The 2004 Subaru WRX has 4 recalls, the most serious involving the front passenger airbag inflator, which can explode and send metal fragments into the cabin, posing a risk of serious injury or death.
The first three recalls address the same defect: the front passenger airbag inflator can rupture during deployment, scattering sharp metal pieces that can strike the driver or passengers. This is the well-known Takata inflator issue that affected millions of vehicles across many manufacturers. The fourth recall targets vehicles that already received a replacement inflator under a prior recall. In those cases, the replacement inflator may have been installed incorrectly, meaning the airbag can fail to inflate properly in a crash, reducing the protection it would otherwise provide to the front passenger.
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.
