The problem
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2005-2006 Baja, 2009 Forester, Legacy and Outback and 2006-2009 Impreza (including WRX and STI models) and Tribeca vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. 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 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 passenger front 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 TKB-17.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 17V-026 (17V026000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer number | TKB-17 |
| Manufacturer | Subaru of America, Inc. |
| Component | Air bags › Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator module |
| Report date | January 11, 2017 |
| Owners notified | March 6, 2017 |
| Vehicles affected | 69,529 |
| Initiated by | NHTSA investigation |
Vehicles covered
Owner complaints about the air bags
- 2005 Subaru Baja airbag problems 7
- 2006 Subaru Baja airbag problems 3
- 2009 Subaru Forester airbag problems 40
- 2006 Subaru Impreza airbag problems 20
- 2007 Subaru Impreza airbag problems 27
- 2008 Subaru Impreza airbag problems 37
- 2009 Subaru Impreza airbag problems 12
- 2009 Subaru Legacy airbag problems 31
- 2009 Subaru Outback airbag problems 30
- 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-026 repair free?
Yes. Subaru dealers will fix the problem at no cost: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger front 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 TKB-17.
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 69,529 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.