Recall 23V076 covers 130 2004-2005 Subaru Impreza and Wrx vehicles with incorrectly installed passenger air bag inflators. Repair is free at any franchised Subaru dealer.
Subaru is recalling 130 2004-2005 Impreza and Wrx vehicles that received replacement front passenger air bag inflators under a previous recall. If the inflator was installed incorrectly, the passenger air bag can fail to inflate properly in a crash, increasing injury risk, and Subaru dealers will inspect and repair the installation free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The front passenger air bag inflator in the 2004-2005 Subaru Impreza and Wrx is the charge inside the passenger-side frontal air bag module. In a crash, the inflator produces gas that fills the air bag so it can cushion the passenger. The inflator has to sit in the module exactly as designed, because the bag depends on that position when it deploys.
On affected vehicles, the replacement inflator installed during an earlier recall was installed incorrectly. Subaru traced the issue to mobile repair work performed by a third-party contractor. An incorrect installation means the replacement inflator is not seated, aligned, or fastened the way the module was built to accept it, so the passenger air bag system cannot be counted on to perform as designed.
There is no warning sign before failure. Subaru reported zero related technical reports, zero related warranty claims, and no known related crashes or injuries, but an owner would not see a light or feel a driving change that reveals this installation problem.
Who's affected?
Covers the Impreza and Wrx across the 2004 and 2005 model years, all tied to the passenger-side front air bag inflator.
| 2004 Subaru Impreza | front air bag |
|---|---|
| 2005 Subaru Impreza | front air bag |
| 2004 Subaru Wrx | front air bag |
| 2005 Subaru Wrx | front air bag |
| Units affected | 130 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not confirm inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific car is included.
What's the safety risk?
An incorrectly installed passenger air bag inflator can keep the passenger air bag from inflating properly, increasing the risk of injury during a crash. There is no warning sign before failure. Schedule the dealer inspection soon, and ask whether a new inflator kit is needed. Repair is free at any franchised Subaru dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2004-2005 Subaru Impreza or Wrx is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Subaru dealer to schedule the free passenger air bag inflator inspection and inflator-kit repair, which addresses incorrect inflator installation.
- Bring the recall notice if Subaru mailed one. If not, reference recall number 23V076 and Subaru recall WRF-23 when you call.
- Ask the dealer whether the front passenger seat should stay empty until the inspection and repair are complete.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Subaru technician inspects the front passenger air bag inflator. If the inflator was installed incorrectly or needs replacement, the technician installs a new inflator kit. The recall repair is free, including parts and labor. Subaru offers reimbursement under its general reimbursement plan for owners who already paid for related inflator repairs before the recall notice. Bring receipts or repair documentation to the service desk, or contact Subaru customer service to start the claim.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| February 13, 2023 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| February 14, 2023 | Dealer notification began |
| February 14, 2023 | Dealer notification ended |
| March 15, 2023 | Owner notification mailed |
| April 14, 2023 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| April 14, 2023 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 23V076?
Recall 23V076 covers 130 2004-2005 Subaru Impreza and Wrx vehicles that received replacement front passenger air bag inflators under an earlier recall. On affected vehicles, the replacement inflator was installed incorrectly, which can keep the passenger air bag from inflating properly in a crash. Subaru dealers inspect the inflator and replace the kit for free when needed.
What should I do if my 2004-2005 Subaru Impreza or Wrx is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 23V076. If it is, contact a franchised Subaru dealer to schedule the passenger air bag inflator inspection. Reference recall number 23V076 and Subaru recall number WRF-23 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. Subaru dealers will inspect the passenger inflator and, when the inspection finds the incorrect installation, install a new inflator kit free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The risk is that the front passenger air bag will not inflate properly in a crash. That increases the risk of injury to the passenger. If your VIN is included, schedule the free dealer inspection and repair before relying on the passenger air bag protection.
What if I bought my Subaru Impreza or Wrx used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall eligibility follows the VIN, not the original owner. Check your VIN to see whether your specific 2004-2005 Subaru Impreza or Wrx is included, then call a franchised Subaru dealer with recall number 23V076.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/23V076000 |
|---|---|
| Subaru customer service | 1-844-373-6614 |
| NHTSA recall # | 23V076 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 23V076000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 20, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →