The problem
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2005-2006 Subaru Baja, 2006-2011 Impreza (including WRX and STI models), 2006-2012 Tribeca, 2009-2012 Forester, Legacy, Outback, and 2012 WRX vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
The risk
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 6, 2017. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is TKA-17.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 17V-014 (17V014000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer number | TKA-17 |
| Manufacturer | Subaru of America, Inc. |
| Component | Air bags › Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator module |
| Report date | January 10, 2017 |
| Owners notified | March 6, 2017 |
| Vehicles affected | 53,480 |
| Initiated by | NHTSA investigation |
Vehicles covered
- 2012 Subaru B9 Tribeca
- 2005 Subaru Baja
- 2006 Subaru Baja
- 2009 Subaru Forester
- 2010 Subaru Forester
- 2011 Subaru Forester
- 2012 Subaru Forester
- 2006 Subaru Impreza
- 2007 Subaru Impreza
- 2008 Subaru Impreza
- 2009 Subaru Impreza
- 2010 Subaru Impreza
- 2011 Subaru Impreza
- 2009 Subaru Legacy
- 2010 Subaru Legacy
- 2011 Subaru Legacy
- 2012 Subaru Legacy
- 2009 Subaru Outback
- 2010 Subaru Outback
- 2011 Subaru Outback
- 2012 Subaru Outback
- 2006 Subaru Tribeca
- 2007 Subaru Tribeca
- 2008 Subaru Tribeca
- 2009 Subaru Tribeca
- 2010 Subaru Tribeca
- 2011 Subaru Tribeca
- 2012 Subaru WRX
Owner complaints about the air bags
- 2005 Subaru Baja airbag problems 7
- 2006 Subaru Baja airbag problems 3
- 2009 Subaru Forester airbag problems 40
- 2010 Subaru Forester airbag problems 42
- 2011 Subaru Forester airbag problems 29
- 2012 Subaru Forester airbag problems 20
- 2006 Subaru Impreza airbag problems 20
- 2007 Subaru Impreza airbag problems 27
- 2008 Subaru Impreza airbag problems 37
- 2009 Subaru Impreza airbag problems 12
- 2010 Subaru Impreza airbag problems 6
- 2011 Subaru Impreza airbag problems 17
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 17V-014 repair free?
Yes. Subaru dealers will fix the problem at no cost: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 6, 2017. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is TKA-17.
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 53,480 vehicles built in a certain window. Check your 17-character VIN with our VIN recall check or at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.