Who makes airbags for Subaru?
Airbags for Subaru are supplied by third-party manufacturers rather than built in-house. The two primary global suppliers today are Autoliv and Joyson Safety Systems, with legacy Takata inflators having been replaced following the recall crisis.
Key airbags suppliers for Subaru
Subaru sources airbag modules and inflators from multiple suppliers depending on model and market. The two main global players are Autoliv and Joyson Safety Systems, with Takata inflators having been phased out after the recall campaigns.
- Autoliv: A leading global supplier of airbag modules, inflators, and related safety systems. Autoliv provides components for frontal, side, and curtain airbags across various Subaru models and regions.
- Joyson Safety Systems: Formed from consolidations in the safety-systems industry (including assets from Takata). Joyson Safety Systems supplies airbag modules and inflators to Subaru in several markets.
- Legacy Takata inflators (recalled and replaced): During the Takata era, Subaru-equipped vehicles used Takata inflators that were later recalled and replaced as part of global safety campaigns. Those inflators have been phased out in favor of other suppliers.
The exact configuration can vary by model, year and region, and Subaru's official notices and dealer communications reflect the current supplier mix for each vehicle.
Historical context: Takata recall and the shift to new suppliers
The Takata airbag scandal, which came to light in the 2010s, affected millions of vehicles worldwide. Subaru, along with many other automakers, issued recalls to replace inflators that could rupture or deploy improperly. As those campaigns progressed, Subaru and the broader industry pivoted toward diversified supplier relationships—primarily Autoliv and Joyson Safety Systems—to reduce risk and ensure ongoing safety-system availability.
What this meant for owners and customers
For Subaru owners, vehicles previously fitted with Takata inflators were updated through recalls, and current production relies on Autoliv and Joyson Safety Systems in most markets. To confirm the exact supplier for a specific vehicle or to check recall status, consult Subaru’s VIN lookup tools or contact a local dealership.
Current landscape and model-specific notes
Airbag configurations can vary by model year and market. If you need the exact supplier details for a particular Subaru model, refer to the vehicle’s service documentation, official Subaru recall notices, or your dealership’s safety-information resources.
Summary
Subaru relies on external airbag suppliers, with Autoliv and Joyson Safety Systems serving as the primary global providers in recent years. The Takata inflator episode led to large-scale recalls and a transition toward diversified suppliers. For owners, staying informed through official recall tools and dealer communications is the best way to verify the current airbag components in their Subaru vehicle.
