January 9, 2018
Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode
An explosion of an inflator within the passenger frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the front seat passenger, driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V014
Manufacturer Subaru
of America, Inc.
Components AIR BAGS
Potential Number of Units Affected 72,150
Summary
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009 Tribeca, Impreza, Forester, WRX, Legacy, and Outback vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Remedy
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began on February 9, 2018. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru’s number for this recall is TKC-18.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Check if your Subaru has a Recall
NUMBERS: TKA-18R TKB-18R TKC-18R DATE: 02/09/18 REVISED: 07/20/18 NHTSA ID: 18V-012 18V-013 18V-014
| APPLICABILITY: | 2009-2013 model year Legacy |
|---|---|
| 2009-2013 model year Outback | |
| 2009-2013 model year Forester | |
| 2009-2013 model year Tribeca | |
| 2009-2011 model year Impreza | |
| 2009-2013 model year WRX and STI |
|
| SUBJECT: | Takata Front Passenger Airbag Inflator Replacement (2018 Calendar year expansion) |
OF AMERICA, INC. has determined that a defect, which relates to motor vehicle safety, exists in certain Subaru vehicles listed above, equipped with a non-desiccated Takata-sourced passenger side frontal airbag containing the propellant Phase Stabilized Ammonium Nitrate (certain specific vehicles only).
This phase of the Takata recall expansion includes the following model year vehicles:
|
| Zone A: Hot and Humid Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Zone B: Less Hot and Humid Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. Zone C: Least Hot and Humid Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. |
- Zone A vehicles – 2013 model year and older (Recall code TKA-18)
- Zone B vehicles – 2010 model year and older (Recall code TKB-18)
- Zone C vehicles – 2009 model year and older (Recall code TKC-18)
will replace either the inflator for the front passenger airbag or the airbag module assembly at no cost to the customer.
OWNER NOTIFICATION
Owners of the vehicles included in this phase of the Takata recall expansion is expected to begin in February, 2018.
AFFECTED VEHICLES
Listed below are the models affected by this phase of the Takata recall expansion. Not all vehicles within these ranges are affected by this phase of the Takata recall, since some of the vehicles within these ranges have already been affected by previous Takata recalls. Therefore, coverage must be confirmed by using the Vehicle Coverage Inquiry function on subarunet.com. Coverage information will be available prior to owner notification.
Recall Code TKA-18 (NHTSA ID 18V-012) – Zone A MY 2013 & Older:
- 2009-2013 Legacy & Outback
- 2009-2011 Impreza
- 2009-2013 WRX
& STI - 2009-2013 Forester
- 2009-2013 Tribeca
retailer will receive an affected VIN list from their Zone office when owner notification begins. Vehicles will be assigned to retailers in the affected VIN list as follows:
- Original vehicle owners are assigned to the original selling retailer when their current address is within a 100-mile radius of that retailer.
- If the original selling retailer is inactive, the VIN has been assigned to the nearest active retailer.
- For any new owners or when original owners live more than 100 miles from the original selling retailer, the VIN has been assigned to the nearest active retailer.
- Immediately identified.
- Tagged or otherwise marked to prevent their delivery or use prior to inspection and/or repair.
- Repaired in accordance with the repair procedures outlined in this Product Campaign
to re-notify owners, recall coverage status for the affected vehicles will show as “Open-Limited Parts Available.” Limited parts supply will become available prior to owner re-notification therefore, this status is not intended to discourage scheduling these repairs and will not affect the retailer’s ability to file a claim for repairs performed prior to owner re-notification.
| Airbag Module Part Number | Inflator Kit Part Number | Applicability / Description | Order Quantity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 98279SC05A | 98279SC010 | Forester (2009-2013) | 1 |
| 98279FG07A | 98279FG010 | Impreza (2009-2011) | 1 |
| WRX and STI (2009-2013) |
|||
| N/A | 98279AG00A | 2009 Legacy / Outback, Inflator Type 1 | 1 |
| N/A | 98279AG05A | 2009 Legacy / Outback, Inflator Type 2 | |
| 98279AJ06A | 98279AJ02A | Legacy (2010-2013) | 1 |
| Outback (2010-2013) | |||
| N/A | 98279XA02A | Tribeca (2009-2013) | 1 |
| N/A | SOA963W110 | 2009 Legacy / Outback Non-Woven Material, 8” X 11” Sheet | 1 |
- A company called Takata XPO will arrange pick up of the removed inflators/modules and return them to Takata.
