NHTSA Recall 18V014000: Inflator module (air bags)
Subaru of America, Inc. reported this safety recall to NHTSA on , covering an estimated 72,150 vehicles. It affects 6 models including the Subaru Forester.
| NHTSA campaign | 18V014000 |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer campaign | TKC-18 |
| Component | AIR BAGS › FRONTAL › PASSENGER SIDE › INFLATOR MODULE |
| Report received | January 9, 2018 |
| Owner notification | February 9, 2018 |
| Initiated by | NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation |
Defect
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009 Tribeca, Impreza, Forester, WRX, Legacy, and Outback vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. 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.
Safety 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.
Remedy
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflators, 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 TKC-18.
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.
Vehicles covered by recall 18V014000
| Make and model | Model years |
|---|---|
| Subaru Forester | 2009 |
| Subaru Impreza | 2009 |
| Subaru Legacy | 2009 |
| Subaru Outback | 2009 |
| Subaru Tribeca | 2009 |
| Subaru WRX | 2009 |
Being listed here means the campaign covers the model year, not that every car was built with the defect or is still unrepaired. Enter your VIN above to check your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are free at authorised dealers. Source: NHTSA, October 2026.