The 2005 Subaru Outback has 9 recalls, the most serious being a passenger-side frontal airbag inflator that can rupture during deployment and send metal fragments into the cabin, causing serious injury or death.
Multiple recalls address this same airbag inflator defect, filed across several campaigns over time, including one that specifically covers vehicles registered in high-humidity regions where moisture accelerates the failure risk. Prior repair attempts did not fully resolve the issue for all affected vehicles, which is why so many filings exist for the same underlying problem. There is also a separate concern with the ignition switch: if a replacement mechanical key ignition switch was installed, a small spring inside it can break and weaken the switch, potentially causing the engine to shut off without warning while driving and preventing the airbags from deploying in a crash. On the brake side, the center and rear brake lines can corrode through and leak brake fluid, reducing braking force and extending stopping distances.
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.
We may earn a commission for purchases made through these links.
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 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 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 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 airbag inflator can build up excessive pressure during deployment, causing it to rupture and spray fragments at occupants, or damage the airbag module so it won't deploy properly.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the passenger airbag inflators.
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
Brake lines can develop holes from corrosion, allowing brake fluid to leak and reducing braking power.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the brake lines and either apply protective coating or replace them as needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
