Some 2011-2014 Subaru Forester, 2013 Outback, 2013 Legacy, 2013 XV Crosstrek and 2012-2013 Impreza may use more oil than what is normal. Here’s an update and a Q&A that may help consumers who are experiencing oil consumption issues with these vehicles.

We received more information from Girard Gibbs Law Group who filed an amended complaint in a class action lawsuit against Subaru on September 17, 2014. The lawsuit alleges that certain Subaru vehicles have defective engines, which burn a substantial portion of their oil. The lawsuit also alleges that this defect can damage the engine and other components, create a risk of stalling, and can lead to increased emissions and decreased fuel efficiency.

The lawsuit also alleges that Subaru sold and leased vehicles without disclosing that they consume a substantial portion of their engine oil. Below are some Frequently Asked Questions and answers from Girard Gibbs Law Group for consumers who own one of these vehicles.

Q. Which vehicles are included?

A. The plaintiffs have asked the court to let this case cover a class that includes everyone who purchased or leased the following Subaru vehicles:

2011-2014 Forester (with 2.5-liter engines)

2013 Legacy (with 2.5-liter engines)

2013 Outback (with 2.5-liter engines)

2012-2013 Impreza (with 2.0-liter engines)

2013 XV Crosstrek (with 2.0-liter engines)

Because the court has a role in deciding who is included in the class, it’s possible that the scope of the class could change. Girard Gibbs Law Group will provide updates if that happens.

Q. Why aren’t other Subaru models included in the class?

A. This lawsuit focuses on an alleged oil consumption defect in Subaru FB engines. Not all Subaru vehicles have FB engines installed in them.

Q. I have one of the vehicles listed above - what can I do?

A. If you have not already done so, Girard Gibbs Law Group recommends you contact Subaru of America's customer support and inform them of your oil consumption issue. They may request you take your vehicle to an authorized Subaru dealership to have the defect diagnosed and documented. The dealership may require you to undergo an oil consumption test where the dealership will fill your vehicle up with oil and have you return at various mileages to measure the oil consumption.

The Law Group also recommends that you keep a log of when and how much oil you have been required to add to your vehicle between oil changes. Please also be sure to keep any receipts of vehicle repairs and engine oil that you purchase to resolve the issue.

Q. How can I stay up-to-date on the status of the case?

Consumers can go to the Girard Gibbs Law Group website and get updates on the case.

If you own one of the Subaru vehicles with the engine listed above, and you are experiencing excessive oil consumption, take your vehicle in to your Subaru dealer and ask for an "oil consumption test." But keep in mind, it’s been reported that some Subaru dealers are telling owners that the oil consumption issue is “normal” and that normal usage is 1 quart every 1200 miles.

Not all Subarus have this issue, but if your Forester, Outback, Legacy, XV Crosstrek or Impreza with the FB engine does, take it to the dealer who should change the oil free of cost, and ask you to come back in 1200 miles. If the oil usage is over their acceptable specifications, they could replace the piston rings to correct the problem. Stay tuned.