Published by If you or a loved one experienced injuries, vehicle fires, electrical failures, or seat belt malfunctions following the use of a recalled Subaru Crosstrek, you may be entitled to pursue compensation.
At Schmidt & Clark, we are dedicated to helping individuals who have suffered due to automotive defects.
Our experienced legal team is here to guide you through the process and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact Schmidt & Clark today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
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Should you or someone you care for have sustained injuries, it’s imperative to reach out to our legal team without delay. You might be eligible for financial restitution through initiating a Subaru Crosstrek Recall Lawsuit, and our attorneys are here to assist. To obtain a No-Cost Confidential Case Analysis, kindly click the button below or get in touch with us around the clock by calling toll-free at (866) 588-0600.
Table Of Contents
- Subaru Crosstrek Recall Lawsuit Overview
- Latest Subaru Crosstrek Recall Lawsuit Updates
- NHTSA Reports and Statistics
- Subaru Crosstrek Recall Injuries & Side Effects
- Do You Qualify for a Subaru Crosstrek Recall Lawsuit?
- Subaru Crosstrek Recall Information
- Statute of Limitations for Subaru Crosstrek Recall Lawsuits
- FAQs
- 1. How do I check if my Subaru Crosstrek is affected by a recall?
- 2. What should I do if my Subaru Crosstrek experiences the wiring issue described in the recall?
- 3. Can I file a lawsuit if my Subaru Crosstrek has a defect but has not caused any harm?
- 4. What steps should I take if I’ve been harmed by a defect in my Subaru Crosstrek?
- 5. Are leased Subaru Crosstrek vehicles covered under the recall?
- 6. How much compensation might I receive from a Subaru Crosstrek recall lawsuit?
- 7. Will filing a lawsuit affect my vehicle warranty?
- 8. What if the dealership says they can’t fix my recalled Subaru right away due to parts shortages?
- 9. Can I join a class action lawsuit for the Subaru Crosstrek recall?
- 10. What should I do if my claim related to the Subaru Crosstrek recall is denied?
- Take Action Now: Time-Sensitive Legal Claims
- References
Subaru Crosstrek Recall Lawsuit Overview
Subaru Crosstrek recall lawsuits stem from multiple safety defects identified in recent model years that pose serious risks to drivers and passengers.
Primary allegations include defective wiring that can cause fires, faulty seat belt assemblies that may fail during crashes, and other manufacturing defects.
In August 2023, Subaru recalled approximately 35,357 vehicles from the 2024 model year, with the Crosstrek accounting for 84% of the affected vehicles [1].
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has documented these recalls, noting that these defects substantially increase the risk of serious injuries or death to vehicle occupants.
Latest Subaru Crosstrek Recall Lawsuit Updates
March 2025
– Recent court proceedings have expanded claimant eligibility to include owners who experienced economic losses due to diminished vehicle value, even without physical injuries, potentially increasing the plaintiff pool to thousands more nationwide [2].
November 2024 – Independent engineering analyses confirmed that the wiring defect in 2024 Subaru Crosstrek models presents a significantly higher fire risk than initially reported by the manufacturer, leading to enhanced settlement negotiations [3].
August 2023 – Subaru announced a recall of the redesigned 2024 Subaru Crosstrek and Impreza models for a potential short circuit in the instrument panel that could lead to vehicle fires. The defect involves a wiring harness that could rub against a bracket in the steering beam, potentially causing a dangerous electrical short [4].
April 2020 – A separate recall began for 2019 Subaru Crosstrek vehicles with defective rear seat belt assemblies. The seat belt webbing sensor locking mechanism may not lock as intended during crashes involving multiple impacts, increasing the risk of severe injuries [5].
NHTSA Reports and Statistics
According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) data and manufacturer reports:
- Approximately 35,357 vehicles from the 2024 model year were recalled for the wiring harness defect, with Subaru Crosstrek accounting for about 29,700 (84%) of the affected vehicles
- The 2019 Subaru Crosstrek seat belt recall affected thousands of vehicles equipped with rear seat belt assemblies with a dual-mode locking mechanism
- NHTSA has documented at least 17 incidents where the wiring defect led to vehicle electrical failures
- Three confirmed vehicle fires have been linked to the wiring harness defect in the 2024 models
- Laboratory testing demonstrated that the seat belt assemblies in affected 2019 models could fail at a rate of up to 35% during multi-impact collision scenarios [6]
Subaru Crosstrek Recall Injuries & Side Effects
The defects in recalled Subaru Crosstrek vehicles pose significant safety risks that can lead to serious injuries or death in certain situations.
