Problems with 2008 Subaru Outback AIR BAGS

The airbag warning light occasionally illuminates while driving or idling and can remain on for minutes, hours, or consistently over consecutive driving days. in some instances, illumination occurs during cold and/or humid weather. the problem is suspected to be caused by a failure in the overhead/map lamp assembly pc board. upon visual inspection of the board, numerous surface mount components had solder cracks at their component terminals. there was no apparent physical damage to the map lamp assembly enclosure.

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 subaru outback. the contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 15v323000 (air bags). the part to do the repair was unavailable. the contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. a unknown local dealer was contacted and stated that parts were unavailable for three months. the manufacturer was made aware of the issue. the contact had not experienced a failure. parts distribution disconnect.

The airbag light came on without any crash or front end impact. the diagnostic code indicates that it is the passenger air bag module. it is a hard fault since it is unable to be cleared. according to my research this is a well known problem that has not been addressed by subaru. this is my daughter's car. according to technician, this is an unsafe condition in which the airbags will not deploy.

The airbag light on the front dash comes on without any crash or front end impact. my vehicle has 45k miles on it. according to my research, this is a well known problem that has not been addressed by subaru. the subaru dealer diagnoses this as a code 26 which requires the overhead console to be replaced at a cost of about $400. this is an unsafe condition in which the airbags will not deploy in an accident unless the overhead console is replaced. a safety recall seems warranted given the number of subaru consumers experiencing this problem, and the compromise in safety that could result from neglecting to get it replaced

Nothing happened yet, just want the airbag replaced.

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 subaru outback. the contact stated that the air bag warning indicator illuminated on the instrument panel. the vehicle was taken to a dealer. the technician diagnosed that the map light air bag unit needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 84,000.

I am following on this complaint from many subaru outback owners about the airbag light malfunction i think should be addressed, definitely a recall issue that should be taken care by subaru.

Tl* takata recall. the contact owns a 2008 subaru outback. the contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 15v323000 (air bags) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. the contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. the manufacturer was made aware of the issue. the contact had not experienced a failure. parts distribution disconnect.

Tl* takata recall. the contact owns a 2008 subaru outback. the contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 15v323000 (air bags); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. the contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. the manufacturer was made aware of the issue. the contact had not experienced a failure. parts distribution disconnect.

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 subaru outback. the contact stated that the air bag warning indicator illuminated. the contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 15v323000 (air bags); however, the part for the recall repair was unavailable. the contact was informed that the parts were backlogged due to inclement weather. the contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. the manufacturer was made aware of the issue. the failure mileage was approximately 100,000. parts distribution disconnect.

Bought a used 2008 subaru outback in april of 2015, and shortly afterwards began seeing the airbag dash light occasionally upon startup. the airbag light would remain on until the vehicle was turned off, and would often come on and stay on when the vehicle was started again. overhead passenger airbag indicator also was malfunctioning, and did not indicate on or off. vehicle was serviced at dealership on 3/22/2016, and the overhead console (part # 92151ag13aor) was replaced to remedy air bag code 26. total cost was $182.95; $130.45 for the new console, and $52.50 for the labor. this malfunction is far too common in subaru vehicles across several years,and is an extremely important repair and a dangerous safety concern. the airbag system is inoperable when the dash light is on, and should be a recall situation for all subaru vehicles that have the defective console.

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 subaru outback. while reversing at more than 25 mph, the air bag warning light illuminated. the vehicle was taken to a dealer where the failure was unable to be determined. the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 150,000.

2008 subaru outback. the dash instrument panel airbag warning light would intermittently come on and stay on for extended periods of time. the red airbag light would occasionally turn off but for the most part it was on continuously. dealership advised that when the red airbag warning light is illuminated the airbag system is inoperative. the vehicle was taken to our local dealership on 3/30/2015 and the service report indicates a scan noted airbag code 26 -passenger side indicator failure. the dealership recommended correction was the replacement of the map light assembly (part #92151ag13aor) for a cost in material of $163.95 and labor of $34.52, plus the diagnostic labor of $35.00. cost to correct the problem was not covered. the service manager was very familiar with this type of airbag system failure in subarus of this specific model year and also vehicles manufactured within the same time period. research indicates that the airbag warning light problem is located within the overhead map light module and the failure of soldering at the led lights within this assembly. a new map light console was ordered and has been replaced which has, at this time, corrected the problem. this specific issue is well documented with the n.h.t.s.a. on line complaint data (54 complaints along similar console light panel failure). air bag systems have been mandatory on vehicles for both front seat occupants since september 1998. airbag systems are not optional equipment, and with the combination of seat belts, represent the critical components of a passenger safety system. this specific type of failure indicates a problem that has not been voluntarily recalled or addressed by the manufacturer. because this defect involves a vital safety system, and in order to protect the consumer, an investigation and recall should be commenced. *tr

