The 2023–2025 Subaru Solterra was designed to lead Subaru's entry into the electric vehicle market, promising reliability and innovation. Yet, hundreds of owners have found themselves stranded because of a far less advanced part of the car — the Solterra 12V battery. Reports of Subaru Solterra problems related to dead auxiliary batteries are mounting, leading to widespread frustration, online discussions, and now, a Solterra battery issues class action lawsuit.

Repeated 12V Battery Failures Leave Owners Stranded

Across the United States, Solterra drivers report their vehicles becoming completely inoperable due to a drained 12-volt battery — even when the high-voltage EV battery is fully charged. The 12V battery powers the electronics and ignition system, so when it dies, the car won't even start or unlock.

One Solterra owner described on an EV forum:

“My Solterra has died six times in less than a year. It just goes completely dead — no power, no lights, nothing. Subaru can't find a cause.”

Another driver complained to NHTSA that their Subaru Solterra 12V battery failed twice within two months of purchase. The dealer replaced the battery, but the issue soon returned.

By mid-2025, dozens of official complaints had been filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) about the Solterra's electrical system. Some owners reported multiple dead batteries within the first 5,000–10,000 miles, while others said the problem occurred after leaving the car parked for just 48 hours.

No Recall, No Permanent Fix

Despite the growing number of reports, there is no Subaru Solterra recall addressing the 12V battery defect. Dealerships have been replacing the auxiliary batteries under the Subaru Solterra warranty, but replacement batteries often fail again within weeks.

As of late 2025, Subaru has not issued a technical service bulletin or software update to address the underlying cause. Owners say dealers cannot replicate the failure during testing, leaving them caught in an endless cycle of dead batteries, jump-starts, and tows.

The lack of a Solterra recall stands out given Subaru's history of acting quickly on other issues. For example, the brand recalled early 2023 Solterras for wheel hub bolt defects that could cause wheels to detach. Yet, the company has remained silent on what many see as a far more common reliability issue.

The Subaru Solterra Class Action Lawsuit

In 2025, Solterra owners joined a class action lawsuit against both Subaru and Toyota (its manufacturing partner). The suit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California, claims the companies sold vehicles that were “not fit for ordinary use” due to defective 12V charging systems.

The plaintiffs include several Solterra owners who experienced recurring dead batteries despite multiple dealer visits and replacements. The lawsuit alleges Subaru knew of the issue before selling the vehicles but failed to disclose it or fix the defect. The case seeks reimbursement for towing, battery replacements, and diminished resale value, as well as an extension of the Solterra battery warranty.

Industry Context and Owner Frustration

The Solterra isn't alone — similar 12V issues have affected other EVs, including Ford's Mustang Mach-E and Hyundai's Ioniq 5. However, unlike those manufacturers, Subaru has not released a fix. For many Solterra owners, the only “solution” is to keep a portable jump-starter in the trunk.

As one owner wrote on a Solterra forum:

“I shouldn't have to carry a jump pack in a brand-new electric car.”

Such statements capture the growing frustration among EV owners who expected Subaru's reputation for dependability to carry over to its first electric model.

How Our Law Office Can Help

Owners with substantial and recurring problems may be entitled to a refund or replacement under lemon law. Other owners may have claims for breach of warranty under the Magnuson-Moss Act.

If your 2023–2025 Subaru Solterra has experienced repeated 12V battery failures or electrical shutdowns, contact our law office today for a free consultation. We help consumers in New York and New Jersey recover compensation for defective vehicles — and many cases are handled on contingency*.

Sources:

• NHTSA Vehicle Page: 2024 Subaru Solterra (SUV/AWD)
• Yahoo Autos: Toyota, Subaru Sued by EV Owners Over Dead 12V Batteries
• The Lemon Firm: Toyota and Subaru Hit with Class Action Lawsuit Over Repeated 12V Battery Failures
• Subaru Battery Settlement – Official Settlement Site
• Facebook – Subaru Solterra Owners Group Discussion on 12V Failures
• CarComplaints: 2023 Subaru Solterra Overview
• CarComplaints: Subaru Solterra & Toyota bZ4X Dead 12V Battery Lawsuit
• CarComplaints: Toyota & Subaru 12V Battery Problems Lawsuit
• Road & Track: Subaru Solterra, Toyota bZ4X 12-Volt Battery Class Action Lawsuit

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* While we handle many claims on a contingency basis, no guarantee is made of a particular result. We evaluate each claim individually, and arrangements may vary – these will be set forth in a written agreement. We are happy to discuss our procedures and welcome any questions you may have.