Subaru Fuel Pump Settlement Legit: Understanding Your Rights and How to Claim What You're Owed

The Subaru fuel pump class action settlement is absolutely legitimate. Affected owners can get reimbursed for past repairs, free replacements for current fuel pump failures, and potentially significant cash payments simply for owning an impacted vehicle – but only if they take specific actions before the deadlines pass, especially the critical November 9, 2024 claim filing date.

Subaru settled a major class action lawsuit (Lefevre, et al. v. Subaru of America, Inc. and DENSO International America, Inc., Case No. 2:20-cv-10233) alleging that certain vehicles equipped with specific low-pressure fuel pumps manufactured by DENSO could fail. This failure could cause the engine to stall while driving, posing a significant safety hazard. Subaru and DENSO denied wrongdoing but agreed to settle to resolve the litigation. A U.S. District Court has granted preliminary approval to this settlement, signifying its legitimacy. The final approval hearing is scheduled for September 18, 2024. Eligible class members – primarily owners and lessees of affected Subaru vehicles within the United States and its territories – have concrete benefits available to them right now if they act within designated timeframes.

Who Qualifies? Eligibility Criteria Demystified

You are likely a Class Member eligible for settlement benefits if you meet specific criteria. The core requirement is ownership or lease of one of the specific Subaru models included in the settlement during the relevant Class Periods. These periods generally start from the vehicle's original sale date and extend up to specific dates outlined in the settlement notice, often related to repair timelines or the settlement finalization date. The primary affected Subaru models include:

  • MY 2017-2019 Impreza
  • MY 2018-2019 Crosstrek
  • MY 2017-2019 Legacy
  • MY 2017-2019 Outback
  • MY 2019 WRX
  • MY 2018-2019 BRZ
  • MY 2017-2019 STI
  • MY 2018-2019 Ascen
  • MY 2018-2019 Ascent

The specific vehicle identification number (VIN) range determines final eligibility, as not every single vehicle within those model years necessarily has the faulty pump. You can easily check if your Subaru is included using the VIN lookup tools provided on the official settlement website, which is the safest and most reliable method. Lessees during the relevant period also qualify.

Understanding Your Compensation Options: Cash Back, Free Repairs, and More

The settlement provides tangible benefits across different scenarios, recognizing the costs and hassles owners may have faced. There are three primary categories of compensation:

  1. Past Repair Reimbursement: If you paid out-of-pocket to have the specific Low-Pressure Fuel Pump replaced in your covered Subaru vehicle before May 31, 2023, and that pump was supplied by DENSO (as most were), you are entitled to reimbursement. This applies even if you no longer own the vehicle. You will need to submit proof of the repair, typically in the form of a paid receipt or invoice clearly showing the date of service, the work performed (specifically mentioning "fuel pump replacement"), the parts used (ideally identifying the DENSO part number if possible), and the amount you paid. Keep in mind there are caps on the reimbursement amount, and duplicate claims for the same repair under other warranties or recalls are not permitted.
  2. Future Repair/Replacement: The settlement extends warranty coverage for the specific fuel pump well beyond the standard warranty period. For class members, the coverage period for the fuel pump replacement is extended to 10 years or 100,000 miles from the vehicle's original in-service date (whichever comes first). If your fuel pump fails within this extended warranty period, Subaru will replace it free of charge at an authorized Subaru dealer. This coverage applies to the current owner at the time of the failure and is automatically in place if your vehicle is covered by the settlement – no separate claim filing is needed for this specific benefit beyond taking the vehicle to a dealer for diagnosis and repair. However, proof of prior recall repair completion might be required.
  3. Cash Payment for Original Owners/Lessees: This is a critical benefit many overlook. If you were the original owner or lessee of a covered Subaru vehicle on May 31, 2023, you are entitled to a substantial cash payment simply for having owned the vehicle. The current estimates suggest this payment could be around $250. You must file a claim to receive this money. This payment acknowledges the diminished value and inconvenience associated with owning a vehicle with a known defect, even if the pump never actually failed. You do not need to have experienced a failure or paid for a repair to be eligible for this cash benefit as an original owner.

How to Claim Your Benefits: A Step-by-Step Guide

Getting what the settlement entitles you to requires taking action. The process varies slightly depending on the type of benefit you seek:

  • For Past Repair Reimbursement: You must submit a completed Claim Form and supporting documentation proving the repair and payment. The absolute deadline to file this claim is November 9, 2024. Supporting documents include detailed repair invoices showing your name (or the name of the owner at the time of repair), the VIN, the date of service, a description of work mentioning fuel pump replacement, the amount paid, and proof of payment (like a credit card receipt or cancelled check). Submit everything online via the official settlement website portal or via mail to the address specified on the Claim Form. Filing online is strongly recommended for faster processing and confirmation.
  • For the $250+ Original Owner Cash Payment: You must file a claim specifically requesting this payment. You will need to provide the VIN and proof of original ownership/lease (such as a copy of the original purchase or lease agreement showing the in-service date). Simply owning an affected vehicle isn't enough; you must actively file the claim. The deadline for this specific cash payment claim is also November 9, 2024. You can file this claim even if you are not seeking reimbursement for a past repair.
  • For Future Free Replacement: No upfront claim filing is required for the repair/replacement warranty extension. If your fuel pump fails within the extended coverage period (10 years/100,000 miles), take your vehicle to an authorized Subaru dealership. They will diagnose the issue. If the failure is confirmed to be due to the specific faulty low-pressure fuel pump covered by this settlement, the dealership will replace the pump at no cost to you, the current owner. It is prudent to mention this class action settlement to the service advisor to ensure they handle it under the correct program. Keep documentation of the repair for your records.

