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A class action suit filed against Subaru alleges some models burn too much oil as a result of an engine defect.

(Associated Press file photo)

Five models of Subarus have a defect that can lead to engine failure while the vehicles are being driven, a class action suit filed in federal court in Camden charges.

The suit, Yaeger v. Subaru of America, 14-cv-4490, asserts piston rings in the cars wear out quickly and that the vehicles burn an excessive amount of oil.

The story was first reported by New Jersey Law Journal.

Subaru headquarters are in Cherry Hill.

The company sent out technical service bulletins that suggest replacing the piston rings but the recommendations led to costly repairs and haven't corrected the problem, car owners have said.

"We are aware of the filing and while we believe the oil consumption of our vehicles to be within acceptable levels, we continually work to reduce the amount of consumable goods, such as oil, that our vehicles require to operate," Subaru spokesman Michael McHale said in a statement emailed to The Star-Ledger.

The suit claims the New Jersey Consumer Fraud act was violated and that Subaru breached the warranty it offers on its vehicles, the Law Journal reported

The affected vehicles, according to the suit are the 2011-2014 Forester 2.5L, 2013 Legacy 2.5L, 2013 Outback 2.5L, 2012-2013 Impreza 2.0L and 2013 XV Crosstrek 2.0L.

Earlier this month Subaru announced it has recalled more than 660,000 cars and SUVs, including models bought in New Jersey, because the brake lines can rust and leak fluid, and that can mean it will take longer to stop the vehicles.

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