The Recall Desk
SevereNHTSA·19V007000·Announced 2019-01-09

Subaru Recalls Vehicles Due to Front Passenger Air Bag Inflator Defect

Subaru is recalling specific 2010-2014 models because front 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 criteria 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 2010-2014 Subaru Forester, Tribeca, WRX, Outback, Legacy, and 2010-2011 Impreza vehicles. This recall affects vehicles sold or registered in specific states and territories, including Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The affected vehicles are equipped with certain front passenger air bag inflators that may have been installed as original equipment or as replacements.

The defect involves propellant degradation in the air bag inflators caused by long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling. In the event of a crash that requires the front passenger air bag to deploy, the inflator may explode. This explosion can send sharp metal fragments into the vehicle cabin, striking the front seat passenger, driver, or other occupants. The source text states that this hazard may result in serious injury or death.

Subaru has notified owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator free of charge. The recall began on January 25, 2019. Owners can contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614 for more information. Subaru's internal number for this recall is TKA-19. Owners may also contact the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 or visit www.safercar.gov.

The recalled product

Product
SUBARU OUTBACK, FORESTER, LEGACY, IMPREZA
Brand
SUBARU
Manufacturer
Subaru of America, Inc.
Category
Vehicle — Air Bag Inflator
Hazard
Affected units
43,394

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 (7)

  • OUTBACK
  • FORESTER
  • LEGACY
  • IMPREZA
  • TRIBECA
  • B9 TRIBECA
  • WRX

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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