Why Acting NOW is Non-Negotiable: The Critical Deadlines

Ignoring the settlement deadlines means walking away from money you are rightfully owed and forfeiting valuable protections. Two dates are absolutely paramount:

  1. November 9, 2024: This is the final deadline to submit claims for both:
    • Reimbursement for past out-of-pocket fuel pump replacements (paid for before May 31, 2023).
    • The significant cash payment for original owners/lessees (owner status as of May 31, 2023).
    • Claims must be submitted (online or postmarked) by this date. Procrastination risks missing this deadline permanently.
  2. Extended Warranty Coverage: Runs for 10 years or 100,000 miles from the vehicle's original in-service date. There's no separate claim filing for the coverage itself, but the repair must occur while this extended warranty is active. If you experience a failure after this period expires, you will likely bear the full cost. The clock started ticking when the vehicle was first sold, so for many 2017-2018 models, this 10-year window is closing relatively soon. Verify your specific in-service date with a Subaru dealer.

Common Questions Addressed: Clarity on Legitimacy and Process

Given the prevalence of scams, understandably, many owners question "Is this settlement legit?" and have other concerns:

  • No Payment Required: You will never need to pay money to participate in this settlement or receive benefits. Any communication asking for payment details or fees is a scam. Only interact through the official settlement website channels.
  • Website Security: The official settlement website (www.SubaruFuelPumpSettlement.com) is secure and established solely to administer this court-approved settlement. This is the only source for the legitimate Claim Form, VIN lookup tool, and official updates.
  • Original Owner vs. Current Owner: The key distinction lies in the cash payment benefit. Only those who were the original owner/lessee on May 31, 2023, qualify for the $250+ payment. However, all owners during the extended warranty period (current or future owners) benefit from the free replacement program if a covered pump fails before their vehicle hits 10 years/100k miles.
  • Vehicle Sold? If you sold your Subaru after May 31, 2023, you are likely still eligible for the original owner cash payment (file a claim). You are also eligible for reimbursement for any qualifying pump repair you paid for before May 31, 2023. File these claims by November 9, 2024.
  • Recall vs. Settlement: Subaru did initiate safety recalls related to these fuel pumps. If you had the recall repair performed before it failed and caused problems, you likely already received a free fix. However, this settlement expands the remedies beyond the recall. It provides reimbursement for those who paid for repairs themselves before the recall remedy was available or completed, offers the significant cash payment to original owners acknowledging the defect's existence and impact, and extends the warranty coverage period significantly. You can be eligible for settlement benefits even if you had a recall repair, particularly the cash payment. The settlement supersedes and enhances the recall coverage for many aspects.
  • Claim Approval Timeline: Processing times will vary based on claim volume and the type of claim. Reimbursement claims requiring invoice verification may take longer than straightforward cash payment claims filed by original owners. Submit your complete claim with all supporting documents well before the deadline to avoid last-minute rushes impacting processing speed. Monitor your email and the settlement website mailbox if you file online for status updates.
  • Tax Implications: Generally, settlement payments for reimbursement of personal vehicle repairs are typically not considered taxable income as they are making you whole for an expense. However, the IRS considers cash awards linked to lawsuits as potentially taxable. The settlement administrator will issue IRS Form 1099 for cash payments exceeding $600. Consult a tax professional if you are concerned about your specific circumstances.

Conclusion: Don't Lose Out – Secure Your Settlement Benefits Today

The Subaru fuel pump settlement represents a legitimate and valuable opportunity for owners of specific 2017-2019 models. This is not a speculative offer but a court-ordered resolution providing concrete compensation: money back for repairs you already paid for, a significant cash payment acknowledging the defect for original owners, and a long-term warranty extension for future failures – protections unavailable outside this settlement. The complexity arises not from the offer itself but from the strict deadlines and required action steps. Crucially, the window to claim financial compensation is closing. November 9, 2024, is the absolute cut-off for filing claims for reimbursement and the original owner cash payment. Missing this date means permanently forfeiting potentially hundreds of dollars owed to you. The warranty extension for current owners offers peace of mind but expires 10 years from the vehicle's initial purchase – a deadline silently counting down every day.

Protecting your rights and securing what this settlement offers requires proactive effort. Start immediately. Go directly to the official source: visit www.SubaruFuelPumpSettlement.com. Check your VIN for inclusion. Review the detailed settlement notice. Download the correct Claim Form based on the benefits you seek. Gather any necessary supporting documents like repair invoices or original ownership proof. File your claim online or mail it well before November 9, 2024. Delay is the only barrier between you and the compensation and protections this legitimate settlement entitles you to. Acting now ensures you get every benefit this settlement offers.

Back to blog