The 2005 Subaru Impreza has 5 recalls, all centered on the front passenger airbag inflator, which can rupture explosively and send metal fragments into the cabin, posing a risk of serious injury or death.
The core defect spans multiple filings that all describe the same hazard: the front passenger airbag inflator can explode rather than deploy normally, scattering sharp metal pieces that can strike the driver or passengers. This is the well-documented Takata airbag issue that affected millions of vehicles across many manufacturers. A separate but related recall covers vehicles that already received a replacement inflator under an earlier repair campaign. In those cases, the replacement inflator may have been installed incorrectly, meaning the airbag might not inflate properly in a crash, leaving the passenger without full protection when they need it most. Taken together, the five recalls mean some vehicles face the risk of an inflator that ruptures violently, while others that went through a prior repair may still have an airbag that fails to function as intended.
At a glance
What can fail
The replacement front passenger air bag inflator installed during a previous recall may have been put in incorrectly, affecting 2004-2005 Impreza and WRX vehicles.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the passenger inflator and install a new inflator kit if needed, at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
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At a glance
What can fail
The passenger front air bag inflator may explode due to propellant breakdown from exposure to high humidity, temperature changes, and heat over time.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflator at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger air bag inflator may explode due to propellant breakdown caused by prolonged exposure to high humidity, heat, and temperature changes.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflator with a different design at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger front air bag inflator may explode due to propellant breakdown caused by long-term exposure to humidity, heat, and temperature changes.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflator at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Moisture can seep into the passenger side front air bag inflator. Over time, this causes the inflator to rupture when the air bag deploys.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflator at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
