2011 Subaru Outback airbags complaints

Filed Oct 18, 2010 · Airbags · 6 miles · NY

Occupant sensing airbag won't turn on for my wife who weighs 110 pounds. This is a new 2011 subaru outback. The dealership argued and was evasive about my complaint; and said the seat was calibrated to activate with a 120 pound person. They were "instructing" me on the proper seating position. I told them I didn't want the vehicle if the air bag wouldn't operate for my wife. I have an appt. This week . Stay tuned.

Filed Sep 29, 2010 · Airbags · 25 miles · OR

2011 subaru outback - passenger airbag indicating "off", not turning on when 140lb person is in the seat. Subaru of america states that this is normal and there is no fix. Subaru dealer where I purchased the car new does not agree and states something is wrong. He has another owner with the same problem. Passenger airbag will not deploy in and accident with a 140lb person in the seat!

Filed Sep 9, 2010 · Airbags · 2,800 miles · CA

Passenger airbag is often turned off, even though a person is sitting in the passenger seat. This is repeatable. Often, when my passenger (120 lbs, 5'7" tall) sits in the passenger seat, the airbag remains in the off position (as if no one is sitting in that seat). I've noticed that when the passenger sits, and puts their feet directly on the floor, the passenger's knees and upper thigh right above the knee do not make contact with the seat. When sitting in this position, the airbag will remain in the off position. When the passenger sits, with legs fully extended, so that the knee and upper thigh make better contact with the seat, the airbag is enabled. With the right combination of passenger length, and position of the passenger's legs while sitting, it is possible for the airbag to remain in the off position, even though there is a full-sized adult sitting in that seat. I believe the airbag (weight on seat) sensor, may be located too far forward on these seats.