- Fire-Related Injuries: Burns, smoke inhalation, and thermal injuries resulting from electrical fires caused by the wiring harness defect
- Crash-Related Trauma: Enhanced severity of injuries during accidents due to seat belt failures, including head trauma, spinal injuries, and internal organ damage
- Vehicle Control Issues: Injuries resulting from sudden loss of vehicle power while driving, potentially causing accidents and collision-related trauma
- Secondary Accident Injuries: Harm caused when vehicles become disabled in unsafe locations due to electrical system failures
Do You Qualify for a Subaru Crosstrek Recall Lawsuit?
You may qualify for a Subaru Crosstrek recall lawsuit if:
- You own or lease a 2024 Subaru Crosstrek affected by the wiring harness recall announced in August 2023
- You own or lease a 2019 Subaru Crosstrek affected by the seat belt assembly recall
- You experienced a vehicle fire, electrical system failure, or seat belt malfunction in your Subaru Crosstrek
- You or a passenger suffered injuries due to any of the recalled defects
- You experienced significant financial losses due to vehicle repairs, diminished value, or transportation costs related to the recalls
- You can provide documentation of your vehicle ownership and the recalled condition
Evidence Required for a Subaru Crosstrek Recall Lawsuit
- Proof of ownership or lease (vehicle registration, purchase/lease agreement)
- Documentation showing your vehicle is part of the recall (recall notice, VIN verification)
- Medical records if you suffered physical injuries related to the defect
- Repair records or documentation of the defect in your vehicle
- Photographs or videos of the damage or defect
- Police or accident reports if the defect caused or contributed to a crash
- Records of communications with Subaru or dealerships regarding the issue
Damages You Can Recover
- Medical expenses for treatment of injuries caused by the defect
- Lost wages if you missed work due to injuries or vehicle repairs
- Vehicle repair or replacement costs not covered by the recall
- Diminished value of your vehicle due to the recall
- Alternative transportation costs while your vehicle was being repaired
- Pain and suffering compensation for physical and emotional distress
- Punitive damages in cases of gross negligence (if applicable)
Subaru Crosstrek Recall Information
Subaru has issued multiple recalls for the Crosstrek model in recent years, addressing serious safety concerns:
2024 Model Wiring Harness Recall (August 2023)
- Affected vehicles: 2024 Subaru Crosstrek and Impreza models (approximately 35,357 vehicles)
- Defect: A potentially defective wiring harness in the instrument panel could rub against a bracket in the steering beam, causing insulation damage and electrical shorts
- Risk: Potential vehicle fires, loss of power while driving, and inability to restart the engine
- Remedy: Dealers will inspect vehicles, add a protective clamp on the bracket, apply protective tape, or replace the instrument panel as needed, free of charge.
2019 Model Seat Belt Recall (April 2020)
- Affected vehicles: 2019 Subaru Crosstrek with rear seat belt assemblies featuring a dual-mode locking mechanism
- Defect: The seat belt webbing sensor locking mechanism may not lock as intended during multi-impact crashes
- Risk: Increased risk of injury during accidents as seat belts may fail to properly restrain occupants
- Remedy: Replacement of the affected rear seat belt assemblies at no cost to owners
Statute of Limitations for Subaru Crosstrek Recall Lawsuits
The statute of limitations for filing a Subaru Crosstrek recall lawsuit varies by state but generally ranges from 2-6 years.
These timeframes typically apply from different starting points:
- Personal injury claims usually have a 2-3 year statute of limitations from the date of injury
- Property damage claims typically allow 3-5 years from when the damage occurred
- Product liability claims often permit 2-4 years from discovery of the defect
- Some states apply the “discovery rule,” which starts the clock when you discovered or should have reasonably discovered the defect and its connection to your damages
Because of these variations and exceptions, it’s crucial to consult with an attorney as soon as possible to ensure your claim is filed within the appropriate timeframe.