- FedEx will no longer handle the return shipments as with previously issued Takata recalls. However, if you do not have a large amount of inflators/modules to pick up, you may be directed to use FedEx for return. Please follow the instructions given to you by Takata XPO.
- Once a month or upon accumulating 200 kits for return (whichever comes first), please call Takata XPO at 1-877-650-3476 for pick up. Please see step 6 (on pg. 30) of the return instructions.
|
- Upon claim approval and where applicable, Subaru of America, Inc. will generate a Part Return Notice requesting the old and new inflator serial number information only. DO NOT WAIT FOR TAKATA XPO TO PICK UP THE INFLATOR/MODULE TO SEND THIS INFORMATION TO THE PARTS COLLECTION CENTER (PCC).
- IMPORTANT: Each removed airbag inflator/module must be returned directly to the supplier, Takata USA, in the same box in which the new one was received.
- IMPORTANT: When affixing the shipping label to the shipping box do not obstruct the bar code label.
- A completed SOA Warranty Parts Tag (MSA5W402A) must be attached to the returned inflator/module. The tag must contain the following information: claim number, repair date, full 17-digit VIN, and mileage.
Distributors Corporation (SDC) retailers ONLY. Subaru New England (SNE) retailers will continue to follow the procedures currently in place as supplied below.
All SOA and SDC retailers are required to enter BOTH the newly-installed (replacement) and the removed (original) serial numbers for the airbag inflator (or module assembly) into the supplied fields as shown in the screen shot below. Claims will not receive an “Approved” status without the serial number information being entered in the appropriate fields in the Recall Claim Entry system. As a result of adding these new required entry fields, Part Return Notices will no longer be generated.
The information below is applicable to SNE retailers only:
- Upon claim approval and where applicable, Subaru of America, Inc. will generate a Part Return Notice requesting information only.
- To ensure proper claim credit where applicable, the old and new inflator/module serial numbers must be recorded on the Part Return Notice and sent to SOA Part Collection Center (PCC) as instructed on the return notice.
- Where applicable, the completed Part Return Notice should then be sent using the YRC web portal and utilizing the “Ship Small Parcel” link which will direct the user to the appropriate UPS web page application to complete the shipment. Please keep the UPS tracking number for your records.
- DO NOT WAIT FOR TAKATA XPO TO PICK UP THE INFLATOR/MODULE TO SEND THIS INFORMATION TO THE PCC.
of America, Inc.
SERVICE PROCEDURE
This Campaign involves the replacement of the inflator portion of the passenger-side front airbag assembly or the complete module assembly. The subject inflators/modules could have been assembled with improperly manufactured propellant components which may affect how the assembly inflates in the event of a collision resulting in an increased risk of injury to vehicle occupants. This procedure will outline removal of the passenger-side airbag assembly and replacement of either the inflator component and related wiring harness or, the complete module assembly. VERY IMPORTANT: Failure to follow these service procedures carefully and correctly may result in an accidental deployment of the inflator and potentially cause serious injury. Please read through and understand these procedures COMPLETELY before beginning repairs. In addition, proper operation of the airbag after reassembly may be compromised if these service procedures are not followed. As additional service procedures are developed for the other models affected by the expansion and implementation of this recall campaign, they will be added to this document and also made available on STIS.TABLE OF CONTENTS – SERVICE PROCEDURES
| Description | Starting Page Number |
|---|---|
| Service Procedure for 2009MY Legacy/Outback Models, Inflator Type 1 | 9 |
| Service Procedure for 2009MY Legacy/Outback Models, Inflator Type 2 | 19 |
| Service Procedure for 2010-2013MY Legacy / Outback Models | 30 |
| Service Procedure for 2009-2013MY Forester and 2009-2011MY Impreza, and 2009-2013MY WRX & STI models |
37 |
| Service Procedure for 2009-2013MY Tribeca Models | 43 |
| DESCRIPTION | BRAND OR TYPE | QUANTITY |
|---|---|---|
| Pliers | – | 1 |
| Wire Cutters | – | 1 |
| Needle-Nose Pliers | – | 1 |
| Torque Wrench | Inch-Pound | 1 |
| Safety Goggles | – | 1 |
| Flat-Blade Screwdriver | – | 1 |
| Scissors | – | 1 |
| Ratchet | 1/4” Drive | 1 |
| 8 mm and 10 mm Socket | 1 ea. | |
| Airbag Deployment Fixture | J-39401-B | 1 |
| Tether Clip Release Tool *See Page 8 for more information | SOA635147 | 1 |
- Vehicles that do not contain Genuine Subaru airbags are not eligible for this recall repair. For more information on identifying counterfeit airbags and how to address related customer situations, please refer to STIS for the “Counterfeit Airbag Information” Dealer Advisory Bulletin dated October 25, 2012 by going to Subarunet>Service>STIS>Online Reference – choose Publication Type: ‘Other/Miscellaneous’ and search keywords: ‘Airbag’).
