Local Subaru distributor says PH units unaffected by US battery issue

MANILA: Motor Image Pilipinas Incorporated, the distributor of Subaru in the Philippine market, has released a statement indicating that local units are unaffected by the battery performance issue that has already become a legal filing in the United States. 

Per the brand’s local distributor, its technical team has already referred to the service records for its units sold in the Philippines. The aforementioned, Motor Image Pilipinas says, has not indicated an increase in battery-related concerns for locally-sold units. 

In light of these findings, Motor Image Pilipinas assures its clients that the “performance of the Subaru vehicles remains consistent with standard operating expectations.” 

Regardless, the company is currently coordinating with Subaru Corporation to shed more light on the issue. Specifically, the company is confirming if the specific components mentioned in the legal filing may also affect cars sold locally. 

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Subaru battery legal filing: backgrounder

For the unaware, a class action lawsuit was recently filed in the New Jersey federal court alleging that Subaru models produced from 2021-2024 have a design flaw that may cause premature battery failure. 

The legal filing further specified that examples of the Outback, Forester, Crosstrek, WRX, and Evoltis from the said time period are suffering from a parasitic drain. The class action lawsuit was filed against Subaru of America Incorporated and Subaru Corporation (Japan). 

Of course, a parasitic drain is a huge annoyance for a customer because a battery replacement won’t fix the problem. What’s worse is the potential of being left stranded because of a drained battery - a huge headache for people in the middle of roadtrips or for those relying on their Subies as a daily driver. 

Interestingly enough, this isn’t the first time Subaru has faced a lawsuit over alleged battery issues. In fact, a previous (and similar) lawsuit was filed in 2023 but was resolved through a settlement. 

Also read:

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Subaru starts producing BEVs in Yajima facility

Subaru e-Outback makes appearance in Singapore Motorshow 2026, presented alongside Solterra XT

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