A new lawsuit alleges certain EVs suffer from recurring 12-volt battery failures that render them inoperable, sparking frustration among owners

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Many electric car owners expect the occasional quirk, but repeated breakdowns caused by a faulty battery can quickly test anyone’s patience. That frustration is now at the heart of a legal battle in the States.

A class action lawsuit claims that the Subaru Solterra and its Toyota bZ4x twin fall short of their intended purpose because of persistent problems with their 12-volt batteries. Owners argue that the battery not only drains prematurely but also continues to fail even when replaced, leaving drivers stuck with the same recurring problem.

How A Small Battery Can Paralyze An Entire EV

In the 2023-2025 Solterra and 2023-2025 bZ4x models named in the lawsuit, the 12-volt battery is used to operate a switch between the high-voltage EV battery and the drive motors. Additionally, it powers essential functions such as the windows, seats, HVAC fans, radio, wipers, and lights. Therefore, if it dies, the car becomes completely inoperable.

Read: Toyota Sued Over A Recurring 12V Battery Problem That Kills Its EV

Several owners say they have gone through multiple 12-volt batteries in only a few months, with some cars clocking fewer than 10,000 miles before failure. This has left drivers dealing with a cycle of jumpstarts, replacements, and repeated service visits.

Owners Say Toyota And Subaru Failed To Warn Them

According to the lawsuit, Toyota and Subaru failed to adequately warn customers about the defect. Dealerships are also accused of falling short when attempting to fix the issue, with the battery charging system itself suspected to be the underlying cause.

“This defect… also results in a considerable expenditure of time and out-of-pocket funds by Plaintiffs and Class members, who must jumpstart their vehicles or arrange for them to be towed, wait for dealerships to charge or replace batteries, arrange separate transportation to school, work, medical appointments, and so on,” the legal filing states.

A total of 10 plaintiffs are named in the class action. Some of them have had their 12-volt batteries replaced free of charge under warranty, but even new units can also quickly fail.

This is not the first time the matter has gone before a judge. Toyota was previously sued by California bZ4x owner John Wade, and his complaint has since been rolled into the current class action along with others from around the country.