Subaru Vehicle Owners’ Class Fuel Pump Defect Claims Trimmed

A recall by Subaru of America Inc. and its parent company didn’t make moot a proposed class action over vehicle stalling and acceleration problems blamed on fuel pumps, and many of the claims can proceed, a federal court in New Jersey ruled.

But the Motor Vehicle Safety Act preempts the consumers’ claim that Subaru conducted its recall negligently, Judge Joseph H. Rodriguez said for the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey. And many of the 34 vehicle owners’ claims must be dismissed, he said.

Subaru is among several automakers facing litigation over Denso Corp. low-pressure fuel pumps. ...