Recall 24V227 affects 118,723 2020-2022 Subaru Legacy and Outback vehicles for faulty front passenger ODS sensors. Repair is free at any franchised Subaru dealer.
Subaru is recalling 118,723 2020-2022 Legacy and Outback vehicles because a capacitor in the Occupant Detection System sensor can crack and short circuit, which can stop the front passenger air bag from deploying in a crash. An air bag that does not deploy increases injury risk, and Subaru dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The front passenger seat in the 2020-2022 Subaru Legacy and Outback uses Occupant Detection System sensors. These sensors help the air bag system decide whether someone is sitting in the front passenger seat and whether the front passenger frontal air bag should be active. When the system works correctly, it helps the vehicle route air bag protection for that seating position.
On affected vehicles, a capacitor inside the ODS sensor can crack and short circuit. Subaru traced the problem to a supplier change during natural disaster recovery, combined with supplier processing that left the capacitor vulnerable to cracking. If the sensor shorts, the system can treat the passenger seat incorrectly and prevent the front passenger air bag from deploying in a crash.
Owners should watch for the SRS airbag system warning lamp. The front passenger's frontal airbag OFF indicator will also illuminate, which is the warning sign tied to this defect.
Who's affected?
Covers Legacy and Outback vehicles from the 2020, 2021, and 2022 model years, all tied to the front passenger occupant classification sensor.
| 2020 Subaru Legacy | front air bag |
|---|---|
| 2021 Subaru Outback | front air bag |
| 2021 Subaru Legacy | front air bag |
| 2022 Subaru Legacy | front air bag |
| 2022 Subaru Outback | front air bag |
| 2020 Subaru Outback | front air bag |
| Units affected | 118,723 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle.
What's the safety risk?
If the front passenger air bag does not deploy in a crash, injury risk increases. The SRS airbag warning lamp and the front passenger frontal airbag OFF indicator are warning signs. If either appears, drive cautiously and schedule the recall repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised Subaru dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2020-2022 Subaru Legacy or Outback is included in this recall.
- Schedule the free front passenger ODS sensor replacement with a franchised Subaru dealer; the repair addresses cracked sensor capacitors that can stop the passenger air bag from deploying in a crash.
- Bring the owner notice if you have it, and reference recall number 24V227 when you call.
- Call Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614 with questions about scheduling or owner-letter status.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Subaru technician replaces the Occupant Detection System sensors on the front passenger seat. The sensor repair helps restore the system that identifies a front passenger and supports passenger air bag deployment in a crash. Parts and labor are covered under the recall. If you already paid for ODS sensor repairs before the recall notice, Subaru provides reimbursement through its general plan submitted in May 2022. Ask Subaru customer service or the service desk how to submit prior repair documentation.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| March 22, 2024 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| March 27, 2024 | Dealer notification began |
| March 27, 2024 | Dealer notification ended |
| February 3, 2025 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 24V227?
Recall 24V227 covers 118,723 2020-2022 Subaru Legacy and Outback vehicles with front passenger Occupant Detection System sensors. A cracked, shorted capacitor can stop the front passenger air bag from deploying in a crash. That raises the risk of injury. Subaru dealers replace the ODS sensors for free.
What should I do if my 2020-2022 Subaru Legacy or Outback is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 24V227. If it is, contact a franchised Subaru dealer to schedule replacement of the front passenger seat ODS sensors. Reference Subaru recall WRA-24 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Subaru will replace the front passenger seat ODS sensors free of charge at any franchised Subaru dealer.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is that the front passenger air bag can fail to deploy in a crash. Recall 24V227 involves an ODS sensor capacitor that can crack and short circuit. If the air bag does not deploy, the front passenger has a higher risk of injury.
What if I bought this Subaru Legacy or Outback used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall eligibility follows the VIN, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific Legacy or Outback is included, then call a franchised Subaru dealer and reference recall WRA-24.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/24V227000 |
|---|---|
| Subaru customer service | 1-844-373-6614 |
| NHTSA recall # | 24V227 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 24V227000 |
Source documents
-
Download Quarterly Report (PDF) - Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (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 →