Subaru Fuel Pump Settlement.com: Your Essential Guide to Compensation and Repairs

If you own or lease a 2017-2020 Subaru Ascent, 2018-2020 Subaru Legacy, 2018-2020 Subaru Outback, or 2019-2020 Subaru WRX, your vehicle may be part of a significant class action settlement related to faulty fuel pumps. The official settlement website, SubaruFuelPumpSettlement.com, is the central hub for information about your rights, potential compensation, and how to get a free fuel pump replacement. Keep reading to understand everything you need to know.

This settlement resolves lawsuits alleging that certain Low Pressure Fuel Pumps (LPFPs) manufactured by Denso and installed in these Subaru models were defective. These defective fuel pumps could fail prematurely, leading to serious safety hazards like engine stalls, loss of power while driving, and an inability to start the vehicle. Engine stalling while driving at highway speeds presents a significant crash risk.

Subaru and Denso deny the allegations but agreed to this settlement to avoid the cost and uncertainty of continued litigation. The court has preliminarily approved the settlement, making benefits available to eligible owners and lessees.

Understanding the Settlement Website: SubaruFuelPumpSettlement.com

The website SubaruFuelPumpSettlement.com is the definitive, court-authorized source for all information regarding this matter. It is not operated by Subaru itself, but by the settlement administrators appointed by the court. This is crucial to understand, as it ensures the information presented is neutral and in accordance with the settlement agreement terms.

On the website, you will find:

  • Settlement Documents: The full legal settlement agreement, preliminary approval order, the detailed notice sent to class members, and other court filings. These documents contain the complete legal terms.
  • Eligibility Information: Clear lists of model years and specific vehicles included in the settlement.
  • Detailed Benefits: An explanation of what the settlement provides, including reimbursement for past repairs and expenses, free fuel pump replacements, extensions to the original warranty, and potential cash payments for those who sold or traded in vehicles at a loss due to fuel pump issues.
  • Claims Process Instructions: Step-by-step guides on how to file a claim for reimbursement or for the loss-in-value cash payment. This includes forms and required documentation.
  • Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Answers to common questions about eligibility, benefits, the claims process, deadlines, and more.
  • Important Deadlines: Clear displays of critical dates, especially the claim filing deadlines and the final hearing date for objections.
  • Contact Information: How to reach the settlement administrator directly by phone, mail, or email for specific questions not answered online.
  • Exclusion/Objection Procedures: Information on how to opt out of the settlement or object to its terms if you disagree with it.

Are You Part of the Settlement? Checking Your Eligibility

You are automatically included in the settlement class if you own or lease, or previously owned or leased, one of the following vehicles in the United States or its territories:

  • Model Year 2017-2020 Subaru Ascent
  • Model Year 2018-2020 Subaru Legacy
  • Model Year 2018-2020 Subaru Outback
  • Model Year 2019-2020 Subaru WRX

The exact Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) range determines final eligibility. The simplest way to check if your specific vehicle is included is by using the VIN Lookup tool prominently featured on the SubaruFuelPumpSettlement.com website. You can also call the settlement administrator or contact an authorized Subaru dealership with your VIN for confirmation.

What Benefits Does the Settlement Provide?

The settlement offers several types of benefits to eligible class members:

  1. Reimbursement for Past Out-of-Pocket Expenses:

    • If you paid to replace the LPF before the free repair remedy was implemented by Subaru (details on the recall/remedy are below), you can file a claim to get reimbursed for those parts, labor, diagnostic fees, and towing expenses directly related to the diagnosed fuel pump failure.
    • You must provide proof of payment and repair documentation (receipts, work orders) clearly showing the issue was the Denso fuel pump. The settlement website provides the claim form and instructions. There are strict deadlines for filing reimbursement claims, so act promptly if you believe you qualify.

  2. Free Replacement of the Low Pressure Fuel Pump:

    • This is the primary remedy. Subaru is required to replace the defective Denso fuel pump with a new, non-defective pump at absolutely no cost to you (parts, labor, taxes, fees).
    • This remedy covers vehicles regardless of mileage. There is no mileage limitation for this specific repair under the settlement. This repair is available now.

  3. Extended Warranty Coverage for the Fuel Pump:

    • The settlement establishes a special Warranty Extension covering the LPF for a period of 10 years or 100,000 miles from the vehicle's original in-service date.
    • If the replacement pump provided under this settlement or Subaru's recall remedy fails within this extended warranty period, Subaru will repair or replace it again at no cost.
    • This extended coverage applies only to the fuel pump itself and associated labor for its replacement.

  4. Cash Payments for Loss in Value:

    • If you sold or traded in your eligible Subaru vehicle at a loss specifically because it had the known fuel pump defect and/or had already experienced a fuel pump failure, you might be eligible for a cash payment.
    • You must provide documentation proving you owned the vehicle during the eligible timeframe, proof of sale/trade (including date and price), and compelling evidence that the sale price was negatively impacted due to the fuel pump issue (e.g., lower offers explicitly citing the defect, documented issues impacting value). The burden of proof is significant. The settlement website details the claim process.

Subaru's Fuel Pump Recall and How It Relates (Recall WUG-02 / WUK-03)

Prior to this settlement, Subaru initiated two related recalls (WUG-02 and WUK-03) addressing the same Denso fuel pump defect in these very same vehicles. Here’s how the recall and settlement interact:

  • The Core Remedy is the Same: Both the recall and the settlement's primary repair benefit involve replacing the defective fuel pump with a new one at no cost to the vehicle owner.
  • The Settlement Adds Significant Extra Benefits: While the recall provides the free repair, the settlement adds the crucial elements of reimbursement for past expenses, the generous warranty extension far beyond standard coverage, and the potential for loss-in-value payments. The settlement also formalizes the process and timelines.
  • One Fix, Multiple Benefits: Getting your fuel pump replaced under Subaru's recall campaign is the fulfillment of a major settlement benefit. Receiving the recall repair does not prevent you from seeking reimbursement for past qualifying expenses or filing a loss-in-value claim if applicable. Conversely, filing a settlement claim for reimbursement does not negate your right to the free replacement now or under the warranty extension later.
  • Settlement Administers Claims: While Subaru dealers perform the actual pump replacements (under both recall and settlement), it is the settlement administrator (accessible via SubaruFuelPumpSettlement.com) who handles all aspects of claims for reimbursement and loss-in-value payments.

Critical Deadlines You MUST Know

Missing deadlines means forfeiting benefits. The most important dates are set by the court and listed clearly on the settlement website:

  • Reimbursement Claim Deadline: The final date to submit claims for out-of-pocket repair expenses paid before the free remedy was available. Do not delay. Check the website immediately for the current deadline and allow ample time to gather documentation.
  • Loss-in-Value Claim Deadline: The final date to submit claims for cash payments related to selling/trading your vehicle at a loss due to the fuel pump defect.
  • Exclusion (Opt-Out) Deadline: If you wish to exclude yourself from the settlement class to retain your right to sue Subaru/Denso independently, you must formally exclude yourself by this date. The procedure is outlined on the website.
  • Objection Deadline: The final date to file an objection with the court if you disagree with the settlement terms but still wish to remain part of the class and receive its benefits (subject to any court rulings on objections).
  • Final Fairness Hearing: The date the court will hold a hearing to consider final approval of the settlement. If you object or exclude yourself, you may choose to attend this hearing. Details are on the settlement site.

How to Get Your Free Fuel Pump Replacement

  1. Check Eligibility: Use the VIN Lookup tool on SubaruFuelPumpSettlement.com or contact a Subaru dealer/settlement administrator to confirm your vehicle is included.
  2. Schedule Repair: Contact your local authorized Subaru dealership service department.
  3. Inform Them of the Recall/Settlement: Mention either recall campaign WUG-02/WUK-03 or the Subaru Fuel Pump Settlement. They will confirm based on your VIN.
  4. Bring Your Vehicle: Schedule a service appointment. The dealership should have the necessary parts (though brief delays might occur, ask when scheduling).
  5. No Charge: The replacement is performed entirely free of charge. Dealerships are reimbursed directly by Subaru under the recall/settlement agreement. You should incur zero cost.

Filing a Claim: Reimbursement and Loss-in-Value

  • Reimbursement Claim:

    • Obtain the claim form from SubaruFuelPumpSettlement.com.
    • Carefully fill out all sections.
    • Gather proof: Detailed repair invoices/work orders explicitly mentioning the Denso low-pressure fuel pump failure/replacement, proof of payment (credit card statements, canceled checks, receipts), and proof of ownership/leasing at the time of repair (registration).
    • Make copies of everything you submit.
    • Mail the completed form and supporting documentation to the settlement administrator at the address provided on the claim form or website, well before the deadline. Allow several weeks for processing after submission.

  • Loss-in-Value Claim:

    • Obtain the specific loss-in-value claim form from the settlement website.
    • Fill out the form completely.
    • Gather proof: Documentation proving prior ownership/leasing (titles, registrations, lease agreements), documentation of the sale/trade (purchase agreement, trade-in appraisal, bill of sale showing date and price), and strong evidence that the selling price was demonstrably reduced due to the fuel pump defect or prior failure. This could be written statements from the buyer/dealer citing the defect as a reason for lower value, advertisements showing a lower price explicitly linked to the known issue, contemporaneous records of issues impacting value, etc.
    • Make copies.
    • Mail the completed form and evidence to the settlement administrator by the deadline.

What to Do If You Suspect a Fuel Pump Issue

Be aware of the symptoms associated with a failing Denso fuel pump:

  • Engine stalling while driving: Especially at cruising speeds.
  • Loss of engine power: Vehicle may jerk or hesitate significantly before stalling.
  • Engine not starting: Turning the key results in cranking but the engine doesn't fire up.
  • Longer cranking times before starting.
  • Check Engine Light may be illuminated, potentially with fuel pressure-related diagnostic trouble codes.