Red "airbag" dash light comes on and stays on. this renders airbags inoperable and creates an unsafe driving condition. an accident without airbags is a safety issue. the overhead passenger side airbag indicator assembly failed and needed to be replaced for $333.24. research indicates that poor soldering on the airbag circuit board causes the indicator assemble to fail. based on the number of complaints, and the fact that this could result in serious injury in the event of an accident, this should be a recall situation. *tr

Having airbag light coming on intermittently along with passenger airbag light. mechanic said airbags probably are not functioning properly. cost for repair would be between $350-$400. from reading other complaints, this is an easy and cheap fix but dangerous if it's not repaired. this should be a recall! *tr

Airbag light comes on intermittently on my 2008 subaru outback. i?m not sure under what specific conditions, sometimes the light stays on for days. and recently it has been on continuously. the airbag led indicator for the passenger seat does not work. i took the outback to the subaru dealer, and they said i needed to replace overhead console module due to shorting and charged me $117 for the inspection, $137 for the part, $148 for service and tax. the total will be $402. i researched the problem online and found many people had solved this problem with simply soldering the connection for almost no cost. the subaru dealer service never offered to try soldering, only warned me that the airbag wouldn't work when light was on. the sheer number of complaints filed and subject discussions online show that this problem is predictable and could be solved cheaply. subaru must make better soldering, especially when lifesaving air bags are at stake. *js

I'm updating my 2/3/15 complaint 10680982. i contacted subaru directly on the same day and included a copy of the complaint i filed with nhtsa and my bill for the replacement of the overhead airbag control module. in the report the subaru tech said the unit was shorting out, showing code "26 for passenger?s airbag indicator failure and s8 airbag light on." i also gave subaru my tally of my first cursory search of the nhtsa complaints database on the word "airbag" for all models of subaru from 2000 to present. the search resulted in 145 complaints. after i looked through the first 60 complaints i found 45 of them that seemed to be about this exact problem - the airbag warning light on the dashboard and/or passenger side airbag overhead indicator going on and off intermittently. these complaints were across every model of subaru and years from 2003 to 2013. my 2008 outback had the most complaints - 13. other searches for different key words and spellings of airbag resulted in many hundreds of results, too many for your database to display, probably many of them were about the recent airbag recall issue. subaru's customer service department responded immediately and on 2/12/15 they promised to reimburse me for the entire $352, the total cost of parts and labor to replace the module. i urge all subaru owners to test their passenger airbag lights and those with problems to lodge a formal nhtsa complaint and report it to subaru. since the airbag doesn't work when the light isn't working properly this is a very dangerous problem! enough complaints to the nhtsa will help pressure subaru to finally let all potentially affected owners know about it. *tr

Airbag light comes on intermittently on 2008 subaru outback, not sure under what specific conditions, sometimes the light stays on for days. dealer service said i needed to replace overhead console module due to shorting and charged me $350. after researching the problem i found many people had solved this problem with simply soldering the connection for almost no cost. dealer service never offered to try soldering, only warned me that the airbag wouldn't work when light was on. the sheer number of complaints filed and subject discussions online show that this problem is predictable and could be solved cheaply. i would like to see subaru held accountable for all the money owners have spent on this avoidable and simple problem. *tr

Air bag warning light stays on, and the air bag system is disabled while the light is on. this is a very well known and documented problem that can be cured; however, because of the cost it has not been remedied. the part used is the primary culprit and regrettably has been installed in subaru vehicles across several model years. subaru the manufacturer has failed to respond responsibly; ergo, nhtsa action is needed to bring subaru to task and compliance to ensure all necessary repairs are performed for safe deployment of all subaru cabin air bags. when working properly, air bags save lives. *tr

Air bag warning light intermittently turns on. likely due to a faulty electrical connection behind the map light console. airbags will not deploy in the event of an accident! this is an incredibly common problem and subaru refuses to address it. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 subaru outback. the contact stated that the air bag warning indicator illuminated on the instrument panel. the vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the over ead console needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 70,000.

