The 2004 Subaru Outback has 10 recalls, the most serious being a passenger-side front airbag inflator that can rupture in a crash and send metal fragments into the cabin, posing a risk of serious injury or death.
This airbag defect has been filed across multiple campaigns covering vehicles in different regions of the country, but the underlying danger is the same regardless of where the vehicle was registered. On the electrical side, certain replacement ignition switches may allow the key to slip out of the "on" position while the vehicle is moving, which can shut the engine off without warning and also prevent the airbag system from functioning in a crash. There is also a fuel system concern: a loose or mispositioned fuel filler hose clamp can allow fuel to leak from the filler area.
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
A replacement ignition switch may allow the key to turn out of the ON position while driving, causing the engine to shut off suddenly and potentially disabling the airbag system.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the ignition switch and replace it if needed after you receive notification by mail.
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 propellant degrades after exposure to humidity and temperature changes over time.
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
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
The passenger front air bag inflator may rupture during a crash due to propellant breakdown from long-term exposure to humidity and temperature changes in certain climate zones.
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
The passenger air bag inflator may rupture when deploying due to excessive internal pressure in high-humidity environments.
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
The clamp securing the fuel filler hose may be loose or misaligned, potentially allowing fuel to leak.
What the fix does
Your dealer will inspect the fuel filler hose clamp and tighten it as needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