If your vehicle exhibits ANY of these symptoms:

  1. Prioritize Safety: If the engine stalls while driving, try to safely maneuver to the side of the road immediately. Turn on hazard lights.
  2. Contact Your Dealer: Describe the symptoms clearly to your Subaru dealership service department. Mention your knowledge of the fuel pump settlement/recall. They can schedule a diagnosis.
  3. Have It Checked: Ask them to specifically investigate if the problem is related to the low-pressure fuel pump. If confirmed as the Denso pump failure, they should replace it immediately under the recall/settlement remedy at no cost to you. Get a detailed repair order for your records.
  4. Report the Issue: If your vehicle stalls or experiences a significant loss of power, consider reporting it to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) via their website (safercar.gov) even after repair. This helps ongoing safety monitoring.

Life After the Fuel Pump Replacement

  • Keep Records: File the repair receipt and work order (even though you didn't pay) in a safe place. This proves the repair was completed under the recall/settlement and is vital for any future warranty claims.
  • Understand the Warranty Extension: Your replaced fuel pump is covered by the settlement's extended warranty for 10 years/100,000 miles from the vehicle's original purchase/lease date. If you experience another fuel pump issue within this period, take it back to a Subaru dealer immediately.
  • Regular Maintenance: Continue with all other recommended Subaru maintenance schedules.
  • Monitor for Issues: While the new pump is designed to be reliable, remain alert to any recurrence of stalling or starting problems and seek service promptly if they occur.

Frequently Encountered Questions Answered (Beyond the Official FAQ)

  • Q: My VIN isn't listed on the settlement website tool. What now?
    A: Contact the settlement administrator via SubaruFuelPumpSettlement.com. Provide your full VIN. If genuinely excluded, discuss potential options with them or Subaru Customer Advocacy.
  • Q: I replaced the pump myself years ago. Can I get reimbursed?
    A: Generally, self-repairs are not reimbursable under most class action settlements unless explicitly stated, and this settlement requires dealer or repair facility documentation. Check the settlement agreement documents carefully, but self-repairs are unlikely to qualify. Contact the administrator to confirm.
  • Q: My car had symptoms but didn't completely fail, and the dealer "reset" something. Now what?
    A: Symptoms like stalling or hesitation are significant safety risks. Request a specific diagnostic check for the fuel pump pressure. Document the incident. If they dismissed it without verifying pump health, and it later fails catastrophically, keep records to challenge any denial.
  • Q: I received a recall notice but haven't gotten the pump replaced yet. Is the settlement different?
    A: The free repair process is the same (go to the dealer). The settlement adds the benefits like reimbursement and extended warranty. Your repair aligns with both the recall and the settlement. The urgency remains high – schedule the replacement.
  • Q: The dealer says they don't have parts. How long should I wait?
    A: While supply chains have improved, parts delays can occur. Politely insist the dealer provide an estimated timeframe and record who you spoke to and the date. Check back weekly. Escalate to Subaru Customer Service or the settlement administrator if the delay seems excessive (e.g., several months). Request a loaner car if the vehicle is unsafe to drive (some dealers may offer this).
  • Q: How much could I get from a loss-in-value claim?
    A: The settlement doesn't specify fixed amounts. Payments are determined by the administrator based on the evidence submitted proving the direct financial loss attributable solely to the fuel pump defect. Amounts will likely vary significantly depending on the specific case strength. Be realistic about documenting a direct causal link.
  • Q: Does this settlement cover other Subaru models not listed?
    A: No. The settlement is specific to the listed models and years. Other Subarus with Denso pumps might be part of different Denso or automaker-specific settlements or recalls. Check NHTSA for other recalls.
  • Q: I no longer own the car. What should I do?
    A: If you paid for a qualifying repair before the free replacement was available while you owned it, you can still file a reimbursement claim. You will need proof of ownership at the time of the repair and all payment/repair documentation. Loss-in-value claims are also based on ownership history. Visit SubaruFuelPumpSettlement.com for claim forms.

The Bottom Line: Protect Your Rights and Safety

The Subaru Fuel Pump Settlement addresses a critical safety defect affecting hundreds of thousands of vehicles. The official website, SubaruFuelPumpSettlement.com, is your indispensable resource for verifying inclusion, understanding your compensation options, filing claims, and arranging the vital free repair. Ignoring this issue is not an option due to the safety risks involved. If your vehicle is eligible, prioritize scheduling the no-cost fuel pump replacement immediately with your Subaru dealer. If you incurred expenses or a financial loss due to this defect before the free fix was offered, act now to gather evidence and file your claim well before the deadlines expire. Stay informed through the settlement website, protect your safety by getting the repair done, and secure the benefits you are entitled to under this court-approved resolution.

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