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Subaru Impreza Recall 15V419: Passenger airbag may switch off and fail to deploy in a crash

NHTSA campaign 15V419, reported July 1, 2015, 30,348 vehicles potentially affected.

What this recall means for you

On certain 2012 Subaru Impreza vehicles (except WRX and STI models) built between April 21, 2011 and February 16, 2012, the Occupant Detection System can deactivate if a front passenger touches a metal part such as the seat adjuster lever or operates a device plugged into the power outlet, like a music player or phone.

If the system deactivates, the front passenger airbag will be turned off and will not deploy in a crash, which increases the risk of injury to the front seat passenger.

Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the Occupant Control Unit with a modified part free of charge. Owners can contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783 (recall number WQT-55), and should check their vehicle identification number for open recalls.

Check whether this recall is open on your vehicle

The repair is normally free at an authorized dealer.

Official recall notice

Safety recall 15V419Subaru of America, Inc.
Component
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION
Problem
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2012 model year Subaru Impreza 4-Door and Station Wagon vehicles (except WRX/STI models) manufactured April 21, 2011, to February 16, 2012. In the affected vehicles, the Occupant Detection System (ODS) may deactivate if a front seat passenger operates a device that is plugged into the power outlet such as a music player or cell phone, or touches a metal part of the vehicle such as the forward/rearward seat adjuster lever.
Risk
If the ODS deactivates, the front passenger air bag will be turned off and the front passenger air bag will not deploy in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury to the seat occupant.
Remedy
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the Occupant Control Unit with a modified one, free of charge. The recall began August 21, 2015. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WQT-55.
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.

Affected vehicles

Subaru Impreza2012