Subaru Outback, Legacy recalled for airbag failure

Subaru has recalled the 2020-2022 Subaru Outback crossover SUV and the 2020-2022 Subaru Legacy sedan for a cracked sensor that could prevent the front passenger airbag from deploying in a crash, the NHTSA disclosed Monday. 

The vehicles can have a deformed circuit board that can crack a capacitor, and over time it can lead to a short-circuit. The short-circuit could disable the Occupant Detection System (ODS), which is the sensor that detects if a passenger is sitting in the front seat and if the airbag should deploy in a crash. If the sensor can’t detect a passenger, it can’t deploy the passenger airbag, thereby increasing the risk of injury and prompting the recall. 

The recall affects 118,723 cars, mostly of the Subaru Outback. A total of 15,609 Legacy models were included in the recall, and the rest were Outbacks. 

Occupants might notice the SRS airbag system light appear in the instrument cluster, or a front passenger airbag indicator reading “Off,” even when the passenger seat is occupied. If this is the case, the sensor has short-circuited. 

Subaru is aware of 253 warranty claims for the front passenger airbag issue, but it knows of no related injuries or crashes. 

Owners can expect notification by mail as early as May 21, and will be instructed to take their vehicles into a Subaru dealer to be inspected and potentially to have all four ODS sensors in the front passenger seat replaced. It will cost nothing but time to Subaru owners, and reimbursement will be provided to those who have had the work done out of pocket. 

For more info, contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614 or visit Subaru’s recall page here.