DEAR SUZANNE
By Suzanne Henderson
LETTER 204 – From Jessie D. from Aurora, CO
Dear Suzanne,
I thought getting my first car would mean freedom and independence, but instead, it’s been nothing but stress. My family passed down this SUV to me, and while I’m beyond grateful, it’s been a constant headache. When it’s not shutting off at stoplights, it randomly slows to 15 mph before jolting back to normal speeds.
I got this 2023 Subaru WRX about eight months ago, and I’m already panicking over repair costs. At this point, I don’t know whether to keep fixing it or cut my losses and see if the Lemon Law can help.
The Engine That Shuts Off at Stoplights
The first issue started early on. The engine shuts off completely when I’m idling for more than 12-15 seconds—not like a smooth auto start-stop system, but a full, gut-wrenching shutdown. Imagine sitting in traffic, knowing your car might just decide it’s done.
I usually have to restart it manually, which isn’t fun for the drivers behind me. But things only got worse from there.
Sudden, Random Speed Drops
Before I had a chance to deal with the stalling, a new problem showed up. Out of nowhere, my car would lose speed from about 35-40 mph down to 15 mph. A few seconds later, it would surge back up, jerking violently. If I were on a rollercoaster, it might be fun—but not when I’m in traffic trying to avoid getting rear-ended.
I took it to the Subaru dealership, and their response? “We can’t replicate the issue.” Of course, you can’t. My car only acts up when I’m already running late.
Burnt Rubber Smell & a Flickering ABS Light
Every time I parked, I noticed a strong burnt rubber smell. I checked the tires—nothing. Brakes—also fine. But the smell didn’t go away.
Then the ABS light started flashing on and off randomly. It would disappear just as quickly as it appeared, leaving me wondering if I imagined it. But I know what I saw.
At this point, I was dealing with five different issues, none with a clear fix. Frustrated, I left my car at the dealership for nearly a month. When I picked it up, all the problems had mysteriously vanished. The dealer was vague about what they did, which only made me more suspicious.
Heat System Gone Rogue
Speaking of things that make no sense, my heating system is unpredictable. On cold mornings, I turn it on, enjoy the warmth, and then—boom—freezing air blasts from the vents.
It first seemed like a one-time thing, but it kept happening. At the same time, the engine temperature would spike as if I were aggressively revving it. The dealership topped off the coolant and checked for leaks, but the heater still switches between sauna and freezer at will.
It’s also worth mentioning the car had been unusually loud for months before this started. I’m not sure if it’s connected, but it feels like all these issues are tied together somehow.
Shifting Gears: A Battle
A manual transmission in a Subaru should be a driver’s dream, but mine is a nightmare. Shifting gears became a struggle—I had to push the clutch pedal all the way to the floor just to change gears. Even then, it felt rough, especially going into first.
Sometimes, the clutch would fight back and jerk the car forward as I released it. The fluid reservoir wasn’t low, so I knew that wasn’t the issue.
The dealership installed a Clutch Master Cylinder Brace, hoping it would help. At first, nothing changed. But after a few days, shifting magically went back to normal. Why? No idea. Maybe my Subaru has mood swings.
So, What Now?
While my car seems fine for now, I don’t trust it. I feel like these problems are just waiting to come back at the worst possible time. Before that happens, I want to be prepared. What can the Lemon Law do for me? How can a Lemon Law lawyer help? Do I have to pay for their services? And most importantly, how do I even start the process of filing a claim?
Jessie D. from Aurora, CO
Colorado Lemon Law and Your 2023 Subaru WRX—Is It Time to Take Action?
Dear Jessie,
I completely understand your frustration. A car—especially your first car—should mean freedom and reliability, not constant stress and unpredictable breakdowns. The issues you’ve described with your 2023 Subaru WRX are more than just annoying—they’re serious safety hazards. Dealing with a dealership that won’t acknowledge the problems only adds to the headache.
Let’s go over what the Colorado Lemon Law could do for you and how you can take the next steps toward a real solution.
What Can the Lemon Law Do for Me?
The Colorado Lemon Law is designed to protect car owners from defective vehicles that can’t be properly repaired. Since your WRX is still under a year old, it may qualify if the same issues keep coming back after multiple repair attempts. Under the law, if a manufacturer fails to fix a substantial defect after a reasonable number of tries, you could be entitled to a replacement vehicle or a full refund.
For your situation, the key is whether these issues continue and whether the dealership has had a fair shot at fixing them. Keep a detailed record of every visit to the dealership, including repair invoices, dates, and what was (or wasn’t) fixed.
What Can Lemon Lawyers Do for Me?
A lemon law attorney can help you fight for a fair outcome if Subaru isn’t cooperating. They can review your repair records, determine if your case is strong, and handle all the legal steps for you. The best part? Most lemon law attorneys work on a contingency basis, meaning they don’t get paid unless they win your case. That means no upfront legal fees for you.
Do I Have to Pay for Their Services?
No, you likely won’t have to pay out of pocket for legal help. In successful lemon law claims, manufacturers are required to cover attorney fees. This means you can get professional legal help without the financial risk, making it a smart move if you’re struggling to get Subaru to take responsibility.
How Do I File a Lemon Law Claim?
The first step is gathering all your repair records, warranty details, and any written communication with the dealership. If the same problem keeps happening and Subaru still hasn’t fixed it after multiple visits, it’s time to talk to a lemon law attorney. They’ll review your case, let you know if you qualify, and guide you through the process of filing a claim.
Next Steps
I strongly recommend reaching out to a knowledgeable Colorado lemon law attorney as soon as possible. They can assess your case, handle the legal side of things, and help you get the resolution you deserve. Having the right legal support can make all the difference in getting Subaru to take your complaints seriously.
I know this situation has been exhausting, but you don’t have to keep dealing with an unreliable car. You’ve done everything right by taking it to the dealership and documenting the problems. Now, it’s time to take action and get the reliable car you should have had from the start. If Subaru won’t make it right, the law is on your side.
Suzanne
Free Legal Advice About Your 2023 Subaru WRX Lemon Law Claim
Dear reader, are your vehicle problems ruining your life? Confused about what legal route to take? We’re here to help! Find information about Texas’ lemon law protections here, fill out the form on this page, or give us a call at (833) 743-1990 to discuss your situation with someone who understands how frustrating it can be to have a lemon car, and what to do about it.
DEAR SUZANNE is a weekly column written by Suzanne Henderson and published in LemonLawyers.ORG. If you have a defective lemon vehicle and have questions about Colorado Lemon Lawyer or how to file a claim, please write to [email protected]. While not guaranteed, we will try to feature your letter in this column to provide you the answers you need, as well as enlighten other consumers who may have lemon problems similar to yours.
Disclaimer: Suzanne Henderson is not a lawyer and the points discussed here are intended for general information and reference purposes only and not to be construed as legal advice. Please consult a Colorado Lemon Law Attorney to get proper legal advice about your lemon law claim.
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Featured Images:
- 2023 Subaru WRX ©Ethan Llamas (CC BY-SA 4.0)
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