Saab Recall 20V-001: Air bags – inflator module

Affected: 2005–2006 Saab 9-2X, 2003–2006 Subaru Baja, 2009–2013 Subaru Forester and 4 more. Filed with NHTSA on January 2, 2020, covering about 258,813 vehicles.

The problem

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (STI included), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2005-2006 Saab 9-2X 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 or "Zone A." 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.

The risk

An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

The fix

Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators with alternate inflators, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 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 TKA-20.

Recall details

NHTSA campaign20V-001 (20V001000)
Manufacturer numberTKA-20
ManufacturerSubaru of America, Inc.
ComponentAir bags › Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator module
Report dateJanuary 2, 2020
Owners notifiedJanuary 7, 2020
Vehicles affected258,813
Initiated byNHTSA investigation

Vehicles covered

Owner complaints about the air bags

Frequently asked questions

Is the recall 20V-001 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 passenger air bag inflators with alternate inflators, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020.

How do I know if my car is included?

Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 258,813 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.