- Do not proceed with this repair if your inspection reveals a non-Genuine Subaru airbag module has been installed in the vehicle. Follow the instructions described in the “Counterfeit Airbag Information” Dealer Advisory Bulletin.
- IMPORTANT: Always examine airbag modules closely before and during removal. Confirm they match the photos of the Genuine Subaru airbag components supplied throughout this bulletin BEFORE The photo below shows an example of an aftermarket or counterfeit airbag inflator. This photo is being provided as an example of what may be a wide variety of non-OEM components.
- If an aftermarket or counterfeit passenger airbag or inflator is identified at any point during the campaign service procedure, STOP IMMEDIATELY. NEVER attempt to remove or otherwise disable any aftermarket or counterfeit device.
- Document the presence of the aftermarket or counterfeit device on the repair order and with photos. Report this information immediately on a Quality Monitoring Report (QMR).
NHTSA ID Number: 10166955 Manufacturer Communication Number: Subarunet Announ
Summary
The next group of renotification letters will include the following open Takata recalls, using recently refreshed owner information from IHSM (POLK). Approximately 356,000 renotifications will be mailed, nationally, on November 7th.https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=10166955 https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2019/MC-10166955-0001.pdf
6 Affected Products
Vehicles
22 Associated Documents
Defect Notice 573 Report
RCLRPT-18V014-8982.PDF 221.049KB
Manufacturer Notices(to Dealers,etc)- January 10, 2018 – Takata Recall Expansion – New Subaru Recall Campaigns TKA‐18, TKB‐18, TKC‐18
Recall Acknowledgement
RCAK-18V014-5518.pdf 289.278KB
Remedy Instructions and TSB
RCRIT-18V014-9074.pdf 4726.499KB
Remedy Instructions and TSB
RCRIT-18V014-4445.pdf 4811.617KB
ISSUED Owner Notification Letter(Part 577)
RCONL-18V014-5864.pdf 636.43KB
Recall Quarterly Report #1, 2018-1
RCLQRT-18V014-4965.PDF 214.531KB
Recall 573 Report – AMENDMENT 1
RCLRPT-18V014-9000.PDF 225.81KB
Manufacturer Notices(to Dealers,etc)- March 15, 2018 – Re: Takata Part Number Claim – 98279SC010
Manufacturer Notices(to Dealers,etc)- March 15, 2018 – Re: Takata Part Number Claim – 98279SC010
Manufacturer Notices(to Dealers,etc)- Takata Part Number Update – 98279SC010
Remedy Instructions and TSB
RCRIT-18V014-9822.pdf 6334.869KB
ISSUED Owner Notification Letter(Part 577)
RCONL-18V014-6913.pdf 389.515KB
Manufacturer Notices(to Dealers,etc)- Subarunet Announcement – February 6, 2018 UPDATE – Takata Recall Expansion –TKA-18, TKB-18, TKC-18
RCMN-18V014-9360.pdf 404.542KB
ISSUED Owner Notification Letter(Part 577)
RCONL-18V014-9511.pdf 390.215KB
Remedy Instructions and TSB – REVISED: 07/20/18 – SUBJECT: Takata Front Passenger Airbag Inflator Replacement (2018 Calendar year expansion)
RCRIT-18V014-8528.pdf 6380.276KB
Manufacturer Notices(to Dealers,etc)- Date: July 19, 2018 Re: Parts Return Request – Takata Inflator 98279AJ02A
ISSUED Renotification Notice
RCRN-18V014-8616.pdf 314.437KB
Recall Quarterly Report #2, 2018-2
RCLQRT-18V014-6685.PDF 214.636KB
Recall Quarterly Report #4, 2018-4
RCLQRT-18V014-5615.PDF 211.459KB
ISSUED Renotification Notice – Follow up Email
RCRN-18V014-2135.pdf 390.734KB
ISSUED Renotification Notice – Follow up email – Takata Recall Reminder
RCRN-18V014-0234.pdf 891.423KB
1 Associated Investigation
Air Bag Inflator Rupture
NHTSA ID: EA15001
Dated opened: February 24, 2015
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE14-016 in June 2014 based on six inflator rupture incidents involving consumer owned vehicles produced by five vehicle manufacturers. All six vehicles were operated in Florida or Puerto Rico at the time of the rupture and for the majority of their service life, and were equipped with inflators produced by Takata, a tier-one supplier of automotive air bag systems.
