Over 400,000 Subaru Models Recalled Due to Airbag Malfunction

Date of recall: October 27, 2019

Vehicles affected

This recall is specific to all 2015-18 Subaru Forester crossover SUVs. It affects 35,806 vehicles in Canada, plus another 366,282 vehicles in the United States.

What’s the problem?

Like other vehicles, Subaru has a sensor that readies the airbag when someone is in the passenger seat, letting it deploy in case of a crash or collision.

The issue is that the occupant detection system (ODS) might have loosened to the point where it caused a decrease in contact pressure. The disconnect may then not allow the airbag to actually deploy in the event of an accident, leading to a higher risk for serious injury. Subaru had initially discovered the sensor defect in models equipped with heated seats, but has since applied the recall to all vehicles in model years 2015-18.

What’s the fix?

Dealers will inspect the ODS sensor mat harness, and if found to be defective, replace it free of charge.

What do you do?

Subaru will notify affected owners by mail with instructions on taking their vehicle to a dealer for repair.

Enter your VIN at this link to learn more about this recall and find out if there are other Service Actions related to your vehicle.

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