Subaru America Recalls Exploding Takata Air Bag Inflators  

Once again Takata airbag inflators are implicated. The many critics of geographical recalls – a vehicle can change states, while some are exempt – say they leave potentially unsafe vehicles on the road.

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling once again 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (including STI), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2005-2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles because a previous recall used defective Takata replacement parts. An inflator explosion may result in shrapnel – sharp metal fragments – striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

The unsafe Subaru models were originally sold, or registered, in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming or “Zone C.”

These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using Takata inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners.( NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V003000) Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in January 2020. Subaru owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Saab owners may contact the Saab Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru’s number for this recall is TKC-20.