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Campaign 20V002 Posted January 2, 2020 127,547 units

2003-2014 Subaru Multi-Model Recall 20V002: Air Bag

RN
Reviewed by the RecallNotify editorial team
Published May 23, 2026

Recall 20V002 covers 127,547 2003-2014 Subaru and Saab vehicles with passenger air bag inflators that can explode. Repair is free at dealers.

Subaru is recalling 127,547 2003-2014 Subaru and Saab vehicles, including Forester, Outback, Impreza, Legacy, Baja, Wrx, and 9-2X models, under recall 20V002 because replacement passenger frontal air bag inflators can explode after long-term heat and humidity exposure. Metal fragments can strike occupants and cause serious injury or death, and Subaru dealers will replace the inflator free of charge.

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What's wrong?

The passenger frontal air bag inflator in affected 2003-2014 Subaru Baja, Outback, Impreza, Legacy, Wrx, 9-2X, and Forester vehicles is the metal canister inside the passenger air bag module. In a crash that triggers the passenger air bag, the inflator burns propellant to create gas and fill the air bag in front of the passenger.

These vehicles already had passenger inflators replaced under an earlier recall, but the replacement parts used the same non-desiccated Takata PSAN design. That propellant breaks down after long exposure to high humidity, heat, and repeated temperature changes. When degraded propellant burns too aggressively during deployment, pressure inside the inflator rises beyond its design limit and the inflator body can rupture.

There is no warning sign before failure. The air bag warning light or normal start-up checks do not tell you whether the inflator propellant has degraded.

Who's affected?

Spans 7 model lines across the 2003-2014 model years, all tied to the passenger-side front air bag inflator module.

2003 Subaru Baja front air bag
2004 Subaru Baja front air bag
2003 Subaru Outback front air bag
2004 Subaru Outback front air bag
2005 Subaru Baja front air bag
Units affected127,547
Field incidentsNHTSA has logged no field incidents to date.

A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included.

What's the safety risk?

If the passenger air bag inflator explodes, sharp metal fragments can strike the driver or other occupants and cause serious injury or death. There is no warning sign before failure, so confirm your VIN and schedule the repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised Subaru dealer.

What should I do?

  1. Check your VIN to confirm your 2003-2014 Subaru Baja, Outback, Impreza, Legacy, Wrx, Forester, or Saab 9-2X is included in this recall.
  2. Contact a franchised Subaru dealer to schedule the free passenger air bag inflator replacement, which addresses the inflator explosion and metal-fragment risk.
  3. Bring the recall notice if Subaru or General Motors mailed one. If not, reference recall number 20V002 when you call.
  4. Keep passengers out of the front passenger seat until the inflator replacement is complete.
  5. Call Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614 with questions about this recall.

What happens at the repair

At the dealer, a Subaru technician replaces the passenger air bag inflator covered by recall 20V002. The replacement is free under the recall, and parts and labor are covered. This repair has been open since January 7, 2020. If you already paid for a passenger air bag inflator repair tied to this recall, a general reimbursement plan is on file. Bring the invoice and proof of payment to the service desk, or ask Subaru customer service how to submit the claim.

ReimbursementReimbursement available

Timeline

January 2, 2020 NHTSA published the recall
January 7, 2020 Dealer notification began
January 7, 2020 Dealer notification ended
January 7, 2020 Owner notification mailed
January 7, 2020 Interim owner notification (was planned for this date)

Frequently asked questions

What is recall 20V002?

Recall 20V002 covers 127,547 2003-2014 Subaru Baja, Outback, Impreza, Legacy, Wrx, Forester, and 9-2X vehicles in Zone B states. The passenger frontal air bag inflator was previously replaced with the same design, and the inflator can explode after long humidity and temperature exposure.

What should I do if my 2003-2014 Subaru vehicle is on this recall?

Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 20V002. If it is, contact a franchised Subaru dealer to schedule passenger air bag inflator replacement. Reference recall number 20V002 and Subaru recall number TKB-20 when you call.

Is the recall repair free?

Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Subaru dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflator free of charge. Parts and labor are covered for vehicles included in recall 20V002.

What is the safety risk?

The risk is serious injury or death from an inflator explosion. If the passenger frontal air bag inflator ruptures, sharp metal fragments can strike the driver or other occupants. The free repair replaces the affected inflator with a safer part.

What if I bought this Subaru used?

The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the VIN, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether the vehicle is included, then call a franchised Subaru dealer with recall number 20V002 and Subaru recall number TKB-20.

More information

NHTSA campaign pagenhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/20V002000
Subaru customer service1-844-373-6614
NHTSA recall #20V002
NHTSA recall # (full)20V002000

Source documents

This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 23, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →