Which Subaru models have Takata airbags?
Subaru vehicles across several model lines were affected by Takata airbag inflator recalls; the exact models and years depend on the vehicle’s VIN. To confirm for a specific car, check the VIN against official recall databases or contact a dealer.
Overview of Takata recalls and Subaru’s involvement
Takata airbags were involved in a global safety campaign because certain inflators could rupture and cause injury during deployment. Subaru, like many automakers, issued multiple campaigns over the years to replace affected inflators. The scope spanned several Subaru model families built across the 2000s and early 2010s. In practice, most of the affected inflators have been replaced through ongoing recalls, but VIN-based verification remains essential for any older Subaru vehicle.
Subaru models commonly affected by Takata airbag recalls
Below is a representative list of Subaru model families that were publicly identified in Takata inflator recall campaigns. Exact years and VIN ranges vary, so use the checks described to confirm for a specific vehicle.
- Legacy and Outback
- Impreza (sedan and wagon)
- Forester
- WRX and WRX STI
- Tribeca
- Baja
The list above is representative, not exhaustive. The most reliable source is the VIN-based recall search, which will show all open and completed campaigns for a given vehicle.
How to check if your Subaru is affected
To determine whether your specific car needs airbag replacement, perform VIN-based checks on official recall portals. The steps below guide you through the process.
- Visit the NHTSA SaferCar.gov recall search and enter your vehicle's 17-character VIN.
- Visit Subaru's official recalls portal or call Subaru Customer Service to check recall status by VIN.
- If a recall is active, schedule a free replacement at an authorized Subaru dealer or service center.
Note: TAKATA recalls have been rolled out in multiple phases, and replacements have been issued for most affected vehicles. However, some older vehicles may still show active or incomplete campaigns by VIN, so always verify with official sources.
What to expect during a recall repair
During a recall repair, the dealer replaces the inflator assemblies with non-defective units. The process is safety-critical and typically performed at no cost to the owner. Depending on the campaign, both driver and passenger airbags or the entire airbag module may be replaced, and in some cases ancillary components are updated as well.
Because recalls can involve multiple campaigns over time, an inspection may identify additional safety updates beyond the initial Takata inflator replacement.
Summary
In summary, several Subaru model families—most notably Legacy/Outback, Impreza, Forester, WRX/WRX STI, Tribeca, and Baja—were affected by Takata airbag inflator recalls. The exact models and years depend on the vehicle’s VIN, so owners should perform a VIN-based recall check through NHTSA or Subaru’s recall portal and arrange replacements if prompted. Staying current with official recall information remains the best way to ensure airbag safety.
