2012 Subaru Outback Airbag Problems

Mileage when the problem started

• Under 25k
  323%
• 25k–50k
  215%
• 50k–75k
  323%
• 75k–100k
  215%
• 100k–150k
  323%
• 150k+
  00%

Owner reports

Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2012 Subaru Outback owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).

Car was involved in a head on collision [redacted] with a concrete exit barrier after being pushed into the lane by a driver trying to in front of them trying to make a last second dash for the exit. Not sure if the driver was in blind spot, but the vehicle trying to merge did use turn signal or respond to horn honking from myself. In order to avoid the hitting the other driver, who was unaware of my car while aggressively merging, I tried driving into the safety lane, but at 65 MPH could not stop in time from hitting the barrier My safety was put at risk because upon impact the driver airbag did not deploy. The entire front end of the car crumbled and the car was declared totaled by the driver's insurance. The airbag deployment could have prevented more serious injury to the driver, by did not deploy. The driver was wearing their seat belt and suffered a bruised sternum and PTSD. …

The contact's girlfriend owns a 2012 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that the vehicle hesitated while starting. In addition, the contact attempted to jumpstart the vehicle; however, the vehicle failed to start. The check engine warning light was intermittently illuminated. The contact stated that during rainy weather, several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact scanned the vehicle with an OBD2 scanner and retrieved DTC codes: P0420 (Catalytic convertor) and P0057 (Ignition System). The vehicle was taken to a local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that there were failures with the rear brake pads, rotors, PCV valve, valve cover gasket, engine air filter, catalytic converter heat shield; and a cylinder #4 misfire. The DTC codes P0304, and P0420 (Catalytic convertor) were also retrieved. …

Good morning. Had to replace 3 car battery in 3 years, can not leave key in Ignition car goes dead, have to jump to start car more times I can remember. It's take more time to start, sometimes won't start. Had to call aaa road service. Airbag light came on. Tuck to subaru dealer in quincy ma. Came back with numerous codes on airbags failing and Electrical harness, Dealer advice replacing all air bags and harness.

Takata recall this vehicle has been in a auto shop since 12/7/16 and after diagnostics the mechanic is still unable to repair. The airbag light is still on. Both side curtain air bags, both side impact sensors, and the air bag module were replaced. The codes are f2-side sensor bus lh communication error. Ea-side sensor bus rh communication. 41-side air bag rh failure. 27 ods communication error. Cannot clear any codes still. Then installed test harnesses at air bag control module and ods and right seat air bag module. Performed ohm test - need to start with ods and both side airbag modules. Still did not clear air bag light. So the car is unsafe to drive. Please inspect this vehicle asap this is costing a fortune. I do not know how to upload any thing or I would try.

Tl* Takata recall. The contact owns a 2012 Subaru Outback. While driving approximately 35 MPH, another vehicle crashed into the front driver side of the contact's vehicle at a high rate of speed. The air bags failed to deploy. The driver sustained pains to the neck, chin, and collar bone. The air bags failed to deploy. The contact received medical treatment. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a yard by the insurance company. The VIN was included in NHTSA campaign number: 17V014000 (air bags), but the contact was not aware of the recall. The manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 72,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

Traffic stopped abruptly and my car (Subaru Outback) came to a stop. I was rear-ended by a semi (speed unknown but did significant damage to my vehicle) that pushed me into the vehicle in front of me. The vehicle in front of me was then pushed into another vehicle. The vehicle directly in front of me (Ford free star)had its air bag deploy. My air bag did not deploy and my head ended up hitting the steering wheel. I was diagnosed with a concussion. I am wondering if my air bag should have deployed in this type of situation?

Tl contact owns a 2012 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while driving 25 MPH, another vehicle crashed into the contact's vehicle. The air bags did not deploy. The entire front end of the vehicle sustained extensive damage, causing injuries to the contact's chest. The contact was transported to the hospital via ambulance. The police were notified and a report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a body shop. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact to take the vehicle to an authorized dealer to have the air bag failure diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 12,000.

My Subaru was hit head on driver's side by another car going 35-40 MPH. My Subaru's airbags did not deploy. Extensive damage in 13K range to frame and left front of car. I had extensive damage to right hand and shoulder in attempt to brace myself. Other car's airbags deployed. Other driver fled scene. Other car's insured, called car in, as stolen to police. Other party's insurance is denying coverage for accident to me, as driver/insured lied to police. Bodily injury of 50K requiring surgery and on-going pt..... Updated 08/05/14 updated 08/19/2014 ..updated 02-10-15 updated 10/2/2015

Passenger airbag "not working" light came on. Took it to dealer where I purchased the vehicle, was informed that although 2012 Subaru outbacks had been recalled in texas, they were not recalled in oklahoma due to lesser humidity conditions. Paid nearly $500 to have wires which had come unplugged under console plugged back together. This took around 7 hours to get accomplished. At least 1/2 of this time was shown as "diagnostic." the "passenger airbag light and intermittant beeper remained on constantly, whether the seat was occupied or not, and whether vehicle was running, moving, or at rest, turned off.

Cold rainy morning, I started the car for the first time with no one in the passenger seat. The airbag light came on and stayed on, the passenger seatbelt light is on and car is dinging like someone in the passenger seat is not wearing a seat belt. Does not turn off when seat belt is clipped. I take it to the dealership and they say it's a bad electrostatic capacitance sensor ods. The 'part' aka replacing the whole seat is $900. Same year of Subaru that they recalled this part in the impreza. NHTSA recall no. : 15v-419

Related recalls

NHTSA investigations

Airbag complaints in other Outback years