Subaru WRX Lemon Law

Yes. A spun rod bearing is a catastrophic engine failure that clearly constitutes a substantial impairment of safety, use, and value under the Song-Beverly Act. Even if Subaru replaces the engine under warranty, you have a valid claim if the replacement engine develops the same defect or if the original failure created a dangerous situation such as sudden loss of power.

Under the Song-Beverly Act and the federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, a manufacturer cannot deny warranty coverage simply because aftermarket parts are installed. Subaru must demonstrate that the specific modification caused the defect in question. If you have a stock WRX or if the modifications are unrelated to the defect, Subaru cannot use this as a blanket denial of your claim.

Yes. The Song-Beverly Act covers all components under the manufacturer's express warranty, including the manual transmission. If your WRX's TY85 transmission has grinding synchros or shifting difficulties that Subaru cannot repair after a reasonable number of attempts, you may be entitled to a replacement or refund. Transmission defects that impair drivability are taken seriously by California courts.

Yes. The Song-Beverly Act protects subsequent purchasers who acquire a vehicle with the balance of the manufacturer's new-car warranty still in effect. As long as the defect arose during the original warranty period and the warranty has not expired, you have the same lemon law rights as the original buyer. This applies to private-party purchases as well as dealer sales.