Subaru – Takata Airbags

Subaru used airbag inflators supplied by Takata in some of its models produced between 2000 and 2010. Depending on the series, different types of inflators (e.g., PSPI, PSPI-L, or PSDI) were installed on the driver's side, passenger's side, or in some side airbags.

The Takata inflators in question use an ammonium nitrate-based propellant. After years of exposure to humidity and heat/cold cycles, these inflators can experience propellant degradation: cracking, changes in density, and faster combustion. The internal pressure can then exceed the capacity of the cartridge, causing it to rupture violently.

In practice, inflator failures have been observed mainly:

• on relatively old vehicles, often more than 8 to 10 years old,
• in hot and humid regions (tropical areas, coastal areas, southern United States, certain regions of Asia),
• when the recalls had not yet been carried out.

Subaru models frequently cited in Takata recalls

Public lists of models remain indicative: the same model may be affected in some countries and not in others, depending on the assembly plant and airbag configuration.