The 2006 Subaru Outback has 6 recalls, the most serious being a defective front passenger airbag inflator that can explode in a crash and send metal fragments into the cabin, causing serious injury or death.
Recalls 2 through 5 all involve this same passenger-side airbag inflator issue, filed across multiple campaigns — these are the well-documented Takata airbag recalls that affected millions of vehicles industry-wide. In a crash where the airbag deploys, the inflator can rupture violently rather than inflate the bag in a controlled way, turning the airbag module itself into a source of shrapnel for anyone seated in the vehicle. Prior repair attempts did not fully resolve the issue for all affected vehicles, which is why multiple campaigns exist for the same underlying defect. If this repair has not been completed, it remains the most urgent item on this vehicle.
The other recall involves the ignition switch, specifically vehicles where a replacement ignition switch was installed. A small spring inside the switch can break, weakening the switch enough that the engine may cut off without warning while driving. Beyond the loss-of-power risk, if the engine stalls during a crash, the airbags may not deploy because the system depends on the ignition being active, compounding the danger.
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.
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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 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 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.
