The Recall Desk
SevereNHTSA·18V014000·Announced 2018-01-09

Subaru Recalls 2009 Models Due to Air Bag Inflator Explosion Risk

Subaru is recalling 2009 Forester, Legacy, Impreza, Tribeca, WRX, and Outback vehicles because the passenger air bag inflators may explode during deployment, posing a risk of serious injury or death.

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 may result in 'serious injury or death,' which aligns with the rubric criterion for a score of 4 (Severe) involving significant injury reports or potential for serious harm.

Plain-English summary

Subaru of America, Inc. is recalling certain 2009 Tribeca, Impreza, Forester, WRX, Legacy, and Outback vehicles. These vehicles were sold or registered in specific states including Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. The recall affects approximately 72,150 vehicles.

The defect involves certain air bag inflators used in the passenger frontal air bag modules. Due to propellant degradation caused by long-term exposure to humidity and temperature cycling, these inflators may explode if the air bag deploys in a crash. An explosion could send sharp metal fragments into the vehicle, striking the front seat passenger, driver, or other occupants, which may result in serious injury or death.

Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflators free of charge. The recall began on February 9, 2018. Owners can contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783 or the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.

The recalled product

Product
SUBARU FORESTER, LEGACY, IMPREZA, TRIBECA
Brand
SUBARU
Manufacturer
Subaru of America, Inc.
Category
Vehicle — Air Bag Inflator
Hazard
Affected units
72,150

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 (6)

  • FORESTER
  • LEGACY
  • IMPREZA
  • TRIBECA
  • OUTBACK
  • WRX

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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