The problem
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2005-2006 Baja, 2006-2008 Impreza (including WRX and STI models), Tribeca, and 2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles, originally sold, or ever 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. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, 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 their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 8, 2017. Subaru owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Saab owners may contact the Saab Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKC-17.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 17V-016 (17V016000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer number | TKC-17 |
| Manufacturer | Subaru of America, Inc. |
| Component | Air bags › Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator module |
| Report date | January 10, 2017 |
| Owners notified | March 8, 2017 |
| Vehicles affected | 62,764 |
| Initiated by | NHTSA investigation |
Vehicles covered
Owner complaints about the air bags
- 2006 Saab 9-2X airbag problems 8
- 2005 Subaru Baja airbag problems 7
- 2006 Subaru Baja airbag problems 3
- 2006 Subaru Impreza airbag problems 20
- 2007 Subaru Impreza airbag problems 27
- 2008 Subaru Impreza airbag problems 37
- 2006 Subaru Tribeca airbag problems 5
- 2007 Subaru Tribeca airbag problems 2
- 2008 Subaru Tribeca airbag problems 6
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 17V-016 repair free?
Yes. Saab dealers will fix the problem at no cost: Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 8, 2017. Subaru owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783.
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 62,764 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.