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Lion Lemon

2020-2024 · Performance Sedan

Subaru WRX Lemon Law Attorney

Repeated problems with your Subaru WRX? See whether California lemon law may provide a buyback or refund, replacement vehicle, or cash settlement.

Tell us about your WRX's repair history. We'll review whether a buyback, replacement, or cash settlement may be available.

Get Your Free Subaru WRX Case Review

Free 60-second check · no cost, no obligation.

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How many times has it been in the shop for the same problem?
When you win, the manufacturer pays our fees — not you. That's California law, and your case review costs you nothing either way.

Trusted by California drivers · 5.0

Free consultation. No obligation. We don't charge unless you win.

A quick eligibility check

Your WRX may qualify if…

These are common indicators under California's Song-Beverly Act. An attorney reviews the full repair and warranty history before determining whether the firm can take a case.

You bought or leased the vehicle in California.

The problem arose while a manufacturer warranty covered the vehicle.

The dealer has had repeated repair opportunities, or the vehicle has spent significant time in the shop.

The defect continues and substantially affects the vehicle's use, value, or safety.

What clients say

“I had an excellent experience working with this lawyer. They were incredibly prompt with every response, which made the entire process feel smooth and stress-free. I always felt heard, and they were genuinely helpful in making sure my needs were met every step of the way. What stood out most was how kind and approachable they were—never intimidating, always willing to explain things clearly and patiently.”
Yael S. · Google review

Individual results vary and depend on the facts of each case. Past results do not guarantee a future outcome.

What happens next

Three straightforward steps

  1. 1

    Share your repair history

    Tell us about the defect, dealer visits, warranty, and time your WRX spent in the shop.

  2. 2

    An attorney reviews it

    A licensed California attorney reviews the submitted information within 24 hours. The review is free and carries no obligation.

  3. 3

    We explain your options

    If the firm accepts the case, our attorneys handle manufacturer communications and pursue the remedy supported by the facts.

Why Subaru WRX Owners Choose Lion Lemon

Attorney-Led Review

Every case is reviewed by a licensed California attorney within 24 hours — not a call center.

$0 Cost to You

Under California Civil Code §1794(d), the manufacturer pays our attorney fees when we win — not you.

California Focus

We only practice California lemon law. Every attorney on our team works on Song-Beverly Act cases daily.

We Handle the Paperwork

We draft your demand letter, negotiate with Subaru, and handle the filing — you focus on driving.

Why a warranty isn't enough

Your warranty vs. the lemon law

A warranty is a promise to attempt repairs. The lemon law is what protects you when those repairs never stick.

The manufacturer's warranty

  • The manufacturer decides which repairs to attempt.
  • It only obligates them to keep trying — not to actually fix the problem.
  • When the warranty ends, the manufacturer's repair obligation ends.

California's lemon law

  • Kicks in when repeated repairs don't fix a substantial defect.
  • Can require a refund, a replacement vehicle, or a cash settlement.
  • Your legal claim can survive after the warranty ends — if the defect was reported while it was in force.
  • When you win, the manufacturer pays your attorney fees — not you.
Explore WRX defects, rights & FAQs

Common Subaru WRX Problems

The FA20DIT 2.0L turbocharged engine in 2015-2021 WRX models is prone to spun rod bearing failure, particularly on cylinder 4, due to oil starvation under sustained high-RPM driving and inadequate oiling from the factory oil pickup tube.
The 6-speed manual transmission (TY85) in the WRX develops second and third gear synchro wear causing grinding and difficulty shifting, often appearing before 40,000 miles under normal driving conditions.
The FA20DIT engine's direct-injection high-pressure fuel pump (Denso HP3) develops internal scoring that introduces metal shavings into the fuel system, contaminating injectors and requiring complete fuel rail and pump replacement.
Clutch release bearing (throw-out bearing) failure on 2015-2021 WRX models causes a chirping noise that progresses to grinding and eventual clutch disengagement failure, requiring transmission removal for replacement.
The WRX turbocharger wastegate develops a rattle at idle due to actuator rod play in the IHI VF52 turbo unit, which worsens over time and can lead to wastegate valve seat erosion and inconsistent boost control.

Your California Lemon Law Rights

Under California's Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, if your Subaru WRX has a substantial defect that cannot be repaired after a reasonable number of attempts, you may be entitled to:

  • Full refund of the purchase price
  • Replacement vehicle of comparable value
  • Cash compensation (cash-and-keep settlement)
  • Attorney's fees paid by the manufacturer

Subaru WRX Lemon Law FAQ

Can I file a Lemon Law claim for my Subaru WRX if the engine spun a rod bearing under warranty?

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.

Will Subaru deny my WRX Lemon Law claim by blaming aftermarket modifications?

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.

Does the California Lemon Law cover manual transmission problems in my Subaru WRX?

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.

I bought my WRX used with remaining factory warranty. Am I protected under California Lemon Law?

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.

Other Subaru Models We Cover

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