During the course of PE14-016, ODI determined that five additional vehicle manufacturers used inflators of a similar design and vintage also supplied by Takata. No evidence of field failures was found in vehicles produced by these five additional manufacturers. Nonetheless, at ODI’s insistence, all 10 vehicle manufacturers initiated a regional recall within approximately two weeks of the opening of the investigation. The regions recalled initially included Florida, Puerto Rico, Hawaii, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, areas with high absolute humidity and climatic conditions believed to be a significant factor in the inflator ruptures. As part of the recall actions, inflators removed from remedied vehicles are to be returned to Takata for testing.
Takata’s initial test results on passenger inflators from remedied vehicles indicated a much higher than anticipated rupture frequency for inflators returned from Florida. Accordingly ODI requested all 10 manufacturers expand the regional recalls for passenger inflators to include other geographic areas where high absolute humidity conditions exist, including the Gulf States and other coastal areas. Takata’s testing of the passenger inflators to date continues to indicate this geographic area as having the highest risk, with no ruptures occurring from inflators returned from outside the expanded recall regions. During PE14-016 four additional passenger inflator field events occurred, all in vehicles from the same expanded geographic region.
Also during PE14-016 four additional driver inflator field events occurred including two in vehicles from regions not known for high absolute humidity, specifically California and North Carolina. Accordingly, ODI requested all five of the affected vehicle manufacturers currently using the subject Takata driver inflators expand to nationwide recalls. Significantly, neither of the affected vehicle manufacturers or Takata provided any explanation to account for these two driver air bag inflator ruptures outside the area of high absolute humidity. Takata testing of returned driver inflators indicates a lower rupture frequency as compared to passenger inflator testing. All test ruptures reported by Takata to date have occurred on inflators returned from high absolute humidity areas.
The investigation now includes all manufacturers and vehicles known to be affected at this time. ODI’s investigation will focus on, among other things, root cause analysis, other potential defect consequences, identification of affected vehicles scope, and adequacy of the remedy.
The five ODI reports cited above can be reviewed online at https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following identification numbers: 10537899, 10568848, 10585224, 10605877, 10651492
Recalls Documents
- COLORLESS & ODORLESS LEATHER CLEANER (SPI_208_16) – Chemical Guys leather cleaner gently cleans leather surfaces without dyes or scents, lifting dirt, oils, and embedded dirt while preserving the natural look and feel
- SAFE FOR ALL LEATHER TYPES – A leather cleaner for car interiors, natural, synthetic, faux, and pleather; ideal for furniture, boots, jackets, handbags, and more
- REMOVES DIRT & GRIME – This car leather cleaner breaks down body oils, food spills, dust, and daily buildup without leaving residue, streaks, or causing discoloration
- PREPS FOR CONDITIONING – This Chemical Guys interior cleaner for cars and leather furniture cleaner is the perfect first step before applying a leather conditioner or protectant to maintain durability, suppleness, and appearance
- EASY TO USE – Spray directly on leather, as a leather car seat cleaner, or onto a microfiber applicator, gently scrub with a soft brush, and wipe clean for refreshed, clean leather
- NON TOXIC, GENTLE CLEANER: Our proven, rejuvenating formula is a powerful, fragrance-free cleaner ideal for all your leather goods (except suede). EPA Safer Choice certified
- CLEAN ALL TYPES OF LEATHER: Quickly and gently removes dirt, oil, tough stains and grime from car seats, truck seats, upholstery, furniture, handbags, purses, shoes, accessories, saddles, and tack. Effectively cleans leather of all colors, including white leather. Safe for exotic leather, faux, vinyl
- SAFE FOR YOU, SAFE FOR LEATHER: Made with non-toxic, high-quality ingredients that makes your leather last longer. Safe for people, pets & your leather
- TEST & APPLY: Apply leather cleaner with a lint-free cloth. No need to scrub or rub — simply wipe down and allow it to dry. Spot test on each leather item first. Not for use on suede
- AMERICAN MADE SINCE 1968: Our premium leather care formulas have had a cult following among leather experts, retailers and high-end car and furniture makers and enthusiasts for over 50 years.
