The Recall Desk
SevereNHTSA·14V763000·Announced 2014-12-01

Subaru Recalls 2003-2005 Models for Air Bag Inflator Rupture Risk

Subaru is recalling 2003-2005 Legacy, Outback, and Baja vehicles in high-humidity areas because the passenger air bag inflator may rupture during deployment.

What this means for you

Illness, injury, or structural failure has been reported. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.

Our severity reasoning: The source text explicitly states that the defect could result in 'serious injury or death' due to metal fragments striking occupants, which aligns with the rubric criteria for a Severe rating involving significant injury reports or potential for serious harm.

Plain-English summary

Subaru of America, Inc. is recalling certain model year 2003-2005 Legacy, Outback, and Baja vehicles. This recall applies specifically to vehicles sold or ever registered in geographic locations associated with high absolute humidity, including Puerto Rico, Hawaii, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, Saipan, American Samoa, Florida, adjacent counties in southern Georgia, and coastal areas of Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas.

The defect involves the passenger side frontal air bag inflator. Upon deployment, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment, the rupturing inflator could release metal fragments that strike vehicle occupants, potentially resulting in serious injury or death.

Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflator free of charge. The recall began on January 15, 2015. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783 or the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236. Note that this recall supersedes 14V-471 and has been partially superseded by 15V-323, which covers all 2005 model year Legacy and Outback vehicles.

The recalled product

Product
SUBARU OUTBACK, LEGACY, BAJA
Brand
SUBARU
Manufacturer
Subaru of America, Inc.
Category
Vehicle — Air Bag
Hazard
Affected units
4,175

Is your product affected?

Check your packaging against the codes below. If any of them match, the product is part of this recall.

Model numbers (3)

  • OUTBACK
  • LEGACY
  • BAJA

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

Related recalls

Same brand · SUBARU

Same manufacturer · Subaru of America, Inc.

See all →

Same hazard · air bag rupture

See all →