.png)
Subaru Lemon Law Attorney
- Quinn Mccarty
- Nov 17
- 5 min read
If you’ve purchased or leased a Subaru in Washington State and your vehicle has had recurring issues, despite repeated repair attempts, it might be classified as a “lemon” under Washington’s Lemon Law, and you may be owed compensation.
Washington’s Lemon Law is designed to protect consumers from the financial and safety burdens of defective vehicles. If your Subaru qualifies, you may be entitled to a refund, a replacement vehicle, or a cash settlement. And with the help of a qualified lemon law attorney, you can ensure the process is handled quickly and professionally.
Click to see if you qualify for compensation!
What Is the Washington State Lemon Law?
Washington’s Motor Vehicle Warranty Law (RCW 19.118) provides protection to consumers who purchase or lease a new vehicle that turns out to have substantial defects. The law ensures that if a manufacturer—like Subaru—can’t fix a serious issue within a reasonable number of attempts, the consumer has the right to seek remedies such as a repurchase or replacement.
To qualify, the issue must substantially impair the vehicle’s use, value, or safety, and must occur within the warranty period—typically within the first 2 years or 24,000 miles (whichever comes first).
Does My Subaru Qualify as a Lemon?
To qualify for lemon law protection in Washington, your Subaru must meet the following criteria:
Repeated Repairs: The same issue has been repaired at least four times, and the problem persists.
Serious Safety Defect: The issue involves a serious safety defect (like brakes or steering), and the manufacturer has attempted to repair it at least twice.
Vehicle Out of Service: Your Subaru has been in the shop for 30 or more cumulative calendar days due to warranty-covered repairs.
These criteria must occur within the first 2 years or 24,000 miles, whichever comes first. Additionally, you must have given Subaru or an authorized dealer a reasonable opportunity to fix the issue.
Common Subaru Lemon Issues
Although Subaru has a reputation for quality and dependability, certain models and years have experienced recurring problems. Subaru owners in Washington have reported several defects that may qualify their vehicles under lemon law protections.
Some of the most common issues include:
Excessive Oil Consumption Certain Subaru models are known to burn through oil at an unusually fast rate, often requiring refills between regular changes.
CVT Transmission Failures Subaru’s continuously variable transmission (CVT) has been the subject of lawsuits and complaints for shuddering, slipping, and stalling.
Head Gasket Leaks A historically notorious issue, especially in older models like the Outback and Legacy.
Infotainment System Glitches Malfunctioning touchscreen systems, Bluetooth connectivity issues, and system reboots are common, particularly in newer Subarus.
Windshield Cracking Spontaneous or easy cracking of windshields due to alleged poor glass quality has been widely reported by Subaru owners.
Check Engine Light & Electrical Issues Persistent dashboard warning lights or electrical component failures can indicate deeper problems.
If your Subaru exhibits any of these symptoms and it’s still under warranty—or has recently had issues—your next step should be contacting a lemon law attorney to explore your options.
Subaru Models That May Be Affected
All Subaru vehicles sold in Washington are eligible for lemon law review if they meet the criteria. These include:
Subaru Outback
Subaru Forester
Subaru Crosstrek
Subaru Legacy
Subaru Impreza
Subaru Ascent
Subaru WRX / STI
Subaru BRZ
Even if your model isn’t listed, it may still qualify under lemon law depending on the severity and frequency of the problem.
Recent Subaru Recalls to Be Aware Of
Subaru has issued several recalls in recent years, many of which may relate to lemon law complaints:
2020-2022 Subaru Outback and Legacy: Recalled due to programming errors in the transmission control unit that may cause stalling.
2019-2022 Subaru Ascent: Recalled for potential fire risk related to improperly secured grounding bolts.
2017-2019 Impreza and Crosstrek: Engine control module may continue to power the ignition coil after the engine is shut off, increasing the risk of a short circuit or fire.
2018-2020 Subaru models: Fuel pump defects that can cause the engine to stall while driving.
If your vehicle has had any of these issues and you’ve experienced repeat repair attempts, lemon law may apply.
How a Lemon Law Attorney Can Help
Filing a lemon law claim in Washington can be challenging to navigate alone. While the state does offer a free arbitration program through the Washington State Attorney General’s office, going it alone can be complicated and time-consuming—especially when dealing with vehicle manufacturers or dealerships that may deny or delay claims.
That’s where a skilled lemon law attorney comes in.
Here’s how a lawyer can help you:
Determine Eligibility: A lemon law attorney will review your repair history and documentation to confirm whether your Subaru qualifies under Washington law.
Handle All Communication: They deal directly with Subaru and their legal team—no more dealing with customer service reps or service managers.
Maximize Your Compensation: Whether you’re entitled to a refund, replacement vehicle, or cash settlement, a lawyer ensures you get the maximum recovery you’re legally owed.
No Upfront Fees: Most lemon law attorneys in Washington work on a contingency basis, meaning you pay nothing unless they win your case. The manufacturer is typically responsible for your legal fees if you prevail.
If you think your Subaru might be a lemon, your best bet is to reach out for a free consultation with a lemon law attorney who knows the Washington legal system.
What Happens in a Subaru Lemon Law Buyback?
If your case qualifies and Subaru agrees (or is forced) to buy back your vehicle, here’s what typically happens:
Vehicle Valuation: Subaru will calculate the repurchase value based on your original purchase price, including taxes, registration, and fees.
Mileage Offset: A reasonable usage fee will be deducted based on the miles driven before the first reported defect.
Loan Payoff or Refund: If you financed the vehicle, Subaru will pay off the balance and refund any payments you’ve made beyond that. If you leased the vehicle, your lease is terminated with reimbursement.
Vehicle Turn-In: Once the settlement is finalized, you’ll return the vehicle to a dealership and complete the paperwork.
FAQ: Subaru Lemon Law in Washington
1. What does it cost to hire a lemon law attorney?
Nothing up front. In most cases, attorneys only get paid if they win your case—and the manufacturer typically covers legal fees.
2. What if my Subaru is leased, not purchased?
Leased vehicles are covered under Washington’s Lemon Law, as long as the issue occurred during the original lease warranty period.
3. How long does the lemon law process take?
Every case is different, but most cases can be resolved within 90–180 days once documentation is gathered and legal action is initiated.
4. What documents do I need to start a claim?
Keep your purchase or lease agreement, repair orders, warranty booklet, vehicle registration, and any communication with the dealership.
5. Will a recall void my lemon law rights?
No. A recall does not eliminate your rights. In fact, if your issue is related to a recall and remains unresolved after multiple repair attempts, it strengthens your case.
Talk to a Washington Subaru Lemon Law Attorney Today
If your Subaru has spent more time in the shop than on the road, it’s time to explore your legal options. Washington’s lemon law provides powerful protections for consumers—but manufacturers don’t always make it easy to assert your rights.
An experienced lemon law attorney can help you understand your rights, manage the entire legal process, and get you back on the road in a reliable vehicle—without paying out of pocket for legal help.
Don’t wait. The sooner you take action, the sooner you can stop worrying about your defective Subaru and start driving with peace of mind.
Think your Subaru might be a lemon? Get a free case evaluation today and find out if you qualify.
Comments