What Subarus are being recalled for airbags?

A number of Subaru models have been recalled for airbags in recent years, largely due to Takata inflator recalls. The exact models and model years affected vary by VIN, so the right approach is to check your vehicle’s VIN against official recall notices from NHTSA or Subaru. This article outlines which Subarus have appeared in airbag recall campaigns and how to verify your own vehicle.

Which Subarus have been recalled for airbags

The Takata airbag inflator recall affected many automakers and years. Subaru has issued multiple recalls across different model years for various models. The Subaru models that have appeared in recall notices among Subaru vehicles include Forester, Outback, Legacy, Impreza, Crosstrek, WRX, and BRZ. The exact eligibility depends on the vehicle’s VIN and production date, so a specific car may be affected even if the model page lists others.

• Subaru Forester


• Subaru Outback


• Subaru Legacy


• Subaru Impreza


• Subaru Crosstrek


• Subaru WRX/STI


• Subaru BRZ

Because recall eligibility is determined by VIN and production batch, it is essential to check with official sources for your exact vehicle.

How to verify if your Subaru is recalled

To determine whether your specific Subaru is affected by an airbag recall, use your VIN and consult official recall databases. Follow these steps:

• Locate your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). It can be found on the driver's side dashboard near the windshield or on the driver’s door jamb.


• Visit the official recall lookup portals, such as the NHTSA recall database at nhtsa.gov/recalls, and Subaru's own recall page.


• Enter your VIN to view all open recalls, including airbag inflator campaigns, and note the action required.


• If an open recall is listed, contact your Subaru dealer to schedule a free replacement of the inflator or affected component.

Even if there is no active recall for your VIN, subscribe to recall alerts or periodically re-check, because new campaigns can be issued and VIN-specific determinations can change over time.

What to do if your vehicle is recalled

If your Subaru is listed in an airbag recall, do not delay scheduling service. Airbag inflators under recall can malfunction and pose a safety risk. Dealers must replace the inflator or module at no cost to you.

• Do not ignore the warning lights; if the airbag indicator is on, prioritize a check.


• Book a replacement appointment as soon as possible with an authorized dealer.


• Follow up to verify the recall has been completed and obtain documentation of the service.

The goal is to ensure your airbags will deploy properly in a crash and that you remain safe on the road.

Summary

Subaru has faced airbag recalls tied to Takata inflators and other inflator issues across several models, with the exact cars affected varying by VIN. To know if your specific Subaru is recalled, check the VIN against official recall databases from NHTSA or Subaru and contact a dealer to arrange free repairs if needed.

Which Subaru models have Takata airbags?

Which Subaru Models Have Takata Airbags?

• 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback;
• 2003-2006 Baja;
• 2004-2011 Impreza, including WRX and STI;
• 2012-2014 WRX and STI;
• 2009-2013 Forester; and.
• 2006-2014 Tribeca.

Is there a recall on Subaru airbags?

Subaru has two main airbag recall issues: a widespread Takata passenger-side inflator recall for various older models and a recall for certain 2020-2022 Outback and Legacy vehicles where the front passenger airbag may not deploy due to a faulty sensor. You can check your specific vehicle's recall status using its VIN on the Subaru website or the NHTSA website. If your vehicle is affected by the Takata recall, the recommendation is to not use the front passenger seat until it is repaired. 
Subaru airbag recalls
1. Takata passenger airbag inflator recall 

• Issue: A defect in Takata-supplied passenger-side front airbag inflators could cause them to rupture and send metal fragments into the cabin during a crash. 
• Affected vehicles: A wide range of older Subaru models, including specific 2003-2005 Baja, 2004-2005 Impreza, and 2003-2008 Legacy and Outback models. The recall was phased and prioritized based on heat and humidity. 
• Action: Do not use the front passenger seat until the recall repair is completed. 
• How to check: Use your VIN on the Subaru website's recall page. 

2. Passenger airbag may not deploy recall 

• Issue: A faulty sensor in the Occupant Detection System (ODS) can cause a short circuit, leading the system to incorrectly turn off the passenger airbag. 
• Affected vehicles: 2020-2022 Subaru Outback and Legacy models. 
• How to check: Use your VIN on the Subaru website's recall page. 

