I am reporting a safety-related defect involving the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) on my 2020 Subaru Outback with approximately 20,480 miles. Multiple SRS and occupant detection system warning lights illuminated. Dealer diagnostics showed multiple SRS-related faults including airbag ECU malfunction, occupant detection sensor communication failures (lost communication/mismatch), and SRS power/voltage-related faults. These systems directly control airbag deployment and passenger safety. The vehicle has not been involved in any accidents and has not been misused. The dealer advised the vehicle is not safe until repaired. Subaru of America declined assistance and closed my case, stating it is outside goodwill parameters, and is requiring me to pay approximately $1,200 to repair the airbag-related system. In November of the prior year, the vehicle had a battery failure and was serviced by a Subaru-certified dealer. During that repair, wiring work was also performed. Given the current SRS faults and the prior wiring/battery service, I am concerned this may be a systemic or related defect rather than normal wear. I am requesting the federal safety agency review this issue as a potential safety defect involving the SRS/occupant detection system.
2020 Subaru Outback airbags problems
18 complaints (2% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 12,000. 3 crashes reported.
- owner complaints
- 18
- of this car's complaints
- 2%
- typical mileage
- 12,000
- crashes
- 3
- recalls
- 1
Which part fails
- Sensor: occupant classification: front passenger1
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
Subaru Outback airbags problems in other years
Related recalls
Air bags: sensor: occupant classification: front passenger
- What is wrong
- Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Outback and Legacy vehicles. A capacitor in the sensors for the Occupant Detection System (ODS) may crack and short circuit, which can prevent the front passenger air bag from deploying in a crash.
- Risk
- An air bag that does not deploy during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the ODS sensors on the front passenger seat, free of charge. Owner notifications were mailed February 3, 2025. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1‑844‑373‑6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRA-24.
Recall number 24V227000 · Recall details
What 2020 Subaru Outback owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
I received letter from Subaru of America saying parts available for recall repair but when I went to the dealer they did not have the parts.
The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Outback. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 24V227000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Outback. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 24V227000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Outback. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 24V227000 (AIR BAGS); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, while reversing, the rearview camera displayed a distorted image, compromising the back-over prevention system. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, no cause for the failure was found. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact related the failure to the federal safety agency: 20V766000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION) however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was 61,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
I received a safety recall notice (Campaign Number: 24V227000 / Subaru Code: WRA24) for my Subaru Outback. I contacted multiple Subaru dealerships in my area, and they all told me that the repair parts are not available and there is no clear ETA for when they will arrive. This recall relates to a safety issue, and I am concerned that my vehicle may not be safe to drive, especially at highway speeds. Every time I follow up, I receive the same response: “No parts available, but we can order for you." I am wait for this for 1 year. I believe this delay is unreasonable given the nature of the recall, and I’m worried that a serious accident could occur if the issue is not resolved in a timely manner. I would appreciate it if the federal safety agency could follow up with Subaru to ensure they are providing timely remedies or alternative solutions for affected owners. Thank you.
Air bag sensor light came on. Took to dealership - Suburban Subaru, Troy, MI. $189 to diagnose....then received this note: Air Bag - Control Module: scanned vehicle using ssm4 and found codes B1185, B1195 and B1196. per subaru diagnostics, replacement of the SRS module is recommended to complete repair. repairs will include removal and replacement of current module as well as passenger seal Occupant Detection System relearn. $1415.16 in additional cost. This is a defect...and Subaru should cover the cost.
The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Outback. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 24V227000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Outback. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 24V227000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Outback. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 24V227000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated while operating the vehicle with a front seat passenger seated inside the vehicle, the warning message "Air Bag Off" flashed off and on. The cause of the failure was not determined. The failure mileage was 44,300. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Questions about the 2020 Subaru Outback airbags
Does the 2020 Subaru Outback have airbags problems?
Owners have filed 18 complaints about the airbags of the 2020 Subaru Outback, 2% of all its complaints.
At what mileage do 2020 Subaru Outback airbags problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 12,000 miles.
Was there a recall on the 2020 Subaru Outback airbags?
Yes, 1 recall: 24V227000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Subaru Outback have bad airbags?
The Subaru Outback model years with the most airbags complaints are 2008 (104 complaints), 2011 (73 complaints) and 2007 (47 complaints).
Other 2020 Subaru Outback problems
Visibility 383Electrical 259Driver assistance 62Engine 52Transmission 51Body 22Acceleration 18Lights 16Brakes 15Fuel system 15Steering 14Wheels 5Seats 4Suspension 3Locks 2Seat belts 1
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