The 2008 Subaru Legacy has 9 recalls, the most serious being a passenger-side airbag inflator that can rupture and send metal fragments into the cabin, posing a risk of serious injury or death.
Recalls 3, 5, 7, 8, and 9 all describe this same Takata airbag inflator defect, filed across multiple campaigns over time. On the ignition side, a replacement ignition switch with a faulty internal spring can cause the engine to shut off unexpectedly while driving, and if a crash follows, the airbags may not deploy. Turbocharged models face two additional concerns: a secondary air injection pump relay can fail and allow the pump to run continuously until it overheats and melts, raising the risk of a fire, and an oil supply pipe near the turbocharger can work loose over time and crack, allowing engine oil to leak. There is also a brake line corrosion concern affecting vehicles registered in certain northern and mid-Atlantic states, where road salt can eat through the brake lines and cause fluid to leak, resulting in longer stopping distances.
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.
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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
The ball spring inside the ignition switch may break, weakening it. Key ring weight or road conditions could then shift the switch from run to accessory position, shutting off the engine.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the ignition switch and replace it if needed at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The relay controlling the secondary air injection pump may fail, causing the pump to run continuously and overheat.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the secondary air injection pump relay at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger front air bag inflator may rupture during a crash because the explosive propellant degrades after prolonged exposure to heat and humidity in certain regions.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the passenger front 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.
At a glance
What can fail
Salt water can splash onto brake lines through a gap in the fuel tank protector, causing excessive corrosion that may lead to brake fluid leakage.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect brake lines. If no leakage is found, the area will be treated with anti-corrosion wax. If leakage is found, brake lines will be replaced and treated with anti-corrosion wax.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The oil supply pipe connecting the cylinder head and turbocharger may be improperly assembled, potentially causing cracking or oil leaks.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the pipe for cracks or leaks, install a reinforcing bracket, and replace it with a modified part.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
