09334, in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey.
