Subaru Forester front passenger airbag may switch off

NHTSA campaign 19V701000 · Reported 2019-10-03 · Subaru of America, Inc.

high How serious is it? About this label

The front passenger could be seriously injured in a crash without airbag protection; the notice does not tell owners to stop driving.

What's wrong, in plain English

Certain 2015-2018 Foresters with heated seats have an electrical connection in the front passenger seat that can work loose. That connection belongs to the system that senses whether someone is sitting in the seat. If it loosens, the front passenger airbag may turn itself off even when a passenger is seated there. In a crash, that passenger would not be protected by the airbag. Dealers will inspect the seat sensor wiring and replace it if needed.

What you should do

1. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if your Forester is covered. 2. Book an inspection with a Subaru dealer, or call Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614 (recall number WUM-98). 3. Inspection and any replacement of the sensor mat harness are free of charge.

Affected vehicles (1)

2018 Subaru Forester

Who to contact

Subaru — official Subaru recall lookup

Customer service: 1-844-373-6614

Any franchised dealer for the brand can do the repair. Phone numbers are taken from manufacturer sites and recent NHTSA notices; if one has changed, the number in your own recall letter is the one to use.

Official notice

Component: AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION
Summary: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Forester vehicles equipped with heated seats. An electrical connection in the front passenger seat for the Occupant Detection System (ODS) may loosen.
Safety risk: If the connection loosens, the front passenger airbag may deactivate even though the seat is occupied, increasing the risk of injury to the front passenger in the event of a crash.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, replace the ODS sensor mat harness, free of charge. The recall began February 11, 2020. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUM-98.

Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov. Recall repairs are free of charge by law.