Subaru is recalling certain 2015–2018 Forester SUVs because an
electrical connection under the front seat cushion may become loose. If
this happens, the front airbag may deactivate even if the seat is
occupied. This recall only affects Foresters with heated seats.
Over
time the connection in the electrical harness for the occupant
detection system (ODS) sensor mat may become loose. This mat determines
if the seat is occupied and, if so, tells the system to make the airbag
active. If it’s unoccupied, the airbag is made inactive. The faulty
connection could result in the system not being able to determine if the
seat is or isn’t occupied.
Dominick Infante, Subaru of America
Director of Communications, said in an email to Consumer Reports that
the company isn't aware of any injuries or incidents related to this
electrical problem.
The Details
Vehicles recalled: 366,282 Forester SUVs with heated seats from the 2015 through 2018 model years.
The problem:
Over time an electrical connection that is part of the occupant
detection system (ODS) may become loose or unstable. If this happens,
the system can’t tell if the seat is occupied, and therefore may
deactivate the airbag.
The fix: Subaru owners will be
notified of the recall beginning November 29, 2019, and will receive a
second notice when the new parts are available. Subaru’s dealers will
inspect the SUV and, if necessary, replace the ODS sensor and electrical
harness free of charge.
How to contact the manufacturer: Subaru’s number for this recall is WUM-98. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614.
NHTSA campaign number: The NHTSA campaign number is 19V701.
Check to see whether your vehicle has an open recall: NHTSA’s website will tell you whether your vehicle has a recall that needs to be addressed.
If
you plug your car’s 17-digit vehicle identification number (VIN) into
NHTSA’s website and a recall doesn’t appear, it means your vehicle
doesn’t currently have one. Because automakers issue recalls often, and
for many older vehicles, we recommend checking back regularly.
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