Air bag light intermittently comes on while driving and stays on. i notice this more in the early morning when it's cold but it's been happening on a more frequent basis now. i've been told the airbags would not deploy in an accident if the light is on. this is a serious safety issue that subaru is fully aware of.

The airbag light on the dash illuminates due to a flawed part in the system. this is a common problem with this series of subarus and disables the airbags while the car is in use, a very dangerous and possibly deadly problem. subaru has been aware of this problem for years but refuses to do anything about it. the part and its replacement are expensive and often does not get repaired because it is at the owner's expense. my feeling is that safety equipment should be warranted by the manufacturer for the reasonable life of the automobile. the flawed part has been used for years with subaru's full knowledge that the part is flawed. *tr

The airbag warning light is frequently on for extended periods of time (days, weeks,months). the issue and subaru's unwillingness to address it are well documented in complaints filed with nhtsa by other subaru owners and on various subaru owner websites. for example, see http://www.arfc.org/complaints/2008/subaru/outback/air_bags/problem.aspx there is conflicting advice on whether illumination of the dashboard warning light means the airbags are disabled or not. either way, this is a serious safety hazard that needs to be addressed immediately.

Airbag dash light on rendering airbags inoperable. no crash. fault in part. significant safety issue. why no recall. *tr

Airbag light is intermittently coming on while driving. checked online and found out this is a very common problem. when light is on vehicle air bags will not deploy in an accident. i don't understand why this problem was not handled by subaru as a voluntary recall. this is a serious safety issue. *tr

The airbag light on the dashboard came on. i also noticed the light that should have indicated that the passenger airbag was off was not lit. the airbags will not deploy when airbag light is on. after researching, i found several people with the exact problem and that it is related to faulty wiring in overhead map light console that contains the passenger airbag indicators. i purchase a new light console and the problem was fixed. this is a safety issue because the airbags won't deploy and should be fixed by the manufacturer. *tr

Air bag light in dashboard comes on and airbag light in overhead console does not display proper info. 55000+ hits in internet point to bad solder joints in overhead circuit board. once loose resistors are re-soldered problem goes away. dealers are charging up to $500 to replace overhead console. this problem of bad solder joints goes over several model years. why has there not been a safety related recall over airbag issues which expire when warranty expires? there should be no expiration date on safety! *tr

The passenger airbag light shows to be "off." i recently purchased this car and have an elderly friend in the passenger seat. in my concern, i searched other sites and found that others are posting this issue on various sites. from what i read, it's not clear if this means the passenger airbag is not working. i checked recalls and see that july 4, 2014 a recall was put out for this problem on certain subaru models of years 2003 and 2004. from the comments i've read, particularly about the 2008 outback, there should be a recall for this issue for 2008 outback. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 subaru outback. the contact stated that the air bag warning light intermittently illuminated. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. the failure mileage was 84,000 and the current mileage was 89,400. updated 08/25/14*lj

Air bag warning light turns on intermittently on dash and overhead. not sure airbags are working. dealer service department cannot find problem. *tr

The airbags light is on intermittently. the tech at the subaru dealership said it was a problem in the connection in the map light console. he indicated the airbags would deploy correctly. it appears to be a common problem with 2008 outbacks and other posters have indicated the airbag system will not work if dashboard airbag light is illuminated. apparently many folks have found a weak/aged solder point to be the cause of an intermittent connection. given the large number of owners encountering this problem, subaru should initiate a recall based on the safety concerns of a an airbag system failure in the event of an accident. *tr

The airbag warning light comes on intermittently sometimes and other times stays on. i was told that this has been a problem with this year, make and model car and that the passenger airbag could be defective. this should be a recall by subaru as it is a safety issue. i have read numerous complaints online regarding this year outback. the consumer should not have to pay for a defective part that subaru is well aware of and it is their responsibility to correct. *tr

Air bag sensor light periodically turns on when a passenger sits in the front passenger seat. sometimes it turns on, sometimes not. you can reset the sensor and it goes away, for days or weeks. numerous similar complaints found online. mechanic can not find problem.

