What is the Subaru airbag problem?
The Subaru airbag problem centers on the global Takata inflator recalls that affected Subaru vehicles, risking inflator rupture and metal fragments in a crash. Subaru has participated in the recalls and is replacing affected inflators at no cost to owners.
Root cause and scope of the problem
The issue stems from Takata-brand airbag inflators that used an ammonium-nitrate propellant. Over time, particularly in hot and humid climates, the inflators can deteriorate and rupture when deployed, sending shrapnel into the passenger compartment. The defect led to a sweeping recall across many automakers, including Subaru, and became one of the largest automotive safety campaigns in history, spanning years and billions of dollars in replacements.
Which Subaru models were affected
Subaru vehicles across multiple model years were included in the Takata inflator recalls. Because the recall was issued in waves and tied to production dates and regional safety regulators, the exact affected years vary by market. Owners should verify with their VIN through official recall sites or Subaru's recall portal to determine if their specific vehicle is under recall and eligible for a free inflator replacement.
What owners should do
The following steps help ensure a safe and timely resolution for Subaru drivers who might be affected by the Takata airbag recall.
- Check recall status with official sources. Visit SaferCar.gov (USA) or the equivalent authority in your country and enter your vehicle identification number (VIN) to see if you’re affected.
- Cross-check Subaru’s official recall page or contact a local Subaru dealer. Use your VIN to confirm eligibility and schedule a free replacement.
- Do not attempt DIY repairs or disable airbags. If you have a known recall or a warning light, arrange a dealer visit promptly.
- Prepare for replacement timing. Some campaigns required temporary service steps; others replaced inflators during a single appointment. Plan accordingly.
- Be aware of growth in severe cases. If you experience an airbag warning light or unusual airbag deployment behavior, contact the dealer immediately and consider not driving the vehicle until inspected if the recall is active in your area.
Subaru and regulatory agencies emphasize that inflator replacements are performed at no cost to owners and are prioritized to minimize risk.
Current status and safety considerations
Most Takata inflators have been replaced worldwide through recall campaigns. However, the risk of inflator rupture was higher in older vehicles and in hot, humid climates, which means some regional recalls remained active into the mid-2020s. Owners should periodically re-check recall status, especially if they recently purchased a used Subaru and are unsure of the vehicle’s recall history.
What Subaru has said and what’s next
Manufacturer and safety regulator communications have focused on expediting inflator replacements and communicating risk to drivers. The recall programs continue to wind down as replacements are completed, with new recalls typically announced only if a previously overlooked inflation design is identified or if ongoing data indicates residual risk.
Summary
In brief, the Subaru airbag problem is tied to the Takata inflator recalls that affected a broad swath of vehicles globally, including Subaru models. The issue involved the potential rupture of inflators and deployment of sharp fragments in a crash. Owners should verify their VIN, schedule free replacements with an authorized dealer, and stay informed through official recalls portals. The situation has largely been resolved through replacement campaigns, but checks remain important for older models and certain regions.
