Table of Contents
The defect
The 2005-2006 Saab 9-2X was manufactured with a faulty passenger side airbag inflator manufactured by Japanese supplier Takata. According to the recall notice, these inflators “may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling,” increasing the risk of injury or death in the event of an accident. Vehicles in this recall were fixed under a previous recall for the same reason, but the replacement inflator was of the same de Takata sign as the original inflator, so they must be fixed once again.
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (including STI), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or “Zone B.”
These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Consequence
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
What Owners Should Do
Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020. Subaru owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Saab owners may contact the Saab Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru’s number for this recall is TKB-20.
Recall Date: 01/02/2020
Component: AIR BAGS:PASSENGER SIDE FRONTAL
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.