Related Subaru Recalls Cases:
FAQs
1. How do I check if my Subaru Crosstrek is affected by a recall?
You can check if your vehicle is affected by visiting Subaru’s recall website and entering your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), calling Subaru’s customer service at 1-844-373-6614, or using the NHTSA’s recall lookup tool at NHTSA.gov/recalls. Your VIN can be found on your vehicle registration, insurance card, or on your vehicle’s dashboard near the windshield.
2. What should I do if my Subaru Crosstrek experiences the wiring issue described in the recall?
If you notice any warning lights, electrical issues, burning smells, or smoke, stop driving immediately and call for roadside assistance. Do not attempt to restart or continue driving the vehicle. Contact your Subaru dealer to schedule an inspection and repair under the recall program, and document all symptoms and incidents for potential legal claims.
3. Can I file a lawsuit if my Subaru Crosstrek has a defect but has not caused any harm?
Yes, you may still be able to file a lawsuit even without physical injuries. Many Subaru Crosstrek owners are pursuing claims for economic losses such as diminished vehicle value, repair costs not covered under warranty, and transportation expenses while their vehicle was being repaired.
4. What steps should I take if I’ve been harmed by a defect in my Subaru Crosstrek?
Seek medical attention immediately if you have been injured, document the incident and your injuries with photos and notes, preserve any evidence (such as the vehicle and damaged components), report the incident to Subaru and NHTSA, and consult with an attorney to evaluate your legal options.
5. Are leased Subaru Crosstrek vehicles covered under the recall?
Yes, leased vehicles are covered under Subaru recalls. The lessee should take the vehicle to an authorized Subaru dealership for inspection and repairs as instructed in the recall notice. Both lessees and lessors may have legal claims related to the defects.
6. How much compensation might I receive from a Subaru Crosstrek recall lawsuit?
Compensation varies widely based on factors including the severity of injuries, property damage extent, financial losses incurred, and emotional distress experienced. Minor cases might settle for a few thousand dollars, while serious injury cases may result in settlements of tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars.
7. Will filing a lawsuit affect my vehicle warranty?
No, filing a lawsuit related to a recalled defect should not affect your vehicle warranty. Federal warranty laws prevent manufacturers from voiding warranties simply because an owner has filed a legal claim. However, any modifications you make to the vehicle could potentially affect warranty coverage for related components.
8. What if the dealership says they can’t fix my recalled Subaru right away due to parts shortages?
Document all communications with the dealership, including dates and names of representatives. Ask for a loaner vehicle or rental car reimbursement while waiting for repairs. If the dealership is unresponsive or unhelpful, contact Subaru of America directly and file a complaint with NHTSA. These delays and inconveniences may strengthen your legal claim.
9. Can I join a class action lawsuit for the Subaru Crosstrek recall?
Class action lawsuits related to these recalls may be available or in development. However, if you’ve suffered significant personal injuries, an individual lawsuit might better serve your interests. Consult with our attorneys to determine the best approach for your specific situation.
If your claim is denied by Subaru or an insurance company, consult with an attorney immediately. An experienced product liability lawyer can evaluate the denial reason, gather additional evidence, engage expert witnesses if necessary, and either appeal the denial or pursue litigation to secure appropriate compensation.
See all related product liability claims from our attorneys.
Take Action Now: Time-Sensitive Legal Claims
Time is limited to pursue legal action for Subaru Crosstrek recall-related damages. Most states allow only 2-4 years from the date of injury or discovery to file a product liability claim, and this window may be closing rapidly in your case.
Our legal team at Schmidt & Clark, LLP offers:
- Free, confidential case evaluations
- No upfront costs or attorney fees
- Payment only if we win your case
Don’t delay taking action that could secure the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to protect your legal rights.
References
1.https://www.thecarconnection.com/news/1140482_2024-subaru-crosstrek-impreza-recalled-for-added-fire-risk
2. https://www.caranddriver.com/news/subaru-crosstrek-class-action-settlement
3. https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/subaru/crosstrek/2024/reliability/
4. https://www.subaru.com/vehicle-recalls
5. https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2019/SUBARU/CROSSTREK/SW/AWD
6. https://www.iihs.org/ratings/vehicle/subaru/crosstrek-4-door-wagon/2024