Subaru Recalls SUVs and Sedans, Citing Potential Transmission Defect
» Posted January 21, 2022 • Resources | Share This Post
Subaru is recalling nearly 200,000 vehicles over a transmission control problem that the company told federal regulators increases the risk of a crash.
A software problem could cause the drive train to slip if the shift select is moved to Drive or Reverse immediately after the engine is started, Subaru said in a notice filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That would cause the vehicles to lose power, according to Subaru.
“If a drive chain breakage occurs while vehicles is in motion, the vehicle may experience a loss of motive power, increasing the risk of a crash,” the company told NHTSA.
The recall covers certain 2019 and 2020 Subaru Ascent and 2020 Subaru Legacy vehicles. The company told NHTSA that it was not aware of any accidents or injuries caused by the defect.
Subaru plans to notify owners of recalled vehicles in early February. The company will ask owners to bring their vehicles to local dealers to have software reprogrammed and transmissions inspected for potential replacement.
Stuck with a Defective Car? Know Your Rights
The Subaru recall is just the latest example of an ongoing problem for car manufacturers and the people who purchase their vehicles. The world’s largest automakers recall millions of vehicles each year, citing a wide variety of defects that increase the risk of a crash.
Subaru, for example, announced in September that it was recalling some 165,000 vehicles because of faulty fuel pumps. The company said the defect could cause cars to unexpectedly stall, potentially leading to accidents.
California car owners should understand that they do not need to wait for a car to be recalled in order to get defects and malfunctions fixed. The state’s lemon law offers some valuable rights and protections.
The law requires car manufacturers to perform various repairs on vehicles while they are under warranty. It also forces the companies to buy back vehicles that they are unable or unwilling to fix. That includes compensating the owner for the purchase price, financing fees and other related expenses. Manufacturers are also on the hook for picking up any legal fees incurred by an owner enforcing his or her rights under the law.
A car manufacturer can instead offer to replace the vehicle, but it is up to the owner to decide whether to accept or reject this alternative arrangement. A California lemon law attorney can help you understand your rights and explore your options.
Talk 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 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.
