A recent New Jersey Law Journal story by Suzette Parmley, “Settlement Over Subaru Infotainment System, Including $1.5M in Fees, Gets Final Approval” reports that a federal judge has granted final approval to a settlement in a putative nationwide class action against Subaru over its Starlink infotainment system. The settlement could affect some 785,000 owners and lessees, and is valued at roughly $6.25 million. In addition, counsel for the plaintiffs in Udeen v. Subaru of America are to be paid $1.5 million in fees and costs. Senior U.S. District Judge Robert Kugler of the District of New Jersey signed the order approving the final settlement.
“Pursuant to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 23(e), the Court hereby grants final approval of the settlement and finds that it is, in all respects, fair, reasonable, and adequate and in the best interests of the Settlement Class,” the order states.
Under terms of the settlement, owners and lessees of those vehicles are to be compensated based on multiple visits to a Subaru dealer for a Starlink repair or complaint ($150 for two repair visits, $300 for three or more visits—or, at the class member’s election, vouchers that can be used for Subaru service, apparel, or a new vehicle). It also provides for compensation at the rate of $16 per day during the period of time when Starlink replacement head units were on back order.
About 9,590 class members are eligible to receive that amount, according to the documents, which estimate the value of that component of the settlement at $2.08 million. Also, class members who incurred expenses not covered by a voluntary Starlink recall could be refunded up to $90 for costs of alternative transportation. It is unknown how many are in that category.
“Our team is very pleased with the results we achieved for our clients and the class,” said Benjamin Johns of Chimicles Schwartz Kriner & Donaldson-Smith in Haverford, Pennsylvania, counsel to the plaintiffs, in a phone call. “The final approval hearing last week was also apparently the first in-person proceeding in the New Jersey federal court system since the closures from the pandemic,” he added. “It was neat to play a little role in this historic event.”