Federal judge partially grants subaru owners’ motion in warranty lawsuit

Court allows some claims over Subaru’s outdated telematics systems to proceed while others remain dismissed

Camden, NJ – A federal judge in New Jersey has ruled that a proposed class action lawsuit against Subaru of America may proceed in part, allowing several implied warranty and consumer protection claims to move forward while dismissing others tied to express warranties.

Key Points

Plaintiffs allege Subaru vehicles lost safety and internet features after 3G networks shut down.
Judge Christine P. O’Hearn granted the motion to amend only for certain implied warranty and consumer protection claims.
Express warranty claims under federal and state law remain dismissed without prejudice.

Lawsuit targets 3G-dependent Subaru technology

The case, Garrett et al. v. Subaru of America, Inc., centers on 2016–2019 Subaru vehicles equipped with telematics systems that relied on 3G cellular networks for key functions, including emergency response, navigation, and remote access features. Plaintiffs claim these systems became “partially or wholly inoperable” when wireless carriers began phasing out 3G service in 2022.

According to court filings, vehicle owners said the malfunction caused repeated battery drain issues because the cars’ communication modules kept trying to connect to now-defunct networks. The complaint further alleges Subaru knew for years that 3G service would be discontinued but continued to install and market affected systems without sufficient warning to consumers.

Court allows limited claims to proceed

In her March 2026 opinion, U.S. District Judge Christine O’Hearn granted the plaintiffs’ request to file a third amended complaint “in part,” ruling they may pursue claims under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act and various state consumer protection and implied warranty statutes — but only to the extent those claims rely on implied warranties rather than express promises.

The express warranty claims under federal law and the states of Michigan, Washington, and Florida remain dismissed without prejudice, consistent with the court’s earlier ruling. Plaintiffs are now permitted to file a narrowed third amended complaint limited to the surviving claims.

Broader implications for vehicle connectivity disputes

The Subaru lawsuit joins a growing number of class actions nationwide targeting automakers whose vehicles lost functionality after the 3G network shutdown. The ruling underscores the courts’ willingness to allow consumer protection and implied warranty claims to proceed even when express warranty provisions have been deemed inapplicable.

The plaintiffs — from Michigan, New York, California, Washington, and Florida — continue to seek relief on behalf of thousands of affected Subaru owners nationwide.

Tags: Subaru, class action, consumer protection

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