If you’re the proud owner of a Subaru car, you might be concerned about the ongoing Takata airbag recall that has affected millions of vehicles worldwide. Subaru, like many other car manufacturers, has been dealing with the recall of these faulty airbags since the issue first came to light several years ago.
What Is the Takata Airbag Recall?
The Takata airbag recall is a massive recall campaign initiated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) after it was discovered that airbags produced by the Japanese supplier Takata were prone to exploding upon deployment. This issue has been linked to dozens of deaths and hundreds of injuries worldwide.
The problem with Takata airbags is that the inflator can rupture during deployment, sending shrapnel flying throughout the cabin of the car. The rupture is caused by a combination of heat, humidity, and age, which causes the ammonium nitrate propellant used in the inflator to deteriorate over time.
How Does the Recall Affect Subaru Vehicles?
Subaru has been affected by the Takata airbag recall just like many other car manufacturers. In fact, the recall is so widespread that it’s estimated to affect over 100 million vehicles worldwide, of which an estimated 19 million are in the United States alone.
The recall affects both the driver and passenger side airbags in many Subaru models, including the Impreza, WRX, Legacy, Outback, Forester, and Tribeca. If your Subaru is affected by the recall, it’s essential that you get the issue addressed as soon as possible.
How Serious Is the Risk of Driving a Car with Faulty Airbags?
The risk of driving a car with a faulty airbag is significant and should not be taken lightly. In the event of an accident that deploys the airbag, there is a high chance that the inflator will rupture and send shrapnel flying throughout the cabin. Even minor fender benders can trigger the issue, making it essential to address the problem as quickly as possible.
What Should Subaru Owners Do?
If you own a Subaru car and are concerned about the Takata airbag recall, the first thing you should do is check whether your vehicle is affected. You can check this by entering your car’s VIN number into the NHTSA’s recall lookup tool on their website.
If your car is affected by the recall, you should immediately contact your local Subaru dealer to schedule a repair appointment. The repair involves the replacement of the faulty airbag inflator with a new one that does not use ammonium nitrate, thus eliminating the risk of rupture.
FAQ
Q: Is it safe to drive my Subaru if it’s affected by the Takata airbag recall?
A: No, it’s not safe to drive a car with faulty airbags. If your Subaru is affected by the Takata airbag recall, you should contact your local dealer immediately to schedule a repair appointment.
Q: Is the repair covered under warranty?
A: Yes, the repair is covered under warranty. There are no costs involved for the owner of the car.
Q: How long will the repair take?
A: The repair usually takes a few hours to complete, depending on the severity of the issue and the availability of parts.
Conclusion
The Takata airbag recall is a serious issue that affects millions of cars worldwide, including many Subaru models. If your Subaru is affected by the recall, it’s essential that you get the issue addressed as soon as possible to ensure the safety of you and your passengers. Contact your local Subaru dealer today to schedule a repair appointment and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing your car is safe.