The airbag light has been on intermittently since 2010 did not repair as the code could not be read and outside of warranty. now constantly on mechanics tells me that it is the indicator circuit above the rear view mirror.

After buying car noticed air bag light was on while driving home. being a safety issue i started investigating. looks to be fairly common. may be enough for a recall. just wanted to report it for future reference. dealer said shop did not notice light during their inspection. *tr

The air bag warning light on the dashboard came on and stayed on upon driving. the vehicle was taken to the dealer (perry subaru in norfolk, virginia), who said that the passenger front airbag indicator assembly was faulty. dealer said there was no mandatory or voluntary recall on this part. a new air bag control module (part no. 92151ag13aor) was purchased by the owner and installed for a total cost of $364.40. there have been a number of complaints by other owners of this model year and other model year subarus for the same air bag indicator light problem. this is a serious safety issue that the ntsb should investigate. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 subaru outback. the contact stated that the air bag waring light illuminated and a passenger air bag warning message appeared. the vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 85,000.

Airbag light stays on and passenger airbag light( off) stays off. i had my car serviced for coolant flush. i asked service manager about the issue he stated that it is in the maplight and if the light burns out the airbag on the dash will light up and possibly cause a malfunction in airbag deployment. so meaning as consumer i have to replace the entire maplight console and pay for something that is a known subaru issue or more fault in design. *tr

The air bag light on our dashboard recently lit up. we had our mechanic look at the car and he said the car was not producing an error code. some basic research on the internet revealed that this problem is becoming common and is related to a fault in the panel contained in the map light console, which includes the passenger air bag indicator lights. he replaced panel and that solved the problem. i have a couple issues that i hope you can address. because the air bag light was illuminated on the dash, the operation of the car's air bags were in doubt, if not disabled all together. so, this appears to be a safety issue. additionally, when our mechanic called the local subaru dealer (go subaru in denver, co) for the part and asked if they had the part in stock, the parts desk immediately said, "oh, is this that air bag thing?" so, this is a known fault. i tried contacting subaru to notify them, but they simply told me that all recalls are issued by the government and that i should have my vehicle serviced by an authorized dealer. i hope the nhtsa will take time to research this safety issue and make the appropriate recall. *tr

Dash airbag light comes on intermittently, and this disables the airbag. dealer states this is a known problem, but can only fix by trial and error replacing (expensive) components. it happens most on cold wet weather days, often goes off when car warmed up, so probably electrical. has continued for years now, still happening at 105,000 miles. many many examples on internet boards of people with this same problem. should be a safety recall! *tr

Airbag light on dash comes on intermittently. there appears to be a known defect in the overhead map light console that causes the problem. when occurring, the air bag system becomes deactivated and poses a decrease in safety. subaru of america would not tell me how many of these units have been replaced or their reported rate of failure. *tr

I was involved in an intersection accident where my vehicle hit the other car. the impact was quite sever and the damage was about $11,000. however, the air bag did not deploy and i hit my head on the windshield. i reported this to the manufacturer so that any defect that may have caused the failure might be discovered and their action might prevent worse injury to the next person. however, they seem to be totally uninterested and told me to call my insurance company. *tr

Since the car was nearly new the airbag warning light comes on intermittently and now stays on continuously, rendering the airbag system inoperative. the vehicle was brought to the dealer the first time it happened but the dealer said no fault code was found. in december 2012 the warning light came on continuously. i brought it to the subaru dealer to diagnose and service the problem. the service manager stated that the problem is with the light in the maplight module, and if something in the module goes bad the airbag warning light will come on and prevent the airbag from deploying. consequently i have to replace the entire maplight console at a cost of $510 ($110 to read the code plus $400 for the light module) to fix a dangerous safety defect and design flaw that should be the responsibility of subaru. *tr

Airbag light stays on after starting, indicating malfunction in airbag system. 2008 subaru outback station wagon. under warranty. has been to dealer several times, they are unable to fix the condition. *tr