How to check and what to do

• Check your VIN: Go to the Subaru website or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website and enter your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to see if your car is part of a recall. 
• Contact a dealer: If your vehicle is affected, contact a local Subaru dealer to schedule a free repair. 
• Do not use the front passenger seat: For the Takata recall, it is recommended to avoid using the front passenger seat until the repair is completed. 

What models are affected by the airbag recall?

Many car brands, including Acura, BMW, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, Honda, and Toyota, have issued recalls for airbag issues, primarily due to the well-known Takata airbag inflator recall, which can explode and send metal fragments flying. More recently, Chrysler recalled certain 2022-2025 Pacifica and Voyager models for side curtain airbags, and GM has expanded recalls for certain older Cruze and Verano models over potential roof rail airbag inflator ruptures. To check if your specific vehicle is affected, you can use the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's VIN lookup tool. 
Major airbag recalls

• Takata airbag recall: This is the largest automotive recall in U.S. history and involves multiple manufacturers. The defective inflators can rupture, leading to serious injury or death. 
  • Affected Brands: Acura, Audi, BMW, Chrysler, Dodge, Ferrari, Ford, GM, Honda, Infiniti, Jaguar, Lexus, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Saab, Saturn, Scion, Subaru, Tesla, Toyota, and Volkswagen are among the many brands with affected vehicles. 
  • "Do Not Drive" Warnings: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has issued "do not drive" warnings for certain older Ford, Mazda, Lincoln, and Mercury vehicles still equipped with these airbags. 
• Other recent recalls:
  • Chrysler: Recalled over 250,000 Pacifica and Voyager minivans (model years 2022-2025) for side curtain airbag issues. 
  • General Motors (GM): Continues to expand recalls for certain older Cruze and Verano models due to potential ruptures in the roof rail airbags. 
  • Toyota: Recalled certain Corolla, Highlander, and Tacoma models, and certain Lexus NX and RX models for airbag issues. 

How to check for recalls

• Use the VIN lookup tool: The most reliable way to check is to visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's VIN lookup tool or NHTSA.gov/recalls and enter your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). 
• Contact the manufacturer: You can also check the recall information on the respective manufacturer's website, such as General Motors' website or Honda's website. 

Which Subaru models are being recalled?

Recent Subaru recalls include the 2023-2025 Solterra for potential wheel detachment, the 2025 Forester for a defogger issue, and 2020-2022 Outback and Legacy models for their passenger seat ODS sensors. Other recalls involve the 2024 Crosstrek and Impreza for turn signal problems and 2019-2020 Ascent, 2018-2020 Impreza/Legacy/Outback for fuel pump failures. To find recalls specific to your vehicle, use the VIN lookup tool on Subaru's official recall page. 
Recent recalls by model year

• 2025 Subaru Forester: Recalled for a defroster/defogger system issue. 
• 2024 Subaru Crosstrek and Impreza: Recalled for a problem with the turn signal exterior lighting. 
• 2023-2025 Subaru Solterra: Recalled because improperly tightened hub bolts can cause wheels to detach. 
• 2020-2022 Subaru Outback and Legacy: Recalled to replace the Occupant Detection System (ODS) sensors on the front passenger seat. 
• 2021 Subaru Crosstrek, 2022 Forester, and 2021-23 Legacy and Outback: Subject to various recalls depending on the specific component and issue. 

Other notable recalls

• 2019-2020 Subaru Ascent; 2018-2020 Subaru Impreza, Legacy, and Outback: Recalled due to a low-pressure fuel pump failure. 
• 2023 Subaru Solterra: Also had a recall for issues with the front control arms. 
• Various models (e.g., 2017-2019 Impreza): Recalled for problems with headlights, potentially increasing the risk of a crash. 

How to check for recalls

• Use the VIN: The most accurate way to check for recalls is by using your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on Subaru's official recall lookup tool or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website. 
• Contact a dealer: You can also contact a Subaru dealership and provide them with your VIN to see if your vehicle is affected by any recalls.