Subaru Recall 18V-013: Air bags – inflator module

Affected: 2009–2010 Subaru Forester, 2009–2010 Subaru Impreza, 2009–2010 Subaru Legacy and 3 more. Filed with NHTSA on January 9, 2018, covering about 93,209 vehicles.

The problem

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2010 Tribeca, Impreza, Forester, WRX, Legacy, and Outback vehicles 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 passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

The risk

An explosion of an inflator within the passenger frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the front seat passenger, driver or other 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 on February 9, 2018. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is TKB-18.

Recall details

NHTSA campaign18V-013 (18V013000)
Manufacturer numberTKB-18
ManufacturerSubaru of America, Inc.
ComponentAir bags › Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator module
Report dateJanuary 9, 2018
Owners notifiedFebruary 9, 2018
Vehicles affected93,209
Initiated byNHTSA investigation

Vehicles covered

Owner complaints about the air bags

Frequently asked questions

Is the recall 18V-013 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 on February 9, 2018. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is TKB-18.

How do I know if my car is included?

Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 93,209 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.