Subaru Outback recalled over possible metal fragments

Recall date

May 25, 2016

Source

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

Official notice title

Subaru of America, Inc. recalls 2003–2004 Subaru Outback, Baja, Legacy

Recall number

16V361000

Brand / firm

Subaru

Sold / distributed

Potentially affected: 62,940 units

Why it was recalled

An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

What was recalled

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2003-2004 Legacy, Outback, and Baja vehicles originally sold or that have ever been registered in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming, or "Zone C.". These vehicles may be equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

What to do

Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 24, 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-856-488-8500. Subaru's number for this recall is TKC-16. Note: This recall covers vehicles that were not previously covered in 16V-358 for Zone A or 16V-359 for Zone B.. Follow the official notice for full instructions.