Subaru recalling over 8,000 cars for Takata airbag inflators

Tue, 08 Jul 2014

We have one more automaker to chalk up recalling Takata airbag inflators. Subaru is now throwing its hat in the ring by repairing 8,557 vehicles nationwide for faulty front passenger inflators. According to the Defect Notice from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the problem affects 3,151 examples of the Legacy, Outback and Baja from the 2003 and 2004 model years and 5,406 units of the Impreza, including the WRX and STI (pictured above), from the 2004 model year.

As we all know by now, it's possible for the inflators to explode during airbag deployment possibly affecting not only the bag's inflation but also potentially spraying metal shrapnel at occupants. All of the affected vehicles will receive new passenger side inflators at no charge to the owner.

Seven automakers in the US announced recalls for the problem in late June affecting an estimated 2.1 million vehicles. Unlike some of the companies, Subaru is repairing all of the affected models in the US, rather just in certain warm-weather states. According to company spokesperson Michael McHale to Autoblog the reason is that "it was simpler to get everybody in there and make sure it was done." The replacement inflators should be in by the end of July, he said. Scroll down to read the recall report from NHTSA or download the full defect notice as a PDF, here.

RECALL Subject : Front Passenger Air Bag Inflator may Rupture
Report Receipt Date: JUL 07, 2014
NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V399000
Component(s): AIR BAGS
Potential Number of Units Affected: 8,557
All Products Associated with this Recall
Vehicle Make Model Model Year(s)
SUBARU BAJA 2003-2004

SUBARU IMPREZA 2004
SUBARU LEGACY 2003-2004
SUBARU OUTBACK 2003-2004
Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.

SUMMARY:
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is conducting a recall of certain model year 2003-2004 Legacy, Outback, and Baja vehicles as well as certain 2004 Impreza (including WRX/STI) vehicles, equipped with Takata-brand front passenger air bag inflators. Upon deployment of the passenger side frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.

CONSEQUENCE:
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger side frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking and potentially seriously injuring the vehicle occupants.

REMEDY:
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the inflators in all affected vehicles, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783.

NOTES:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

By Chris Bruce