2018 Subaru Forester airbags problems

Related recalls

• Recall 19V701000Oct 3, 2019366,282 vehicles
  AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION

  Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Forester vehicles equipped with heated seats. An electrical connection in the front passenger seat for the Occupant Detection System (ODS) may loosen.

  Risk: If the connection loosens, the front passenger airbag may deactivate even though the seat is occupied, increasing the risk of injury to the front passenger in the event of a crash.

  Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, replace the ODS sensor mat harness, free of charge. The recall began February 11, 2020. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUM-98.

What owners say

1. Filed Oct 2, 2026MIAirbags

   My SRS Airbag System warning light illuminated on the dashboard while driving. Subaru dealership service department informed me that the passenger airbag system occupant detection technology failed and the airbag function was disabled. The repair required replacement of the entire seat bottom.

   NHTSA complaint #11768494 · source
2. Filed Sep 30, 2026100 miOHAirbags

   The contact owns a 2018 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while driving, the passenger's side air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with ODS failure. The contact was informed that the ODS needed to be replaced. The manufacturer had covered the cost for the diagnostic test. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V701000 (Air Bags); however, the VIN was not associated with the recall. The manufacturer was…

   NHTSA complaint #11768155 · source
3. Filed Sep 22, 2026NYAirbagsOther / Unknown

   The front passenger airbag of my Subaru Forester 2018 is deactivated, I brought my car to the Subaru dealer in white Plains, NY to check because I found out that there was a recall for malfunction of the airbag and I was told that I have to pay for it since the repair was already done, then, I have to pay for the repair ( see the estimated bill) I contacted the Subaru headquarters because I considered unfair, they air bag is still inactive and I am at risk of having an…

   NHTSA complaint #11766036 · source
4. Filed Aug 28, 2026CAAirbags

   The passenger Occupant Detection System (ODS), including the occupant detection sensor system in the passenger seat, has malfunctioned. The SRS/airbag warning light is illuminated. The vehicle produced diagnostic trouble codes B1650 and B1760. The affected passenger seat and components remain installed in the vehicle and are available for inspection upon request. As the SRS light is on, none of the airbags may not deploy as intended in a crash because the occupant detection…

   NHTSA complaint #11760470 · source
5. Filed Aug 18, 2026NCAirbagsElectrical SystemSeats & Seat Belts

   Airbag light came on - dealership confirmed it is an occupant detection system failure - wiring harness has gone bad. No history of moisture exposure, which would leave faulty part as the problem. Similar to Subaru recall from 2020 on heated passenger seats - this vehicle was not included in that recall, but is in the same year range and has heated seats. Entire bottom piece of front seat must be replaced, including wiring harness and seat mounting bracket; otherwise air…

   NHTSA complaint #11757637 · source
6. Filed Jul 24, 2026MOAirbags

   - The passenger-side Occupant Detection System (ODS) sensor, which is part of the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) airbag system, has failed. This component was previously replaced under a Subaru safety recall completed in May 2020. The SRS airbag warning light is now illuminated again, indicating a failure of the same system. The vehicle and failed component are available for inspection upon request. - The failure of the ODS sensor directly impacts the functionality of…

   NHTSA complaint #11752602 · source
7. Filed Jul 19, 2026OHAirbagsElectrical SystemSeats & Seat Belts

   I brought my vehicle to an authorized Subaru dealership (Byers Imports, LLC in Columbus, Ohio) to diagnose the reason for the airbag warning lamp illuminating. The dealer had the manufacturer's WUM-98 Safety Recall (NHTSA Campaign Number 19V701000) performed to remedy a defective Occupant Detection System (ODS) sensor harness.Despite the recall remedy being completed, the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) airbag warning light re-illuminated on the dashboard, completely…

   NHTSA complaint #11751355 · source
8. Filed Jul 14, 2026VAAirbags

   I am filing a formal complaint against Subaru of America for refusing to remedy an active federal safety recall (NHTSA Campaign 19V701000 / Subaru Recall WUM98). My passenger airbag is currently disabled (DTC B1760). SRS light goes on and off and visit to the Sheehy Fredericksburg Subaru location confirmed that the occupant detection system is failing and I need a cushion assembly replacement. Subaru Customer Advocacy Department claims they already performed the initial wire…

   NHTSA complaint #11750402 · source
9. Filed Jun 21, 2026WAAirbags

   I had a recall for my ODS sensor which controls the passenger airbag. I went and had it "taken care" of due to a recall. They did not fix it. My passenger airbag will still randomly shut off while I am driving down the road. I tried talking tk the dealership and they only say "we fixed the part we needed to replace". This is a huge safety issue. If I were tk wreck and my passenger airbag was turned off, someone would die.

   NHTSA complaint #11745472 · source
10. Filed Jun 21, 2026CAAirbags

    B1760 code for ODS AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON AND THE LIGHT FOR PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF is On. There is a recall open for many other Subarus, same make, model & year. Safety concern for my daughter as she rides passenger. I had the problem diagnosed and documented receipt from ACS in Roseville California. I contacted Maita Subaru of Sacramento and they said there is not and wasn’t a recall for my Subaru. Very concerning, please help.

    NHTSA complaint #11745467 · source
11. Filed Jun 15, 2026135,000 miWVAirbags

    The contact owns a 2018 Subaru Forester. The contact stated the passenger’s side air bag warning light remained illuminated while his wife was seated in the passenger’s seat. The message that the passenger’s side air bag was disabled was displayed. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 135,000.

    NHTSA complaint #11744239 · source
12. Filed Mar 13, 2026CAAirbagsElectrical SystemOther / Unknown

    Airbag light comes on due to some failure in the passenger seat. This vehicle year has had a recall on the same issue but this VIN number was not included for some reason. Another consumer posted his assessment which I have attached. My vehicle falls under his category. He has sold his since his was never resolved.

    NHTSA complaint #11724224 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology