2019 Subaru Outback: airbags did not deploy in a crash

Filed Jun 15, 2026 · Airbags, Seat belts · PA · crash · 1 injury

The driver lost control of the vehicle, possibly due to a failure involving the rear driver's-side tire. The vehicle initially made contact with the guardrail, causing moderate damage to the driver's side. Following this impact, the vehicle began to fishtail, and the automatic braking system activated. The driver recalls being thrown about within the seat during the incident, as the seat belt's emergency locking retractor appeared to fail. The seat belt did not lock during the collision sequence, which is supported by the absence of visible bruising across the chest area. Prior to the vehicle's final impact with the embankment, the seat belt unexpectedly released and struck the driver on the right cheek, resulting in visible bruising. Upon the final impact, after the seat belt had released, the driver was lifted from the seat and struck her head against the door frame. The vehicle's airbags did not deploy at any point during the crash. There were no warning messages, alerts, or noticeable symptoms indicating a mechanical issue prior to the incident. The vehicle has since been towed to a local body shop for a damage assessment and further inspection.

Filed Sep 20, 2025 · Airbags, Driver assistance · MO · crash · 4 injuries

While turning left from left turn lane, eyesight failed to detect oncoming traffic resulting in right front side impact. No warning, no braking action. This is an advertised safety system supposedly designed to prevent this type of accident. In addition, passenger side airbag deployed (no passenger in the passenger seat) but driver side airbag did not deploy. Newton's third law of motion says both should deploy. Significant injury occurred to the driver as a result.

Filed Sep 12, 2025 · Transmission · 55,000 miles · PA · 1 injury

The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while driving approximately 20-25 MPH, the vehicle started reversing unintendedly while the gear shifter was in drive(D). The contact stated that the vehicle reversed on a steep road, drove onto a curb, and onto the poles that were lying down, and the vehicle stopped. The air bags did not deploy. The contact sustained pain on the right side of the lower back but had not yet received medical assistance. The vehicle sustained damage. The vehicle was towed to the Executive Auto Body repair shop. A police report was filed. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.

Filed Nov 25, 2022 · Driver assistance, Electrical · CA · crash

I was in a parking lot pulling into a parking spot. My car sped with full power over a curb barrier and hit a parked car in front of me. The force was strong enough to push the car I hit back several inches. My airbag did not deploy. The forward obstacle collision detection did not work. My safety could have been at risk if this happened while on the road or freeway. There were no warnings that day, however a week or so earlier when I tried to drive the car it would not start (new battery installed approx 3 months ago) and all lights on the dash came on. I tried to start it a few times but after smelling gas I left it. Later that day it started with no problems. The car is up to date on services/recalls. It is scheduled for inspection with my insurance company on 11/30/22.

Filed Jan 20, 2021 · Airbags, Engine · 9,000 miles · NY · crash · 1 injury

Tl* the contact owned a 2019 subaru outback. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, when another vehicle rear ended his vehicle and the engine seized. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The air bags did not deploy. The contact stated his wife (seated at the front passenger seat) sustained 2 fractured ribs, 2 fractured vibrates and had surgery on her both lungs. A police report was filed. The vehicle was not drivable. The insurance deemed the vehicle a total loss. The vehicle was towed to tow lot. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 9,000.

Filed Aug 16, 2019 · Acceleration, Airbags · 3,000 miles · TX · crash

Slowly pulling straight into parking spot at grocery store. Applied brake when car suddenly accelerated. I was able to control steering, but brakes would not work. Steered car into empty parking spot in front of me then turned hard right to avoid hitting parked cars in row across. Subaru hit a pick up truck that was reversing out of a diagonal parking spot. The car didn't stop upon impact, instead both right side wheels climbed up the side of truck at an angle. Air bags didn't deploy on impact. This was a very dangerous situation. The acceleration was uncontrollable and I am afraid to drive the car.