Who makes Subaru airbags?
Subaru airbags are supplied by multiple external manufacturers, not produced in-house; Autoliv is a primary supplier in many markets, with other common inflator suppliers including Daicel, Toyoda Gosei, ZF Friedrichshafen (TRW), and Joyson Safety Systems. The exact supplier depends on the model, year, and region.
Airbag supply chains in the auto industry are complex and evolve with recalls, partnerships, and regional production. This article examines the main suppliers historically linked to Subaru, how the landscape has shifted since the Takata recall, and how owners can verify which supplier equips their vehicle.
Common airbag suppliers for Subaru vehicles
Below is a snapshot of the major airbag suppliers traditionally associated with Subaru models. Exact part numbers and inflator configurations vary by model, year, and market.
- Autoliv
- Daicel
- Toyoda Gosei
- ZF Friedrichshafen AG (formerly TRW)
- Joyson Safety Systems
In practice, Subaru's airbag supply is spread across several Tier 1 manufacturers, with the dominant partners frequently shifting by region and production period.
Historical context: Takata recall and supplier transitions
The Takata airbag inflator recall affected Subaru and many other automakers, triggering replacements with non-Takata inflators. Since the recall era, Subaru and its suppliers have continued to update and diversify inflator sources, relying on Autoliv, Daicel, Toyoda Gosei, ZF, Joyson Safety Systems, and others depending on the market and model year. The goal has been to maintain safe, compliant airbag systems across Subaru’s global lineup.
What owners can do to identify their airbag supplier
To learn which supplier is used in your specific Subaru, you can take the following steps:
- Check the VIN-based recall and service information through Subaru’s official portal or your country’s vehicle-safety authority (e.g., NHTSA in the United States). These records often note airbag inflator replacements and supplier details when relevant.
- Contact a Subaru dealer or Subaru customer service with your VIN. Dealers can access the original equipment supplier data for your vehicle’s build.
- Review service receipts for airbag-related work. Mechanic notes or parts invoices may list the inflator supplier or part number.
- When possible, inspect the airbag module labels or inflator part numbers during authorized service. Some labels indicate the supplier or inflator model, though access is usually limited to trained technicians.
Because airbag inflator supplier information can vary by market and production year, rely on official recall and service data rather than guessing from markings. If in doubt, consult your Subaru dealer for confirmation and the latest safety updates.
Summary
Subaru’s airbags are sourced from multiple external Tier 1 manufacturers rather than produced in-house. Autoliv is a primary supplier in many regions, with additional inflators supplied by Daicel, Toyoda Gosei, ZF (TRW), and Joyson Safety Systems, among others. The exact supplier is model- and region-specific and has evolved since the Takata recall era. For owners, the safest path to know the supplier for a given vehicle is to use official VIN-based recalls/service data or consult a Subaru dealership.
