A Message to Our Valued Owners:
We would like to thank you for your selection of a Subaru vehicle. At Subaru, we take pride in our products and are committed to your continued satisfaction. It is with your continued satisfaction in mind that we are announcing the following recall service program.
Subaru of America, Inc. has decided that a defect which relates to motor vehicle safety exists in certain 2003-2005 model year Subaru Legacy and Outback vehicles, 2003-2005 model year Subaru Baja vehicles, and 2004-2005 model year Subaru Impreza (including WRX/STI) vehicles.
This recall is a geographic expansion of the previous WQM-49 limited regional recall, which included vehicles with registration history in: Florida, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Consistent with other automotive manufacturers involved in regional recalls of Takata front passenger air bag inflators, the WQP-51 recall will include additional areas of high absolute humidity based on the annual mean dew point temperature of 60.0 degrees Fahrenheit or more, and locations within 125 miles of these areas.
WQP-51 Safety Recall FAQs:
Q: What should I do?
A: You should immediately contact your Subaru retailer (dealer) for an appointment to have the front passenger air bag inflator replaced with a new one. Until this repair is performed, do not allow passengers to ride in the front passenger seat.
Q: Why is Subaru conducting this safety recall?
A: The National Highway Traffic Administration (NHTSA) is investigating whether exposure to high absolute humidity may, upon air bag deployment, lead to a rupture of air bag inflators produced by TK Holdings, Inc. (Takata). In cooperation with that investigation, Subaru is conducting this regional recall to replace Takata front passenger air bag inflators in certain vehicles with current or previous registration in the following areas of high absolute humidity:
Q: What vehicles are included in this safety recall?
A: This safety recall includes certain 2003-2005 model year Subaru Legacy and Outback vehicles, 2003-2005 model year Subaru Baja vehicles, and 2004-2005 model year Subaru Impreza (including WRX/STI) vehicles, with registration history in the areas mentioned above.
Q: What is the potential risk?
A: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front passenger air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking and potentially seriously injuring the vehicle occupants.
Q: What will be done to the vehicle?
A: Subaru will replace the inflator for your front passenger air bag at no cost to you.
Q: What is an air bag inflator?
A: The air bag inflator is a device contained within the air bag assembly. It contains solid propellant wafers which are ignited in the event air bag deployment is necessary. When ignited, the propellant wafers expand into an inert gas, inflating the air bag.
Q: What if you do not have the parts to repair my vehicle?
A: Although we have not experienced a parts shortage, we will cover a loaner vehicle if your retailer does not have the part in stock to repair your vehicle under this recall.
Q: I am uncomfortable driving my vehicle, what should I do?
A: If you are uncomfortable driving the vehicle to your Subaru retailer, please contact your Subaru retailer who will arrange for vehicle pick up.
Q: What is Subaru going to do?
A: Subaru will notify owners of potentially affected vehicles and will replace the air bag inflators at no charge. The removed air bag inflators will be sent back to TK Holdings/Takata for evaluation.
Q: How much will this recall cost?
A: This recall will be performed free of charge at any authorized Subaru retailer.
Q: Do I have to return to the dealer where I bought the car?
A: Any authorized Subaru retailer will be able to perform this recall free of charge for you.
Q: Can I have this recall performed at an independent repair facility?
A: No, only an authorized Subaru retailer can perform this recall free of charge for you.
Q: How long will this repair take?
A: The time to replace the front passenger air bag inflator is approximately one hour and 45 minutes for the affected 2005 model year Legacy and Outback vehicles, and approximately 40 minutes for all of the other vehicles affected by this recall. It may be necessary to leave your vehicle for a longer period of time on the day of your scheduled appointment to allow your Subaru retailer flexibility in scheduling. Please present this letter to your Subaru retailer at the time this repair procedure is performed.
Q: Do I need to make an appointment?
A: Yes. You should immediately contact your Subaru retailer for an appointment.
Q: If I live in Canada do I have to return to the United States to have this performed?
A: Any authorized Subaru dealership in either the United States or Canada is capable of performing this recall.
Q: If I no longer own the vehicle what should I do?
A: If you no longer own your vehicle, please complete the prepaid postcard enclosed with your notification letter and mail it to us.