- Cleaning & conditioning: Powerful leather cleaner and conditioner that removes dirt, oils, grime, and residue while restoring natural suppleness and improving the look and feel of leather furniture, car seats, couches, sofas, jackets, handbags, shoes, saddles, and tack. This cleaning leather treatment nourishes and revitalizes finished leather surfaces, helping maintain softness and long‑lasting protection.
- UV protection to prevent cracking: Provides advanced UV protection for leather, helping prevent fading, drying, discoloration, and cracking caused by sunlight exposure. This leather protector shields car leather seats, leather furniture, couches, and handbags to maintain long‑lasting color and durability.
- Works on all finished leather: Safe and effective on all finished leather surfaces, including car interiors, leather couches, sofas, recliners, office chairs, jackets, handbags, boots, shoes, baseball mitt, horse tack, and accessories. Also suitable as a faux leather cleaner and conditioner, making it a versatile solution for home and automotive leather care.
- No sticky residue: Leaves no greasy residue, making it ideal for leather restoration, leather maintenance, and routine conditioning.
- Premium Leather Care: Trusted by millions for high‑quality leather cleaning and conditioning, Weiman delivers professional‑grade results for car leather care, leather furniture maintenance, and everyday leather restoration. A top choice for customers seeking a reliable, long‑lasting leather care solution backed by decades of expertise.
- COMPLETE LEATHER CARE KIT (SPI_109_16) - This Chemical Guys kit includes Cleaner and Conditioner, two 16 oz bottles that work together to clean, restore, and protect leather in cars, homes, and more
- CLEANS AND CONDITIONS - Chemical Guys interior cleaner for leather that lifts dirt and grime while the Conditioner nourishes and restores leather suppleness, leaving interior surfaces soft, smooth, refreshed
- VERSATILE USE - This car leather cleaner and conditioner kit is designed for automotive interiors and equally effective on leather furniture, apparel, shoes, boots, jackets, handbags, and other everyday leather goods
- SAFE & EFFECTIVE CAR LEATHER CONDITIONER AND CLEANER- pH-balanced formulas are safe for all natural, synthetic, and sealed leathers; gentle cleaning power helps prevent cracks, fading, and drying while preserving the original finish
- EASY TWO-STEP SYSTEM - Use this Leather Cleaner for car interiors to remove embedded dirt, then apply Leather Conditioner to hydrate and protect; achieve professional results at home or in your garage
- BRING YOUR LEATHER BACK TO LIFE: Safely remove dirt, soil & residue to soften, strengthen & moisturize neglected leather.
- EASY TO USE FORMULA: Our multi-action formula conditions & protects in one simple step to maintain and restore any finished leather surface
- MULTIPLE USES: Use regularly on accessories such as leather, purses, shoes, boots, briefcases & handbags. Condition leather sofas, couches, and chairs to restore their beauty and suppleness.
- UVX PROTECTION: Weiman Leather Conditioner contains UVX-15 sunscreen which protects all types of leather from sun damage, fading, drying & cracking
- CARE FOR YOUR AUTO INTERIOR: Perfect for cleaning, protecting, and restoring your car, SUV, truck, motorcycle or Jeep seats and interior.
Last update on 2026-05-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This product presentation was made with AAWP plugin.